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October 6, 2011

Business Network SW – monthly, lunchtime networking events in Bristol and Exeter.

“The true meaning of life is to plant trees, under whose shade you do not expect to sit*”

Business Network (SW) Ltd hosts monthly lunch time networking events in Bristol and Exeter

♦ Do you want to generate opportunities that will enhance your business?

♦ Do you want to build mutually beneficial relationships with other decision makers?

♦ Do you want your networking to relaxed and comfortable?

♦ How about business seminars that can positively impact your business?

♦ Would a huge variety of contacts be useful to your business?

♦ Do you want the opportunity to promote your business and expertise?

♦ Do you want a team of advocates and ambassadors for your business?

♦ What about generating an ROI on your networking?

The events give you the opportunity to meet people over informal drinks followed by a two course sit down lunch; a structured, relaxed environment to meet and create ties with a wide variety of decision makers from all walks of business life. You have the opportunity to develop your networking, it’s all about talking and listening to people and creating opportunities that will enhance your business.

To experience what Business Network SW can offer you and your business come along to one of the upcoming events and see for yourself what so many people are benefiting from.

“Sean runs a superb network. He is very friendly ansd warm always a big smileon his face. He especialy looks after guests and new members and ensures they benefit from the experience.   I am very grateful to Sean for all the contacts I have made and the business tips from seminars etc. Also to Sean for his charitable support.” Chris Roys – The Jessie May Trust

“If you want to learn about good networking, you would benefit from hanging out with Sean! 

I joined his network because he manages it so well, with attention in the details, his organisation is so consistent and timing great. I feel like he doesn’t just provide a network meeting, but trains people in how to network well. 

Not only that, I feel confidence in the quality of people he attracts to his network, as witnessed by great seminars. Thank you.” Cathy Towers – Exeter Mind and Body Clinic

“I highly recommend the monthly network lunches that Sean arranges in the South-West. I go to the Exeter and Taunton networking lunches and find them superbly organised, always meeting new people every month as well as further developing existing relationships. Plus there are the seminars in the morning, a great way to learn about different areas of business plus you can host your own. Several of my clients have come out of networking at these lunches and in hosting seminars. Sean himself is really friendly and easy to approach, and very helpful in helping you to promote your own business.” Chris Wood- Q Social Media

“Sean has been a supportive ‘partner’ with his vibrant and enthusiastic Business Network. We have been members of Business Network South West for 11 years in total. I have found this to be one of the very best network opportunities, not only because it’s membership is for senior decsion makers, but also because of the way Sean runs things.”  Nigel Peeck- N3 Display Graphics

“Seans networking lunches are the Best!! I have been a member of Business Network SW for 4 years now and my Colleague Ann many years before me, I have met and done business with some fantastic people to which some have become dear friends as well. Seans enthusiasm and funny quotes make for a relaxed atmosphere to which we can all feel comfortable whilst promoting our businesses. Thanks Sean love being a member!!” Mandy Blackler- Casino Select

“I have been attending the Business Network SW since it started a number of years ago, and can confidently say Sean always keeps his finger on the pulse – the Business Network SW is one of the best networking groups on the circuit, the venues are amazing and the lunches superb. There is always a warm welcome when you arrive at events and my number of clients and friends just keeps growing and growing. The seminars and 10-minute presentations are always informative and interesting – Well done Sean!” Danny Frayne – Quick Print SW

With events being held regularly in Bristol,and Exeter join us and see how you can and your business can benefit. 

Forthcoming events  - all giving you the chance to participate in events that will give you numerous opportunities.

For more details visit our website - 2013 Dates 

Conversations, connections and collaborations

Find us on Facebook and Twitter @seanhumby #BNSW

 
 

For your personal invitation then feel free to visit

*John Wesley

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May 17, 2013

The power of the invitation to generate opportunities

I had the pleasure of attending the ICAEW South West region dinner on 16th May at The Grand Hotel in Bristol following my invitation from Sam Talby of FRP Advisory.

The event attracted over 300 people from organisations including Alexander Daniels, Avon Rubber plc, BADCASS, Bishop Fleming, BPP, Bristol/Bath/Swindon Business News, Business Insider, Corrigan Associates, Deloitte, Ernst & Young, First Intuition, Geoff Gollop & Co, Grant Thornton UK LLP, Hazlewoods, ICAEW Visiting Presidents, Kaplan Financial, KPMG, Lloyds Bank, Mazars, Michael Page, Milsted Langdon LLP, Old Mill Accountants, PwC, robert Half International, RSM Tenon, Smith & Williamson, The Bristol Port Company, The Prince’s Trust, Thrings LLP, UH Bristol NHS Foundation Trust, Veale Wasbrough Vizards and Verco Global.

The event was hosted by Peaches Golding OBE – one of the South West region’s leading ethical business experts and included Mark Spofforth ICAEW President speaking, the presentation of awards and a lovely 3 course dinner.

The FRP Advisory table had a mixture of businesses – Holly French from Credit Insure, Tony Foster and Nastasha Bliss from Metcalfes Solicitors, Nicola Brastock from Thrings LLP, Peter Bailey from Bailey Associates along with Sam Talby, Gareth Morris and Susan Evans from FRP Advisory’s Bristol office.

 

The conversation included sailing on tall ships, skiing in France, the Scott Gibbs try against England, networking, the sale of assets along with dairy products, vegetarianism.  What was great was the way in which relationships were being developed – some new and many being strengthened as the conversation flowed.

 

The Guest speaker was Nick Hewer who spoke entertainingly about how he had met Lord Sugar, the various business ventures that he worked with Lord Sugar on including the highs and lows – how, with the bad news that the hard drives from an early Amstrad PC were faulty( after only 7,000 units had been sold) causing the bottom to fall out of the business quickly followed by the opportunity of manufacturing dishes for Rupert Murdoch’s Sky business.  The talk included the way in which the Apprentice came to our screens – the candidates, the filming schedule, the board room and what is happening to the Apprentice in the future…….. All in all a fantastic insight that was funny, serious and enlightening throughout.  If you get the opportunity to listen to Nick Hewer speak take it!

