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Relationships built easier by enigmatic Bristol marketing community

 

In what heralded the first of the Only Marketing Jobs 2010 networking link-ups, there were few surprises at the success of the event as Bristol developed its reputation as a major force in the UK marketing & media landscape. 

With 120 marketers mingling as though they’d known each other for years, Goldbrick House – the revered venue for South West media – was swinging before it started, ensuring that the speed networking hour whizzed by like a super-charged howitzer, establishing new relationships and developing others as Bristol bounced from one delegate to another, answering the question ‘so, what do you do?’

“The Bristol Link-up was a super way to throw a wide spectrum of marketing communications experts into a room and have each individual take the opportunity to introduce themselves to  a variety of professionals operating in the communications field. It was hugely important to us at Xchangeteam to have an open forum where we could introduce ourselves and our business to prospective clients and candidates alike. Fun and informative!” Liz Snell, director, Xchangeteam, South West.

Proactive jobseekers

For many attendees this event represented an inaugural outing of self-promotion as jobseekers sought to put themselves more prominently in the ‘shop window’, engaging not only with local recruitment agencies, but direct employers, too.  Those looking for marketing jobs were able to speak with both client and agency-side employers, many of whom used the event as an extension of their advertising via Bristol Media.

Diligent networkers

The Bristol Link-up was not reserved just for jobseekers, of course.  Many attendees were there to absorb knowledge and impart it, too.  From media assistants to marketing consultants, the venue was awash with industry advice and opinions, setting the tone for both an interesting and lively evening.  For emerging marketing recruiters Lucy Bristow the event was the perfect opportunity to show the local community how it intends to build relationships through a consultative approach.  The company raised its profile further by providing the goodie bags for people as they left. 

Laura Barnett, a self-employed marketing project manager, said: “it was good to meet so many people in such a relevant environment.”  And Gareth Powell, a freelance copywriter and self-proclaimed PR wizard added: “I had a great time, and spoke to many interesting people.  Let me know when the next one is.”

Marketing passion

As usual the Link-up involved a champagne draw, with a bottle of bubbles being received by one lucky winner pulled from a bucket of business cards.  Marketing recruitment experts, fishtank, sponsored the draw, with managing consultant, Julia Rees, gregariously commenting on the event: “It was fabulous to have so many great conversations with candidates, clients and recruitment counterparts alike, talking passionately about the marketing sector, pondering the increasingly optimistic market & climate, and of course general chin wagging and catching up with people we haven’t seen or spoken to for a while!”

South West employers

Renowned for its digital marketing bias, it was no surprise to see leading Bristol agencies using the occasion as an opportunity to seek new talent looking for online marketing jobs in the South West.  With business cards switching hands readily throughout the evening, no doubt further discussions and interviews will ensue in the coming weeks.

The crystal ball

Once again accompanying the Link-up road show, speed career clairvoyant, Suzie Sharpe, offered her unique insights into the future of any attendee brave enough to delve into the tarot cards.  This part of the evening is becoming increasingly popular as word spreads of Suzie’s remarkable accuracy and ability to enthuse even the biggest sceptics.  For a more in-depth objective look at your career, where you’re heading and what you can do about it you should hook-up with Suzie via LinkedIn.

Success…

The Bristol Link-up was a success, proving once again that despite the development of digital social networking, nothing beats good-old-fashioned face-to-face interaction.  Building relationships online is a fantastic way to open doors and save time but there is a distinct elevation of trust achieved when you communicate with someone in an open, transparent environment, where the effort to stand out is reciprocated.  Plus, it’s fantastic fun.

 

South West Hospice

Thanks to all those who made benevolent donations to the children’s hospice.  Supporting your local charity is a fantastic way of appreciating those worse-off than yourself.  Anyone can donate via visiting the Children’s Hospice South West website.

For updates on future networking events in Bristol join the UK Marketing Lounge on LinkedIn

 

See the 2010 networking event schedule

Related posts:

1. The Bristol Link-up | Networking for Marketers | 3rd February 2010
2. Review of the Manchester Link-up III: networking event for marketers
3. The Bristol Link-up II | Networking for marketers | 4th August 2010
4. Review of the Cambridge Link-up 2: networking event for marketers
5. The Manchester Link-up: review of recent networking event
6. Review of the London Link-up IV: networking event for marketers
7. Barroom blitz at the Reading Link-up: review of recent networking event
8. The Southampton Link-up: review of recent networking event
9. The Guildford Link-up: networking event for marketers
10. The Leeds Link-up: networking event for marketers