Hi all,

On another thread a number of us have agreed that networking events often happen at the wrong time of day, or are run by organisations wanting high levels of commitment or cash to join. As a new business i need all the cash i can get and i am not interested in breakfast meetings, buffets, or the horrible 'speed dating' version of networking.

I want a comfortable venue, a free venue, no subs to join, somewhere i can get a drink or food if i want it and ultimately an event where i make usefull local contacts and hopefully get some business.

There is only one way to kick start this and that is to arrange a date and time for the first one.

So in the interest of having a venue which everyone can access centrally i nominate The Devonshire Cat Pub on Wellington Street, Devonshire Green, City Centre.

To give everyone enough notice why don't we aim for Tuesday (because it will be quiet) January 6th.

If you are interested please post a reply on this thread.
I look forward to seeing you all there to network, discuss issues we are suffering and solutions to help each other, and hopefully gain some business!

P.S. I'll be the one in a black and red Brew Company shirt.

Cheers!

Hi Blacksheep

Great idea, I help run a support group which is aimed specifically at helping women in business and as part of that we meet at our monthly "inbetweeny" which is held in a city centre pub after work (last Friday) and is for EVERYONE who is interested in meeting socially with like-minded individuals who are also looking to grow and be successful in business. This is a free meeting also.!!

Actually Blacksheep I believe I have already met a lady who was representing your company at a workshop I delivered at Hallam University around "Finance for Business"

I would love to join you at the network evening you are looking to pull together in January, additionally if you would like to join in ours at end of January you are more than welcome. After all it's all about businesses in this area supporting and encouraging each other at every opportunity. That way not only do you succeed but you have the pleasure of seeing others do the same.

Tina

Count me in

Hi all,

On another thread a number of us have agreed that networking events often happen at the wrong time of day, or are run by organisations wanting high levels of commitment or cash to join. As a new business i need all the cash i can get and i am not interested in breakfast meetings, buffets, or the horrible 'speed dating' version of networking.

I want a comfortable venue, a free venue, no subs to join, somewhere i can get a drink or food if i want it and ultimately an event where i make usefull local contacts and hopefully get some business.

There is only one way to kick start this and that is to arrange a date and time for the first one.

So in the interest of having a venue which everyone can access centrally i nominate The Devonshire Cat Pub on Wellington Street, Devonshire Green, City Centre.

To give everyone enough notice why don't we aim for Tuesday (because it will be quiet) January 6th.

If you are interested please post a reply on this thread.
I look forward to seeing you all there to network, discuss issues we are suffering and solutions to help each other, and hopefully gain some business!

P.S. I'll be the one in a black and red Brew Company shirt.

Cheers!
What time on January 6th please?

You can count us in too.

Im In. Sounds good

What time on January 6th please?

Not thought really - i guess after work hours.
How about 18:30?

Will definitely try to come along, sounds great.

Just had to change the date of a session so I will be able to get there now

count me in! Looking forward to meeting everyone

I would like to come too!!

ok im in too ;0)

Is this for any sort of business? Or something in particular?

6:30 will be too tight for me, but assuming you'll be there for a while, I should be able to get there a little later. I only close up at 6 and then have to get the dogs home.

Hi, it sounds interesting but Tuesday evening is difficult for me. I can join before 5pm on Tuesday but Monday any time will do.

Thanks,

Sleepingcat

I would like to be there so I shall keep an eye on this thread so I know time/venue closer to the date.

Count me in

I'll try and make this one too.

umm - me also

I should be able to make it. Looking forward to meeting you all.

Now this is what the forum is all about - great idea - count me in too! :thumbsup:

sounds good count me in.

With some many of us coming, how is it going to work. How will we all know each other?

With some many of us coming, how is it going to work. How will we all know each other?

Maybe print a lapel badge with your user name on?

we would love to come.Thanks for arranging it.

Sounds a good idea it will be great to exchange ideas.

I think the idea of doing some free networking at the pub in Devonshire Green, is a great idea. I very much agree with the comments that have been made about other networking organisations.

I joined a couple of large networking organisations when I first started in business three years ago and it landed up costing me a fortune. I did'nt get much business from it either. So, I am definately up for coming down on the 6th, I believe it starts at 6.30 p.m? Would be pleased if you would confirm the starting time. All the best for the New Year and I look forward to meeting you.

Regards
Supercoach

Just a reminder that the informal small business networking event is in the Devonshire Cat pub on Wellington Street, Devonshire Green at 6.30 pm on Tuesday the 6th of Jan.

