For all the nine-to-fivers (and beyond) out there, the four day Easter break is a welcome respite from all of work’s hustle and bustle. Under previous employment, I always enjoyed the Summer holiday type feeling that we were getting off together for a shared break. Now I work for myself, the buzz isn’t quite the same, though I do still look forward to unwinding nonetheless. Here are five things I’d recommend to try and relax over the Easter holidays:

1. Escape with the family to a bolt hole, a place of tranquillity. In the likelihood that this is not a feasible option, I would assign at least one day of the weekend to spend some time unwinding with friends, family or anyone whose company we enjoy.
2. Give the computer for a rest for a day, it can be quite an addictive tool for business (and pleasure) and enjoy a bit of light reading instead.
3. Get out for a bit of exercise, even a short walk is good stress relief and important for the old ticker.
4. Arm yourself with a TV guide and embrace the onslaught of epic films in-store over the weekend.
5. Last and by no means least, treat yourself (and others if you’re feeling generous) to an Easter egg .There’s  no better time of the year to feast out on chocolate with the choice of so many sweet, tasty treats for sale.

Eibhlin Boydell

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Good business people will understand the importance of networking. Whether you’re self-employed or working in a large corporation, forming bonds with: like-minded individuals; those in your sector; potential customers or partners; getting your name out there and your face on the scene is all important.

Here are a few tips to bear in mind for your next networking event:

1. Have an Aim: when you’re going along to a convention, seminar, or networking specific event, it is useful to remember your aim. Whether it is to get new business, build alliances, or gain a reputation, remember why you’re there. Other people are often in the same boat, so overcome the awkward moments by introducing yourself to some new people. Someone recently gave me some good advice – go with the aim of helping others and that help will come back to you.
2. Summarise Succinctly what it is you do. Don’t allow someone to switch off when you’re describing your work. Let there be no room for doubt; describe in a brief and interesting way what you do for your organisation. I recently met someone who described PR as the ‘polishing’ of a reputation! Whether you like an offbeat description or a more conventional one, make sure it’s one you’re confident with and one you feel describes your work well.
3. Market Yourself Professionally: anything from how you present yourself to how your business card looks is going to form an initial impression – so do it right as first impressions last! Vitally, don’t forget the all important business card; in this digital age those little pieces of card still hold a lot of value.
4. Maintain Contact after the event. If you find a potentially useful contact who has expressed an interest in future dealings, then do so. Follow-up with an email or a phone call, not forgetting to mention what you discussed. Who knows, even if they have no immediate plans, they can have your contact details at hand for a time that they may do.

Good luck. Sometimes it can be overwhelming to push yourself out of your comfort zone but don’t forget that at networking events, others are in the same boat. Enjoy!

Eibhlin Boydell, Sound Communications 

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