SVA Forum

caroline · Posted: Wed Jan 27, 2010 3:31 pm Post subject: 4Networking

Went to one of these events this morning and was pleasantly surprised! I am NOT a morning person but actually I really liked this format. Anyone else a member? How do you find it at generating new leads?

Caroline
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OfficeStuff · Posted: Thu Jan 28, 2010 10:34 am Post subject:

I wish! They've got one in Abergavenny which is about 1.5 hrs drive away, and I think one in Chester, which is even further. I'm waiting for them to invade Mid Wales. I'm an on-line member.

When they do come closer to home, I will join as they seem to be doing good things with VAs.
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Berni Jones · Posted: Fri Jan 29, 2010 6:11 pm Post subject:

Hi Caroline

I am so pleased that you enjoyed the 4Networking meeting. I am Operations Assistant for the Birmingham 4N meeting, and I have been for about a year now. I absolutely love the meetings, I have made many new friends, I have gained an awful lot of business from it, and I have gained an insight into all manner of business sectors.

It has also given me enormous confidence, especially important when someone is just starting out working for themselves, and I have even given a 4Sight on "Berni's trip from the typing pool into cyberspace" to, I hope, an appreciate audience!

I met Brad Burton, the founder of 4N, last year, and he is a brilliant bloke. All in all, 4N rocks!

Berni
Very Happy

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Berni Jones · Posted: Sun Jan 31, 2010 9:47 pm Post subject:

I meant "an appreciative audience". Apologies - weekend head on! LOL
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caroline · Posted: Mon Feb 01, 2010 9:58 am Post subject:

I'd say that was a whole hearted recommendation - thank you!
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Berni Jones · Posted: Mon Feb 01, 2010 10:15 am Post subject:

No problem, Caroline. If you happen to visit Birmingham at any time, we have our meetings every other Wednesday. I could fix you up with a very nice apartment in the Centre as well!

Berni
Very Happy

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SuperMac · Joined: 26 Jun 2009 Posts: 18 Location: Oxfordshire

I agree 4N meetings are interesting and a very friendly format but I struggle with mornings! Most of my networking is done through Bizlinx [Caroline they have groups in Glasgow and Edinburgh] and Athena: both of these hold more informal lunch time meetings and have proved an excellent source of clients. If I have any client visits to schedule I try to do these either before or after the lunches - that way I can make the most of my time out of the office, although I must admit I am not adverse to popping into one or two nearby shops when I have the chance Wink

caroline · Posted: Tue Feb 02, 2010 6:16 pm Post subject:

I'm just waiting on a response from 4Networking re their passport membership options but maybe you guys know...

£10 breakfast charge - is this obligatory or can it be waived if you don't eat breakfast? Me, I can't eat that early in the morning!!!

And secondly, if I'm not available on a given morning, can I substitute someone else?
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SuperMac · Joined: 26 Jun 2009 Posts: 18 Location: Oxfordshire

Certainly in Oxford we always pay for breakfast even if you just have a cup of coffee. I dont think they expect you to provide a sub as BNI do if you cannot attend but then dont know if you can send one anyway. They are always open to guests... perhaps Bernie can enlighten us more.

SuperMac · Joined: 26 Jun 2009 Posts: 18 Location: Oxfordshire

ooops sorry Berni wrong spelling - that so annoys me I hate doing it to someone else

Above Parr · Posted: Wed Feb 03, 2010 2:25 pm Post subject:

Hi

I'm Ops Assistant at 4N Chesterfield - joined 4N in November and have already picked up a client and a great partnership opportunity so I'm a happy bunny!

You don't need to sub and if you are in London (or anywhere else for that matter) you can just book through the website and attend a group there instead if you want to...
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Berni Jones · Posted: Sun Feb 07, 2010 8:36 pm Post subject:

Hi Caroline

Apologies for the delay in replying, but I have been in the Isle of Man since Friday, and I have only just got back.

The £10 charge for the breakfast has to be paid, even if you don't have the breakfast, since we have to pay the venue for those who attended even if they didn't eat anything. I must admit I can't eat a full breakfast every time I attend - I would be the size of a house, and I am gradually going that way without any assistance! Maybe you could have fruit or a continental breakfast if you don't feel like eating alot? I know some people prefer to have that. I am normally fine after my fifth cup of coffee!

Once you get your 4N passport, you can just book yourself onto the meetings, as and when you can attend. The passport is for you, so substitutes aren't accepted, I am afraid.

If you have any further queries about 4N membership, just let me know, Caroline.

Cheers

Berni
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caroline · Posted: Mon Feb 08, 2010 2:07 pm Post subject:

Yup - answers my question!!

It's a bit of a bummer because obviously I am half in London, half in Glasgow and therefore paying for one group is fairly wasteful.

But if the passport is only for me it's a lot of money if I can't send someone else if I can't make it.

**Sigh** Might have to go collar Brad at a couple of these events!! LOL!
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Berni Jones · Posted: Mon Feb 08, 2010 2:13 pm Post subject:

Hi Caroline

Were you thinking of getting a passport, like mine, that you can use at any of the 4N breakfasts, all over the country?

Berni
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caroline · Posted: Mon Feb 08, 2010 6:11 pm Post subject:

Yup - I thought that would make sense but only if I was able to use in multiple locations and only if I could sub someone in if I was unable to make it.
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