The Anatomy of Networking Events; A Breakdown of How To Do It Right.

When you attend a networking event, your networking opportunities begin as soon as you get out of the car. Start conversations with people as they enter the building with you. Being pleasant, warm, and friendly doesn’t cost a thing and can produce huge returns.

First thing, head for the reception table. Sign in, get your nametag, and pick up any other materials they may be distributing. If there is a line, being introducing yourself to those nearby. Start a conversation by finding out who they are and telling them how much you are looking forward to this particular event. After you’ve made your first contact, it usually gets easier to meet others.

Do not ignore the reception desk personnel. They are often volunteers and key people in the host organization. Aside from saying hello, thank them because they are frequently ignored or treated indifferently. They will appreciate and remember your kindness.

Arrive early to all networking events. By arriving early, you can have time to talk with the sponsor organization staff. This is also a good way for you to be able to talk one on one with the other early attendees getting you warmed up and in the networking mode.

When the event begins, I advice people to “act like a butterfly”. When you meet friends at events, it is not the appropriate time to involve yourself in prolonged discussions that go into the intimate details of their lives. Invest time in the people you don’t already know at these events. I believe networking events are primarily to meet new people. Although I love the social aspect of seeing old friends and catching up, the purpose of networking events is to make new contacts.

I like to approach people first who are standing alone because that usually means that they do not know what to do next. Since networking is extremely easy and comfortable to me, I will go over to them, try to make them feel comfortable and escort them over to groups that I feel they can enter and be a part of.

Networking and building relationships takes time. Relationship building starts the moment you see a target – even before you say a word or say hello. When you approach targets, your primary purpose is to make contacts with the best people that can bloom into strong relationships, not sell your product or service. Make a strong initial impression.

Things to remember when you are ready to start networking:

Be direct and honest.
Explain precisely what you need.
State how your contact can help.
Inquire if your contact knows other who might help.
Point out what you have to offer.
If your contact gives you a lead, request permission to use his or her name.
Ask how you can repay or help your contact.
Express your gratitude!

Here is a two minuite you tube video that gives a good introduction into social networking...

Is your fitness regime flagging?

Recent research has found that people expect their January health kicks to last, on average, 78 days after the start of the new year, which makes today the day when most people will hang up their running shoes for another 12 months. If your fitness regime is flagging, put a spring in your step and get out walking, or even running - the easiest and cheapest form of exercise. Don't let marathon runners hog the limelight, as various charity races kick off across the country, we show you how to put your best foot forward and get on a winning route to health.

You know how it is with a love affair - that initial, heady rush of enthusiasm, then it all gets a bit more routine and sometimes it tails off to become a distant memory...

It's not just the ups and downs of love we're talking about - that may also describe your relationship with exercise.

Well, guess what? You're not alone! Rather like any partnership - whether man and woman or your body and fitness - it's essential to put in effort and add interest to keep motivation and enthusiasm alive. But for many of us this appears to be easier said than done; new research has shown that today is the day when the majority of us give up on our new year fitness regime.

So if your exercise programme is dying a death, it could be time to try running. It's one of the easiest and cheapest forms of exercise which doesn't require expensive gym membership or any flashy kit.

Also, there are plenty of nationwide charity events that you could take part in over the next few months to give yourself a goal, even if, as a beginner, you just talk-the-walk and don't get much above snail's pace.

While the gruelling 26.2-mile London marathon on April 13 is watched by millions and inspires many, one international marathon runner, Marielle Renssen says: "For some watching lengthy, punishing marathons is a real off-put and they immediately dismiss running and think 'I could never do that'.

"Well, you don't have to! The beauty of running is you can enjoy it and get fit by doing as little as a half-hour run three times a week."

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And she boots into touch the assumption that all runners start out lean and mean. "Many runners start out as non-exercising, overweight, stressed out smokers - self conscious and with low confidence.

"But by setting themselves small goals and keeping going they can be winners in their own terms, not just in terms of fitness but with raised confidence and self esteem."

Marielle, whose new book is the Complete Running Manual says: "Running - a cardiovascular exercise - makes the body produce its own endorphins - feel good chemicals which dull pain and put you on a 'high' for several hours afterwards.

"Afterwards, you'll have a floating feeling of contentment and stress will have vanished."

Ex-Eternal singer, Kelle Bryan, 32, experienced those benefits first-hand, and is now lined up to run the London Marathon supporting Cancer Research UK.

Now a TV presenter and actress, Kelle was diagnosed eight years ago with the life-threatening auto-immune disease lupus, but is now in remission.

She began running last year and says: "At one time doctors told me I'd be confined to a wheel-chair for life. Now I never take my health for granted and I appreciate every day that I'm able to get out and train and enjoy myself. Running is a great buzz and gives me energy."

