Kate Marston – Berkhamsted WIBN
Kate was contacted by the WIBN at the beginning of 2005 and invited to come along to the February launch meeting of the Berkhamsted group. At the time she has been working for 10 years as a senior designer for the Berkhamsted based consultancy. As business had been quiet, Kate convinced her employer it would be worth investigating.
Unsure of what networking was about and not having been in a 'sales' type role, attending the launch meeting was quite a daunting prospect for Kate, but the information she received and the WIBN website gave her a good idea of what to expect and the format of the meeting, so she was well prepared.
“That first meeting was a fascinating experience," said Kate, “I really enjoyed finding out all the different careers paths that women had taken and was extremely impressed with the amount of women who were actually running their own businesses. It was quite a buzz!" Shortly after, the company announced it would be closing for business and Kate seriously considered starting her own design consultancy.
One thing that had always put her off was how to get out there and meet the right people, and the knowledge that there were networking groups like WIBN to support women and help them grow their business helped tip the balance. She already had a head start and had made some contacts at the WIBN launch meeting. That combined with the flexibility, a chance to make her own decisions and with the support of her husband and family Kate decided her own business was the only option.
All this happened within the space of a 2 week period, so fortunately for Kate the Graphic Design slot at the Berkhamsted WIBN group was still available – they operate a one profession per group policy.
From the very first meeting, Kate received 2 enquiries for graphic design work, one of which gave her the opportunity to show her design skills off to the rest of the WIBN group. This combined with one or two existing clients from her previous employment, and with the opportunity now to expand her interest in wedding and events stationery, fulfilling her passion for paper and tactile design, her business was off to a flying start.
One year on, and her graphic design business is continuing to grow, with the contacts, referrals and support of WIBN continuing to spur her on in the right direction. Building relationships with other members, developing strategic partnerships and alliances has helped to develop Kate's business, bringing together complimentary companies and paving the way to new clients.
Networking is not just about gaining business for yourself, Kate realised she had access to many local business women and the services they could provide both for herself in her business and personal life as well as creating and passing on referrals for these business that she had become to know and trust. One example, Berkhamsted based Austins Solicitors recently helped her move both house and business providing a 'fantastically smooth service, from start to finish'.
Kate Marston can be contacted on 01442 890017 or by email on kate@katemarston.co.uk. Kate's website is www.katemarston.co.uk
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