 

Photo’s below taken by Blackberry, by an amateur – me!

 

 

 

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May 16, 2013

Suits, The Week and questions for Richard Branson all from Bristol Business Networks May event!

At the Bristol Business Network event on 15/5/13 the quotes of the day came from The Week – their Wit and Wisdom column having this great (networking) quote from Ronald Reagan
“There is no limit to what a man can accomplish if he doesn’t mind who takes the credit! “**
Thank you to David Minns, Chris Gordon, Daniel Collings, Anna Cussen, Andy Barton, Mark Leveridge, Nick Morgan, Nigel Peeck, Ian Cadwallader, Roy Adair, Jason Monks, Martin Boulton, Natalie Fee, Peter Prater, Matt Richardson, Taiwo Orishayomi, Nim Saluja, Oliver Dymond, Mike Woodliffe, Chris Roys, Duncan Laker, Lynda Farmer, Jeremy Comley, Sam Finlay, Michael Evans, Sean Humby, Megan Humby, Fiona Hallworth, Simon Norton, Debbie Rylands, Sam Neffendorf, Sam Talby, Richard Graves, for your participation at the Bristol Business Network yesterday and creating an event with loads of energy, much conversation, opportunities being created and connections being made.
The buzz of conversation could be heard throughout the hotel which is tribute to the energy that people brought to the event.
The event began with a seminar entitled “The A-Z of networking” hosted by me – Sean Humby.  Those in attendance were the first to hear this new seminar!  The journey began between the ears!  Networking like any activity begins in the mind – by having the right mind set, adopting an abundance mentality you can achieve anything and help other do the same.
One activity that got people thinking about the importance of conversation was the questions that are asked – rather that “What is it that you do?” – a bog standard one – the group were asked what question would they ask Richard Branson if they were at a networking event- the following were the responses and the best thing about them – they could be asked to anyone and the conversation that would arise would be great – here they are……
  • What will you be doing in 10 years?
  • How would you solve the plastic in the ocean crisis – and why haven’t you done it yet?
  • What are you thinking about now?
  • If you were to lose everything today what would you do?
  • When are you going to retire?
  • Who is the person who has most inspired you?
  • What’s next for Virgin Healthcare?
  • What drives you? (And when can I get to Necker Island!)
  • Would you invest in Bristol Rovers (if not why not?!)
  • Who is the best entrepreneur?
I must thank Bob Burg for being a catalyst in this - Bob’s 10 Feel Good Questions are great for starting a conversation (obviously not all at once or interrogatively!)
The seminar continued through the alphabet – D for dale Carnegie, H for helping others, I for in person and the power of face to face, L for Lifetime value, S for storytelling, Z for your zip, zoom and zest that prevents people zzzzzzing!”
THE networking lunch that followed with networking over drinks, a sit down served 2 course lunch, a table host on each to conduct proceedings, conversations leading to connections and collaborations. The table I was sat at had Richard Graves of GWS Media as table host and along with the individual presentations there were the 30 second presentations on other businesses at the table – great for your listening skills!  Delegate details and where they were sat were provided to enable people to connect with the other businesses in the room - A Suit That Fits, Auditel, Hilton Garden Inn Bristol, Jelf Lampier, Mark Leveridge Magic, AugMentor, Space, The Jessie May Trust, Welcome Telecom Ltd, GWS Media Ltd, Morgan Business Services, Avagio IT Services, Rent2Rent, Open Network Associates Ltd, Saluja Insolvency Solutions, BizVidz, Origen Workplace Solutions, Phil Yarrow Consulting Ltd, BPI OnDemand Ltd, Clifton College, Cofely, Follett Stock LLP, FRP Advisory, Plastic Buddha Productions, Freedom Here and Now, Shopping Sherlock, N3 Display Graphics Ltd, Qtac Solutions Ltd, Nexus Open Systems,  Recognition Express.
What did I learn from those that I sat with
Matt Richardson – Recognition Express  - fun, innovative ways of promoting your business & a new catalogue is out!
David Minns – A Suit That Fits - the business was started by Warren Bennett on a gap year to Kathmandu – and Suits for Success – see below
Roy Adair – Open Network Associates - has new tool that can weld fibre cabling together increasing the integrity and getting the best test results – do you get your new cabling tested with a written report?
Jason Monks – Origen Workplace Solutions - the auto enrolment of pensions is coming soon and it will take longer that you think to implement so don’t get caught out!
Sam Neffendorf – Freedom Here and Now – a Human Potential Engineer who read the following testimonial “I run my own business and a large part of my job is making sales calls, something I previously dreaded. I was sceptical about the effectiveness of EFT, but after Sam`s workshop I noticed an incredible shift.  Any anxiety I had about the calls just melted away and this made a huge impact on my performance. Conversations seemed easier, people were more cooperative and I was able to schedule 3 appointments in the first week, compared to my average of 1 or less.”
Chris Gordon – Auditel – Forensic analysis of the cost in your business – uncovering hidden ones and recovering over paid ones!  Do you pay based on 2 decimal points or 4?
Jeremy Comley – Avagio IT – Doing the best at what matter the most – and just launched FREE onsite monitoring
Richard Graves – GWS Media – as well as having a new website they work for some very diverse clients – The Manufacturing Advisory Service and British Mensa!   They are also specialists in the application of apps that help capture the interest of your target markets. Their twelve years’ track record producing highly effective Web sites, marketing material and campaigns that are integrated into a client’s overall marketing strategy and generate sales.
A big “Thank you” to Chris Gordon for the 10 minutes. Entitled “What have cakes, cows and cast iron all got in commom” – it’s not the letter “C”.  Chris talked about the massive opportunities there are for businesses through gaining research and development tax credits ” from HMRC.  Jumpstart_Business_Network_presentation
Announcements
David Minns of A Suit That Fit’s needs your unwanted suits for the Suit for Success campaign - helping disadvantaged, unemployed young people into work.  David will be offering a £50 bespoke gift voucher in exchange for unwanted men’s and women’s suits that you bring along to the next event – 12/6/13.  David collected 6 suits at the event!
Olly Dymond’s Trading Club
A club designed to aid in the learning and earning. Please drop me an email of you are interested.  I have been asked how much money is it possible to make from spread betting…….well the answer is millions!!!!!!! But let’s keep it simple and say the aim of anyone joining the club should be to make at least an extra £1000 per day within the next 12 months. Contact Olly on ollydymond@hotmail.co.uk
The search for Look for Joe Bloggs - If you introduce someone called Joe Bloggs or you are Joe Bloggs who is a decision maker in a business – they come to an event and join then I will give you 12 months membership free!
Preview for the next event 12/6/13 is here 
Any guest* that you invite who joins earns you a bottle of bubbly – unlimited – more guests who join = more fizz!
Businesses not currently represented in Bristol Business Network
Accountants, serviced offices, Health and beauty, cosmetics, florists, photographers, manufacturing, logistics/courier, hire, consumer goods, hair dressers/barbers; landscape/gardening/horticulture, architects, Printing company, taxi, cleaning contractors domestic & commercial, building supplies, travel agents/consultants, butchers, bakers and candle stick makers and someone called Joe Bloggs!- to name a few!
“Happiness is having a scratch for every itch” – Ogden Nash
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May 16, 2013

