On Thursday I attended my first Speed Networking event. It was JCI Portsmouth’s first  event of the year and it was amazing! We had around 30 people participating and had a great mix of businesses.
I met people from many diverse sectors; estate agents and florists, coaches and trainers, a plasterer, marketing and PR people, IT and computer support, finance and accountancy. I’m sure I’ve missed some from this list too.

After a brief introduction from Jasmine, JCI Portsmouth president for 2012, we got to work. Everyone had a one minute ‘pitch’ to the person opposite and a chance to exchange business cards before moving on to meet the next participant. At the end of the evening, everyone should have been able to speak with everyone else and get to know them better.

Time flew by in a flurry of activity, chatting and swapping contacts and sharing stories. The end of the evening seemed to come too soon. With such a great atmosphere, many people stayed to chat and grab a drink from the hotel bar. This is where you can really begin to bond with those people you’ve only met for the first time that evening. A great time was had by all – and the buffet and coffee really went down well.

As part of the team who arranged the event I must say a big ‘well done’ to Jasmine for her first event as President. I hope that everyone attending had as much fun as I did!

I’m looking forward to our upcoming events too.