We hosted the first in our series of ‘Just Lunch’ networking events yesterday at 3 Albion Place, 12 – 2pm.
It was a group of members that attended, and for some their first networking event they have attended at the IoD and others it was great to catch up.
Over the past year, we have listened to our members and tailored events accordingly. The emphasis on networking and referrals has grown in importance, and so we came up with ‘Just Lunch’.
Rather than the rushed networking you find at some events, it was great to take the opportunity to talk further. Usually you get as far as the immediate ‘so what do you do?’ conversation, so with the informal approach (no seating plan and no elevator pitches over lunch) it was good to take the time to have those conversations.
Over lunch, I took the opportunity to talk to Andy Cheetham from Lime Licensing on how franchising operates, the pitfalls and licensing considerations; Steve Garcia-Luengofrom Mako Marketing has just moved up to Yorkshire and has an interesting PR and marketing business.
People always think of the ‘here and now’ when they think networking. It’s about the art of conversation and listening to individuals, it is not just about you, and getting your message across.
The next ‘Just Lunch’ – 22nd February, 12 – 2pm, 3 Albion Place
We are having Martin Dean from Leeds Initiative joining us for lunch. The Leeds Initiative is the city’s local strategic partnership working together for The vision for Leeds.
The Vision for Leeds is a long-term strategy for the economic, social and environmental development of the city. It is also known as the sustainable community strategy, which the Government now requires cities to produce.
Martin is joining us to engage business leaders in their view of Leeds and to get IoD members view on the economic and skills aspect of the future for Leeds.
Would be great to have a good turn out, so we can have a lively and involved discussion about where we (as business leaders) see the vision for Leeds in 2030. If there are any questions prior to the event, please let me know.
To book go to the IoD Website or call the regional office: 0113 243 0152