Published: March 16, 2020 | Updated: 16th March 2020
A brilliant initiative which combines a free informal meet-up with a stroll by the sea has entered its fourth year with the founder penning a poem to mark the anniversary.
Dominic Wong, pictured left, launched Bournemouth Beach Walk and Talk in March 2017.
The self-employed marketing consultant had moved from London to Bournemouth, via Abu Dhabi, with his wife, Erin Thomas Wong, Founder of The Mumpreneur Collective.
The Walk and Talk takes place every other Friday and has built up a loyal following including local entrepreneurs, small business owners and people working from home.
The next is on Friday March 24.
Anyone interested can just turn up at 9.30am outside Urban Reef.
There’s no need to book and it is completely free. Children and pets are also welcome.
Full details can be found on the Facebook group page which also has details of forthcoming dates.
Dominic previously worked as Marketing and Communications Director for Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood and also Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter.
He now acts as a strategic marketing consultant for the leisure, travel and tourism industry with clients in London and on the south coast.
Dominic said: “We get such a wide variety of people, backgrounds and skills to the Walk and Talk that come along for so many different reasons.
“It’s a great way for people to get out from behind the desk into the fresh air and blue skies to discuss their challenges, find ideas and drive them forward with peer-to-peer mentors.
“It’s not a sales or network marketing group. In fact we encourage people to look beyond the shop front of their business to delve into the cogs and workings that go into running a business.
“In small groups, as you walk along the promenade, you’ll talk and discuss your sticking points with each other, helping one another out and suggesting ideas from your experience.
“You could review the previous week or set yourself challenges for the week ahead.
“Collaboratively, we aim to drive small businesses forward, get into nature and make friends along the way.”
And Dominic’s poem?
Would you be surprised if told
The Walk & Talk is 3 years old?
So I chose to write a speech
‘bout our fab group on the beach.
+++
It started when I moved to the sea
From London via the UAE.
I set up a business on my own
With just a laptop and a phone.
+++
The stresses and strains soon became a prob
But was determined to not get A Job.
I needed help & more support
But not just the ‘business’ kind of sort.
+++
I had a feeling, had a hunch
That out there was a supportive bunch
To help me and others through
When we are feeling really blue.
+++
A range of folk would appear
And it soon became really clear
That we all chose to be by the sea
In order to live a life more free.
+++
From those who are starting new
Who left safe jobs without a clue,
Or came to the coast to leave their ex
Without knowing what they would do next.
+++
From those wanting a new direction
But have a deep fear of rejection.
To get their ideas explored
With a trusted sounding board.
+++
From those who want to grow
But don’t know which way to go
They enquire with a plea:
“What should my next step be?”
+++
‘Cos business is not solely about
Getting your product or service out,
Or trying to get folk to buy
To make the profit reach the sky.
+++
But overcoming the challenges we face
That lurk in a dark, internal place.
The demons of failure and self-doubt
That make us holler, scream and shout.
+++
A friendly face can get you past,
An issue that seems just too vast.
You’ll meet a load of fantastic folk
Learn their journeys and share a joke.
+++
We start 9.30 at Urban Reef
(there follows a very short brief).
Oh, Kids and dogs are welcome to join.
And it doesn’t cost a single coin.
+++
So come along and give it a go,
You’ve nothing to lose but a chance to grow.
3 years have gone by but we want to go more.
So come on guys, let’s make it to four!
DOMINIC WONG