I will ask tonight if we can reserve an area for us to sit.
I will print a sign and stick it on the tables.
I will be wearing a black shirt with a red Brew Company logo on.

See you there!

Thanks to Stella for the offer of the leaflet distribution. If you could send me your contact details, I will be in touch. My email address is info@lifesolutions-lifecoaching.co.uk. I look forward to hearing from you.

To all of you who are going to the new networking event, on Tuesday,6th January, I wish you a successful night. Unfortunately, I have realised I have a prior engagement and will not be able to make it but do let me know when you decide to book your next event. I hope not to miss the next one.

Best Wishes,
Supercoach

Having only just seen this thread, I also will not be able to make it tonight, though I am very interested in the free networking idea! Hope it all goes well and happens again soon.

All the best.

Si

I wont be there, only just got back from fracture clinic (daughter broke her elbow). Hope it's a good night.

Great to meet everyone tonight. I found the whole do very useful and informative and I'm looking forward to the opportunity to work with some of you in the future. An evening well worth repeating I think. :thumbsup:

Oh yes - and if anyone could find a couple of minutes to cast a critical eye over my new website (http://www.abbeydale.net) I'd be grateful for any feedback - good or bad as long as it's constructive.

Hi there.

It was really great to chat with you and everybody else tonight. Your a great bunch of guys and girls. When is the next one?

In regards to feedback on your site. I LOVE IT!!. The colours are great, you have a testimonial page which is always good for the service you provide and its easy to navigate.

Thumbs up from me!.

Great to put some faces to names tonight and find out more about you all and your businesses.
Hope another evening can be arranged so that we can build on the relationships already forged and help each other grow and succeed in business.
I agree, a great group of people with a genuine interest in supporting other local business men and women.

Mike, The web site is great and shows off your expertise in web design, some very impressive examples of web sites you have already comleted. Well done.

Great to put some faces to names tonight and find out more about you all and your businesses.
Hope another evening can be arranged so that we can build on the relationships already forged and help each other grow and succeed in business.
I agree, a great group of people with a genuine interest in supporting other local business men and women.

Mike, The web site is great and shows off your expertise in web design, some very impressive examples of web sites you have already comleted. Well done.
Agree great to meet everyone we must organise one on a regular basis monthly?

Thanks to everyone for turning up last night, i really didn't expect so many people!
As we get used to meeting i am sure we can bring other people and make this group grow. The trick then will be to turn our contacts into business and cash!
I have something on virtually every week and every weekend in February with beer festivals and meet the brewer events so i am unable to attend a meet in that month.
I therefore propose the next one is held in March.
If i fail to arrange a date please feel free to give me a nudge via a PM.

Cheers all!

Hi all, fab night last night.

Maybe its worth not letting the obvious interest wane. Without wanting to take over Black Sheep's baby - could we get something going in february?

Hi all, fab night last night.

Maybe its worth not letting the obvious interest wane. Without wanting to take over Black Sheep's baby - could we get something going in february?

Yes we need to keep up the interest although the Devonshire Cat is a central venue and a decent pub it would possibly be better if we could find a pub with a seperate room or similar so that everyone can get to talk to each other easier .I do'nt know if Black Sheep who had the great idea of the network or anyone else as any ideas for a name for this networking group. You never know with all the spider guys we might have our own web site one day.

I too thought it was great to meet up, look forward to doing so again, Feb or March I don't mind.

we might have our own web site one day.

Get your tin hat ready if you ask for a website on here :D

A big thankyou for arranging last night.We made many useful contacts and met a super bunch of people.Count us in for the next one.Lesley and Chris TPS Plumbing

Count me in for any future meets, it was really nice to meet people last night, it was a shame I couldn't stay any longer though

Great to hear so much positive feedback, unfortunatley I was unable to make it this time but will be on the next one. I agree with Sharpened that we need to continue with this on a regular basis and would be great to have one in feb....

Anything I can help out with just give me a shout

Hi Everyone

Just spotted this..... would love to join the next meeting, if there is room :hihi:

I enjoyed it on Tuesday and I am looking forward to the next one, where I hope to get a chance to talk to those who i didn't get to talk to this time....

Hi all, fab night last night.

