People say the nicest things
The first LA23NET of the 2018/2019 season takes place on Wednesday 12th September with the High Sheriff of Cumbria (also MD of English Lakes Hotels) Simon Berry. We’re expecting a strong turn out for obvious reasons. About sixty people come each month so it stands to reason that at least one of them might actually enjoy LA23NET, people do keep coming back after all. We blackmailed some of our regular attendees to say some lovely things about LA23NET for our end of year newspaper. Thankfully they were forthcoming and we didn’t have to release any unsavoury pictures of them onto the internet. Turned out they were already out there anyway. If you’re thinking of coming along but wonder whether you’ll be left on your own staring at your phone, worry not, we’ll look after you and so would one of the below mighty fine people.
Clare and Amy from Felltarn Friends
Networking: Commonly a dry, tedious affair making small-talk with largely irrelevant and instantly forgettable somebodies from some firm or other.
Pfffffft! Not at LA23! Always an enthusiastic, bubbly, excitable event; borderline party rather than networking opportunity – no, really!
We love to have a good old catchup with fellow Cumbrian business movers and shakers – through LA23 we have secured exciting contracts and commissions, and now have many attendees as genuine friends.
Guest speakers are the cream of the crop, from Gill Haigh to Tim Farron, Richard Leafe to Andrew Thomas – you’re guaranteed an insightful, interesting and relevant evening with a bit of fizz (or whatever you’d rather) and yummy nibbles to top it off.
We love LA23NET – it’s how networking SHOULD be done ❤️
We loved Felltarn Friends anyway but then they said all this nice stuff about us so now we pour them bigger gins when they come.
Grahame Latus of Enterprise Answers
Business networking takes on a whole new dimension with LA23NET
– it’s not about business to business, it’s about people, developing relationships, building rapport and gaining trust. The beauty of LA23NET is the variety of locations, entertaining speakers, great food and most importantly the people that attend the events, who create the ambience for a social gathering we all enjoy and depart inspired.
LA23NET is the only networking event where I have not used business cards to obtain business but have received referrals through trust and recommendation from the attendees, who I am pleased to call friends.
Now that’s a successful business networking event!
Grahame is honestly one of the nicest men you could hope to meet and tip top at what he does. In June he even turned up with a couple of crates of local beer from Eden River Brewery Co and some massive pies from Cranstons. That was a particularly good LA23 day.
Georgina Smith of Napthens
LA23NET is a key networking event for the area as far as I am concerned. No event is ever the same, the ladies consider the smallest of details to make sure you have a great evening.
There is a huge range of businesses and professionals in the room, from multi million turnovers to sole tradesman. I have been introduced to some key contacts due to LA23NET and have unearthed businesses in my home county that I didn’t know existed.
LA23NET events always attract people who are full of passion and enthusiasm for Cumbria, you get to hear about new ideas and plans, as well as give your opinions to help promote and grow our County. Looking for a networking event, this is the one for you!
This is high praise indeed, especially as Georgina is not only the queen of networking but also runs her own fantastic networking group in Kendal, the Young Professionals.
Caroline Ritson-Bland of Curtins
Having recently joined Curtins, I was somewhat daunted when my Director asked how I felt about networking. Under the misconception that networking is solely about generating sales, I was quick to point out that I had no experience (or interest to be honest) in that area.
Reassured that the purpose of my attendance was to increase the profile of the business (that’s Curtins folks) and to let people know what we do (Civil and Structural Engineering), I agreed to give networking a go.
I arrived at LA23 NET on a glorious sunny evening with my heart in my mouth and feeling sick with nerves but with glass in hand courtesy of Janett and name badge firmly attached by Sophia, I soon began to relax and mingle.
I couldn’t have picked a more appropriate night to join since the speaker that evening was Charlie Lawson ‘The Unnatural Networker’. His talk certainly resonated, and the show of raised hands elicited by the question “who doesn’t find this natural?” brought home to me that I wasn’t alone in my anxiety, but that I am surrounded by Oscar worthy actors. Suffice to say the overwhelming warmth and humour of the group along with Charlies practical hints left me determined to carry on networking.
A year on I have met some incredible people and have loved hearing about their experiences, talents and passions. Through LA23 NET I’ve made useful contacts and I have even attracted new clients / projects for Curtins (no sales pitch required).
LA23 NET is however truly a networking EVENT. Flock have…
…combined networking with thought provoking speakers, behind the scenes insights into some fascinating local businesses, and let’s not forget the amazing food we have all come to enjoy. With their tireless energy and infectious enthusiasm they never fail to deliver an evening of entertainment that engages, inspires and energises.
Caroline’s fee for these lovely words was clearly a particularly hefty one, but we think it was worth it. A super example of why to bother coming to the next LA23NET.
Come along
If you haven’t been convinced by these ace people then we don’t know what else to do, we’ve run out of bribes so maybe just come along and see for yourself. If you don’t like it you don’t have to come back, there’s no membership fee so you just pay for the events you fancy coming along to.
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