Lack of North East networking opportunities?

MikeBzr · Jun 17, 2008

I'm posting this in the desperate hope that its "just me" - despite hunting around online for months now, I constantly find myself despairing at what seems to be a complete lack of worthwhile networking opportunities in the North East area.

Granted, the NECC do run a few events, but they're extremely widespread into areas way outside where I want to concentrate my client base; Business Link don't seem to have a great deal going on up here in terms of events, and aside from those two there really doesn't seem to be anyone really doing anything comparable to other areas of the country.

I really do hope that I've just had my head in the sand and theres some huge and thriving networking environment under my nose, so if anyone has any input or knows of any events or groups worth attending, then I'd be extremely grateful!

The Printed Bag Shop · Jun 17, 2008

Mike

Im know a few networking events such as

http://www.contact25.com/v4/location/newcastle.php

http://www.bnieldon.co.uk/

www.bridgeclubnorth.com

MikeBzr · Jun 17, 2008

Thanks for the response - I am actually a member of a local BNI chapter, best thing I ever did to be honest; although its not your more "traditional" networking event so to speak, more of a referral-powered business club.

I have been along to one of the Contact25 Speed Networking events, and although its a cute concept, it turned out to be a waste of time, a sentiment shared by several of the other people I spoke to there. They've actually stopped doing them up here as it was franchise-led, and the girl who ran the Newcastle events threw in the towel.

As for Bridge Club, I contacted them to arrange attendance to one of their events which I really wanted to go along to due to the particular guest speaker/interviewee they had, but after a little back and forth, they never got back to me.

It is funny you mentioned those three, as they're pretty much the only ones I landed on originally.

EDIT:- Just checked the Bridge Club site and it appears they've finally managed to pull things together both in terms of their site (which now enables you to register for events) and their membership procedure, so I may have to give it another shot with them. Thanks for the nudge back in their direction =)

Blush · Jun 18, 2008

WIN is good but you have to be a woman

Blush · Jun 18, 2008

WIN is good but you have to be a woman

imp man · Jun 20, 2008

I also have been bemoaning the lack of networking opportunites. I have been in touch with BNI and found it a great organisation. I got in touch with the Bridge Club a few weeks ago and they said they were not taking any new members.

I joined another networking group only to find I was one of only two members!

MikeBzr · Jun 20, 2008

imp man said:
I have been in touch with BNI and found it a great organisation.

BNI are fantastic - which chapter have you joined, or have you not got that far yet? (by the way, anyone who might be interested in BNI please send me a PM and I could arrange for you to come along to a meeting as a visitor)

imp man said:
I got in touch with the Bridge Club a few weeks ago and they said they were not taking any new members.

They bloody better be! I have booked my place on one of their regular events in Newcastle for next tuesday through their site, and have had the confirmation e-mail and everything - maybe that would be a better way for you to give it a shot?

imp man said:
I joined another networking group only to find I was one of only two members!

Could you possibly say which, so we know who to avoid!!

imp man · Jun 20, 2008

It's called NewcastleNetworks.co.uk. There's me and a travel agent. I must give him a ring sometime so we can network

MikeBzr · Jun 20, 2008

Those must be really short events with just the two of you!

UKDCraig · Jun 20, 2008

Mike, I feel for you as I had the same problem when living in Durham - Never did find one really worth going to which was a shame. It's a bit different here in London!

I'll drop a friend of mine a message to see if she's got any ideas though - last I heard from here she was in the same boat though. Best of luck with it.

Craig

ratso · Jun 22, 2008

I work hard and long hours and have to be in early to set up for my staff and never have time during the day for any of these meetings. Went to a BNI meeting and got the chance to speak though had to leave as it was a breakfast meeting. We also had no chance of joining as we would have conflicted with other businesses as you are only allowed one business type per chapter.
Its a good idea but too bloody restrictive with some businesses that really have no place at this type of club. A bit like the masons I feel as it was all way too serious.

I was part of a club ten years ago that was a great get together and networking was excellent with no restrictions on membership other than you had to be a business owner. The BNI has people who just work for the companies treating it as a sales platform, great but not for me at all as it smacks of first come lock out the opposition or travel, then we do so much I have not found one that would accept us.

MikeBzr · Jun 24, 2008

I wouldn't go so far as to compare them to the masons; however I will agree that the setup simply doesn't work for certain types of businesses.

The 'one representative from each profession' rule, I suppose, could be seen as either a boon or a bane - on the one hand, with referral-based networking you don't want to have to be competing for referrals with others from the same industry; on the other, if you don't have one single specific area of focus, then the 'overlap' with others in the group might post a problem to you.

