As we approach the end of what can only be described as the most unusual of years, I think it’s interesting to reflect on how our business relationships, especially around networking have had to adapt and how we’ve been helped along the way by some fabulous local organizations to keep us all connected. Many of us have been pushed to find alternative ways to function as normal as
possible in these very surreal times. Home space has now also merged into work space and most of us ‘travel’ virtually to our next meeting or networking event. Virtual networking has become a welcome life raft for many businesses – as we try to navigate through adverse and unpredictable pandemic times. Interestingly, as a Business Development Manager at Martello Building Consultancy, I have found this new platform effectively connects me to a wider audience, in a shorter space of time than could possibly have been achieved previously. The technologies to enable us to achieve this were mostly already there but the reach and understanding that previously was lacking is now there in abundance.

However, it’s not just the availability and reach of the technology that has enabled us to bridge the networking gap, it’s also very much down to the various local and regional organizations and networking groups that have come up with intelligent ways to make the most of this technology. In many ways the evolution of networking onto the virtual platforms has brought an element of discipline to the way that we now network and interact with other people. While we all dearly miss that ‘human’ connection of actually being in a room with the people that we are interacting with, there are clearly some benefits to a more focused ‘virtual’ approach. The formal structure of a ‘main stage/presentation’ followed by ‘break-out’ rooms lends itself to a more effective and purposeful-driven event. Networking is almost fine-tuned and therefore initial introductions are so much stronger than in a larger group.

Martello has appreciated more than ever organisations such as Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, Kent Construction Focus Group – facilitating a variety of informative networking events to help us, maintain and build invaluable contacts. Equally others such as Building Connections, East Kent Economic Development Group and F&HDC Business Group, has made our ‘abnormal’ feel much more normal. It will be interesting to see what 2021 holds for networking groups and the local construction industry more generally. With moves towards a more sustainable, green approach to business there is surely a place for virtual platforms to be used when attending meetings and networking events……but I’m sure most of you will agree that it will also be lovely to chat over a coffee too.