June’s Bristol Business Network event – (South) Westward Ho!

Charles Kingsley born 12/6/1819
Delighted to extend 
Your invitation to attend
June’s lunch on the twelfth
It’ll be great for the health
Your business will thrive
As the opportunities arise
Feel free to book your place
Guaranteeing you’ll show your face
Remember the seminar before
It could open up many doors
Feel free to file away
You know reminders will be on their way!
Delighted to invite you to the next Bristol Business Network event
The Business Seminar before lunch - Hosted by Sam Talby and Gareth Morris of FRP Advisory
An informative presentation on the Business life cycle with particular emphasis being placed on that part described as the Decline Curve with an exploration of the options available to business owners faced with turbulent times.
Included within the presentation will be analysis of latest insolvency trends together with a “Q & A” session.
Whether this applies to your business or to people that you know you are guaranteed to learn how businesses, (like products and industries) tend to go through multiple cycles of  growth, maturity and decline as new products or services are introduced, new or adjacent markets are penetrated and new businesses are acquired. That’s where constant measurement, planning and execution prove their worth.
FRP Advisory, a firm providing restructuring, recovery and insolvency services throughout the South West and Wales.
The Important Details
Date – Wednesday 12th June 2013
Venue – Hilton Garden Inn, Temple Way, Bristol, BS1 6BF

Timings

Seminar before lunch - coffee and networking from 10am – seminar starts at 10.30am followed by

THE Networking Lunch

Networking over drinks from 11.45am – 12.30pm followed by a sit down served 2 course lunch (dietary requirements catered for), individual table presentations, a table host to conduct proceedings, conversations leading to connections and collaborations. Delegate details provided to enable you to connect with others in the room during the table to table networking.  A guest speaker and the event ends at 2pm

Event finishes at 2pm
Cost of event - seminar, coffee, 2 course served lunch with wine and coffee and numerous decision makers, delegate list, dietary requirements catered for, post event correspondence to enable you to follow up - £34.00* (Inc VAT) per person
Car parking is available at the hotel is complimentary first come first served

“Take time to deliberate;  but when the time for action arrives, stop thinking and go in.”  Napoleon Bonaparte

Bring a colleague, a fellow decision maker from your business or bring a guest and they can benefit from meeting fellow decision makers. PLUS – Guests that you invite who join = bottles of bubbly*
Remember the “Joe Bloggs” Special**

Where do you get your invitation?

call 01981 540708

email sean@business-network.co.uk - with “yes book me in” or “yes send me invite” or

complete enquiry form here

Why should you attend?

At each event you will have the opportunity to meet numerous other senior decision makers from locally based businesses in a relaxed and focused environment. It is a proven way and sustainable way of continuing to develop opportunities.

  • You will generate opportunities that will enhance your business
  • You will build mutually beneficial relationships with other decision makers
  • The networking is relaxed and comfortable
  • You will the opportunity to promote your business and expertise
  • You will build a team of advocates and ambassadors for your business
  • You will generate an ROI on your networking

*Guest from business other than yours, membership restrictions do apply.  Once guest has joined and paid for their membership bottle of bubbly presented to you at subsequent Bristol Business Network event.  Unlimited bubbly!

**If you introduce someone called Joe Bloggs who is a decision maker in a business – they come to an event and join then I will give you 12 months membership free!  If you are Joe Bloggs please contact me!
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May 10, 2013

Keeping you in the picture – more from 20th Anniversary event

More from the 20th Anniversary event – missed a great seminar and some photo’s courtesy of Malcolm Rouse Photography 

Exeter Business Network 20th Anniversary event - thank you for your enthusiasm, conversations and commitment!

Exeter Business Network 20th Anniversary event – thank you for your enthusiasm, conversations and commitment!

 

The seminar before lunch was hosted by Stephen Bateman – informative, enlightening and full of great information to enable you to develop your content marketing into a powerful business tool – generating interest, winning loyal customers and increasing your profitability.  If you think you know about content marketing then look through Stephen’s presentation because I can guarantee you will learn something that will add value to your business.

Stephen’s presentation is now on SlideShare
Selection of testimonials from people who attended the seminar…..