Still, that is something that can be worked around - for example in the chapter I'm part of, we have two plumbers - both provide general plumbing services as well as advanced heating solutions - so the two of them sat down and decided between them "okay, I'll cover solid fuel heating, you cover renewable energy etc etc" - so even though they do exactly the same thing, what they offer to the group differs.

Same goes for one of our members who is a builder and another who is a kitchen/bathrooms specialist. The builder does install kitchens and bathrooms, but he leaves this out in order to focus on other areas he covers when discussing his business with the group.

We have a few other instances of overlap - a mortgage advisor and a financial advisor; myself and a PR agency who offer web design as one of their services etc etc - but we manage to work around it. As I said, its not something that will work for everyone, and I guess a lot depends on which chapter you visit (in my opinion our chapter follows a formal structure in an informal manner if that makes sense - and is full of "farmers" rather than "hunters") - when it works, it works well, but when it doesn't it doesn't.

On a seperate note regarding networking opportunities in general - I went along to 'Startups Live' last week, which was great (although a little limited from the networking POV) - I'm off to the Bridge Club tonight, and the NECC networking lunch tomorrow, so I'll be sure to post about how they go.

Also, even though most of you reading this thread will probably already have seen it, check out the discussion about setting up an NE meet here

ratso · Jun 24, 2008

I am wrong the Masons are not as closed a shop really.
I cannot for the life of me see why any organisation has to close doors, at the end of the day I think we are all big enough to choose who we want to deal with, do we really need a dictorial view point saying Oh No you can only buy nails from the iron monger not from the nuts and bolts man.

Time the BNI woke up to real life and brought businesses together not just in the name of intertrade. I went once and thought it a total waste of time other than the cheap breakfast. Yes I know some businesses that do very well from it, but then when you close your doors you close your minds. I lost a cutomer because he was intimidated by the members to go to a BNI member even though he was exceptionally happy and ended up with a pile of rubbish from the other supplier.

What we need is an open platform run by people in business with open minds and not out just for a boys club or a meal time jolly. Plenty of advice and input with an aim to work together to find new ways to succeed.

A great venu in the NE would be Ramside being just off the A1 and more or less central.

Sorry one last thought. The members are not checked for quality standard of work so intertrade can in many cases be a bad thing. I prefer informed decission from a good choice of supplier not the one put in front of me.

MikeBzr · Jun 24, 2008

I guess it comes down to your expectations vs your experiences. What you're describing is completely different to what I've experienced with BNI. I do agree that we need more 'open door' groups which are based on general open networking and business to business support (and indeed thats what the purpose of this thread was really to highlight), but thats a completely different kettle of fish to referral marketing/networking.

When you think of it logically, the sort of guidelines BNI have are necessary for referral marketing, in my eyes - if you have a room full of estate agents, where are the referrals going to come from? If on the other hand you have one estate agent, one property developer, one mortgage advisor etc, then the opportunities for business are great.

Other groups have tried and failed to replicate BNI without some of the guidelines and its clear to see why. Open networking and referral marketing are different beasts, requiring very different approaches.

Your views are based on a partial visit to one meeting, and I'm just saddened that the chapter you went to left a bitter taste in your mouth - I can only speak for my own chapter in saying that from day one they've been nothing but friendly, welcoming and accomodating; but I do absolutely realise that the experience you've had may differ completely from the one I've had.

One thing I did want to draw on though:

ratso said:
Sorry one last thought. The members are not checked for quality standard of work so intertrade can in many cases be a bad thing. I prefer informed decission from a good choice of supplier not the one put in front of me.

This isn't actually correct - everyone submitting an application for membership has to provide references, and since you're seeing the same people every week, if anyone were providing poor service or standards or work then you'd hear about it and be able to either address it with that person, or simply stop providing referrals to them.

Nobody forces anyone to do business with a single specific person, and all that BNI members do is provide introductions to potential customers; so its not like theres any removal of choice for those people.

However, on the back of the need for more open networking/support groups - the NE meet being organised by a few people here that I linked to in my last post could potentially develop into such a group.

ratso · Jun 24, 2008

Your right Mike a bit of a bitter taste, though more from the way things were done.
I do fully understand refferal marketing, though the first time I came accross it was in Devon many many years ago, and it worked very well even though it was not a closed shop as the group was not from a small area and it was more a get together event with lots more going on.

As I think I said in an earlier post I know a lot of sales people who have joined the BNI, not the business owners, just a good way to get business in their eyes. This I do think is wrong as the BNI was first established for small business owners. I dare say their bosses are quite happy though.

