On 15 February, Olivia Centre will host an extremely interesting meeting on networking. It will be an excellent opportunity to talk to Bernard Fruga and Artur Sójka, authors of the book “Eventworking”. A short interview with these experts was conducted by Bogusław Wieczorek from Olivia Centre. Welcome!
Bogusław Wieczorek: In his latest book “Eventworking. Or how to effectively use the potential of conferences, fairs and other business events” you prepare readers to participate in such events. Has their meaning and character changed after the pandemic?
Artur Sójka: It seems like an easy question, but it’s a difficult one. From my perspective, it’s both yes and no. Some of the events “returned” after years in an unchanged form. Some, however, are taking advantage of the opportunities created by this difficult period and are enriched with various tools or forms that did not exist before 2020. And then there were mixed events. The ones you can take part in either live or online.
Bernard Fruga: I can see that the temporary, forced cut-off from events has shown how important it is to meet in person. I’ve had experience when during a hybrid event, a participant resigns from online participation and moves to the room, because “it’s not the same energy through the webcam”.
Bogusław: I’m particularly intrigued by the chapter “Turning contacts into relationships and nurturing them”. Do you see value in spending time together on activities whose common denominator is hobbies, interests, sports?
Arthur: Of course! I’ve come across studies that men establish relationships by doing something together, women by talking. And this leads us to the bizarre conclusion that two “guys” can sit “fishing” and not say a word to each other all day, and then say that it was the best day they could have had together. This strengthens their relationship. Women, on the other hand, need to talk. They don’t have to do anything else. I would like to point out that we are talking about certain groups and the conclusions drawn from it, not about each individual individual. It can be different here.
Bernard: Spending time together in a non-professional context seems to be the best way to build a bond and get to know each other better. When asked by the head of the company how to select managers from among a dozen or so employees, I suggested that he go camping with everyone for a few days, and when he returned, it would be clear to him who was suitable for the leader.
Bogusław: At Olivia Centre, we create a lot of spaces for building a community. From the choir, through photography classes or the yacht club. We often host meetings and events of various nature – concerts, discussions or picnics. Would you recommend your readers to participate in such meetings, which are not necessarily an industry conference, and their nature is less formal?
Arthur: Man is a gregarious animal. Therefore, it is worth looking for groups that will give us the best chance to develop in the direction that suits us. And the private part of life is also important. Ba! Most important. We run a business in order to live well. Never the other way around. Business meetings can often give us money that we can turn into free time (hiring employees or outsourcing some of the work).
Bernard: I believe that the key to professional fulfillment is to maintain a good level of enthusiasm. The energy to act and cheerfulness must be supplied outside the company. That is why photography classes or participation in a concert are not only an opportunity to take care of your network of contacts, but simply a necessity to avoid professional burnout and enjoy well-being.
Bogusław: Thank you for the interview and see you on February 15th!
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On February 15, 2023, a meeting with specialists from the networking industry will be held at the Sky Club:
Bernard Fruga – business consultant, trainer,
Artur Sójka – trainer, networker, speaker, founder of the recommendation organization Business Club Poland,
Ireneusz Osiński – trainer, speaker, business mentor and networker, who will also play the role of the meeting leader.
The reason for the meeting is the promotion of the new book “Eventworking” by Bernard Fruga and Artur Sójka.
This means a great opportunity to listen to the conversation with its authors live. Get a personal dedication in the book you own. And for those who do not have this item in their collections yet, but would like to become its happy owners, it will also be available for purchase.
The whole meeting will be held under the motto: “For the love of recommendations”. Which, according to Artur Sójka, should be an integral part of networking.
February 15, 2023, 6.00 p.m. – 9.30 p.m., Gdansk, Olivia Tower, Olivia Sky Club room.
The ticket is a donation to the Foundation for the Development of Talents
