Extreme Networking – feel the fear and have the fun

Extreme Networking – feel the fear and have the fun

Whizzing between trees 20 metres above ground or teetering across a bridge of moving logs is a fun way to network found a group of Porirua businesses. On Wednesday 2 November, Porirua Chamber of Commerce members felt the fear and enjoyed themselves as they tackled the high wires of Adrenalin Forest in Porirua. No one swapped business cards as people inched around narrow platforms in the trees, but there was plenty of encouragement, laughs and the occasional squeak. The less extreme networking happened afterwards over drinks and nibbles at Monteith’s in Mana, where everyone buzzed with the experience.

This is the second group Holly Thompson, Executive Director Porirua Chamber of Commerce, has taken through, as the first event in March was such a success. Holly said the activity is much more fun than networking in a conference room.
“Doing this people get to know each other really well and afterwards they can all just relax together, as they’ve all had the same experience,” Holly said.

Most of the businesses are small and miss out on group trips and events that require a minimum of ten or twenty.
“This is like team building for them when you don’t have a team. We are going to do more of them.”

Adrenalin Forest, running out of a container type office among the trees, is an exemplary business. The company has just won runner up in the Chamber’s Trades Services category, winner in the Retail category and Supreme Winner of the Business Awards.
“It’s a very well run business. They’ve got everything they need and nothing they don’t,” Holly says.
The Supreme Award simply hangs from a coat hook on the office wall.

There are six levels on the course and prices range from $15.00 for a small child through to $38.00 for an adult. Businesses also give gift vouchers to their staff to take families when on a break.

Comments from the trees

Nigel – Vodafone
“I thought it was great – a lovely afternoon of climbing around on wires and being scared to death. I went to level two – wahoo! The main thing is I met some really cool people.

Graham – Disaster Prepare
“I thoroughly enjoyed myself, I was a bit nervous though because I’m not good with heights – but hey, just start doing it with a good group of people. Everyone encourages everyone else – you can do it!
Eight months into a new business he says he has met some of his key clients through the Chamber.

Hamish - Accountant
“It was relatively scary especially at the top on Level 6 where you don’t have a lot to hang on to and you’re flying and trying not to hit into anything - and the trees are swaying more in the wind. It’s really good fun, and good to have beer now and talk about we went through.”
Hamish recently returned to Porirua (born and bred here) and started up his accountancy business after teaching English in France so, “It’s all very new and exciting.”

Cam – Classic Embroidery Products
“I thought it was brilliant. They were very clear and helpful right the way through. There were challenges, and you could do it at your own pace, I definitely want to go back and bring other people as well. It’s great for confidence building.”

© by Helen Frances

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