April 2017 breakfast: A new venue and it was all about networking
April 2017 saw our first breakfast at the Bistro, Stonham Barns. It attracted a full house with 19 members and two guests to enjoy the breakfast and the benefits of networking.
Here are just some of the attendees.
Guest Peter Grant, of WotKnots Woodcraft, came all the way from Long Melford. He had brought a Windsor chair with him as a sample of his beautiful woodwork. Our other guest, Darrell Tarbuck, of NiC group, in Claydon, is in the early stages of starting up a commercial cleaning business. He has already successfully won two clients.
Linda Barbour, of Calm for Change, provided an explanation of why we so often fail when setting goals such as losing weight. It’s all down to neuroscience and the patterns we store in our memories. Creating a new mental map is something she can help with.
Shelli Moyes, of MPMIT, had had a week of helping clients deal with Office 365 issues and spam phone calls while Dave Baker, of Performance Plus, had a warning about the valuable information people give away on social media because they are not sufficiently careful with online profile security settings.
Gipping Press’ Danny Cuff reminded us about their forthcoming Editors’ Workshop for those who compile and edit parish and village magazines.
Our parish priest, Rachel Cornish, was recovering from her busiest period of the year and having “restricted myself to 14 units of wine a week” for Lent.
We were also pleased to welcome our Honorary President and former chairman, Peter Down. Peter commented on the “marvellous range of talents” present in the room, something he said was one of the Chamber’s strengths. He thanked Chamber Member Darren Givens, who has moved from the Golf Club to the Bistro, for the excellent catering.
Kate Kelly and Allan Scott on networking tips
This month’s presentation by our treasurer and chairman highlighted the benefits of networking.
They explained that there is something valuable about meeting face to face, rather than by email communication. You needed to accept that it is a long-term commitment. Allan Scott said those who say: “I did networking once, it wasn’t for me” are missing the point, as it is about building relationships and getting to know and trust people.
That takes time and will not happen if networkers approach events with the attitude of “pinning people to the wall and giving them a sales pitch”.
Kate Kelly pointed out that being a self-employed small business owner can be a very lonely experience. So, there was nothing wrong with attending networking breakfasts for the chance to see people, socialise and “get out of the cave”.
However, there was also the opportunity to learn from other people’s expertise. They reminded us it was worth remembering that networking was not only about the people in the room. It is also about all the other people they are connected to, who might be interested in their fellow members’ services.
Announcements
Allan Scott, announced plans for our very first business exhibition, to be held in March 2018 at The Mix, Stowmarket. A website will be launched this June or July giving more information. Members will be able to book stands a month before they are opened to the wider business community.
Kevin Kent also announced a Golf Day in Stowmarket to be held in June in aid of the St James Place Foundation. Contact him for more information.
Tell us what you want
Chairman Allan Scott is happy to receive any suggestions for what members want to see the Chamber doing in the future. Please send your ideas (and your want lists) to [email protected].
Dates for your diary:
| May Coffee Morning | May Breakfast and AGM |
| Needham Market Community Centre | The Bistro, Stonham Barns |
| Friday, 5 May | Friday, 19 May |
| 10am-noon | Starting at 6.45am |
For more information contact Keely Taylor
phone: 01449 770965
e-mail: [email protected]
Anyone who has a story to publicise should contact marketing officer Alison Withers:
