Macro speed networking in front of the sea

[sohanuzzaman56]

The 1st edition of the Barcelona Networking Day , organised by Barcelona Activa , took place yesterday, Wednesday, at the CCIB of the Barcelona Forum, facing the sea . I was used to attending relatively small events (less than 200 people), but the spacious facilities of the CCIB and the more than 500 people attending (more than 700 registered) were a welcome change, so I had to ask for guidance on the methodology of the event so I could make the most of it from the start.

After a brief presentation of the event and of each participating bank data user list Network that collaborated in its organization, entrepreneurs, networking experts and business angels took center stage, recounting their experiences of successes and failures, good practices and paths taken and yet to be taken in the laborious but satisfying daily life of entrepreneurs.

Carles Barrabés , founder of the company Barrabés (one of the first e-commerce sites in the world) explained that for him networking is fundamental since the sum of interesting people with leadership skills, a platform or network and methodology, make up a network that gave him excellent results in his business. The curious thing was that he emphasized that meeting with important people is a waste of time, the valuable thing is meeting with interesting people .

Begoña Zunzunegui , founder of Beccara , received several rounds of applause, since, among many achievements, she is a pioneer in business with China: in 1973 she managed to be the first Spanish businesswoman (of all Spanish businessmen) to do business with this Asian country. Her motto is to work, work and work for what you believe in. Although she said that she doesn't know much about networking (here I was a little surprised), she can advise in other areas that were pillars in the development of her business.

André Vanyi-Robin , founder of Bestv, expressed his ideas clearly and frankly, admitting to two business failures prior to Bestv, and agreeing that he continued on for his family and to live life the way he believes is best for his happiness. Networking in his professional career was essential to get out of bankruptcy.

Xavier Berneda , from Munich (a company that went from billing €3M in 2000 to €23M in 2008) agreed with Begoña on the continuous effort and work, added to listening to the team (and to his coolhunters whom he said he paid quite a lot) and leaving aside the belief that because you are successful at a certain moment, you have more power. Growth and success are achieved day by day.

Luis Martín Cabiedes , a private investor (or business angel), stressed that networking cannot do without face-to-face meetings, since projects and agreements are closed over a table and not through a keyboard.

In short: work, work, daring to believe and bet on what you want, building contact networks, having a methodology, and forming a good team.

The second part of the event was very dynamic, as the speed networking was structured in five rounds by tables of up to 10 participants, with one minute to introduce ourselves, to tell what we did and what we were looking for. Although it could be improved (there were partners from the same company who met in one round and others who met in more than one), I think it is an excellent initiative of the sector.

Cava and sandwiches with ham were the final touch to regain strength and return home after 10pm.