“Stephen provided us with a fascinating view on the tactics and tricks employed when considering an effective content marketing strategy. In just a short seminar, it was clear that Stephen’s knowledge and communication skills make him an expert in his field. I can easily recommend his services, and feel confident that he can deliver a great result.” Alex Wren, Video Marketing Specialist, Bitpod

“Stephen clearly knows his subject inside out. It’s easy to see how so many businesses get lost within the huge industry that is content marketing. Stephen provides tried, tested, trusted processes which ensure that you stand out from the crowd.” SARAH HUGHES, The LinkedIn Lead Generation Expert

“Stephen is clearly an expert in the field of content marketing and furthermore he is able to communicate his expertise clearly, concisely and in a style and with language that is easily understood by those of us (such a myself) who are not as well versed in the subject. I had the pleasure of hearing Stephen present recently and he was able to both communicate technical content and also keep us entertained and focused on the key messages throughout his presentation.” Hugh Graham, Director, The Bid Coach Ltd

“Stephen is an expert in the field of content marketing. He has a thorough grasp of the tools and techniques and the vision to provide usable advice on what you need to be doing. If you want to get beyond the jargon and get some ideas you can actually implement I recommend going to one of Stephen’s seminars.” Richard Hussey, Consultant and Copywriter, RSH Copywriting

For those who missed – Webinar 14 June 

For people who missed the talk I’ll be going over the content again in June, in a free 45 min Bright Talk webinar on Tuesday 14 June at 1:00 pm – people can register for free here

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What about the Next Exeter Business Network event – detail here?

More from the gallery

Businesses in the photo - Andrew Price & Co Limited, Ashfords LLP, Auditel, Bitpod Ltd, Bovey Castle, Bramblebuzz, BreathingNLP, Business Doctors, Business Network (SW) Ltd, Business Network Founders, Casino Select, Cobalt Communications, Compass Resolution, Concentric Dots - (Part of iGlimpse Limited), Concept Card, Creme de la Creme Fun Casino, Crooked Stick Ltd, Daneswood Solutions Ltd, Dartington, David R Cotterill, Devon Air Ambulance Trust, e-strategy, Endorse HR, Enterprise Assist Limited, Everys Solicitors, Evolution, Evolution ABS Limited, Exeter Golf & Country Club, Exeter Mind & Body Clinic, Exeter Racecourse & Conference Centre, Families for Children Trust, Florian Zumfelde Design Studio, FRP Advisory, Gilbert Stephens Solicitors, Glen King PR/Marketing Ltd, Global Radio, Gravitas Recruitment (SW) Ltd, Hartnell Chanot & Partners, Heatherbell Art, If... Media Ltd, Ingenious PA, Juiceplus, Kirkham Board, Linked4Success, Listen to Win, Malcolm Rouse Photography, Mango Personnel Ltd, Mark Leveridge Magic, Marla Custom Blinds, Martin Luck Group, Old Mill Accountancy LLP, Optix Solutions Ltd, Plug and Play, Printing.com, Q Social Media Ltd, Quickprint Ltd, Realistic Home Improvements Ltd, Road User Support Service, Round Ash Associates, RSH Copywriting, Rundle Walker, Sandy Park Conference & Banqueting Centre, SEO736, Shopping Sherlock, Simpkins Edwards, Somerset County Cricket Club Ltd, Something To Say, Space, St James's Place Wealth Management, St Loye's Foundation, Stephens Scown, Straight Marketing Limited, Tender Victory, The Bid Coach, thebestof Exeter, WESC Foundation, Winning Tenders Ltd, WNW Design, WPA Healthcare,

Businesses in the photo – Andrew Price & Co Limited,
Ashfords LLP,
Auditel,
Bitpod Ltd,
Bovey Castle,
Bramblebuzz,
BreathingNLP,
Business Doctors,
Business Network (SW) Ltd,
Business Network Founders,
Casino Select,
Cobalt Communications,
Compass Resolution,
Concentric Dots – (Part of iGlimpse Limited),
Concept Card,
Creme de la Creme Fun Casino,
Crooked Stick Ltd,
Daneswood Solutions Ltd,
Dartington,
David R Cotterill,
Devon Air Ambulance Trust,
e-strategy,
Endorse HR,
Enterprise Assist Limited,
Everys Solicitors,
Evolution,
Evolution ABS Limited,
Exeter Golf & Country Club,
Exeter Mind & Body Clinic,
Exeter Racecourse & Conference Centre,
Families for Children Trust,
Florian Zumfelde Design Studio,
FRP Advisory,
Gilbert Stephens Solicitors,
Glen King PR/Marketing Ltd,
Global Radio,
Gravitas Recruitment (SW) Ltd,
Hartnell Chanot & Partners,
Heatherbell Art,
If… Media Ltd,
Ingenious PA,
Juiceplus,
Kirkham Board,
Linked4Success,
Listen to Win,
Malcolm Rouse Photography,
Mango Personnel Ltd,
Mark Leveridge Magic,
Marla Custom Blinds,
Martin Luck Group,
Old Mill Accountancy LLP,
Optix Solutions Ltd,
Plug and Play,
Printing.com,
Q Social Media Ltd,
Quickprint Ltd,
Realistic Home Improvements Ltd,
Road User Support Service,
Round Ash Associates,
RSH Copywriting,
Rundle Walker,
Sandy Park Conference & Banqueting Centre,
SEO736,
Shopping Sherlock,
Simpkins Edwards,
Somerset County Cricket Club Ltd,
Something To Say,
Space,
St James’s Place Wealth Management,
St Loye’s Foundation,
Stephens Scown,
Straight Marketing Limited,
Tender Victory,
The Bid Coach,
thebestof Exeter,
WESC Foundation,
Winning Tenders Ltd,
WNW Design,
WPA Healthcare

 

Jackie & Jim Enright (Business Network Founders) celebrating 20 years with Sean & Jane Humby Business Network SW hosts

Jackie & Jim Enright (Business Network Founders) celebrating 20 years with Sean & Jane Humby Business Network SW hosts

 

 

 

 

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May 9, 2013

20 years of networking celebrated in style! Thank you!

