Heather Wilkinson

Profile

Location: London
Region: London
URL: http://www.stridingout.co.uk/

Heather Wilkinson founded and runs Striding Out, a pioneering support network for young people, aged 18-30, with enterprising ambitions. She also caters for the over-30’s, with Branching Out, an active and dynamic way to connect individuals who are planning or running their own business.

Heather says “As a young person, you have great ideas, plus the time and energy to realize them! Striding out in business can be an amazing experience but equally challenging. A supportive network of individuals can make it much easier to succeed.”

Q&A

What makes your network different or special?

Striding Out is a community network for entreprenuers facilitated by business coaches. Each member of the network recieves a dedicated business coach, who understands the needs of you and your business. Through the virtual network and networking events, we actively make it our mission to faciliate connections amongst the members for shared learning, mentoring and business benefit.
Why did you start up your network?

You can attend many networking events, and not meet the person you need to talk to on the other side of the room!!

I therefore felt there was a need to introduce a more personalised approach to networking, where the hosts know and understand the needs of the clients, so they can actively facilitate connections amongst clients attending. Connecting people creates an added value networking experience, and makes networking alot less daunting!
What is the best connection you have made or received?

The entrepreneurs we work with, have expressed how the active faciliation of connections has accelerated the development of their business. Building a successful business network thrives of trusted referrals, and Striding Out enables this process through understanding, knowing and connecting the right entrepreneurs and services together.
What are your top tips for hosting a great networking event?

The best approach to hosting a great networking event is knowing and understanding the needs of all those attending.
What are your best networking links or resources?

The most effective networking is done through communicating your needs to others in your trusted network. If you don’t ask you don’t find!