Last week I attended the Network of Networks Christmas Party at B.Hive near Covent Garden.  Following our long evening the night before at the NatWest everywoman Awards, I must say I was tired. The name in itself seemed daunting. How was I possibly going to strike up conversation after the busy day and evening I had prior. I must admit, I am a somewhat newbie at networking. I have just started my marketing career and, although I can talk to pretty much anyone or anything, only have had the chance to network on a professional level at our everywoman events. I went along with my colleague Donna, who on the way to the event explained exactly what B.Hive was. 

B.Hive is a women's network co-founded by the PR Guru Lynne Franks and Regus. What makes B.Hive different from other women's networks is their unique office space women can use from all over the country and of course their networking events. As Donna explained this to me I envisioned  the office to be a stereotypical office space. I couldn't have been more wrong. B.Hive gives women the chance to have a working environment that is a completely relaxed and warming sanctuary. With inspiring quotes adorning the walls, different rooms to base yourself - B.Hive allows women from any background to be comfortable in their surroundings, and mingle with other like-minded women. 

Fortunately, due to the fact the venue was so warming, so were the attendees, which made my tired, reluctant body grow fond of the networking event immediately.  I met a huge variety of women, who I will definitely stay in contact with. B.Hive made the daunting side of networking, a lot less daunting.  Lynne Franks and Vanessa Vallely - founder of WeAreTheCity, really did make everyone in the room feel welcomed immediately. And to perk me up just a little bit more - some excellent canapes were being passed around.

The keynote speaker was T. Sandeman-Charles, who sadly had been diagnosed with two incurable lung diseases. Her main mission was to sign 10,000 people up to be organ donors with her organisation Save5. She was incredibly inspiring and her story was riveting. After the event, I saw she managed to sign up 43 women as organ donors - something that is so easy to do, and often overlooked. Her story moved everyone in the room.

What a great ice-breaker this event was. The beautiful surroundings made it so easy to feel comfortable. The women were all there for one reason and one reason only, to network - but when it is done in such a lovely venue - it doesn't seem so daunting. Even when running on five hours sleep!