“People will sit up and take notice if you will sit up and take notice of what makes them sit up and take notice” Harry Selfridge d. 8/5//1947

Fantastic! Fabulous!  a tremendous amount of conversation, energy and enthusiasm was  brought to the 20th Anniversary event at Sandy Park on May 8th 2013
Those attending certainly did a great job conversing, connecting and collaborating! Photos in this post taken by Megan Humby – there will be many more as Malcolm Rouse and Glen King did a brilliant job of capturing the event – these photo’s will be available soon!
Pre lunch drinks and networking - all sorts of conversations and connections being made

Pre lunch drinks and networking – all sorts of conversations and connections being made

The opening words from Mark Leveridge were great – thank you – there were some people in the room who thought I was bowing out – certainly not!  More to follow on Mark’s words – a whole separate Blog Post!
Mark’s introduction was followed by Business Network’s founder in the UK Jim Enright.  Jim’s reflections on Business Network and how he discovered it whilst in New Zealand  - more of an invitataion than a discovery but when Jim started networking with his Canon business there success and profitability grew and when Jim and his wife Jackie decided to return to the UK they did so with the aim of establishing Business Network in the UK – the monthly lunch time events started in Exeter on 25th May 1993 at Exeter’s Southgate Hotel and spread over the country.
Jim Enright talking about how Business Network arrived in the UK

Jim Enright talking about how Business Network arrived in the UK

When Jim and Jackie were looking to retire that’s when I became involved as I had met them through networking!  A deal was done and here I am 5 years later!  Jim’s words really set the scene for THE Networking lunch and a toast to 20 years
Toasting 20 years!

Toasting 20 years!

Among those who attended

Andrew Price, Michelle Johnson, Matthew Redman, Alex Wren, Alicia Coles, Julia Bramble, Sean Humby,  Emma Law, Ed Dolman,Alana Carroll, Grace Bradley, Rachel Buckley, Mark Wren, Gordon Mitchell, Sally Mitchell, Megan Humby, Heatherbell Barlow, Sharon Goble, Michelle Powell, Derek Brunt, Lee Cottrell, Sarah Hughes, Keryn Seal, Malcolm Rouse, Nicky Dunn, Fiona Helsing, Jane Humby, Jackie Enright, Jim Enright, Mandy Blackler, Jim Taylor, Ian Dunstan, John Hind, Stephen Bateman, Paul Brown, Jane MacNamara, Guy Arnold, Clare Owen, Karen Jonas, David R Cotterill, Caroline Creer, Stuart Devlin, Michael Green, Richard Carpenter, Kim Knox, Dudley Hambleton, Dawn Mayo, Harriet Weeks, Cathy Towers, Michelle Thomas, Ally Colton, Carla Zumfelde, Sam Talby, Alistair Heron, Glen King, Tim Stanford, Stuart Coombe, Jill Webster, Mark Leveridge, Steve Hartland, Adam Nicholas, Barry Martin, Alastair Banks, Fran Long, Ashley Scott, Stuart Grant, Chris Wood, Danny Frayne, Ryan Barrett, Rosemary Pell, Andrew Parrott, Richard Hussey, Nick Dudman, Neil Starr, Bev Gratton, Mark Evans – Martin, Olly Dymond, Mary Jane Campbell, Brian Lee, Sue Mitchinson, Mike Woodliffe, William Hammond, Rick Credland-Proctor, Phil Roberts, Lynne Rathbone, Alison Jobson, Vicki Stewart, Hugh Graham, Dave Barr, Maggie Garrett, Ian Smith, Nigel Wilkinson, Robert Guest, David Hindon,

Charity Partner Award winner for May.

It was a pleasure to present Alex Wren of Bitpod with a bottle of bubbly!  Alex was nominated for the following reasons…
Ally Colton of Families for Children Adoption Charity sat next to Alex Wren of Bitpod Ltd during a BNSW lunch in September of last year.  Ally had just received notification of the British Association of Adoption and Fostering National Film Awards 2012.  The brief was to make a two minute film promoting adoption.  Alex invited Ally to attend his next course free of charge.  Well…following Alex’s amazing, informative, practical, easy to understand course the Families for Children film was one of three shortlisted – with Ally being invited to attend the awards ceremony in London.  Sadly the film didn’t win but how impressive that with Alex’s guidance someone who had no background of film-making was able to make a film that made such an impact.  Thank you Alex – this year we WILL win!
I’ll second that Ally; Alex has also been really helpful towards Keryn & Robin, the GB blind footballers. Phil  Phil Roberts MInstF Fundraiser – St Loye’s Foundation

Exeter Business Network Charities 2013

  The Devon Air Ambulance Trust is the charity which raises the funds to keep 2 emergency Air Ambulances flying. This is no small feat as each and every year we have to raise in the region of £4.5 million to keep both of the helicopters airborne.  Click here to donate
   Families for Children place children for adoption from throughout the UK, who have experienced loss and upheaval. We find for them stable, loving families in Devon, Dorset, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.
We are special because we have a ‘forever’ policy of support and this means that we offer support to the child and new family for as long as they need us. Click here to donate
  WESC Foundation’s aim is the education and care of young people with visual impairment and/or complex needs and their transition into school, college and beyond.  By providing a specialist centre for education, training and expertise, WESC Foundation create a better life for people with visual impairment. Click here to donate
 The vision of St Loye’s Foundation is that each individual should have the opportunity to achieve their maximum potential, irrespective of natural abilities or setbacks experienced in life.
Mission – St Loye’s mission is to be the preferred choice of people with physical, mental health, sensory and other disabilities, or with long-term health conditions, to improve their quality of life and degree of independence.  Click here to donate

Announcements from the lunch

Loads more offers and opportunities here!

