The Liquid List - 'friendly forces' networking

[The 'Liquid List' military network meets on the first Thursday of every
month at the National Liberal Club, 1 Whitehall Place SW1 from 1830 hours.]

Wouldn't it be great if there was a dedicated networking group for anyone who had served Queen and Country?  Where anyone from either Service; regardless of rank and experience; regular, reserve or veteran, could get insight into a wide range of commercial and 3rd sector roles.  All this and the opportunity to talk discretely with representatives from small, medium and large businesses who actively seek to support and recruit those who have served in the Armed Forces......for free!

I first heard about the Liquid List a few years ago and decided to go 'fact finding' well in advance of leaving the Army.  The lesson I took away from my first event was that I really needed to improve my networking skills; as although I wasn't actively looking for a job at that stage I hadn't come away with any new information or contacts that would eventually help me move towards one.  I didn't even have my own business / contact card!

This time last year I started attending the Liquid List regularly.  First as a 'mission rehearsal' and more recently to grow my network and then help others in a similar position.  Over the past year I've developed a better understanding of business; been invited to external events and insight days; had a number of well focussed commercial and 3rd sector discussions - all with people from companies that want to help.  In particular, it's really helped me refine what I want (and don't want) to do next.

Mike Nicholson who runs the Liquid List (London) equates it to 'speed dating'.  The evenings start with employers pitching from one side of the room to job seekers on the other.  After the formalities, free-flow networking starts and over a cold beer I've met ex soldiers, sailors and airmen plus the occasional very senior office who are all doing well outside of the Forces.  On the 'job seeker' side of the room it's sometimes a different story though.  Some I've spoken to have left their networking a little late for a 'mission rehearsal' or have half-expected to be offered a job that evening.  Only practice makes perfect.

Enough of my experience.  Either come to the Liquid List yourself and/or remember the following:

1.  The Liquid List is for all ranks, all Services, regular, reserve and veterans.....and it's free!

2.  Treat your resettlement like a mission.  Proper preparation and planning prevents.....you know the rest.

3.  Reach out for advice and support from those who have gone before you....and learn from their mistakes.

Finally I'd like to thank Mike Nicholson for making the Liquid List in London the success that it is.  The more people who attend....the more successful it will be.  More information at www.thelistuk.com.