I was recently at the Business Growth Hub Festival of Enterprise in Manchester at the Royal Exchange Theatre. An amazing opportunity to connect with people from other businesses and catch up with some of the uber networkers I know for the Manchester scene.

One of my favourite aspects of the event was 'Speakers Corner' where anyone could get up and deliver a 60-second pitch. A queue quickly formed for this, and you could see the anticipation in the eyes of those in the queue.

Some were jumping at the chance to be heard, while others were steering well clear. There were some great pitches and some not-so-great, but all the better for those who did it. For me, a networking opportunity to address a room of a couple of hundred people shouldn't be missed.

Delivering a 60-second pitch shouldn't be a chore or something to be fearful about. At this event it was a quick way for many people who understand what you do. A fast way to generate interest and make it easier to start conversations.

Many kinds to the Business Growth Hub in Manchester for putting this event on.

John Cooper is a comedian and presenting skills trainer based in Manchester

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