“Find your place on the planet. Dig in and take responsibility” - Gary Synder – Poet b 8/5/1930
Next event 5/6/13   Sneak preview here!  - Remember this event is your chance to be part of a seminar that is unique, inspiring and enlightening.

A big thank you for these kind words

“In their own words from Twitter”
Listen2Win_May 08, 10:37pm via Twitter for iPhone

Fun speaking at 20th anniversary for #BNSWtoday. @stloyes @nigelwnw @alex_wren@seanhumby @Assistor @qChrisWood you are all legends! #L2W

2 retweets

stloyesMay 08, 6:19pm via Twitter for iPhone@alex_wren @FFCAdoption @seanhumbycongrats and well deserved ^Tom :)

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alex_wrenalex_wren: Thank you so much@FFCAdoption @stloyes @seanhumby for surprise award & bubbles. It was a pleasure to help #awardwinningalex5:45pm, May 08 from Twitter for iPad

stloyesstloyes: @alex_wren @FFCAdoption@seanhumby congrats and well deserved ^Tom :) 6:19pm, May 08 from Twitter for iPhone

alex_wrenMay 08, 5:45pm via Twitter for iPadThank you so much @FFCAdoption @stloyes@seanhumby for surprise award & bubbles. It was a pleasure to help #awardwinningalex

tendervictoryMay 08, 3:22pm via Webthank-you @seanhumby for another great#BNSW - I think today’s meal at @SandyParkExeter was the best I have enjoyed yet!

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qChrisWoodMay 08, 3:09pm via HootSuiteGood #Exeter networking lunch today with @seanhumby + @Listen2win - great to watch @Blind_Seal in action, great video @bitpod_uk#BNSW

4 retweets

SpaceExeterMay 08, 3:07pm via WebGreat #BNSW 20th anniversary #Exeternetworking lunch @SandyParkExeter with @seanhumby! Great talk by @Blind_Seal from @Listen2Win_

3 retweets

SpaceExeterMay 08, 9:05am via Web#BNSW #networking #lunch today with @seanhumby.Talk by @MrRMWilliams & @Blind_Seal @Listen2Win_ will be really interesting @SandyParkExeter

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heatherbellartMay 08, 8:56am via HootSuiteLooking forward to meeting @seanhumby and lots of new peeps at business network sw today.

 

From LinkedIn

 

 

  • Fran LongFran Long Great meeting today ty15 hours ago

  • Julia BrambleJulia Bramble Seconded – the buzz in the room today was contagious!! The result of something very special that you have grown and nurtured Sean Humby. Delighted to belong to BNSW :)

  • SARAH HUGHES

    Excellent event today in Exeter, thanks to SW Networking and Sean Humby.

    Emails received

    Thanks Sean – it was great to be a part of it.

     
    Best wishes and congratulations again on your continued success.
     
    Rachel
     
    Rachel Buckley
    Director
    Hartnell Chanot and Partners
    Hello Sean, thanks very much for inviting Jackie and I to join you for BNSW`s 20th Anniversary.
    The buzz in the room was great and is a credit to you, Jane and Megan.
    Here’s to another 20 years.
    Best regards.
    Jim Enright
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May 8, 2013

Lift off at Exeter Business Network June event

5th June 1783 saw the first hot-air balloon ascent.

It flew for ten minutes. It was made by the French brothers Joseph-Michel and Jacques-Étienne Montgolfier at their home town of Annonay, France.

Tenuous I know! What will not be tenuous are the connections and collaborations that you will make at the Exeter Business Network event on 5th June 2013.

The event starts with a seminar hosted by Robin Williams and Keryn Seal – Listen to Win

Listen2Win provides inspirational and motivational talks, seminars and team building sessions with enjoyable and measurable outcomes.
Keryn Seal and Robin Williams are two Paralympian Blind Football players with well over 100 caps for their country between them.
Keryn has a young family and Robin is completing a PHD in Mathematics. In addition both are totally blind which in itself is more challenging than most of us can even begin to appreciate.
The lessons we can learn from them, for ourselves and our businesses, is both inspirational, aspirational and entertaining.
The boys will be taking us through their backgrounds, their life lessons and experiences. Understanding and embracing the world with audio as the main sense they have honed their hearing skills to an acute level. Using these abilities they will be guiding us, with their easy humorous style, through listening and communication techniques that you will be able to employ immediately. You might not get to play blind football but you will have a lot fun.
Too good to be true? Come and find out…whilst its free!
This seminar would not of come about without the fantastic mentoring and advice that has been given by Richard Carpenter of Enterprise Assist -
Here’ s Richard’s story
“The idea for Listen2Win was formulated after I heard Keryn & Robin give a short talk at your Exeter Business Network SW lunch at Exeter Racecourse about a year ago. Their delivery and humour was infectious and I was impressed by their achievements. I wasn’t so impressed by the lack of financial support they received given that they had gained over 100 caps for their country between them through sheer determination and sacrifice.
The boys and I hooked up and Listen2Win Ltd has become the vehicle to help support them irrespective of whether they play Blind Football or not. However, the football remains the priority in their lives and the business has to fit around the gruelling schedules of fitness and football training as well as family commitments. 
All our events to date have been a great success and although we do find ourselves with scheduling challenges, given the step up in their training recently, we’re very much enjoying ourselves and are delighted to be able to provide this seminar for BNSW and its members.
The more time I spend with the boys the more impressed I am by their attitude to life and their ability to shrug off difficulties that the rest of us mortals would consider very daunting indeed.
An hour or so in their company experiencing how they deal with every day obstacles is nothing short of inspiring.”

Keryn and Robin – Listen2Win at a recent “Power Hours” Taster session for Devon business executives.  Their style of delivery is thought-provoking  provokes humour and a desire to “…make things happen when I get back to work” in delegates.

