25 February 2025
Networking a walk in the park
Connecting with like-minded business-people in Invercargill is now as easy as a stroll in the park, thanks to a new networking initiative.
NetWalking, the brainchild of Southland Business Chamber events manager and Young Enterprise Scheme regional co-ordinator Leanne Humphrey, involves twice-monthly lunchtime walk-and-talk sessions around the city’s Queens Park.
Humphrey said the aim was to offer people involved with businesses in the region the chance to connect and “learn how to network”.
“Networking is important because, in Southland particularly, it’s how we do business,” she said.
“NetWalking allows people to get out of that work environment just for a short period and be able to walk, talk and network at the same time in a casual atmosphere.
“Things are a little bit tight out there for some businesses at the moment, so if you can strum up a yarn with somebody and you’re right there to talk your talk, it’s a cheap and effective way of getting your messaging across without it being sales-pitchy.”
The first NetWalking session, held on February 11, was a success, she said.
“We started off with eight people plus members of our team … Everyone was really pumped and really glad to leave the office. People were pairing up with people that probably weren’t in their work circles.”
Humphrey said people didn’t have to be “fitness gurus” to join the sessions.
“We’ll walk at your speed. We’ll have a walk leader for the fast-paced walkers and another for those who prefer a slower pace. “It’s about being able to just slip your gym shoes on, meet at the park, walk at a leisurely pace and be able to connect with people from different businesses for a change.”
There would also be a number of “pause breaks” so people could “mix_ and match” along the way.
People were encouraged to bring their pet dogs or office dogs along, Humphrey said. “Quite often people have to come home from work and then walk the dog.
“But here you can be walking the dog, doing your own networking and getting some exercise all at the same time, so it’s a win-win-win.”
NetWalking sessions are free to join and will be held every second Tuesday and every fourth Tuesday of the month.
NetWalkers are asked to meet at the park’s Feldwick Gates entranceway on Gala St at 1pm for sessions of about 45 minutes.
Humphrey said walkers were advised to bring comfy footwear, “a good vibe” and “maybe a few business cards”.
Source: Southern Outlook Newspaper, 25 February 2025.