After setting myself up as a sole trader earlier this month it was time to start networking. You know, connecting with people either on a professional or social level . Being new to Brighton means that it takes a bit more effort to find groups and networking opportunities. Sounds like a challenge but it's a challenge I'm willing to take on.
I've joined a group called InterNations. It's a networking group for expats. I'd joined them when I moved to San Francisco with the idea that it would be a nice way to meet new people. The San Francisco chapter was a bit disappointing as it, more often than not, felt like speeddating. The Brighton chapter is a lot more relaxed and you can actually have a chat with someone. So far I've met some nice and interesting people. A beer in one hand and just talking to people. The British way, so to speak.
meetup.com a great way to get new ideas
In another attempt to network I met with someone over a coffee and I asked him what makes Brighton so special. Thinking he would tell me more about Brighton's lively event scene. His answer was that there's always something to do and no day is the same. "In what way?" I asked. "Well, like last week there was an ambulance in front of Tesco and the next day there was one just around the corner". Right... Anything else happening here besides ambulances turning up on a daily basis? That's what makes Brighton special apparently...
Almost 500 surveys....
Just to be clear: Brighton has lots to offer. So far every weekend there have been events happening around town. From bicycle to motorcycle races to movies on the beach. From my window I could see the featured movies on the beach. The movie Frozen was played 3 times so I'm quite familiar with the lyrics now. This week the rugby is coming to town as well: Festival of Rugby this coming weekend! There's plenty to do in Brighton!
On Wednesday I went to a meetup event for startups. "How to drive revenue through your social media presence". What a great meetup! Small business owners meet up to discuss the tricks in the business. It's actually the first meetup I've been to where I picked up some new ideas. It was only a small group of people but I've learned some new tricks with regards to online marketing. Somehow reassuring that I'm not the only one trying to get to grips with my online presence. At the end of the month there's an other meetup about marketing via YouTube. Should be good.
Meanwhile I've finished inputting the data from the Lightning in a Bottle festival as well. This week I'll start analysing the data. Fun times...
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