A fresh approach to networking |
As this was a social/business event we wanted to encourage our delegates to mix in groups they may not have otherwise mixed with. So we devised what we’ve called Tribal Networking … We asked everyone to split up into ‘tribes’. If you’d been there, which tribe would you have been part of? Everyone then told their tribe their reason for being there, and each tribe then nominated their favourite tribe member’s stories… and those members told the whole assembled crowd about it… It was just a bit of fun to help everyone limber up their public speaking skills. Five tribes and seven spokespeople: Been on TV/Radio Tribe: Mike Abbott from Mid Sussex Golf Club talked about being a presenter on the QVC channel and managing the producers’ comments in his earpiece while interacting with his co-host all while flogging stuff on live TV. Alex Kiernan explained how he had been on Radio 5 explaining a matter of employment law, what with him being an employment solicitor, only for COVID emergency measures to suddenly be announced and to be asked all sorts of questions from callers live on air about the Furlough scheme…which, having only been announced a few minutes prior, left him in the awkward position of having little he could explain, it nevertheless didn’t stop the radio presenter from continuing to ask him to take one more call…but I’m sure his charm saw him through that. Unusual Job Tribe: Aiden Goodwin from Chichester College Group explained how, as a Community Support Police Officer in Brighton, he once had to protect a flock of sheep from an unexploded bomb on Devils Dyke (which is a lot harder than it sounds). Celebrity Link Tribe: Clive Bonny from Strategic Management Partners explained how one of his ancestors was the infamous female pirate Anne Bonny. As Clive explained, a forward thinking woman, the first female entrepreneur to offer a profit sharing scheme to her staff. He was followed by Mak Norman from Total Sense Media / More Radio, who told us about how he’d been in a chart topping band in the 80s, The Drivers. And so, with microphone in hand, there was no stopping him as he sang a line from their big hit, to great applause: ‘Tears on Your Anorak’ – see him from way back then in their very 80s music video here on YouTube Unusual Hobby Tribe: Nicola Pont from Abcom explained how playing in marching bands is a big family tradition and a great community activity to engage local youth. Significant Stuff Tribe: Dr Kul Verma explained how he had changed his career path from being a police superintendent. Institutional racism had spurred him to get a Doctorate and become an advisor to police departments, governments and companies worldwide on this and other leadership issues. |
The decorations in The Woolpack just get better every year. Another big turnout for a BHBPA event. |
We had over 50 guests coming and going all evening. Suitably attired in my red Christmas shirt, here I’m explaining the rules, or lack thereof, of Tribal Networking. |
Alex Kiernan quickly warmed to his story telling We’d like to thank Dee and Lance for yet again hosting our Christmas event, laying on their sausage rolls and mince pies with mulled wine for all our guests. Check out their Christmas menu here: The Woolpack |
We want you to make the most of your membership. If you’d like to know more, get in touch: richard.cox@bhbpa.co.uk |