Rebecca Ainsworth

Manchester Fashion Network’s Circuit Series is an exciting fresh new network that works with the people they are trying to connect with to make sure they deliver the most useful and inspiring content to their events.

Manchester Fashion Network and its Circuit Series gets together some of the most eclectic creative talent in and around Manchester to discuss some interesting, relevant and inspiring topics.

www.manchesterfashion.co.uk www.thecircuitseries.com

I have been on quite a journey to get here. Always being driven and creative, I liked the idea of either working for myself, or doing a job that I enjoy with a small company that makes a real difference. However, I did not have the right support as a young inspired person so ended up taking a ‘safe’ route as my intended career. I entered into an engineering apprenticeship straight from school and continued there for 3 years.

Anyway, another 3 years along the line and I now am studying for a degree in Design Management for the Creative Industries and am working for young companies that I respect.

From my own experiences and people I have met along my journey I believe that with the right support and inspiration, mixed with a lot of determination – people can achieve anything they want.

Try making your networking event more focused. Have networking as a part of a workshop/ speaker based event. Try both Facilitated and non facilitated – different people like different things.

To be honest, I didn’t think it was. I even used to turn my nose up at the mention of the word ‘Networking.’

But then I realised that I network every day of my life. I like speaking to new people. I used to put myself in situations where I might get a chance to talk to someone who may be of interest to me – Networking! These situations are where I got my big breaks; where I learnt a lot and where I got support and Inspiration.

Google, email and facebook. But I do like good old fashioned phone calls or meet ups best.

My tips for networking would be: Don’t be blinkered. People not directly related to what you need may just have links with the perfect person.