Tuesday 28 February 2012

Natterworking . . .
There is nothing more important in my mind, when you are a small business, than getting to know other businesses in the area that are probably in the same boat . . . the support and knowledge that you can combine and fall back on is second to none . . .
However, being fairly shy and careful about whom I get to know and spend time with, the idea of ‘networking’ fills me with complete dread!
I feel that the term ‘networking’ implies that you want something from someone, and are not bothered about getting to know the individual . . . it’s a cold process, all about how your business can benefit from someone else’s connections, and that has never sat very comfortably with me . . . don’t get me wrong, I think it’s great if you do end up mutually benefitting from one another, but I like to get to know the individual first and foremost . . .
So, this weekend just past, I hosted a ‘coffee get together’ for a couple of local Facebook pages, who I had the pleasure of getting to know through this crazy world wide web . . .
I know this sounds daft, but I did consider cancelling on the morning, as I felt so nervous about it all . . . the thought of having to make small talk brought me out in a cold sweat . . . what if I hadn’t got the right drinks and cakes (I had unfortunately run out of time to home bake, so off to Co-Op it was ;)) . . . what if we had nothing to talk about and there was constant silent pauses . . .
I needn’t have worried in the slightest though . . . the ladies that came around (Claire from Design at No 11 (http://www.facebook.com/DesignatNo.11 or  http://www.designatno11.co.uk) Leanne from Kissmycake (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Southsea-Bridal-Boot-Fair/150972208310468 or  http://www.kissmycake.co.uk) and Sarah from the Southsea Bridal Boot Fair (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Southsea-Bridal-Boot-Fair/150972208310468) were fabulous, and we talked and talked about anything and everything . . . and could have gone on all day given the chance ;)
I have now coined a new term, which I am much more comfortable with, ‘natterworking.’ I think you can see where I am going with this, but it was great to have a natter, and chat through new ideas, and give support where needed . . .
I’m hoping that everyone else felt the same way, and I know we are planning to meet up again, hopefully in a month’s time . . . so watch this space . . . this natterworking group is on the move ;)
Much love, Ax

4 comments:

  1. I feel just the same. Great blog. Helen

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    1. Thanks so much Helen ;) I have now made a Facebook page dedicated to Natterworking . . . not sure how it is going to work yet, but you can find it here . . . http://www.facebook.com/pages/Natterworking/139695376153792

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  2. great blog hun, feel the same. xx

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    1. Thanks you - can't wait for you to be a part of it ;)

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