The latest LinkedIn Local event – and the first for 2020 – was held at Ventnor Winter Gardens last week.
Sponsored by WightFibre this saw over 50 LinkedIn users coming together to develop new opportunities across the Island and to build their business communities. Aside from networking, those present enjoyed a beautiful buffet from The Hambrough and had the opportunity to see the spacious auditorium and meeting rooms with stunning views across the bay.
LinkedIn Local was launched on the Isle of Wight in 2019, a concept that started in Australia back in 2017 and aims to put the social back into social media. Giving those that attend the regular free events the opportunity to meet existing LinkedIn connections in person and locally, together with making new contacts to expand their personal network.
Unlike some networking events, LinkedIn Local is not aimed at big businesses but freelancers, entrepreneurs and smaller companies, something that reflects the nature and profile of those in business across the island. Enabling meaningful, relaxed interactions without the fear of being pitched to or sold at. There are also no formal speeches or sales presentations, ensuring a more relaxed atmosphere and a focus on making new connections and developing business opportunities.
Tina Jennings, Founder of Cosán Cróga Ltd, comments:
“I was so excited to finally be able to attend my home LinkedIn local IOW. It was great to see the room full of local Island professionals. There was a great atmosphere of support and encouragement for all things business growth. I have made lots of new connections from it and am really looking forward to supporting this network and building business together. Genuinely loved it and looking forward to the next one.”
Over 400 people attended the events in 2019 at venues including The Slug & Lettuce Newport, Ryde Castle and The Sir Max Aitken Museum in Cowes, which saw a capacity audience of almost 120. With the success of this latest event, 2020 promises to open up even more opportunities across the Island for LinkedIn users to build their business communities.
With the events established and well received by those in business, organisers Jonathan Thornton of PC Consultants, Chris Court and Dale Howarth are looking to add a new dimension to-some of the planned events for 2020. It is hoped that LinkedInLocal groups from the mainland will be encouraged to attend Island events – and for the growing Island group to attend mainland events.
Jonathan Thornton says:
“We wanted these events to be free, open to all and a great cross-over opportunity between the digital and real world. Enabling those that attend to put faces to names and contacts on LinkedIn – building on existing relationships in addition to making new connections at every event. Something that has been consistently achieved and brings new people to each and every LinkedInLocal event held.”
The events are free to attend and typically start at 17:30 however there is no set arrival time; giving those in business the flexibility they need to just come along and say hello to likeminded LinkedIn users and meet the person behind the profile.
To find out more about LinkedInLocal and to look out for the next event, simply go to https://www.linkedin.com/company/linkedinlocal-isle-of-wight/.