Followed by THE Networking Lunch

Networking over drinks, a sit down served 2 course lunch, dietary requirements catered for, a table host to conduct proceedings, conversations leading to connections and collaborations. Delegate details provided to enable you to connect with others in the room

Speaker for this event is Belinda Newton – The HR Dept

Where is it?

Westpoint Conference Centre, Clyst St Mary
Exeter, EX5 1DJ

Westpoint Arena and Conference Centre

How much does it cost?

Cost of event is £34.00 (Inc VAT) per decision maker – covering seminar, coffee, 2 course served lunch with drinks, delegate list, free car parking, follow up details.

Who comes to and benefits from these events?

Click on the link here to see who came along on 8th May 2013

Click on the link here to see who came along on April 10th

Where do you get your invitation?

call 01981 540708

email sean@business-network.co.uk - with “yes book me in” or “yes send me invite” or

complete enquiry form here

Why should you attend?

At each event you will have the opportunity to meet numerous other senior decision makers from locally based businesses in a relaxed and focused environment. It is a proven way and sustainable way of continuing to develop opportunities.

  • You will generate opportunities that will enhance your business
  • You will build mutually beneficial relationships with other decision makers
  • The networking is relaxed and comfortable
  • You will the opportunity to promote your business and expertise
  • You will build a team of advocates and ambassadors for your business
  • You will generate an ROI on your networking
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May 3, 2013

Is this a good networking event? Plus Latest selection of top Networking articles

I was recently at a networking event in my home town – which is not Bristol, or Exeter or Taunton!  It was Hereford and the event was the First Thursday Club

A very relaxed affair – you email your attendance in advance, arrive at the venue a bar/restaurant in town, Saxty’s.  There is no charge to attend, you do have a name badge a guest list and you buy your own drinks.  It kicks off (perhaps the wrong expression!) at 5.45pm and like any networking event if you’re there early people will gravitate to you!  It was my first visit and was unsure how things would go –  I had prepared, done my research, knew why I was going – not to promote, not to sell but to listen and share knowledge and experiences.  It was great to have the conversations which ended “thank you – I hadn’t thought of that!”

During the conversations that I had – very easy as there was a constant flow of people making their way through the throng to get to the bar – several  people asked me the following question once they knew what I did!

“Is this a good networking event?’

My answer every time was “YES”

Yes because people were having conversations, they were face to face, there was the opportunity to talk in groups, or one to one, to laugh, to shake hands, pick up on all the non verbal signs, point, gesticulate – I trust that you get the picture!

 

Networking is about people spending time communicating face to face and building relationships through conversations and we all know where conversations can lead to – connections and collaborations!

I trust that you find the following articles of interest and that they will be useful in any networking that you do.

 

 

Are Face-to-face meetings better for business?

25/04/2013 published on Fresh Business Thinking.com

By Daniel Hunter

Communications technology in 2013 continues to advance, affecting the way we work, shop, consume and interact. With the meteoric rise of social network sites and the ability to contact anyone in the world at the touch of a button, the need for face-to-face meetings seems to be diminishing; however new research from De Vere Hotels suggests that the ‘digital revolution’ could potentially be bad for business.

Video calls, conference calls, emails and social networks may provide a quick but impersonal avenue for people to interact, but the study from De Vere Hotels has revealed that the British believe, meeting face-to-face………..

 

 

Psychologist says 90% of real communication is via body language – first published on http://www.incentivetravel.co.uk/

It is obviously in the interests of the MICE sector to be in favour of face-to-face meetings. The whole of the conference industry – worth many billions of dollars worldwide – might be seen to be threatened by the advance of technology. It is putting amazing facilities at the service of people who can now instantaneously discuss topics without the need to travel to meet each other.
So why is it preferable for people to be actually in each other’s presence rather than at each end of a social networking system or a conference call? De Vere Hotels, proud of their portfolio of nine conference hotels strategically located from Brighton beach to the Scottish Highlands, have been researching into this vital question. 

They commissioned an independent research company to delve into this crucial matter and over 2,000 people in the UK were questioned between March 15 and 2nd April this year.

The results were scrutinised by the behavioural psychologist Dr Peter Collett. He says that as much as……………………

 

Acing Your First Face-to-Face Customer Meeting

 

 

Harness The Power Of Storytelling In Business

 first published 4 OCTOBER 2012 on 

Stories. You might think these are just for writers or movie-makers. Or those who want to pen the next 50 Shades Of Grey. But storytelling is also a vital skill in the world of business. If you get it right, your stories can convert customers, inspire your team and nurture a legion of raving fans.

Why Is Storytelling So Powerful?

 

 

 

Your comments and shares are most appreciated!

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May 3, 2013

Why technology will always lose out to real-life face-to-face communication.

Why technology will always lose out to real-life face-to-face communication.

It can be easy to become reliant on a phone, an e-mail, the internet and the fact that you can easily check someone’s linked in profile within minutes nowadays. We are constantly connected through the ever-expanding medium of technology; something that we mustn’t ever lose touch with however is how valuable face to face communication is. This info-graphic shows the importance of face-to face meetings and why these are so important; addressing points such as communication, human contact, reactions and humour.

Although it may seem like I have vendetta against technology, this is not the case at all. As with any positive though, there are always going to be negatives! Although writing is a powerful tool, we cannot convey emotion as easily through a text, e-mail or even letter.

By lacking in tonality we then fall into the dangerous realm of misunderstandings. This can happen with friends or/and family when something isn’t perceived as it was originally intended leading to miscommunication and into an entirely different conversation straying away from the original point. Although this is bad enough; your friends and family will more than likely be forgiving in time.

However, in a business situation, this is nothing less than a catastrophe. Communication can be a key part of a relationship development and although you’re not always going to be able to meet face-to-face; if you don’t ever meet then you need to analyse your business plan.

The increasing use of technology as a communication tool can be beneficial to you, connecting to people that you wouldn’t have usually been able to bond with without the online world. This is beneficial as we now have access to contacts that we may not have had before the internet but the only way to get it truly with industry insiders and people who could prove to be an integral part of your business is to attend networking events!

