James Crane

I run the University of Southampton’s Entrepreneurs’ Society known as ‘Fish on Toast’. The network is special because relative to the number of universities in the UK, we are one of the most active societies of our type. We have been in existence for about 5-6 years now and have seen growth each year. Our membership base is ever more enterprising and keen to get involved in all aspects of entrepreneurship.

Our hard work this year in rebranding the society has paid off with corporate sponsorship from KPMG and higher profile speakers at our events. We are hopeful of being awarded the accolade of ‘Society of the Year’ from the University in April.

Unlike many other similar societies around the country, we at Fish on Toast have a cash fund which we can award to our own student startups. This fund known as ‘Fish Food’ can be used by any of our members in need of startup capital to further their business idea.

As mentioned above, the network was started about 5-6 years ago by a group of Southampton University students working in partnership with the Centre for Enterprise and Innovation. I have been involved in the network for 3 years, holding the position of Financial Director in year 2 and currently serving as society Chairman.

The society was originally started to provide budding entrepreneurs the skills and knowledge required to start up their own businesses. However, in recent years we have broadened this mandate to include students without business ideas but who are looking to gain effective graduate skills in a non-intimidating atmosphere.

This is a very tough question as I have met some really brilliant people in the last couple of years. One of the best connections I have made has been with a former Communications Director to the Clinton government and the Californian Democrat party in the US. As a result of this connection, I have worked in the Labour Party Press Office and am going to be interning at the Californian Democrat Convention 2007.

I think it is very important to have a variation in people. You need to have guests from a variety of age groups, experience levels and sectors of work.

I also think that an ability to casually introduce people of similar interests is a real skill.

Try and work the room and ensure that if person A has loads in common with person B that they are introduced.

This way both people will come away feeling the event was a great success.

Finally, ALWAYS CARRY BUSINESS CARDS. There is nothing worse than being caught short without your details.

No one link or resource. Instead it is important to continually add to your contact base. The most ordinary of situations can turn into the perfect networking opportunity.