No matter if you’re starting a new business, have just started your first job, or have been working for a few years – networking is an essential part of work and professional life. But networking doesn’t come naturally to everyone. It might even be a bit of an ick. Talking to strangers? Making small talk? No, thank you.

Even the word networking can seem daunting, but here’s a secret: Networking is just talking to people, asking good questions and being curious about what they do. Everyone has a story and there’s always something interesting you can say.

Making connections, helping people build a community (and have fun - yes, fun - doing it) is at the heart of what we do at Brighton Chamber. So, we’ve gathered all our hot tips together to help you create your own Chamber network and feel comfortable – dare we say, even enjoy – chatting to people at events.

In this whistlestop interactive session (in which there will be absolutely no role play under any circumstances) the Chamber’s own queen of networking, Amy Lishman, will guide you through the ins and outs of having great conversations that build relationships and help you find advice, opportunities and community.

You’ll get practical tips to create and grow your own network at events, find out about the tricks and tools you can use for having interesting conversations, and feel comfortable talking about what you do.

Who by? Amy Lishman, Head of Member Engagement at Brighton Chamber. Dubbed the ‘Cilla Black’* of business networking by a Chamber member, Amy spends her working life connecting people and businesses, helping them grow their networks and raise their profiles.

She’s your go-to person if you want to find out more about networking, business support and what’s happening in Brighton & Hove. Amy is an extroverted introvert, so while she networks every day, she understands how challenging it can be to do it effectively and with confidence!

* the iconic host of ‘Blind Date’ for those of us who remember it.