Thinking about Networks

I attend 2 or 3 Breakfast meetings a week, many of them draw 30 plus business people. I also attend one Evening networking event and an occasionally a Lunch gathering.

I notice a difference between those before and after work to those at lunchtime.

At lunchtime you have more employed people from larger companies on an average. They are often better prepared. Is this because they have time to plan and print updated leaflets. If people have a shop or reception to man then the working day may not an option.

Do you share this view? If you go to these events do you think 'forced' referral are of a good standard?

I am surprised how few people I see from Local Authorities and 'Not for Profit' Business Support Organisations. Norwich has an excellent Business Library at The Forum but do people know about it? Occasionally an organisation will turn up at a networking event, however, they do not come monthly to build their relationships. Business knows one visit is not enough. I wonder if Local Authorities who spend £1,000s sending out questionnaires and carrying out research ever think that they would have a better understand if they spoke to the public? If they do speak to the public it is often at event they organise which are not a true cross section.

I wonder if an employee asked the council for £250 a year to join networking group what the reaction would be, although it might be a fraction of the cost of other means. Do Council's join Online (paid and free) networks?

Comments or details to ian.s@objectivesreached.co.uk or 01603 812296


Happy networking

Ian

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Unique £20 B2B Exhibition stands

How can a small start-up business selling to other businesses afford £250 to £400 one stand?

And

Why should Business Support Organisations make money out of helping their paid up Members promote their business?

I have an idea, with sponsors we should be able to offer 1M stands to a small business from £20. Simple and fair so sound good to me read below and let me have your thoughts.

You pay £10 for each year you have been trading and £10 for each employee you have. See the examples below. The maximum you pay for the number of years in business is £50 and the same amount for the number of staff, therefore the maximum cost is £100.

Trading less than 2 years £20 and working on your own Total due £30

Two people in partnership £20 and trading 3 years £30 Total due £50

One person with 3 staff £40 and trading 8 years £50 Total due £90

Each 1meter stand consists of a display space of up to 1meter. Some stands are available with a display board for an extra cost of £10. Free of charge you may have use of half of a trestle table with cloth cover and chairs, or you can bring your own table. Double stands are available at double the price, but please only one company per stand.

There are a limited 2M stands for larger businesses for £250 including acknowledgment as Sponsor.

Limited 2 M stands for larger businesses £250 including acknowledgment as Sponsor.

How does that sound to you, any suggestions for improvment?

First Exhibition Tuesday 22 January 2008 The Forum, Norwich, Norfolk UK

Where should the second be held?

Comments Details ian.s@objectivesreached.co.uk or 01603 812296