Maybe its worth not letting the obvious interest wane. Without wanting to take over Black Sheep's baby - could we get something going in february?
A few more people are interested in the network we must have another in Feb I am sure Black Sheep will not bleat too much if you organise one for February.

first tuesday of every month possibly same place same time

I am very interested in joining in too! I was to unwell to come last time - having heard the fantastic feedback I was even more annoyed i had missed it :P

sounds fantastic - It would be good to have one in Feb and I dont think one meet will be steping on BlackSheeps toes too much, I on a very personally selfish level would prefer a pub with a seperate room for us lot as i have hearing aids and trying to have a good conversation with lots of background noise is quite difficult - however I am sure i can cope if this isnt possiable :)
Amanda

The Harlequin Inn on Nursery St has a seperate function room. I could always ask if they mind us using it. I'm sure as long as you all buy a couple of drinks they would be fine with that.

Sharpend - feel free to organise one whenever you want. Just let me know via PM if you do. I won't be checking this forum for a good few weeks now.

So are we having this get together in feb, whos up for it then...

Pending the date and current committments I cant change or cancel, I will try and get there this time.

I will too endevour to get to it :)

both myself and my partner would be interested in this ..let me know the time, date, place maria x

February is good for me especially on Tuesday eve.

on a separate but related note...

If there are any ladies in business would like support and networking opportunities please give me a call. I have a real passion for seeing women succeed in business and donate my time and expertise to mentoring and developing women entrepreneurs of the future.
Please check out the website or call me on 07775550224

Tina

How about Tuesday 3rd Feb or is that to soon? That would be a month after the first one.

Either I or my partner (or both if possible) will try to be there, broken ankle and childcare issues meant neither of us could make the last one.

Cheers

James

That'd be fine for me, where are you looking at going? As I am only really able to get to places in the city centre unless my partner wishes to join me.

Amanda

count me in, this is a fantastic idea. well done black sheep. What are the details for the next meeting then? 3rd feb @ 6:30pm but where?

Hi,

Can you let me know if you have any networking events coming up.

Thanks

I think the Devonshire Cat was OK - pretty central - car parking right outside. I vote for that venue again. 3rd Feb OK for me..

Time & location?

I can't make it this time but I'm all in favour of keeping them going. See yerz all at the March meeting!

sounds good to us Will see you there
Chris and Lesley

Just caught this thread.I just want to say this is a brilliant idea and just what's needed
due to the current climate. Since the original post by ( BlackSheep) the momentum has gone into hyper drive perhaps and it's only a suggestion an events calendar could be posted on here instead of people asking when the next meet will be. I for one will be calling in sooner or later and look forward to meeting faces instead of names. Good luck to all for now .

Hmm, you all seem to be keen which is excellent, but no one appears to have stepped up to facilitate. I am unable to make February so someone needs to take up the helm and organise a date, time, place etc. If you do use a pub you will need to contact them a week or so before and ask if they will reserve an area for you or you will end up being sat all over the place. Good luck to whoever organises this one, and keep me in the loop via a PM please.

I dont mind sorting something out. As it's just a couple of weeks away, perhaps those definite as this point could send a PM so we know the numbers expected, when asking the pub landlord for a separate area.

I also vote dev cat again, maybe we could ask to be placed at the back of the room, near the kitchen?

why? Have we got to do the washing up? You kept that one quiet Blacksheep! :hihi::hihi::hihi:

lol, just quieter back there

I don't think you will have to do the washing up but you never know!!
Seriously you need to go and ask Hannah or Ben who are the bar managers as soon as possible.
BTW - i am hosting the second beer styles night at the Dev Cat on the 10th. Come along to learn all about IPA, (India Pale Ale) and do a tasting of five beers for a fiver and a quiz. We have a right laugh. In December 23 people attended!

If i don't see you there - good luck arranging a newtwork meet.

removed xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

That is Ok form me.Is anyone else in agreement?We could have our own one for the small business group. A group within a group!

Member smoothtalker has now arranged Tues 3rd Feb at 6.30pm with the Devonshire Cat. This was the date suggested and we have 13 (+ 3 bringing partners) confirming in this thread and by PM to me, that they are ok for the 3rd.

I have removed the detail from my previous post to avoid confusuion

Member smoothtalker has now arranged Tues 3rd Feb at 6.30pm with the Devonshire Cat. This was the date suggested and we have 13 (+ 3 bringing partners) confirming in this thread and by PM to me, that they are ok for the 3rd.

Ok I will be there.

