Diana Bird
Diana Bird launched Wedge Card, a loyalty card for local independent shops in December 2006. You buy Wedge Card for £20, get discounts and special offers at hundreds of local shops and between £5-10 goes to a local charity of you choice. Recognising that local shops are the key to a thriving community Diana and her father John Bird created this simple tool that aims to empower people and create loyalty to your community high street.What makes your network different or special?
I always gravitate towards passionate people - it doesn't matter what they do. If you surround yourself with passionate people your project will become more fulfilling and move forward naturally and easily. If you love what you do networking should always be great fun and never a chore.
What is the best connection you have made or received?
Anyone who spurs me to make my business better, and every day I meet someone who keeps me motivated.
What are your top tips for hosting a great networking event?
Firstly make people feel relaxed. Regardless of how many events you go to it can be daunting walking into a room of people you don't know. The host must take charge and help connect you. Also injecting some fun into the occasion will help people relax. And reminding people that they're all here to meet people so there is nothing wrong with just going up to someone and saying Hi.
What are your best networking links / resources?
I've found the most interesting people in the strangest of places so my mantra is - keep yourself open. When you want to meet people you will. I look out for events that I am interested in - I've been to too many events 'just because I should' to realise you must pick wisely and leave plenty of time to have a life outside work.