Jenny Hardman from Fylde based Hardman McNeal was recently invited by Facebook on an all expenses paid trip to their first ‘Gather’ event in Brussels, bringing together 250 European SME business owners to hear leading insights, network and share best practices. It was hosted by Sheryl Sandberg, Facebook’s Chief Operating Officer and Mark Zuckerberg’s number two.
To be selected, Jenny had a telephone interview with a Facebook team member, who wanted to learn more about the fast expanding Lancashire Business Owners Network, which is a free Facebook group for all small business owners within the Lancashire area, run by Jenny Hardman and Cate McNeal, Hardman McNeal.
The group is gaining traction due to their no advertising rules and the level of help and support, which in turn gains massive engagement from all of those involved. Facebook wanted to learn more about how the group operates and understand the work Hardman McNeal is delivering to the business owners and how they can further develop the group’s facility on their platform.
Jenny observed: “I simply could not miss this event, what an opportunity to learn more about the developments that Facebook had to share with us. I attended panel discussions, workshops and masterclasses over the two-day event.
“Facebook also revealed more about a new training platform they have released – Facebook Blueprint – which is free to access and has bite sized eLearning courses, which help you to learn the skills as you move your business forward.”
At the event, Sheryl Sandberg delivered an inspiring keynote speech and various other speakers, including leading businesses on Facebook and Instagram, offered insights into how they have grown their successful businesses.
