Chamber

My name is Vicky and I am involved in a wellbeing project at the Chambers of Commerce.  It has been two weeks into the project and already I can feel my confidence grow, I am aware I am developing new skills and strengthening abilities I already had.  I wanted to write about my experience, partly to share it and partly because in the writing of it I can reflect and more fully realise the process of growth.   Briefly, the project is around the Chambers’ investment in staff wellbeing.  There is a scheme in which the staff each have ten pounds a month to spend on wellbeing activities. My job is to promote the idea of wellbeing within the organisation and inspire the take-up of activities that support this aim that is either free or makes use of the budget.  I am doing this by giving short presentations on a range of topics, that include “growth mindset”, and the neurochemical reward of moving or doing things together in order to show the science of why it is worth investing time into wellbeing.     At this point I feel I ought to introduce myself, to say how I got this wonderful opportunity and what lead me to my passion for wellbeing.  I am a student of psychology, currently studying for my Master’s in Cognitive Neuroscience, and as part of that, I was asked to find an unpaid work placement, something that would challenge and stretch me.  I sent out emails, and Philippa invited me in for a chat, to see what I could offer.  When Philippa started talking about the wellbeing project, I felt myself light up! I have a passion for the idea of human potential, I have studied the behavioural and biological evidence as to why simply looking after yourself is a good long-term investment (this will be part of my wellbeing presentations and can be an entire entry in itself!).  I found myself enthusiastically setting out how I could support the aims of the Chamber and went away to start preparing! I can remember when it suddenly dawned on me that this was rather a new challenge, it did rather fit the criteria of stretching me and putting me somewhat out of my comfort zone! I sat down and wrote, I’m lucky enough to have some amazing friends who are experienced in the field of wellbeing, including a psychotherapist and a psychiatrist.  I read, I wrote and my kind friends checked through my ideas, so I knew I was going in the right direction.  Then came the day of presenting my first set of slides!  Recently someone explained to me the theory behind walking (I have nine-year-old disabled twins who are currently going through this process).  They said that each time you move your leg forward you are unbalancing yourself, putting yourself in the precarious position of nearly falling over.  However, generally the other leg moves forward quickly and brings back balance, but to move forward takes the risk, you have to unbalance yourself.  That is how starting this project felt, but I didn’t fall over, and I have been met with such kindness and support that taking each subsequent step has become more and more natural until actually, I feel safe.   What is it like to work with the team at the Chambers?  It is apparent that they are a close-knit team, who enjoy each other’s company and support each other in times of stress.  However, even though I am only in on a Monday morning, to give my presentation during the team meeting, I do not feel like an outsider, I feel welcome and I feel included.  I have been able to observe the investment they have already made to wellbeing, and been able to highlight their strengths and provide some evidence as to why they are doing well already, for example, the research behind why having dogs in the office (as they do on a Friday) can be such a positive.  In group discussions, they have spoken about their passion and skills in wellbeing, so I am really happy that a crafting group has emerged as a wellbeing plan!  I think I want to end this by talking about the step they took in giving a mature student, who had never taken on a challenge like this before time and opportunity.  I want to reflect on how for both sides this maybe was a risk, in the same way, that as that first leg moves the body risks being vulnerable to gravity!  However, in their kindness and inclusivity, they have embraced new ideas, they have given a rather nervous student a real chance and fed me too (I rather love the wellbeing fruit bowl!).  I know for me, this has been a journey of moving forward with skills, knowledge and confidence, one that will set me in a good direction for after graduation!

Join in and celebrate Norfolk’s success.

By Chris Sargisson, Chief Executive, Norfolk Chambers of Commerce

Soon now Norfolk Chamber will start a comprehensive program of transition and evolution, significantly changing to build on our firm foundations to become a stronger, louder, more helpful, more diverse more connected and modern business support group. Phew! We are on a mission to ‘Connecting, supporting and giving voice to every business in Norfolk’- we are reaching beyond our previous boundaries, striving forward, to ensure that we connect and give voice to all businesses, in Norfolk and beyond.

The change of name is important. We are a Chambers that engage the whole of Norfolk: from West Norfolk to North Norfolk; from Breckland to Broadland; from Great Yarmouth to South Norfolk; and the whole of Greater Norwich. We want to include everyone.

We’ll be introducing new ways of interacting with, and informing, you. Our digital platforms will be enhanced, and our new Customer Experience Team will be here to support you and your business.

You will see our new brand rolling out over our various media channels, with our big launch happening at The Royal Norfolk Show, this June.

And here, in this column, you will see a change that absolutely characterises the new Chambers. Because it will not be my voice. It will be yours.

Every member of Norfolk Chambers can contribute to this column. We want to use it to celebrate Norfolk’s success. Our wow factor.

You can be an individual, a big company, or a small business. You can be anywhere in Norfolk. You’ll be operating in one of these key sectors – Agricultural, Food and Drink; Charity & Social Enterprise; Construction & Development; Digital Creative & IT; Education & Training; Energy; Health & Wellbeing; Manufacturing & Engineering; Ports and Logistics; Professional Services; Public Sector; Visitor Economy, tourism & Retail.

Now, more than ever before, Chambers is about you – the members. Because it’s you who defines Norfolk, who fuels its growth and deliver its goods and services. It’s you who creates and innovates to make the county the success it is. Now, in a reinvigorated and even more communicative relationship let’s work together to share positive news about Norfolk.

So, if you’re a Chambers member, working in any of those areas, and you want to help celebrate the success of Norfolk this is your chance. Be part of this column.

We’ll collate your stories and input, and we’ll use this column to share them. From here on it will be your voices. Do it.

