My First Networking Experience

So as some of you may know, I had my first networking experience on Thursday at Wyrebank Banqueting Suite in Garstang, Lancashire. 

Networking is something that I've been advised to take part in to progress my business and to make some great contacts, however, as a novice, even the thought of it sent shivers down my back! So the day before I was tweeting and googling for advice.  I was told by my close friends and family that I had a great product so just hold my head up high and talk about what I know! Google on the other hand scared me senseless.  Tips included not to talk too much about yourself, to have a set of questions ready to fire out and to get there early to distribute my business cards.  Was making business contacts really going to be so prescribed?

So I set an action plan to be slightly early to scope out the formality of the situation and to play it by ear from there.  I arrived and was given my badge by Sarah from Black Zest Solutions who was hosting the event along with Stuart at The Wyrebank and then came the scary bit... what to do next? I bit the bullet and jumped straight in, marching over to another early arrival and started chatting away (but trying not to talk too much about myself at the same time!).

I needn't have worried, there were some great people there and I finally got to meet Jonathan from Bean Photo after all the help he has given me with the blog! The event was ideal for me to attend as a beginner, before I head off to my next hardcore networking event where I have to stand up and introduce myself and the business (gulp!).  I also felt very priviliged to meet and listen to Nikki Hesford from Miss Fit Uk.  Being an active user of social media I have heard quite a bit about Nikki in twitter world and she certainly lived up to her reputation.  Her talk on social netowkring was both eye opening and enlightening and will certainly change the way I use Twitter.

Stuart had even put on a fancy afternoon tea complete with fruit kebabs, dainty sandwiches and cakes of all kinds. However, I was quickly informed that normally its just tea and biscuits at other events so not to get used to it!

I left Wyrebank feeling elated and happy that a) it had gone really well from a business point of view and b) i had done it on a personal level! Now I can't wait for my next event and for the Brides Up North Tweet Up to meet more like minded people!

Wyrebank Banqueting Suite

Nestling on the river bank in Garstang (Preston), Wyrebank Banqueting Centre is a far away cry from the big city hotels.  Away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it offers the perfect location for a relaxed wedding in a unique setting.  The pictures really do not do it justice, the location has to be seen to be believed.  As a relatively new building Wyrebank benefits from the natural views and wildlife of the Canal.  Team this with their reputation for their meticulous attention to detail and outstanding customer service,Wyrebank offers a relaxing and enjoyable atmosphere that they hope makes your event truly memorable.

Wyrebank can cater for upto 120 seated guests and work withseeral local suppliers to offer you several wedding packages to suit all budgets (bronze, silver and gold).  Please see their wedding brochures for more information.  They are also licensed to hold civil ceremonies.

Their delicious dishes are served and created by Michelin accredited chefs at outside caterers Borough of Lancaster.   "At the Borough we made a promise to all of our customers that the food we provide will be of the best possible quality and always sourced locally from Lancashire and Cumbria, and we extend this promise to our Hog Roast catering service."

http://www.theboroughlancaster.co.uk/

"At the core of our business is our promise to you to serve local produce and, wherever possible, purchase from local suppliers directly. We firmly believe in supporting our nearest and dearest, all our chicken and eggs are free range; our beef is 45 day aged from local farms in the surrounding hills and valleys. We try, wherever possible, to use local and independent suppliers, keeping our carbon footprint low and our local economy buzzing."

 To discuss having your big day at The Wyrebank please call Stuart on 01995 605455 or email stuart@wyrebank-functions.couk.  Alternatively they are holding a Wedding Fayre on Sunday 25th September 2011 from 12pm.

And don't forget their 'Social Networking Event' is being held on Thursday, book you place now!

An Afternoon of 'Social Networking' at Wyrebank

We'll be there, will you?

Contact stuart@wyrebank-functions.co.uk