theGrogroup was delighted to join clients and guests from the Nottingham office of law firm Sills & Betteridge in the Derbyshire Dales recently at a corporate event aimed at helping local professionals to network effectively.

The objective of the day was to network effectively and cross refer business in the hope of bringing more investment and jobs to the City.

The event was organised by Brackenbury’s Britain, a company founded in 2014 by Richard Brackenbury, which offers corporate days out, guided walks and tours.

The group covered a 7 mile walk which took in the sights of Rowsley Mill, Stanton Moor and the villages of Birchover and Stanton in the Peak.

Commenting, Sills & Betteridge Employment Law Partner, Steve Britton said, “We wanted to arrange a corporate event with a difference that would entice busy people away from the office. The five-hour walk has been the ideal way to get some exercise, meet new people and develop our network to generate new business in order to benefit Nottingham advisers and businesses.”

Those taking part in the walk included Kate Hennig from theGrogroup, Neil Wade from accountants HSKS Greenhalgh, Bev Cook from Simple Marketing Consultancy, Gareth Cook from Botham Accounting and colleagues from Russell Ulyatt Financial Advisers.

Commenting, Kate Hennig from theGrogroup, said, “We help many professional services firms to implement their strategy and develop leadership and commercial awareness skills. A common frustration is a lack of time to get away from the office to think about strategy and discuss common issues with their peer group. This walk has been really beneficial for everyone as we have all networked effectively, met new people and identified areas where we can help each other and do business together in the future.”

theGrogroup has the following top tips for networking effectively:

1. Make sure the event will be worthwhile – thoroughly research the most appropriate events to ensure the prospects or people you wish to meet will be attending
2. Try to get an attendee list in advance so you can do prior research on the companies and individuals attending so that you can try to talk to them during the event
3. Look on LinkedIn and see you know that knows them ( you may be able to get a warm intro)
4. At the event try not to make a bee line for people you know and remain in their company – always try to make one new introduction
5. Stand in an open ‘circle’ so others feel welcome to join your group
6. Remember your ‘lift speech’, a one sentence intro about what how your firm helps their clients
7. Be friendly and don’t always talk business – get to know their hobbies, interests and family names
8. Remember to swap business cards
9. After the event, send a follow up email, and if desired, agree a follow up meeting
10. Above all have fun – meeting new people should be exciting and enjoyable!

If you would like to learn more about our Business Development workshops please complete the enquiry form below.