As you may have noticed, there is a strong ‘people skills’ focus to our events early this Autumn. In addition to the monthly mingle this month we’ve organised 2 seminars; one on Coaching on the 24th and another on Networking next week on the 16th and it’s nice to be able to point out that 2 of the 3 events this month are completely free of charge to our members
Why the focus on people skills? Well, we’ve organised these events due to requests from our members – many of whom apparently consider themselves to be poor networkers. It seems to me that this topic is commonly regarded as culture-bound. In other words, some cultures do it ‘better’ than others somehow. However, ‘Networking’ as a topic in need strikes me as strange in a way. After all, Estonia is, without a shadow of doubt, the most thoroughly networked place I have ever encountered!
Is it the ‘working a room full of strangers’ aspect which some people regard with particular anxiety? Is it any less dreadful for a Brit than an Estonian? Is networking a skill that can be taught?
I for one, will be attending next week to find out. Hope to see you there!
I find the Estonians to be relatively good networkers only if it involves good old relationships. But the new contacts are seldom made. The positive surprise on the peoples faces after our "speed-networking" event was the best to describe it. It can be easy and even pleasant to get acquainted with new people! BECC has done excellent job in this. British communicational skills, many our members possess, are an excellent example to take measure of. I think Phil has pointed out the right thing - Estonia is the most thoroughly networked place HE has ever encountered. Want to possess networking skills of Phil? Go talk to him. At our events You can do it. I think it is definitely something You can learn, but even without training - be open, like so many of our members are. After all there's much more than Estonia out there.
ReplyDeleteThank you Phil!
Ardi Roosimaa, vice-chair