WBDA's Networking Event 22nd October 2009

The Women’s Business Development Agency holds yet another successful Networking Event! The event was held on the 22nd October 2009 at the Coventry University Technology Park in Coventry, aimed at women thinking about starting their own business or women-owned existing businesses based in the West Midlands.

Joy Hunter, WBDA’s Deputy Director, lead the start of the inspirational evening with a warm and exciting welcome! This was followed by WBDA’s unique Networking Game, where the women got into groups and got the chance to speak about themselves and meet other like-minded business women, all in a safe and relaxed environment.

Life coach Sharon Baylis, who helps people break through disempowering beliefs so creating a balanced and fulfilling life, then took the floor. She shared some of her thoughts and tips that she has found useful on her journey including:

• A simple tool to help get the balance back into our lives
• Ways of managing time to give priority to the things that really are important 
• And how to ask for anything from anyone!!!

We had another round of the Networking Game where delegates got to meet a whole new group of women to share information with and to learn about others. And then we had a very motivational talk from Sandra Garlick from De Marco Hunter Solicitors sharing her successful journey into self-employment with the help from the Women’s Business Development Agency and about her recent attendance on WBDA’s High Growth Business Acceleration Programme which has helped her business soar.

As well as all the networking, the delegates also had the chance to do a little bit of early Christmas shopping from the stall holders which included, Natureesence, Poshbox, In The Pink Gifts and 001 Inspiration HR Consultant. There were also different support organisations there to help with various business issues including, a representative from the HMRC, National B2B and Coventry Employment Services.

The evening came to a close with one of WBDA’s business advisors and winner of the Women’s Business Support Professional Award 2009, Minal Sodha, reiterating how important it is to networking and how you can access support from the Women’s Business Development Agency to help you turn your dream into reality!

WBDA will be running another Networking Event in the New Year – so watch this space for details!

Comments from the delegates who attended our event:

"Meeting and getting inspiration from others, and to be confident in your achievements."

"A very useful, friendly and supportive atmosphere, especially for someone new to the WBDA."

"A very rewarding and appreciated opportunity to be openly supported and encouraged to meet with other women striving to develop their businesses. Full marks to WBDA!"

"Very beneficial to meet like minded women in the same situation as myself, makes you feel 'not isolated' in my new venture and definitely encouraging."

"Wow! What a night!!The presentations, people, networking, food, venue, timeliness, hosts - everything was just so perfect. This was my first networking event, and I found the whole experience exhilerating. I felt well informed, and looked after, there clearly has been some considerable planning and thought taking place."

"The food, as always, was lovely, beautifully presented and thoughtfully chosen. The speakers were superb; truly inspirational, they had their audience in the palm of their hands."