Let's get together...

I've been quiet for the last few weeks for a variety of reasons, one of which is that I've been rather busy.

And one of the things that kept me occupied for a short time was the facilitation of a group of internal communicators from England's East Midlands.

Black Belter Clare Venn from Alstom Power decided some months ago that she'd like to know what her peers from around the Derby area were up to - so she invited a dozen or so to a morning show and tell session at her offices.  She attracted some really good people from a range of organisations including Rolls-Royce, Peugeot cars and Barclays.  And she was careful to find a group of in-house people who all had something to share with each other.

She roped me in to talk about change, but mainly to hold the ring so that people could debate their issues and experiences.  She's been thanking me quite profusely (so I'm not admitting how much I enjoyed myself in case she thinks of charging me next time).

I think the session worked because Claire created an environment where people were willing to share real problems and discuss solutions that worked for them. 

The local branch of Communicators in Business also chipped in with a bit of sponsorship which was very good of them (and enterprising of Claire to get hold of).

I know Claire has been thinking of this for some time and that she and one or two other people had to invest some time in bringing the group together.  However, it seems an excellent idea.

Rather than waiting for one of the professional associations to arrange an event outside London or Birmingham or look at a topic that interests you, why not put on your own workshop?  Invite the people that interest you and, hey presto, you're up and running!

Looking at where Black Belt alumni come from...I think I'll start working on the people in Basel as there are dozens of them there and they should certainly be ganging together!

Liam

Comments

[Sue]

I think this sounds a great idea. I think I've mentioned before that I know of two networks that are purely made up of people that used to work together in one organisation but are now spread far and wide. From what someone told me, I think they take it in turn to host the meetings in each other's offices, but if anyone reading (Vodafone and Barclays people,I'm talking about you!) can give us any more information and tips, that would be great.

I had a really lovely evening yesterday meeting up for dinner with some of my ex-Barclays friends. Travelling back up to the midlands with Martyn and Richard felt very comfortably and affectionately like old times. Mr Diggins, thanks for herding us cats into the same place at the same time!

And just a final point that social networks can be great for finding/making the contacts. Last night happened after Mr D and I found each other on the melcrum communicators network, and I'm back in touch and meeting up with some of my business leaders from Barclays thanks to Linked In. (And on a personal note, one of my old school friends found me on Facebook a couple of weeks before I went out to Australia. He's emigrated ... to melbourne! We managed to catch up for drinks.)

[Matt O'Neill]

with you all the way, liam.

just starting a monthly meetup in london this tuesday. very informal, but am sure people will get a lot of value from it!

M

[Liam]

Tell me more... I won't be able to make it but it can't do any harm to share the details...

L

[Matt O'Neill]

liam,

full details are on the 'london area communicators group' on the melcrum communicators network.

am sure we'll put up some pics afterwards.

M

[Liam]

And here's the write up of the event...
http://activate.typepad.com/