Executive Networking in Midlands
On Friday 29th October, the 71 participants of the FAS Midlands Executive Networking and Support Programme gathered in Moate for their Networking Day. This provided and opportunity to put all the networking and career development skills they've gathered over the 8 week programme into practice.
Three keynote speakers also presented on the day-
Peter Cosgrove of CPL outlined the Realities of Recruitment in today's market, highlighting to participants how to work most productively with recruiters, in order to generate a recruitment relationship that delivers for both parties.
Jim Kelsey of In4Lunch, a Cork-based food manufacturer, presented his eventful journey towards the set up of his successful sandwich business, which provides lunches to commercial organisations around Cork and sandwiches to Tescos on a nationwide basis.
Barbara Gilleran, an in-house recruiter at Facebook, recounted how she used her focus and determination to secure her dream job, through thorough application of the techniques that she learnt on this very programme just a few months previous.
In addition, the approx. 20 entrepreneurs on the programme took the opportunity to showcase their business ideas and products. Smokeless Cigarettes, Organic Beauty products, Creative Design Solutions and Coaching Services were all on offer, and business was indeed done on the day. Others used the time to gather useful market feedback on their products or services, allowing useful contributions to their market research findings.
Many great contacts were made and exchanged on the day. Expert networking techniques were in evidence and clear networking goals were set and furthered on all fronts. There was an excellent buzz all around the venue as a result of all participants going the extra mile to help and support their colleagues in achieving their career or business aims.
The Executive Networking and Support Programme is provided by CareerVision on behalf of FAS, and runs over 8 weeks in the 3 Midlands venues of Clane, Moate and Newbridge.
Feedback included:-
• Very useful and great for other people to share their experience
• A very rewarding day spent with people who care
• Nice to meet new people
• Very encouraging. The open forum for feedback to entrepreneurial people excellent!
• Learn lessons from my experience and others
• Positive energy, new perspectives – Buzz from successful people and honesty and openness
• Feedback – go for it!!!
• Excellent speakers – positive spin on start realities
• Good to listen to speakers
• People could wear more information than just their mane, then when you see someone you know what they are about
• Fail to prepare, prepare to fail!
• Very helpful meetings, lots of help in the room
• It's good to talk!