How a WIN Networking Event Helped my Business
by WIN Admin — published in Press Releases
Louise Turnbull from Bump Buddies
My first experience of networking was actually at an EWIN event in Lausanne Switzerland many years ago. Worked for Dow Chemical company and they were keen to show they were promoting women’s networking. We had a 2 day event which included attending workshops and manning a stand promoting working for Dow. It was awful. It was all power suits and card pushing. Not many there were really interested in helping each other out as had been marketed. I couldn’t wait to leave and get a pair of jeans back on.
Since then either with Dow or now with Bump Buddies Antenatal I have attended occasional formal networking events or training or informational events that have evolved into networking by chance. None have made me comfortable.
So when I met my wonderful angel that is Deb McGargle and she recommended networking I got a shudder and dropped that part of the conversation from my brain. I was convinced as a b2c business I would not benefit from networking. Then a few weeks later Deb sent me info about the Flippin Good Networking event. I couldn’t use the childcare excuse as was an evening session.
I needn’t have worried. The event was relaxed, informal with amazing food. There were presentations from members but they were telling their stories, not giving the hard sell. The flipchart session was fun, again relaxed and although I went in with no real idea of what I wanted I came away with a website designer, an EFT therapist, some fantastic connections and most importantly friends. There was no pressure to sign up to WIN at any time and still hasn’t been (will be my reward to self when I get my first class booked) and I actually got really excited to attend WIN Wednesday.
So thankyou all. I’m almost certain Bump Buddies wouldn’t still be here today without Deb and the WIN ladies and that is not an overstatement.