Jason Norris’ Blog

As the Apprentice, networking was something that I was going to get used to.  The idea of meeting new people in new places and telling them about what you do is pretty daunting to some, but it was an ability I was keen to develop throughout the course of my year.  In-fact, one of my goals, agreed between myself and my mentor, was to develop my own networking skills and begin to build my business network within Birmingham.

The first time that I put these new skills to the test was the Welcome to Birmingham Event, which is organised by the Graduates Into Employment Committee that I sit on, and who as part of Birmingham Future, attempt to enhance the careers of young professionals in the city.  The event brings all new Graduates in Birmingham together in once place on one night to introduce them to each other and to tell them about the fantastic opportunities Birmingham has to offer.  2007’s event was held at the magnificent council house, which is a truly imposing building.  Sir Bernard Zissman, the ex Lord Mayor of Birmingham gave the welcome, along with Clare Edwards who is the current Birmingham Young Professional of the Year.

The people there were from all industries, lawyers, accountants, chartered surveyors, property consultants and insurance brokers to mention but a few.  I attended as part of 40 new graduates from Deloitte, all a little nervous and feeling a little bit of our comfort zone.  The evening started with drinks, always a good way to break the ice, and small groups quickly began to form.  For me, it was like Fresher’s Week at University all over again, with the same questions and answers… going much like this:

“Hi, I’m Jason from Deloitte”

Hi Jason, I’m Dave from Wragge & Co.  So what do you do with Deloitte then, are they working you as hard as you thought?”

Oh its fantastic, I’m international tax, something I knew nothing about before I started…

I wont continue but you get the idea.  I found it really useful to have a few questions prepared before I attended the event, just to break any uncomfortable silences.  The truth was that it was a fantastic evening, and my previous worries about walking into a room full of strangers were actually unfounded.  Everyone at the event was in the same boat, and as soon as that hits you, its suddenly a lot less daunting.  Conversations begin to flow and you begin to meet some fantastic people.

I recently found out about a group of people who met at the event and are planning a holiday together in the summer… and I am sure that is just one story of many from the night.

The event will be happening again in October 2008, I’m helping to organise it.  In terms of my networking, this event was the first of many where I began to realise that being a grown up means that sometimes you push your boundaries, you get out of your comfort zone and be the one that makes the effort.  Graham, my mentor told me that networking events are only useful if you see that you only get out what you are prepared to put in… stand in the same groups and you will meet the same people… move around, talk and introduce yourself and you will meet new, diverse and interesting people… and who knows where that might lead.

I have since found a book with some fantastic advice on networking called “And Death Came Third” by Andy Lopata and Peter Roper and would recommend anyone to read it if they are still a little lost.  The advice is simple yet effective, so I would encourage you to find a copy and see how it can help you.