Today I have resigned as chairman of my breakfast group. It was with some reluctance and sadness, as I have enjoyed the position, but I felt it was time for fresh blood! There was also a feeling of relief as if a weight has been lifted off my shoulders.
It’s an empowering experience being responsible for the smooth running of an organisation. I particularly enjoyed hosting the three Open Meetings which occurred whilst I was chair. As a group we got a lot of positive feedback from each event. My biggest compliment was from a serial networker who praised me for running the meeting efficiently and to a tight schedule. In fact he said it was the first meeting he had been to where all the participants kept to the allotted time!
It was difficult and frustrating at times, chairing through the recession as inevitably we lost members, however, we did recruit some new members as well.
I wish good luck to our new chair Robin Phelps, who I am sure will take the group forward with his vast business experience and wonderful sense of humour! Finally I would like to thank all the members for their help and assistance over the last 15 months.
ONLINE NETWORKING PRESENTATION
Ed is a fan of Social Media. He advises on how this channel can be used in modern marketing and as a vehicle for customer service.
You can find him Tweeting on Twitter, chatting on Facebook or networking on LinkedIN. As a speaker, he talks about what is happening on the web and how it effects you, your business and your family. Fast moving, jargon free, and highly entertaining.
Presented by Ed Stivala, N3W Media.
Facebook the facts, you’d have to be a real Twitter not to be LinkedIN
WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR YOUR BUSINESS?
The event is being held at David Lloyd Leisure, Milton Keynes Please email me for more details melvyn@ag-gifts.co.uk
Recently we were asked by one of our customer’s if we would consider a joint venture. Peter Moorhead is a personal trainer and keep fit guru, who organises individual, group and corporate sessions to suit all levels of fitness. His latest venture is netwalking, which is exactly as it says on the tin, walking and networking!
At 12.30pm, once a week we assemble at a suitable location, which may be a pub, hotel or restaurant. Refreshments will available on arrival – tea, coffee, juice or water and a snack or meal on our return. The walk will be 40 minutes long, plenty of time to chat and network, whilst enjoying the fresh air and exercise!
If you are interested please contact us on 01908 675977 or visit Peter’s website for more information at www.celebratehf.co.uk
Come on you know it makes sense!
Everyone is feeling the pinch right now. We have found that by staying positive and proactive, we are still attracting enquiries and orders. Are we just lucky, I don’t think so.
How you feel and behave is often projected when you speak or in your body language. In other words, if you sound upbeat and happy you are much more likely to attract and encourage business!
Also explore all the alternatives to develop your business. We recently entered into a strategic alliance with a health and fitness company which has benefits for both of us. All this is costing is our time, yet we are raising our profile and meeting many new contacts.
On a cold winter’s morning when all you want to do is turn over and go back to sleep, why bother! I attend two breakfast meetings most weeks, sometimes I do wonder why… until I get there!
Every time it’s worth it, not because of the referrals I may get, but because it’s stimulating, entertaining and often good fun. It never ceases to amaze me how alive and switched on people can be that early. The meeting of like minds, discussing problems or success stories, football results and of course potential business opportunities, it’s all there.
Then there is the new contacts you meet, often they become friends, customers or suppliers; the guest speakers and the knowledge they have to impart; the members’ 10 minute presentations, often we learn so much more about their business; the camaraderie and support, free advise…
Who I am trying to convince, of course it’s worth bothering!