I’m a great believer in everything in moderation, and when you can hold a full conversation without having to check your phone; whether business or not then you have to analyse whether or not you are developing an addiction to the technology you hold so dear. You are not doing yourself any favours as the more engrossed you become in the online world; the more your social skills are going to suffer. Social skills are one, if not your most important commodities.

These are what you need when it comes to crunch time whether that is signing a contract, introducing international clients or even meeting with prospective clients. Your social ability needs to be on top form in these situations as you may already be anxious, whether a seasoned communication expert or not! By becoming so involved with technology you may be at risk of repressing your sociability! It can become too easy to get involved in the online world.

You can’t develop a relationship online as well as you can face to face. I’ve seen it thousands of times, even on Dragons Den, where money is invested into a person with great social skills, likeability and the ability to network. I’m sure many people can fear networking events, but this should not be the case. These are an exceptional opportunity to meet potential business partners and people who will either invest in you or at least show an active interest within you, and therefore your business.

Networking is your chance to make a positive impression. By taking time to speak to as many people as possible you can connect and leave them with a lasting impression; this is the time for your personality to shine through. There’s nothing wrong with handing over a business card to any prospective new contact, in fact this should be actively encouraged. These can prove to be subtle reminders that will help you arrange to meet again. Not only does a card show that you wish to do business together in the future but it also means that you are not becoming reliant on technology but rather using it to compliment your people skills and business persona.

Overall; it’s important to remember that we are living in the technology-age and if you value your business then you must be aware of how technology can provide an integral part to the development of your company. Use it as a communication device to compliment your physical being. The role of presence should never be undervalued, and it means you are always guaranteed a response.

Article courtesy of

Matt Jones
Content & Online PR Executive

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May 1, 2013

Clients and members only – Exeter Business Network members collaborate

Bitpod Online Video Marketing Seminars
Bitpod is hosting a series of training courses designed to help you create and promote your own business videos online. The course will cover the planning, filming, uploading and promotion of your videos and is suitable for anyone who wishes to use video to market their business.
The course is £300 but if you’re a WNW Design client you will receive a £50discount. All you have to do to take advantage of this offer is give WNW Design a call on 01395 542 569 and we can book your place for you.
The next course will start in June 2013 and will be held in the Bitpod studio:
Uplands Business Centre, 81 Heavitree Road, Exeter, Devon. EX1 2LX
  • 5th June 2013 – Planning your video including concept, marketing and pre-production
  • 12th June 2013 – Camera skills, lighting and sound
  • 19th June 2013 – Practical video session
  • 26th June 2013 – Editing, uploading, integrating and sharing your video
  • 3rd July 2013 – Promoting and measuring your video’s performance
Spaces for the workshop are limited but if there’s a high demand Bitpod can create additional dates or look for different venues to accommodate larger groups. For more information on the course click  HERE or contact a member of the WNW Design teamon 01395 542 569.
Share this:     - only if you are a WNW customer!
PS – If you are a Business Network SW Member you can benefit from the reduced rate!
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April 26, 2013

“A good decision is based on knowledge, not numbers” – Plato – more networking knowledge here!

More articles, posts and links that I trust that you will useful to any networking that you may do or be looking to do

Feel free to add.comment and share!

Have a great day, best regards

Sean Humby - Blog co-ordinator! Also host for Business Network SW events

Sean Humby – Blog co-ordinator!
Also host for Business Network SW events

BY:  in Fast Company - April 16, 2013 | 6:02 AM
If reading the phrase “networking event” sends a chill down your spine, you may find a kindred soul in Billfold writer Sarah Todd:

Conferences are like what Charles Darwin would invent for a high school project on survival of the ambitious, and his group members would be Becky Sharp, Attila the Hun, and a honey badger.

While Todd is talking about the marathon craziness of conferences, that same Attila-like ambience can be detected in any networking event–those happenings where buckets of striving people are plopped into a room and told to meet each other. While we do know that being a superconnector–someone at the center of many a network–avails you to exciting new ideas (and diseases!) and that email introductions are a skill to be mastered, the whole introducing yourself in real life thing can still get a little clumsy.

Todd offers some pointers on becoming more graceful:

FULL ARTICLE HERE

Best practice tips for conference networking  - article first appeared in

Wed, 10 April 2013

Make the most of the valuable networking opportunities presented at events….FULL ARTICLE HERE

10 tips to network with confidence

ROBERT KELSEY

Special to The Globe and Mail- Canada

Published Wednesday, Apr. 10 2013, 6:56 PM EDT

There’s nothing innate about confidence. It’s something we develop – usually via endeavour. That’s a key message from my book on confidence, called What’s Stopping You Being More Confident? But confidence requires us to discriminate. Confidence in what, exactly? After all, confidence in all things is impossible. I’d wager Bank of Canada Governor Mark Carney is under-confident when acting on stage, while actor Keanu Reeves would feel distinctly nervous conducting monetary policy.

Of course, their excellence in one field can help elsewhere – perhaps giving them a confident demeanour when entering unfamiliar territory. But there’s no guarantee. When pulled out of our comfort zone, we all tend to exhibit signs of poor confidence.

And there’s nowhere less comforting than a networking event – those crucial get-togethers in any sector that can determine the success of our careers.

As someone with a history of under-confidence I hate such events. Or at least did. Eventually, I researched the problem and came up with 10 tips for overcoming under-confidence at networking events. Here they are:

I enjoyed the following article as it was not only relevant to landing a dream job but it also relates to the all important aspect of Brand You – Tom Peter’s fabulous approach.

Land the Job of Your Dreams Using These Social Media Networking Tips

Posted on Fri, Apr 12, 2013 @ 10:00 AM on Creatine Marketing Blog

Please sit back and enjoy these nine tips that are sure to get your profiles the right kind of attention. (Feel free to take notes!)

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