FAQS
What happens at the meeting?
Once you arrive and have been welcomed to the meeting, you will have the chance to get yourself a tea or coffee and participate in some open networking. Introduce yourself and your business to the members and other visitors and find out if there are any immediate connections.
Shortly after this we sit down to our breakfast and then enter into the formal part of the meeting. Everyone will then do a one minute presentation of their business. Don’t be scared about this, all you need to say is who you are, what your business is and what you offer and finish up with what kind of business you would like to get from the group.
The last part of the meeting is the referrals section where leads, updates and thanks are passed between everyone.
Can more than one person from the same trade be a member of Trusted Contacts?
Firstly, each new member that joins Trusted Contacts would have been recommended by a member or friend. Only one trade or profession can be in each Trusted Contacts group, for example we would only have one printer or one electrician. To have move than one would lead to confusion as to who to give your lead to and could give rise to resentment from the other trades person in the group.
What sort of leads or business can I envisage from the Trusted Contacts group?
Firstly, you will be asked to give a short presentation on your business, normally for one minute.
This is two fold, one that the group will have an understanding of what you do but more important you must tell the group what sort of business you are looking for and the magnitude of your requirement.
For example if you are an accountant working on your own you will be looking for introductions to individuals or SMEs. You would not require the introduction to the finance director of a blue chip company, thus tell the group what you are looking for!
What does my membership fee get used for?
Membership of ‘Trusted Contacts’ networking provides excellent value for money in terms of return on investment for a relatively small business expenditure.
Your first year costs are made up of a one off £100.00 joining fee and a £160.00 annual membership charge. All of this money is put to good use for the benefit of both the group – and you as an active member.
The funds will be used for actions such as:-
- Local advertisements in specific publications and newspapers to increase awareness of our group and encourage new members.
- Production of group literature and stationery again to increase awareness and underpin the quality approach that the group follows at every step.
- Purchase of specific items such as projectors and display banners as necessary to support the group meetings and the members individually.
- Whenever possible, we also get involved in specific local charity activities and where all members are in agreement donations or activity costs may be allocated to those worthy causes.
- Lastly, we also look to have occasional social activities – who said gaining new business can’t also be fun?!
How do I know I can trust other members?
We understand that this is a question many prospective members will have. However, everyone in Trusted Contacts has been carefully selected to ensure the highest levels of personal and business integrity. Many have worked together for more than 3 years. Our members all work hard to try and find potential business contacts for each other. In addition, members are expected to have regular 1:1 meetings to build relationships and trust. Trust is something that is built over time, but you can be assured that members of Trusted Contacts are there to help your business grow.
Why do we meet regularly?
To build any kind of a trusted relationship regular contact is vital. By meeting each week, and sometimes socially, individuals get to know other trusted contacts within the group, they here testimonials from other members about work undertaken successfully and become confident in recommending that individual’s business to their own business contacts. Having 25 other trusted contacts referring your business to people they know is why we meet.
