A networking firm in Sunderland is using the bingo concept to aid business people to build relationships.
Marc Gordon, who runs the company Network North with his brother, was inspired to create Networking Bingo after a seeing a life coach. "She had a grid with different things on it. I thought I can put a networking spin on it. It gets people talking. It's about meeting people and talking to them". He added "it works well - people always like it. We have done it about four times this year and it's always a winner".

It is suggested the new bingo concept works when there at least 20 people. Particpants have a bingo sheet containing 25 boxes with questions that have to be ticked off. When the question is matched to the individual that it relates to, that player collects a business card from that person. The winner is the first person to get two lines, which means they must have spoken to at least 10 people.

Networking Bingo will be part among other tips on marketing at an all-day event organised by the company at Falcons' ground in Kingston Park on 8th June. It is expected the event which includes both seminars and workshops will attract around 400 delegates.

You cannot just open the doors these days and hope everything will be ok. Times for businesses are difficult at the moment. "In times of recession the best way to drum up new business is to get out there and meet people face-to-face". Mr Gordon commented.