The first week in February is International Networking Week and some time ago our Area Director, Dinah Liversidge, asked us, her Regional Directors, if we had any suggestions for an event.
A few days later I suggested a river boat trip on the Thames from Kingston, inviting a selection of members from each chapter in our region, some members from adjoining regions, other local networking groups, and some local business people.
The look on Dinah’s face said you must be joking – a boat in winter! I just said, 'It’s heated', and she replied, ‘Let’s go for it!’
Tuesday the 2nd February saw around 90 people board the Turk Launches' New Southern Belle riverboat for a cruise from Kingston to Richmond and back. A wonderful buffet was served up by Hampton Hampers, live music by Helen Baden, with prizes supplied by BNI.
Amongst those on board were Dinah Liversidge, Richard Turk (Managing Director of Turk Launches), Tim Cook (National BNI Director), David O’Dell (Operations Director at BNI Head Office) and, of course, me.
Was it a good event?
I think the following email I received this morning answers that.
Hi Dinah & David,
Many thanks for the invitation to the networking "do" last evening.
Rather nervous that it was an away day at over 100 miles round trip, I am delighted I accepted.
It was a thoroughly enjoyable and entertaining evening. I made several very useful contacts, sorted out the purchase of a van for the business, together with the finance, and gave Tim some ideas re: the traffic lights! (It's not a league table unless you are top!)
On top of that I gained another potentially excellent contact following my 60 seconds!
Great idea to hold the meeting on a boat - nobody could leave early!
Once again many thanks.
Kind Regards
Alan Brooks
CLEMENTS CARPETS
BRINGING LIFE TO YOUR HOME!
MOBILE 07947 534126
SHOP 01923 256006
2 comments:
Glad it went well for you guys good job
I did think you were crazy when you suggested a boat trip in February - but because I trust you I went with the idea. And I am so pleased I did!
A truly excellent evening with some of the best BNI members we know.
Thank you David for another excellent idea - without a doubt the best event I have attended in a long time.
Thanks for making me look so good!
Dinah xx
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