Register your interest now by emailing – nova.fairbank@norfolkchamber.co.uk

Like it or not networking is something we all do on a daily basis, especially within the business environment. Love it or loath it, we never stop engaging with people. So, within our blog we hope to give you some tips on how to develop and enhance your networking skills. Let’s take a moment to look at networking in a different light, let’s break down it’s ‘scary image.’ If you cast, you mind back to your school days, yes school! Reflect for moment on how you built your friendships, big or small, and social groups. These experiences were your first form of networking, and no doubt it took time to build these networks. And consider all the things you learnt back then- yes, the good and the bad, these experiences have helped to shape an understanding of how we ‘human beings,’ interact and communicate. You and your friends started with a common ground or interest, and from this point onwards you were then building connections.  In many ways the school network, would have been a lot more challenging than the business world of today, as you were finding your way and place in the world- that was a lot of pressure! Your Networking Back to the current day. Now, you are empowered with so many different skills, unlike school you have perfected your subject knowledge – your business, and career, thus giving you an ideal platform to talk about.  With all this in mind, here are some very useful tips to develop, support and enhance your networking skills. Our member and networking guru kicks us off first:  Ian Hacon, Founder & Chief Energy Officer, Energise Me: Tip 1. Get energise “No one wants to do business with someone who looks like they don’t want to be there. So put your phone away and put thoughts of your day so far and what’s to come in the back of your mind. Use an affirmation to do this. I say to myself “Light up the room” many times on my way to the event, especially as I am entering the room. So, I arrive with a smile on my face, ready to talk.” Tip 2. Don’t be too pushy “No one likes being “sold to” in the first few minutes of meeting you. Take time to start to build a relationship with the other person. Be interested in them as a person. You might just find out something really interesting or useful.” Tip 3. do your prep “Make sure before you attend the meeting if you know who’s going to be there that you have done some research on them. Don’t be too creepy though, stalking them on Facebook and starting off with “How was your holiday in Palma?” maybe a little too far, but “I see your company just won a big order” shows you are interested in them.” Ian runs several courses on the Art of Networking, if you or your staff would like to develop these skills, click here for more information. Lorna Burroughes, from Thrive “My top tip is to grow and nuture your trusted community of connectors, conselors and collaborators, to gain the greatest return on investment. The Norfolk Chambers of Commerce Networking tips Our Chambers staff regularly attend and host events where they network with the business community. This often requires a range of different skills and can be in a diverse range of environments too. We have all brought together some of our tips to support you. If you see our Customer Experience Team at a Chambers event and would like us to support you with making connections, just say and we are always happy to pair-up to guide you round the room and help to build connections. Philippa Bindley, Head of Customer Experience  “The best networking always happens at the start of the event. Always arrive on time. This allows you to talk to the host and also ask to be introduced to people. When the event ends people normally rush off to work, their next meeting or home.” Nova Fairbank, Public Affairs Manager “Don’t be afraid to smile and introduce yourself to total strangers at networking event. Remember everyone at networking events is as nervous as you. Always ask them about themselves and their business – everyone is keen to talk about what they are doing. Always check the delegate list who are the people who would be most beneficial to talk too?” Haze Carver, Customer Experience Team Member “A huge smile works wonders, it relaxes other people and you too.” Dominique Bivar Segurado, Marketing Coordinator  “Always carry your business cards and be prepared to hand them out, sometimes this might be in place you least expect. One of my favourites was a children’s party.  Remember at each networking event you are there to represent you and your business. So always try to be professional, friendly, and most of all enjoy meeting old and new faces. I love finding out about all different businesses in region, and it never ceases to amaze me the diversity there is! It’s also a chance to be out of the office, talk about what you do, and most of all find out about what’s going on in the business community and meet a variety of people. Over the years I have found this great to draw back on the network of people I have met.” Jack Edwards, IT & Data Manager  “Have some questions lined up ready to ask if the conversation begins to go stale.” Charlotte Upcraft, PA to Senior Management Team “Be prepared where possible. If there is a delegate list, look to see who you would like to meet e.g. non-members or find out a piece of news on a member or non-member so it’s easier to start a conversation! Don’t forget to follow up any promises or leads too!! If someone is standing alone – go over to them and ask if you may join them. They may be feeling lost and uncomfortable. It doesn’t always have to start with business chat either!”   Over time your networking will happen in many forms, from big to small events and one to one meetings, there is always a chance to enhance and develop you and your business. So, most of all enjoy it, be genuine and stay in touch with your network too.

I was lucky enough to be one of the 26+ thousand fans at Carrow Road on Saturday evening to witness Norwich City secure promotion to the Premier League with a 2-1 victory against Blackburn Rovers.

Next season will mark my tenth year as a season ticket holder, my first being the year we were promoted back from League One at the first time of asking. I have now seen us promoted on four occasions, but this one has been by far the most special. Some of the football I’ve seen this team play has been truly exceptional.

However, not only did Saturday night leave me feeling over the moon (and a sore head Sunday morning), businesses should be excited too! Securing promotion once again to the Premier League means that Norwich City Football Club not only benefits from a more secure financial position, but Norwich and Norfolk as a whole also profit from a higher national and international profile from the extra TV coverage, which all helps to promote our excellent local businesses and provides a boost to our exporters.

The Norfolk business community is always very reactive to what is happening locally, this is especially true when Norwich City wins. When the team gets a good result, then the overall ‘feel good factor’ can be seen in boosted staff morale and increased productivity, which in turn contributes to further economic growth.

Norwich City Football Club’s promotion to the Premier League firmly puts Norfolk back on the global stage and raises our visibility, which can only benefit the Norfolk business community.