“Reviving the art of conversation” is at the heart of a new networking group launching in Cornwall.
‘Connect’ has evolved from the popular Leading Women UK, which is streamlining its meetings to concentrate on the aspects members most enjoy.
CEO of Fit n Fun Nurseries, Rachel Jones, who was behind Leading Women UK, and explained: “We’ve spent time thinking about what really made our networking events successful; the part people enjoyed most was at the very beginning when we sat around with a coffee or a glass of wine talking before the speaker took the stage.
“As a result we’ve decided to stop the speaker slots altogether and make the meetings about casual, relaxed conversation. It’s where people really get to ‘Connect’.”
Jones is collaborating on the new networking group with Suzie Smith and Sam White from Piece of Cake Communications, and Sioned Parry-Rudlin, who owns Merchants Manor.
The new format involves the Connect team giving an overview of business news in Cornwall, to keep members informed on the latest developments in the county, prior to networking beginning.
Smith said: “Instead of listening to one person speak for 20 minutes about their specific business, we’ll be giving a round-up of all news and events, to spark conversation between members. Anyone interested in sharing news with our network is more than welcome to pass it on to any member of the team to share at our meetings.”
Connect networking will take place on a quarterly basis in the library of the Merchants Manor, with free refreshments, and is open for both men and women to attend.
An official launch party is being held on Thursday, November 30. Anyone interested in attending should email Suzie Smith.