Refferal marketing can still work with large groups even in the same industry as we have found being part of a number of groups from set industries, as inter trade becomes a great bonus. The networking works exceptionally well in these groups and it is amazing how many friends you make as you all understand what you are talking about.

Why do I not like the BNI?
Well not true I do as it works, though I do feel that if I do the same as the man who joined last week, as was the case for us, I should not be discounted and turned away. We have more than one business as most do today, we have web site development, SEO marketing, Printing, Corporate Gifts, Signs, Stationery, and a few others, Our instructions you can't mentions web sites, printing, stationery, signs or corporate gifts. We went down like a lead balloon when we talked about our business, five sets of toes who did not want us there. Our accountants are part of the same chapter, have we ever had any work off them, NO because as he said he is OBLIGED to first use a BNI member. His words not mine. When I first got asked to join I misheard and thought he said the BNP ... no havn't joind that one either

I do hope we see the rise of a good group in the NE who want to build business relationships and have a good time meeting like minded people.

MikeBzr · Jun 24, 2008

I think either I stuck lucky with my chapter, or you were unlucky with yours!!

You are right in saying that the heart of the organisation should be small business owners, and I guess I'm fortunate in that my chapter consists of just that. I can certainly imagine it being a whole different dynamic in a chapter which contains sales people from larger companies.

Personally I'm very excited by the prospect of a business group forming on the back of UKBF, so fingers crossed the meeting which is currently being planned goes well and we can build it from there.

The Printed Bag Shop · Jun 24, 2008

There is a networking event on in newcastle in july i think its the 7th i will find out more.

MikeBzr · Jun 25, 2008

Went along to the Bridge Club tonight and had quite a good time. Nice venue (although a little small when it came to sitting down for the guest speaker), very friendly host who made sure to come over, say hello, and introduce myself and other first-timers to other members; and the guest speaker herself was very interesting.

In terms of networking it was relatively decent, although the fact that the main room was small and filled with tables and chairs made navigating around everyone a bit tricky. The event was scheduled to end at 8.30, which left approx 50 minutes after the guest speaker finished, however a lot of people disappeared at this point.

All in all it was a decent night and I'll be sure to go back there in the future.

The Printed Bag Shop · Jun 25, 2008

Hi Mike ive always wondered what the Bridge Club was like.

There is a business networking event on 9th July at the grosvenor in newcastle.

If you would like the details please email me.

Blush · Jun 28, 2008

9th July is my birthday

How do you fit in all thees networking events though?

RosT · Jun 29, 2008

I went to the first meeting of a new breakfast meeting at the Grosvenor Casino last week - Business for Breakfast - early start of 6.45 but finished by 8.30 - but only just starting

Have you heard of Business Clubs of North East includes the following
once a member of one you can go to the others as a visitor and only £75 to join South Tyneside and they meet once a month on an evening

South Tynesise Business Network
Sunderland Business Network - only started in March this year
Tees Valley Business Club

THey have another 3 I think but best looking on their website

Hope this is of some help

RosT - WPA Health Insurance

simonr · Jun 30, 2008

Hmmmmm... Bridge Club experiences have been mixed to be honest. Caroline is lovely and she's good at getting you talking to other people but she sometimes does it without much thought, so you're "forced" to talk to someone where there's no overlap at all.

On the other hand sometimes she gets it right, too!

Anyone got any thoughts on the networking events of the FSB?

S

MikeBzr · Jun 30, 2008

The FSB seem to be one of those groups where you can't access any real information about things like events until you've joined up - unless I'm looking in the wrong place. Personally I'd rather know what I'm getting, as well as the costs involved, before I open myself up to be bombared with e-mails and phone calls about joining.

So, if anyone is actually a member of the FSB and can shed some light on whether its worthwhile as well as whether they hold any decent events in the North East area that'd be great.

@RoST - Business4Breakfast seem, at first glance, to be similar to/based on BNI - and if thats the case I wouldn't be interested in joining; however again there is very little real information on their site so if you could provide a little insight based on the meeting you went to that'd be fantastic. As for the other clubs mentioned, unfortunately they all fall outside the area I'm based in =(

Its weird as there seem to be a lot of initiatives for areas like Blyth Valley, Wansbeck, South Tyneside etc, however not a great deal for just plain old Newcastle!

