20/01/10
Businesses urged to be more “two faced” about networking
The first ever series of dedicated networking training events in Wales is being launched on the 16 February 2010 at the St. David's Hotel in Cardiff Bay.
The "Two Faced Networking" series - aimed at helping businesses make the most of their networking activity - is the brainchild of Bernie Jackson, a qualified Attorney-at-Law with 21 years' experience in law and business.
Having run her own private practice for half of her legal career and subsequently holding senior positions in top UK law firms including Walker Morris Solicitors, DLA Direct llp and Cardiff based NewLaw Solicitors, she is well versed in the challenges that face business owners and managers and has learnt many valuable lessons about the importance of networking along the way.
Bernie, a member of several key networking organisations in South Wales and a member of the Cardiff Council of the South Wales Chamber of Commerce, said:
"Networking is a cost-effective way for businesses to share experiences, make new contacts and improve knowledge. Networking groups are emerging regularly across the South Wales landscape and although many companies are rightly engaging in networking, nobody considers that we have never been taught to network, and that it is a skill in its own right.
"There has never been a more important time to become an effective and confident business networker and the idea behind the ‘Two Faced' concept is to give people the tools, tips, techniques and ideas to build their self-confidence."
The training, which will be rolled out bi-monthly throughout 2010 in order to allow as many businesses as possible to benefit from it, will be delivered with the help of professional actors, who will bring to life the most effective and least preferable ways to network.
"Without giving away too much" said Bernie, "the aim is to explore the several faces, stages and strategies of networking.
"People like to do business with people they trust, and even in this electronic age there is no substitute for face to face meetings. We have identified a gap in the market for dedicated training around the interpersonal skills required to become an effective networker and we want to help businesses from all sectors to become better at the art of networking."
Emma Hardwidge, Partner at Bridgend based RL Edwards Solicitors, which is sponsoring the event, said:
"Solicitors are one of the sectors now forced to network and it's completely outside of our comfort zone. That is why we welcome Bernie's support as there is a real demand for this type of training in the business community in south Wales."
Spaces on the training course cost £65, with an early bird price of £60 available if booked by the 27 January. Those interested in securing one of the limited spaces can find out more by emailing emailme@twofacednetworking.co.uk or logging onto www.twofacednetworking.co.uk.
ENDS
For further information please contact Sara Robinson at Working Word Public Relations on:
+44 (0) 29 20 64 6840
+ 44 (0) 7590 509187
sara.robinson@workingwordpr.com
