Written by Kevin | 24 June 2010

Another GREAT morning spent with some great minds in the local business community.

Topics discussed today, inevitably, included:

• Englands world cup games to date and expectations of future matches.
  
• Some helpful advice from Allan Reid of Mclean Reid about the recent budget and its implications to the SME market.
• Upcoming networking opportunities and trends in the local area, more below.

1 Year On...

We even took a moment to reflect on tomorrows 1 year Anniversay of the Death of the King of Pop, Michael Jackson. Needless to say that was driven by me, and yes that is me in the picture in the white! As along term fan, I couldn't resist. I will no doubt spend tomorrow in sombre solitude reflecting on the great times that are now behind me: Madison Square Garden with the Jackson 5 in 2001 or The Dangerous tour in Dublin in 1992. I digress.....

The big thing I have noticed is the AMOUNT of Networking organisations moving into Kent and the Southeast as a whole from other parts of the country. These include, but are not limited to...

• Netlinked
  

• 4Networking
  

• BOB (Business over Breakfast)

This is probably testament to the opportunity that these organisations see in this are as a new market for their own business plans and so far, it seems to be working for them and for those people who are participating. There is some tremendous buzz about these groups at the moment, and it is well worth tapping into this buzz as it as a limited window of opportunity. As these groups are relatively new, those participating are really getting on board and discussing, recommending, tweeting and attending in large number. It has revitalized the networking community and offerrs HUGE choice and opportunity to win business, form relationships, collaboration and even just put a thermonitor on the attitudes of people in business in this area. I highly recommend you getting out there and getting involved with these groups.
I say a "short window", but really who knows how long it will last, it could last for quite some time yet. With discounts for early adopters, it is relatively inexpensive to get involved in these groups and I guess the real measure of their success will be in the amount of people that are retained when full figure fees have to be paid.

Surfmarketing are represented in most of these groups, and we have had mixed successes. However, it is fair to say that meetings I attended a year ago, still give me wins today, so it is very early to be getting the measuring stick out!

You have to be in it to win it, isn't that what they say?

Go on, dip your toe in the water, what harm can it do...? Perhaps I'll see you around.

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Surfmarketing run an informal business meeting in Maidstone's Village Hotel on alternate Thursdays (next meeting 8th July 7am-9am) at just £10 +vat on the door. We do not require any joining or annual fees and require no long term commitment. Merely attend as and when you can for an informal chat with local business owners about things that are relative to you and your business. We like to think of it as a Support Forum rather than a Networking group. If you would like to attend, please email us with your details.