The Art of Networking: Enterprise Week 2024
Founder of AOK Mentoring Alison O’Kelly pictured with Nicola York (Just Split Travel) and Nollaig Bourke (Scently Does it).
With the hugely successful Enterprise Week drawing to a close, I wanted to reflect on some of the key takeaways from the various events. The week brought together so many exceptionally motivated, determined and resilient business people showcasing just how much talent we have in Ireland.
The week began with “Making Cocktails and Connections” in Medley Dublin City Centre. Ellen Gunning, Director of the Irish Academy of Public Relations brought us through some tips and tricks on networking effectively.
Here are some of the key takeaways:
Know your Business Industry
This may sound obvious to some, but it would be remiss of me not to mention it. No one knows your business better than you, but keeping up to date and informed about the industry in which your business in in is just as important. The only constant in business is change so keep that in mind before heading out to your next networking event.
2. Listen, Listen, Listen!
It can be so easy to get caught up in the selling aspect of business that we often times forget about the listening side. The best information and learnings will come from your peers and fellow entrepreneurs, so make sure you are actively listening, digesting and paying attention. Making connections is absolutely priceless.
3. Push Yourself
The best things happen when you leave your comfort zone. Networking can be tough and takes a lot of confidence, but as they say practice makes perfect! Push yourself and take the leap to approach new people, you never know what you might learn.
We celebrated International Women’s Day with the incredible Lorraine Keane and Dr Mary Ryan who brought us through both their journey’s to success and their struggles along the way. Their talk on women’s hormone health was so informative and eye opening and certainly something that everyone of all ages should be educated on.
Here are some of the key takeaways;
If you don’t look after yourself, you can’t look after your business
Take risks and don’t be afraid to push boundaries
Hormones play such a pivotal role in your overall health, so don’t ignore the signs
Delegate!
Rest and good quality sleep is absolutely essential
Know your worth, stand up for what you believe in and use your voice, that’s what it’s there for.
Enterprise Week has encouraged innovation, fostered collaboration, and has highlighted the importance of investing in quality connections through networking. This knowledge enables organisations and individuals to position themselves as strong, confident leaders in their respective industries.
AOK Mentoring strives to improve and cultivate a world where communication is valued, it is events like Enterprise Week that aid this vision and shape a brighter and more resilient future for entrepreneurs worldwide.
A huge thank you to all the speakers, venues and Enterprise Offices for arranging such a fantastic week!
