Walking and Talking

05/29/2012

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My aim when starting to lead netwalks was to get people to mingle whilst enjoying fresh air and green scenery. So far its turned out pretty well as most people are oblivious to the scenery and I don't get many requests to provide information like a Tour Guide ! Thankfully taking in the fresh air is a natural body function and luckily it seems as though the talking starts when the walking starts. However I have a challenge coming up to lead netwalks for two organisations in Nottingham for people who may not have done any networking before or who don't relish the thought of striking up conversations with strangers.
I've previously posted a blog giving a tip to have some questions prepared for networking and listing 10 generic questions. One of the netwalks is on behalf of TheBIgWheel.org  and is aimed at retailers so I thought it might be worth reiterating the tip to have some "stock in trade" questions ready to take with you.See this Blog post
I've also tried to put a retial slant on these questiosn by spoken with our good friend and retail consultant  Anna Brown of  Anna Brown Consulting  . These are what I've come up with
  1. How long have you worked for your company ?
  2. How did you get involved with that job ?
  3. What do you love most about it ?
  4. What separates your company from the competition ?
  5.  "Many of our famous name retailers are struggling at the moment, or indeed leaving the High Streets/Shopping Centres altogether. How does this make you feel?" "How do you rally together to keep your morale, and that of your teams, high?"
  6.  "What are the challenges facing you at the moment, and how can you work together more collaboratively to keep your own, and your business, performance strong in these harsh economic times?" "What is it you can do to delight your customers and retain their loyalty and spend?"
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10 Questions for Networking

07/22/2011

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What do you ask when you meet someone ?  What do you say if there is a lull in the conversation ?

If you've never done something before you often need help to get started. This applies to many aspects of life and is the same in business. No more so than when meeting people to build your networking of contacts. We've also collated some tips that we hope will make it easier for you to make a start. This post is the first tip and gives you an idea of some questions you could ask when meeting someone new or if there is a lull in the conversation.

1. How did you get involved or started in your business….. ? or what made you decide to go into the ..business ?

2. What advice would you give someone if they wanted to be successful in your line of work ?

3. What do you love/enjoy most about what you do ?

4. How are you different from your competitors ?

5. What one thing would you do if you knew you were guaranteed to succeed ?

6. What have you found to be an effective way to promote your business ?

7. What do you do in your spare time ?

8. What would make someone the ideal employee for your business ?

9. How do you think we can work together for mutual gain ?

10. How shall we stay in touch ?


Can you think of any more ? What do our experienced networkers think - do you use any "stock in trade" questions ?


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Netwalking with Matlock Business Club

06/02/2011

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Really pleased to be doing a netwalk jointly with Matlock Business Club and from such a great starting location.

Come and join us for an afternoon's netwalk with Matlock Business Club on Thursday June 30 and explore an unusual part of Derbyshire. Refreshments are included.
Rendezvous at the secluded Cliff Farm (Peak Serenity) with walking shoes laced up for 4.30 pm. Take in the fantastic views and explore the surrounding area with its woods, stone circles and mock beggars hall. We'll return to Cliffe Farm around 5.45 pm for refreshments and to carry on networking.
After a welcome briefing we'll walk 2.5 miles along well defined paths and country lanes over typical Derbyshire hill farm country and through woods. A few styles will be encountered but these shouldn't pose a barrier as you'll be in a group that helps each other and that's determined to see the points of interest in this part of Derbyshire.

Location and Directions : Cliff Farm is on the lane between Elton and Alport.
Directions : Post Code for Google Maps and satnavs : DE45 1LL

There is a small charge of £5 ,which includes refreshments, and is payable on the day to Catherine Doel or Catherine Gordon of Matlock Business Club.
To Book : email : info@colemanbradshaw.co.uk
Distance : 2.5 miles / 4 Kilometres
Terrain : Hill farm countryside of grassed fields and woodland. Well defined paths and country lane; some wooden styles and some squeeze styles.
Points of Interest : Cratcliffe Rocks, Hermits Cave, Robin Hood Stride, Nine Stone Close Standing Stones , Harthill moor and woods


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Networking that's fun and free of pressure

03/14/2011

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Feel shy about introducing yourself ? Can't find anything to make small talk about ? Uncomfortable making an elevator pitch ? Not rehearsed your USP ? Why pay to meet people ? Ever avoided a “same old “ local network event ?

Come along on a Netwalk. No formalities. No fixed agendas. Freedom to socialise and speak human. Walk and chat about anything. Rotation system gets you mixing. Build friendships and exercise at the same time. Enjoy the outdoors through the seasons and develop business relationships. Free to attend, just treat yourself to a reward at the end of the walk.

So if you're not a big fan of networking events come and try a Netwalk.

Netwalking with Skylarks will take place at Cromford on 20 April 2011. Starting at 8.00 am and finishing for refreshments at Cromford Mill Cafe.
Spaces are limited to achieve good balance between walkers, leaders and the environment. Booking is therefore essential using our online form here.

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