Earlier this week, FRP hosted a networking training event  at Salisbury House in London, bringing together a diverse group of attendees. Open to our FRP colleagues, the event also welcomed professionals from law, accountancy, investment, and private equity firms, resulting in a well-rounded mix of attendees.

The afternoon kicked off with refreshments and informal conversations on arrival - an excellent way to ease into a session dedicated to relationship-building and effective networking. It was refreshing to see such a varied group in attendance, and a personal highlight was noticing a greater number of female attendees than males. Before the training began, I made the most of the opportunity to introduce myself to some new faces, setting the stage for meaningful connections.

The training was hosted by Nick Davies, a former Stand-Up Comedian who also happens to be a Barrister. True to form, known for his vibrant and eccentric wardrobe, Nick welcomed us into the training room sporting a rainbow skull-printed shirt and greeted each attendee with a handshake. From that first interaction, it was clear that Nick was a lively character, and the next three hours would be anything but dull!

The session itself was highly engaging and interactive. Nick shared valuable insights on the power of networking and the art of building meaningful connections. He highlighted the significance of networking in an industry where professionals themselves are the product or service. Establishing relationships with new and existing contacts to ultimately work alongside them as you progress through your career, is a crucial aspect of working in professional services. Developing this skill early, while in junior positions, lays the foundation for future success in managerial roles. 

One of the most valuable insights I gained was the importance of following up with new connections after networking events. Many of us admitted to being guilty of connecting on LinkedIn but failing to take the next step. Nick’s advice was simple yet effective: always send a follow-up email within a week, suggesting a coffee meet-up. To streamline the process, he recommended offering two or three potential dates in the email to ensure a meeting is set up efficiently, and minimise time spent sending back-and-forth emails. 

After the training session, we moved onto drinks at a nearby bar – a perfect opportunity for us to put Nick’s networking tips into practice. I certainly felt I had a newfound confidence heading into the crowd, and was keen to utilise the skills I had learned. There was a great atmosphere and buzz of conversation as attendees moved around the group connecting with different people. It was clear that the session had made an impact, as everyone seemed more at ease, embracing the chance to engage with new contacts.

I left the event with several new contacts, many of whom I have already reached out to and invited to FRP's upcoming Pride Comedy Night. I would highly recommend this training, Nick is an incredibly engaging presenter, and I doubt anyone would walk away from the session without learning something valuable - whether it’s how to navigate networking events more effectively or how to maintain meaningful professional connections.