Run by Members: New, Informal, Monthly Networking - with a few drinks thrown in

New Free Networking Event:  Tuesday 1st October, 6pm onwards, The Hove Place, First Avenue, Hove

The first time I went to a business networking event, despite years of experience within sales and marketing, including running customer events, I nearly died from nerves.  OK, I didn't literally nearly die, but if you're new to networking, as I was, you'll probably know what I mean.  You have to go up to people.  That's right.  Go. Up. To. People. On your own.  That's not very British, is it?

However, I overcame what were completely irrational fears and now attend Chamber events (and others, of course) on a regular basis.  They're fun, you know.  You can make some great new business contacts, too: potential customers, associates, colleagues and yes, even some new friends.  I met my partner at the first networking event I ever went to.  Bizarre, but true.

The Chamber organises some great events: breakfasts, suppers, trips to the cinema (anyone remember going to see "Skyfall" at 10.00am in the morning?!) and I know that they get some fantastic feedback.  

So, how about this one.  It's new, it's FREE involves alcohol if you so desire.  Under the Chamber's "Run by Members" banner, I'm running an informal drinks event from 6pm every first Tuesday of the month at the Hove Place pub, 37 First Avenue, Hove, BN3 2FH.  There's no need to book, just turn up, buy a drink from the bar and chat to other members.

Stay for one drink, or for as long as you like.  If you'd prefer, I'd be happy to make introductions to other members for you - a bit of business matchmaking. There are no presentations or 60-second elevator pitches and no forced referrals (shudder).  In fact, if you see it as a gathering of like-minded people sharing a drink, a chat and some business ideas you're starting to get the picture.

In my opinion, nothing really happens in business until you're in front of people. Leave your front room or your office and I strongly believe that Good Things can happen.  Especially if you're passionate about what you do and genuinely interested in the hopes, dreams and plans of others.  Come and prove me right.

The first informal drinks event takes place from 6pm on Tuesday 1st October, 2013.  It's at the Hove Place pub in First Avenue in Hove and the first Tuesday of each month after that.  

See you there.

Susan Beckingham
Sussex Copywriting Services
www.sussexcopywriter.co.uk

If you want to contribute to the Chamber blog, contact us on hannah@brightonchamber.co.uk