Bowls Business Networking

Sometimes someone comes up with an idea that seems so left-field, but it’s so well thought out, it just works – and bowls business networking is just that.

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Craig Saxton and Kelly Ann Grimes enjoying some light-hearted competitiveness at Bowls Business Networking Leamington.

Who came up with Bowls Business Networking?

Dreamed up by the brilliant and twinkly Gregg Woodall, it’s a fun way to get out of the office, and connect with other business people.

The reason it works is that it’s very natural. You end up chatting with the people you’re bowling with in a very genuine way, and you’re having such fun it’s easy to bond.

Gregg Woodall at Bowls Networking Leamington by Charlie Budd The Tall Photographer
The twinkly Gregg Woodall organising who’s playing with whom and at what end (as it were)
Nattering at Bowls Networking Leamington by Charlie Budd The Tall Photographer
Nattering is natural when you’re ambling down to check whose ball is closest to the jack. Ginny Burns and Alan Heap.

Isn’t Bowls for Pensioners?

Now, before you say ‘but Bowls is for fuddy-duddies in white trousers’, think again. (I’ve nothing against fuddy-duddies, each to their own.)

Gregg, together with his wife Debs and casual bowl afficionados Ginny and Denis, don’t do fuddy-duddy, they like a relaxed, friendly, fun-competitive atmosphere.

Nobody wears white trousers, although you can if you like. I wear jeans, and you could play in a ballgown if that was your fancy.

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Wear what you like while you natter, suit or t-shirt and jeans, whatever you’re comfortable with. Craig Saxton, was off to a meeting straight after bowls, so was attired for that. And Kelly Ann Grimes is on brand with her pink polo shirt, and Denis Ward was in polo shirt, jumper and jeans.

The reason it works, is that you bowl in small groups, and you end up talking to one or two people while someone else bowls. Then Gregg changes things around so you end up talking with most people.

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We all bowl in small groups, and change over a couple of times, so you get to talk to pretty much everyone in a very relaxed way. In this shot, from the left – Kelly Ann Grimes and Craig Saxton, Alan Heap, Debbie Woodall, Georgina Mellor, Ginny Burns, Gregg Woodall. 

‘But I Thought you only did Networking Events with Cake or Doughnuts, Charlie?’

Oh yes.

 

At the end of the bowling, we all slope off to an adjoining cafe for refreshing beverages and moreish cake.

People enjoying Coffee and cake after Bowls Networking Leamington by Charlie Budd The Tall Photographer
Coffee and cake is essential afterwards, if you have time.
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When it comes to coffee and cake, I make time! And this is when the odd business card gets swapped, but it’s still very relaxed.

During the clement seasons we bowl outdoors, and in the clammier months we’re going to the big indoor bowling club at Gaydon.

But does Bowls Business Networking Work?

Does it work in terms of having fun? Most definitely. You can be any age, pretty much any ability – I’m recovering from a broken back and I’ve no problem playing.

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See! (I’m so tempted to photoshop this one so it looks like Gandalf and a Palantir orb.)

Does it work in terms of business? I’m pretty sure it will. I’ve already been asked to quote for video work from one member.

And today, another member commissioned someone else for some expert advice on a complex business matter.

You never know who you’ll need, and who can recommend you, and whom you can recommend.

And like all things, relationships grow with time, and trying new things, meeting new people is a great way to get yourself and your business out there.

To contact Gregg and find out more about Business Bowls in Leamington, go to Bowls Biz Net.

And if you’d like me to photograph or video your event, drop me a line on my contact page.

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You meet all sorts of people at Bowls Business Networking in Leamington
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Denis Ward is rather good!
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Alan Heap in action.
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Ginny Burns with her magic Michael Jackson glove. I’m sure it gives her luck, because she often wins.
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Just look at that action from Kelly Ann Grimes!
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I’m sure Georgina Mellor must do speed skating.

For another blog about business networking, maybe have a taste of my Business Biscotti article.

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