Last month I went to my first SABA (Serviced Apartments Bookers Association) networking event away from the comforts of the SilverDoor office, representing the Partner Relations team. This was a great opportunity for me to meet many of our property providers that I’ve regularly spoken to on the phone, within a social environment. Getting to know them, exchanging contact details and improving on business relationships were just a few of the things I wanted to get out of the evening; not to mention overcoming the nerves of my first networking event.
The event was held at Cheval Three Quays, a brand new luxury riverside development near Tower Hill tube station. Upon arrival we were given a choice of wine or beer to drink and taken straight up to the penthouse apartment, which had breath-taking views over the River Thames. We were then taken on a tour and shown three different apartments: 2 different two bedroom apartments and an amazing penthouse apartment with 2 living areas, 2 kitchens and a huge terrace. Some of the apartments also had incredible views of City Hall, Tower Bridge and HMS Belfast. This must be how the other half live!
After the tour and a brief speech from Director George Westwell, announcing Cheval’s willingness to make the booking of their luxury apartments easier with more flexibility, we were then free to enjoy the rest of the evening mingling and eating the delicious canapés. So how did I adapt my approach and settle my nerves? I started chatting with someone who I’d already spoken to before, introduced myself in to the conversation and then took it from there (I think the wine may have helped too). Attending events like these aren’t as easy as people think. They can be daunting, especially when you walk into a room with over 100 people you don’t know. Once your initial reservations have passed, it can be a very fruitful experience. I thoroughly enjoyed the evening and look forward to the next one. Hopefully with a little less nerves!
- By Kat Offord