Blush · Jul 5, 2008

Hi I joined Fsb, but more for the financial gains.I was opening my first shop so I covered the joinign fees within a week with free installation of streamline and telephone, ongoing discount on card transaction both in the shop and online .I used them for my insurance which saved me a bit too. I can also get free legal advice at any time.However I am not impresses with the networking though.I live in South Shields and my working day does not stop at 5pm.I expect networking to be in the evening and a little bit more local.I don't class Durham as local I am afraid, sorry of you live in durham, But I was told our local eeting were int eh pub around the corner to my house!!! couldn't be further away if they tried.
I was hoping to meet with local businesses but sadly not.
But they are worth it for all the other benefits

MikeBzr · Jul 6, 2008

Hmm, I think I'll let it pass - NECC already seem to offer things like cheap insurance, discounted merchant services, legal advice etc; the only thing that would pull me to the FSB would be networking.

What sort of joining fees are there?

Blush · Jul 8, 2008

£130
What is NECC?

MikeBzr · Jul 8, 2008

North East Chamber of Commerce

Blush · Jul 8, 2008

Do they offer free installation of streamline or simila? or free instalation of telephone and internet etc?
That was the only reason I joined FSB to be honest

simonr · Jul 10, 2008

Hi Blush - I'm a member of the FSB because of the free banking with the Co-operative but the other 'offers' have always seemed to be poor to me. For example, when I looked into their phone stuff it only took me 20 mins on Google to find a better offer. The loss-of-income insurance is poor too.

While I'm at it, I'll slag of their conferences - not worth paying for a stand!

S

Blush · Jul 14, 2008

fsb, I have changed my mind a little bit I think..I have had a run in with their telecom provider and oput it this way if I canb find a way of gettin gout of the contract I will.They cahrged me for an engineer o install it, 2 months after the event even thoough I emailed themt o say it was an inconvenient day, as I didn't have the keys! Apparently because I didn't type the word cancel they can charge me! And these are suppposed to be helping small businesses I am hopping mad.

Highlights PR · Jul 17, 2008

Hi all, I am a member of BNI Morpeth and it works for me.
If anyone wants further details, I am happy to invite you along as my guest.
Kind Regards
Keith

Alan BNNE · Jul 24, 2008

MikeBzr said:
I'm posting this in the desperate hope that its "just me" - despite hunting around online for months now, I constantly find myself despairing at what seems to be a complete lack of worthwhile networking opportunities in the North East area.

Hi, your're not alone in your disgruntlement! It's one of the major reasons we have set up businessnetworknortheast.co.uk as we hope to create the largest online regional business community and from there be able to stage live events that are more informal and accessible.

I personally think that theres a bit of an elitist stigma attached to business networking and people in the North have an aversion to all that, what is wanted is a platform for people just to be able to meet other business people face to face and form relationships. You can't form relationships in five minutes with speed networking and standing in front of a room full of people to present your business (especially when just starting out) can put the fear of god into some, and who says you have to be able to do this to run a successful business?

If North East wants networking events that work for them then all it takes is for businesses' to come together and work towards solutions that interest all. We have invested a lot of time and money in our site and hope it becomes a platform for great live networking opportunities, not just through us but by the users themselves.

Officebird · Jul 24, 2008

Hi all,

I'm a member of Darlington Business Club (DBC) which is great. Meet once a month in the evening. Theres always a presentation by an invited guest speaker then some networking after. It is really friendly and I love going there. As has already been said because DBC is part of Business Clubs North East (BCNE) I get to go to the other clubs for free. I've been to one at Durham (durham businesss club) and been to a joint meeting with the Tees Valley one.

Having tried out NECC networking I decided that DBC was the way to go for me. The FSB has never really appealed for some reason.

The cost of DBC? £55 I paid but I think it was £60 and I was a month late joining or something so they did it pro rata.

I find it hard to get to networking events as I am on my own with a 4 year old. Nursery isn't open at 6am for the NECC breakfast meetings and I have to pay £20 -£30 for the babysitter to go to a business club meeting in the evening so that isn't really cost effective to be doing too often. Of course the problem is most businesses don't want to meet during the day as they are too busy. Catch 22 for me!!

MikeBzr · Jul 24, 2008

Alan BNNE said:
If North East wants networking events that work for them then all it takes is for businesses' to come together and work towards solutions that interest all. We have invested a lot of time and money in our site and hope it becomes a platform for great live networking opportunities, not just through us but by the users themselves.

Couldn't agree more - theres a group spawned from these forums that seems to be coming together, albeit quite slowly; and I have my own ideas for a networking group with a bit of a twist to it too, off the back of me moaning about there not being enough of them!

I just registered on your site too, just awaiting approval

NMHancock · Aug 27, 2008

Hi Guys,

There are a networking company called business9am.co.uk, who suprisingly enough, hold networking events at 9am, there is one coming up in October at the Sage on the gateshead quay.

Hope this helps!

Neil M Hancock

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