Carole Stone attended all three party conferences during the Autumn. In Liverpool, she found the Liberal Democrats optimistic having achieved power; in Manchester, she observed the Labour Party occupied with the election of Ed Miliband as leader; and in Birmingham she spoke to Conservatives intent on making the coalition government work.

On 5 October, Carole spoke at the launch of C-WiSE (Conservative Women in Small Enterprises), where she stressed the importance of networking in building a successful business:

  • ‘To build a successful business enterprise, networking is not an optional extra; it’s an essential you must make time for. Online social media offers great opportunities but you cannot run a business without face-to-face contact – in order to make judgements about each other and to close a deal.
  • A good idea is to have somewhere to invite people you meet and would like to see again. Why not try a salon – a grand name for a simple idea. Hold one every week or every month for the next four weeks or months. Invite colleagues and people you hope to do business with to join you and suggest they bring along colleague.
  • As with politics, business reputations are built by word of mouth. Nurture your contacts, remember that birthday or other special occasion, and be generous with sharing information. And above all deliver on your promises – to send that email or to make that introduction you offered.
  • At the end of every day update your database with the people you have met and where you met them.
  • Good networking is Making the Most of the People you Meet to Mutual Advantage.
  • Running a small enterprise is hard work and it can be lonely – but it can also be great fun.’