Kerry Wilson, Sales & Marketing Executive at Kelvin TOP-SET reports on her experience of attending the Smarter Networking masterclass led by Heather White, as part of the Women in Health & Safety event.
On the final day of Safety & Health Expo 2016 at London’s ExCeL, I found time to attend a “Smarter Networking” event with networking ‘guru’ Heather White, this was part of the Women in Safety and Health feature of this year’s show. With Heather’s reputation as a networking and personal brand expert, board room connector, trainer, author, e-learner………the event promised much!
Networking can be very daunting for anyone. This workshop focused on how, in the predominantly male dominated area of health and safety, it can be particularly difficult for women to perform well at networking events. Heather’s session highlighted the importance of networking and addressed some of the reasons why it can be so daunting before proceeding to attempt to break down the barriers.
Some of the issues that the presentation and very interactive session covered were:
· which groups you could join and why
· which groups you shouldn’t join and why
· how to make a brilliant impact and be memorable
· how to create a fabulous and meaningful conversation
· how to leave a room looking cool
· how to avoid the ‘network bore’
· how to remember names
Much of today’s business and career development is about speed; how quickly one can access knowledge and connections is of paramount importance. Heather has a very friendly and easy way of communicating hints and tips on some issues that women in particular find challenging.
In my line of work, I often have to put out my hand out to say hello to unknown people. This highly practical workshop, and I assure you it was highly interactive, challenged everyone to work the room with confidence and ease. Throughout the session Heather gave us tips on how to move around the room, how to approach groups of people and how to create a positive lasting impression. Cupcakes and a glass of Prosecco helped with the introductions and gave us the initial confidence to start mingling. It was really great to be part of an event that allowed women who have chosen a career in health and safety to get together, share their experiences and feel empowered.
My “30 seconds to introduce myself” must have worked; when I went back to the stand where Kelvin TOP-SET were exhibiting, the very person I made my introduction to came and sought me out. We exchanged cards and plan to do business later in the year.
Thanks to Heather for a great fun afternoon and food for thought. The energy, laughs and shared concerns left us all the better for attending this afternoon session.