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Karen Skidmore

Profile
Karen Skidmore
Location
Guildford
Region
South East
URL
http://www.candocanbe.com/
Network
CanDoCanBe

Karen Skidmore is the Founder of CanDoCanBe, which works with women who want to have a successful and profitable home based business.

Karen organises networking events and business forums in Surrey and Hampshire, providing the the confidence, the clarity and the can-do attitude needed to really make your business happen.

Q&A

  • What makes your network different or special?

    CanDoCanBe offers a unique opportunity for women running home based businesses to meet in an informal and relaxed way, and during family friendly times. Ideal for “virgin” networkers, the women who come along range from life coaches to HR.

    The ranges of different businesses are amazing and many of the women are running their businesses on a part-time basis. Not as hobbies, but as serious businesses that fit around family and other lifestyle decisions.

  • Why did you start up your network?

    When I left an 11 year corporate career, I knew the biggest thing I would miss would be the coffee room chat. Those 5 minutes here and there that you would have a break and the chance to chat about everything from where to get the best bargins on the high street to informal business and career tips.

    I knew I had to establish my new office network and what better way of doing that than by starting your own network!

  • What is the best connection you have made or received?

    There isn’t one specific example that comes to mind. What I love about networking is that everyone seems to be connected with each other. And I find it fascinating that you can introduce 2 people for them to realise that they have mutual connections already.

    It is all just one big human jigsaw puzzle :0)

  • What are your top tips for hosting a great networking event?

    Be the Host. And I mean really be the host.

    No matter how nervous you are, you have to take control. And the key to being in control is preparation.

    As the host, you must welcome each and every person with a handshake and decent eye contact. Make people feel welcomed and at ease by explaining to first timers what the format of the event is and introduce them to others to start the ball rolling.

    And most importantly - have fun. If you can have fun yourself, everyone around you will feel relaxed and enjoy themselves.

  • What are your best networking links / resources?

    CanDocanBe for women creating successful home based businesses - of course!!

    I have really enjoyed Ecademy and met some wonderful people who I consider to be dear friends now.

    And remember that networking happens any time and any place - you don’t need a structured networking event or business to network. The big one for me, personally, is the school gates - the mum network is amazing and incredibly powerful.

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