Members and visitors to the Black Country's October event beat their fear of networking thanks to tips and advice from Brand Intermedia.

Moira Mottram and Helen Nixon from Wolverhampton based Brand Intermedia who sponsored the event, gave a lively presentation on how to network with some practical speed networking to get delegates in the mood.

Moira and Helen shared their Ten Top Tips for networking:

1. Business cards - have some and have them accessible

2. Marketing literature - have some with you

3. Check Location of event and arrive on time so you're not flustered.

4. Your Goals - be clear what you want to achieve from the event

5. Delegate List - try and get a copy before the meeting and see who you want to speak to

6. Wear Bright Clothes - get yourself noticed and remembered

7. Smile - be welcoming

8. Open Body Language - don't prevent people from approaching you

9. 60 seconds - practice your pitch

10. Listen - listen more than talk!

Their suggestions for activities post-networking were:

1. make follow up calls to those you met

2. arrange 1:1 meetings to get to know each other

3. keep a record of who you met and what they said

During the event delegates participated in a practical exercise spending 1 minute introducing themselves to 5 delegates. This was a lively (and noisy) way to demonstrate the art of networking which was continued over lunch.

A big thank you to Brand Intermedia for their advice which we hope will be actively practiced at future events. Anyone who would like more information can contact Moira or Helen on 01902 837415