As business exhibitions go, they don’t really come much bigger in South Wales than the INTROBIZ EXPO and it’s back this year, for the ninth consecutive event over two floors at Cardiff City Stadium. We’re sure they have big things lined up this year, in fact we know they do. Before that, if you’ve never been to one of their events I think a look back to last year should whet your appetite.

As you can see, business is very much at the heart of what they do. And with Jonathan Davies on board, preparations for this year’s EXPO are off to a flying start. The event is also about relaxing with colleagues, old and new and sharing the experiences that so many of us have within our business life.

In fact, we did some homework and it appears that getting together in this way, networking with like minded business people, is actually most beneficial. It’s something that can help you reach more clients, gain more knowledge, and eventually achieve business growth and increase the profits.

Here’s the SOUTH WALES LIFE six-point guide as to why you need to start business networking……………………..

Friendship

We said this earlier and actually think it belongs right at the top of our list. Making friends who are going though, or have shared business experiences is the best common bond. With networking, it’s easy for you to end up making great friends since you both think alike. And friends can become a strong building stone for your life, ideas, and even business.

A Folder Full of Referrals

Just imagine how many people you will meet at events like the INTROBIZ EXPO. How many business cards you’ll exchange during the course of a day. This is a huge benefit for any business, either established or staring up. The best thing about network referrals is that you get what’s right for you.

Confidence

With each handshake and each meet, your confidence grows. As yo talk about your business and listen to others tell you about theirs, you begin to realise that maybe you are ‘getting it right.’ You push yourself to talk to different people and this, of course, is a massive confidence boost.

Opportunities

This is linked to the referrals. At a networking or business exhibition you meet so many people you may not have had the chance to chat to. Giving and receiving your card is one thing, what you have to do is turn that introduction into a real business opportunity. Opportunities means an asset or business sale, partnership, client leads, joint ventures and many more. And let’s be honest, aren’t the opportunities really why you decided to network with people?

Making a Connection

In business, as in life, it’s all about WHO you know and not about WHAT you know. To help your business thrive, you need to have enough reliable connections to cancel out the negative ones.

Standing Out – Raising your profile

Networking is all about getting noticed and being visible. Whether it’s a social or business events you need your, and ultimately your business, to become well-known. You can really build yourself a reputation for yourself as a reliable, knowledgeable person to those who need it. Earn that respect, and the referrals will come flying though the door.

So let’s come on to the INTROBIZ EXPO and Business Breakfast. Last year’s networking breakfast featured Welsh Rugby Legend Shane Williams. This year they have another Welsh rugby legend in the shape of Jonathan Davies OBE will be the event’s keynote speaker this year. In fact, they’ll have 6 world class sporting legends and business entrepreneurs speaking at this years Cardiff Expo, and Jonathan is named as the first.

The event will consist of a Q&A and networking, alongside a sit down breakfast and some refreshments.

Agenda

• 7:30am-8:15am: Enjoy a delicious cooked breakfast as you network with exhibitors, speakers, sponsors and guests
• 8:15am-8:30am: A warm welcome from Introbiz
• 8:30am-8:45am: An opportunity for the event sponsor to speak
• 8:45am-9:30am: A live Q&A with event compere Sean Holley and Welsh rugby legend, Jonathan “Jiffy” Davies
• 9:30am-10:00am: Opportunity for more networking
• 10:00am: Expo is open to the general public

Here’s a look at some pictures from last year’s event…..

There’ll be lots of new faces and businesses at this years event. We think it’s important to go into one of these events knowing who is there so you can be specific as to who you’d like to meet, relevant to your business. These are the new arrivals for next year.

• Lexus Cars Cardiff
• Holm House
• Small Business Commissioner 
• Comcen
• Go Ape
• Solutions in Technology
• Future Inn
• Traveleads
• Marriott St Pierre
• Gravit-E

The INTROBIZ EXPO is on Thursday, 12th June 2021 on 2 floors of Cardiff City Stadium. There’s a whole range of packages available for visitors and potential exhibitors. As usual, there are free tickets too. If you’d like to get yours, and find out more, go here. EXPO And to book yourself into the Business Breakfast at £23.95, go here. BREAKFAST

And just a heads-up on another couple of events events. Introbiz are returning to the Dragons for another business exhibition for the second year running.

Filled with over 50 exhibitors from a wide range of industries, keynote speakers and hundreds of businesses expected to visit, this is an incredible opportunity to showcase your business to a wider audience across South East Wales. If you’re an entrepreneur, aspiring business owner, consultant, coach, marketing professional, author or more, then this is a must attend event for you.

The Dragons event is on Thursday 29th April 2021 from 10am to 4pm. It’ll be held at Dragons Rugby on Rodney Parade in Newport To register, go here. DRAGONS