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Marielle urges those who are currently trying to maintain regular running: "Keep going and persist through the tough days - when you feel like giving up - and you'll get hooked.

"Keep the love affair with running glowing by making sure it stays fun and stimulating - changing routes or maybe running with a partner. Don't let it become a drudge."

So don't let those marathon runners hog the limelight, put your best foot forward and use top tips from Marielle and Kelle.

HOW DO I GET STARTED?
First have a thorough health check with a GP to ensure that there are no health issues you're unaware of. Tests should include blood pressure and a blood test.

Start walking for an amount of time that feels comfortable - anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes. Once you can walk for 30 minutes easily, sprinkle one-to-two-minute running intervals into your walking. As time goes on, make the running intervals longer, until you are running for 30 minutes straight. Stretch before and after a run.

Kelle advises: "Don't be too ambitious initially, otherwise you may get off-putting aches and pains. It's better to build slowly and gradually, and enjoy your achievements no matter how small. They'll gradually build and you can amaze yourself."

WHERE DO I RUN?
Marielle says: "When you start out try to avoid running on concrete pavements and tarmac roads. Those will impact more on vulnerable, untrained muscles and bones. Be wary of cambered edges of roads as these will create an imbalance to one side of your body, and can lead to muscle injury."

Hot to get Hollywood fit

Choose safe well-lit routes in parks, around school or cycle tracks and keep them varied to avoid boredom.

Find out if there's a group to run with in your area (this is excellent for motivation and for safety reasons) Never run alone in the dark or at night.

BREATHING TECHNIQUES
Learn to breathe properly. Breathe deeply into your diaphragm from the base of your lungs rather than from your upper chest, which results in shallow breathing. If you open up your chest you draw more oxygen into your lungs.

Running causes you to breathe harder than usual, so some amount of huffing and puffing is normal. Most of that out-of-breath feeling diminishes as you become fitter.

If you have to, slow down or take walking breaks. If breathlessness persists, ask your doctor about the possibility that you may have asthma.

Marielle says: "Try the Talk-Test. Test your running pace by having a conversation with your running partner (or yourself if you run alone). If you're too breathless to do so, you're going too fast."

WHEN YOU WANT TO GIVE UP
Marielle says: "Find an inspiring partner. The pressure of knowing someone is waiting for you is a great kick starter, and you can encourage each other.

"Force yourself out of bed by promising you'll give yourself 10 to 15 minutes at least - most times you'll keep going for longer."

Give yourself a mental image of a treat to lure you to the end of a run, maybe a "sinful downfall like chocolate, a glass of wine..."

Get in shape with Tesco Diets

Kelle says: "Setting yourself a goal is key. At first I aimed to get to a size eight - my natural body size - which I achieved because running speeds up your metabolism and helps burns off body fat. It meant I didn't have to deny myself anything or go on a boring diet!"

Also, she advises: "Run to the beat of an iPod or tune into a radio."

Make a note of the mileage you cover, the weight you lose and your speed and look at those when you're feeling less motivated.

WHAT ABOUT THE PAIN?
Some discomfort is normal as you add distance and intensity to your training. But real pain isn't normal. If something feels so bad that you have to run with a limp or otherwise alter your stride, you're probably injured.

Stop running immediately, and take a few days off. If you're not sure, try walking for a minute or two to see if the discomfort disappears. If it doesn't consult your GP.

Kelle says: "Listen to your body - if it's telling you to slow down, pay attention, it's letting you know your limitations. And never ignore an injury."

WHAT ABOUT KIT?
Marielle says: "You must have a good pair of running shoes. Unlike all-round trainers, running shoes are designed to allow your foot to strike the ground properly, reducing the amount of shock that travels up your leg. They're also made to fit your foot snugly, to reduce the slipping and sliding that can lead to blisters."

Strike a pose: how to run perfectly

Kelle says: "At first I ran in poorly fitting trainers and paid the price by hurting myself. Always go to a specialist shop and take time to find the right pair."

INDOORS OR OUTDOORS?
A treadmill 'pulls' the ground underneath your feet, and you don't meet any wind resistance, which makes running somewhat easier. Many treadmills are padded, making them a good option if you're carrying a few extra pounds or are injury-prone and want to decrease impact.

To better mimic the effort of outdoor running, you can always set your treadmill at a 1% incline.

Wellbeing and Lifestyle

Every now and then I will bring to you articles, podcasts and you tube videos I find around on the internet, or published in magazines that I believe has some impact on wellbeing as well as lifestyle. Some will be humourous but ultimately there will be a message to take away from it. For the time being, here are a couple of you tube videos for motivation...