The Romney Marsh Networking Group was launched in early October 2017 and in 6 months has resulted in over 130 members of our Facebook page – a mix of established businesses, charities and start ups! Our ‘opted in’ email list is approaching 120 organisations and regular newsletters detailing group and local events and member promotions are produced accordingly. Short 2 hour, low cost workshops are about to be launched which address member and local business skills needs. We meet regularly face to face for networking over coffee, breakfast and ‘after hours’ according to our individual members preferences!
So, did all this happen because it felt like a good idea?
I think we know the answer to that question! There was no networking platform on Romney Marsh to cater for local businesses. Previous groups had petered out but with strong support amongst the local business community, the idea to develop a new offering came about!
So why has it worked so well, so far?
Simply because when the idea was developed, 12 months ago, it began with a short business statement and proposal on the back of which a plan was developed, executed and reviewed on a regular basis.
The key steps prior to launch were to;
-Develop a business statement of intent and proposal
-Produce a plan to move from proposal stage to launch
– Identify local and regional influencers
– Discuss proposal with them and take feedback and input
– Research with local businesses and organisations to establish whether the proposal was realistic and met their needs
– Discuss proposal with other networking groups and take feedback
– Obtain the support of influencers and local organisations to promote the new networking group via their channels such as face to face, social media and email
– Obtain the support of 2 local venues to provide meeting facilities and refreshments
– Test the final networking offer and event with local organisations by cold calling
– Use of Twitter, email and local Facebook groups to market the new networking group
Then once up and running;
– Launch the networking Group events, engage attendees with background to group objectives including community and business engagement
– Encourage members to post on Facebook page
– Keep in regular contact with members
– Evaluate progress and amend future plans and test future ideas with members
As a result of discussion with group members, there are no membership fees, a voluntary meeting fee of £5 is asked for, this used to cover group costs and to make regular donations to the local charity, CARM, which supports the over 50’s living in isolation on Romney Marsh.
The group ethos is based on relaxed but professional networking, where most of the time is spent networking to enable members to seek and receive support, grow relationships and partnerships and collaborate with each other.
There are monthly after-hours meetings, breakfast meetings and morning coffee meetings (this with regularly over 25 businesses attending) and many referrals and recommendations are exchanged.
A real buzz has been developed and those who attend for the first time say it is a different experience to their previous networking, it is relaxed and focussed on what they want to do – network!
For more information see our group web page.
To discuss how your project or business idea can benefit from this approach contact Terry Botfield #marshbizcoach at [email protected].
