HIGH SPEED NETWORKING WITH A BACKGROUND ROAR OF DEPARTING JETS
Our host Agnes Ujazdowska, Business Development Executive of the Ramada Hotel ExCeL, commented, "I must say the event was not only successful but for the first time ever I actually enjoyed networking. I think the 3 minutes to make your sales pitch idea is brilliant."
DBC's Speed Networking events always present a golden opportunity for new members to make their maiden speeches. St. Patrick's Day Wednesday 17 March was no exception. A peppering of the recently inducted joined prospective applicants and several old hands. One of the latter remarked, "This is the third time I've come Speed Networking with DBC and each time I've either bought something I needed for the office or found a new client."
The entire evening could be summed up by those two testimonials to the business building power of this twice yearly event. The format is planned to ensure that every speedster meets all the others. Hence the need to "work the room" fades away which can be a boon to the shy.
The host venue lays on complimentary refreshments and in return takes part in the networking to market their hotel's facilities. Once the official part of the programme is completed there is always a move to the bar where getting to know you continues in convivial manner. St. Patrick's night was naturally lubricated with pints of the black stuff.
Watch out for the second Speed Networking date of 2010. We may not be able to guarantee a national saint's day but that won't affect its value in making worthwhile new contacts.
5 STAR NETWORKING AT THE MARRIOTT
Sponsored by 
A hundred eager networkers descended upon the sumptuous Manhattan Bar of the London Marriott West India Quay on Wednesday 3 March. Their common purpose being to take advantage of DBC's first Time to Talk Business of 2010.
The occasion was sponsored by University of East London's Knowledge Dock and generously hosted by the Marriott's Ed White and Joanna Zabrocka. The activity was filmed for a video being produced to celebrate the 150th Anniversary of the British Chamber of Commerce.
DBC Deputy Chairman Janette Withey welcomed her assembled guests to
their 5 Star destination and introduced Knowledge Dock's Communications Manager Martin Chan. Martin gave a comprehensive run through of the services they offer to businesses. After which networking resumed fast and furious as strangers and old acquaintances swapped business cards and explored the possibilities of doing business together.
As a sunny, early Spring afternoon wore on the crowd gradually thinned but small clusters of determined talkers continued making brisk sales pitches as evening drew on. This was undoubtedly one of the busiest and most successful TTTB's of recent months. Let's hope it sets the standard for the year.
For further details on Knowledge visit there website at www.knowledgedock.com
DBC GOES SKATING - BUT NOT ON THIN ICE!Sponsored by 
Ninety skaters, spectators,networkers and one day old new members descended upon Canary Wharf Ice Rink for the always popular DBC On Ice evening. Most were there to flash the silver blades out on the rink. Others came to watch in awe and wonder as the colourful throng sped by.
This main event in the DBC winter calendar was hosted and sponsored by Brian Jokat of Skateco. Joint sponsor was Anne Roebuck of 
Physiotherapy London who was also running the First Aid Post.Fortunately business was slack in there which allowed Anne to mingle with the crowd.NHM Insurance also gave support. Brian generously provided an ample supply of wine, beer and soft drinks to cool downskaters who, despite the freezing weather, had managed to work up a sweat. The rink's Moose Bar conjured up the atmosphere of an alpine aprés ski chalet. Brian added a keyboard player to keep guests
entertained.
DBC On Ice was the first event of 2010 and it was pleasing to see, yet again, a strong sprinkling of guests from London,Croydon and South East London Chambers plus Docklands Networking Group members. This maintains DBC's reputation for extending a warm welcome to colleagues from fellow business support organisations.
STAY ME WITH FLAGONS …………
Sponsored by 
Corney and Barrow has a long and distinguished history as one of London's finest wine merchants. Their bar in Canary Wharf was one of the first to open during the evolution of the business district during the eighties and nineties. Just down the
steps from Canada Square's fountains, which are computer controlled to respond to prevailing wind force and direction, the bar has long been a favourite watering hole of the banking community.
But at lunch time on Wednesday 4 December bankers were vastly outnumbered by DBC members and guests making the most of 2009's final Time To Talk Business networking, eating and drinking opportunity. This seasonally jolly occasion was kindly sponsored by accountants Grant Thornton whose "Paolo Fazzi emailed afterwards, "It was great to meet you all again and I really did enjoy the event. I have to say that it was nice to be back in Canary Wharf".
Corney and Barrow's Juliet Shenderey and Brigid Keith catered to our every need. A complimentary glass of fizz on arrival followed by quantities of excellent sandwiches helped networking conversations go with a swing. So much so that guest Nikki Cheysostomou of Tranquility Pilates Studio signed up for DBC membership on the spot.
Docklands Business Club