I missed the last get together would like to attend this one :)

Chris from TPS plumbing and i will be there and thanks for organising it
Lesley

Hi guys,

I'm new to this forum and just started up my own company so this sounds great - did you meet up? If it went well, are you planning to do it again...I'd definitely be interested if you are.

bluemouse, read my last post for info

I will be there this time. Looking forward to it.

Thanks smoothtalker for arranging, I will be there too.

How is everyone fixed for the meeting tomorrow night?

We've had 7" of snow settle here in my part of Doncaster and no sign of stopping anytime soon, so I wont be coming over if the roads are bad. Sheffield comes to a standstill at 6pm as it is without 30 miles of treacherous weather to cut through!!

Hopefully everyone who has said they are coming will be checking this thread for an update, especially given the weather.

Looks like it will all depend on the weather, not looking good in Rotherham at the moment.

a bird tells me it is not bad where they are (just near Abbeydale Rd)

It is alternating between sunny spells, overcast and (at the moment) large snow flurries in Kiveton - starting to settle also

Its not looking good on the streets everyone coming or thinking of coming let us know here and keep us uptodate with weather updates

Its not looking good on the streets everyone coming or thinking of coming let us know here and keep us uptodate with weather updates
The forecast is for the snow to finish about 4am tomorrow it was hopeless south of the city this afternoon, as long as the gritters get out it may be OK are they on strike? it may be an idea to change to next week if possible.

I'll be on foot so can make it whatever the weather! I'll check here tomorrow to see if it still going ahead.

Hi There,

Are we still on for tonight?.

The roads dont look too bad in the ghetto (Shiregreen)

Snow is melting here at my end, we have bright blue skies this morning. I'd say that if it does not snow any more today it will be fine by this evening to travel.

Excellent. Im looking forward to it.

Is it still on?
Its very deep in Crookes?

I'm not hearing anyone saying they cannot make it so I presume it is still on, so just to confirm:

Devonshire Cat 6.30pm tonight 3rd Feb

If anyone needs it, my mobile number is here (http://www.indizine.co.uk/contact-us)

I won't be able to make it tonight, I don't fancy venturing out. i will be there next time!!!

Hi..

I won't mind coming to such network meetings. It's for business right, where we can chill, and chat, and exchange cards of our business, and refer if possible etc? And get to know who is, yes?

I just found out about this but is there any meetings happening next week by the way? I'll like come to these meetings.

This is a very good idea. Great. :)

Adam

Sorry guys I'm going to wimp out - it's not the weather for cycling!

I'll be there next time for sure.

Sorry guys I'm going to wimp out - it's not the weather for cycling!

I'll be there next time for sure.
What a total bunch of wimps only two arrived.

im sorry to those two people that did turn up, I was unable to make it myself as I was involved in a minor accident and was unable to attend but lets make the next meeting bigger and better

yes same here, I got caught up with a late meeting so by the time i'd have got over there it would have been 7.30 at least and I wasn't sure how bad the weather was so decided not to risk it.

As this is an informal networking arrangement, thus the commitment will always be on an informal basis too. Don't forget, in a paid membership, we would have been charged for it even if we didn't turn up!

Are people wanting to rearrange for later this month or should we leave it until next month

shall we see how the weather forecast goes in the next couple of weeks? It doesn't tend to snow in March!

Either way, I'm personally fine which way it goes, this month or next.

Thing is, I can sense, when there's no membership fee, there's no comittment really to attend. That's only thing and I don't want to book time out and find, I'm only one there cause I want to network, get to know business people, see what they do, see if I can refer biz to them, clients etc.

But still, that's why I'm joining others which is paid fee. So, either way, I'll be there. Hopefully we have a clear date and time. This month or next month.

Cheers

Adam

Yes, i'm the same Adam, I pay membership fees to network at guaranteed events but the informal ones are non-committal in every sense. For me, a 1.5 hr 60 mile journey has to be worth it wherever I go.

Sorry guys but when it got dark, it went really icy down our lane. I didn't post that I wasn't coming because I didn't want to start a "me too" chain...

Sorry guys but when it got dark, it went really icy down our lane. I didn't post that I wasn't coming because I didn't want to start a "me too" chain...
Hindsight is a wonderful thing as I said originally it should have been postponed.

I couldnt come either... Do people want to try and organise it for this month still or leave it until the 3rd of March?
Did many people manage to get there?

I think this is an excellent initiative, and from the feedback thats been shown here this would have worked very well this month if it had not been for the weather which nobody could have predicted. I think we should leave it for this month and start in march all being well

It was a shame that February meeting had to cancel owing to bad weather.

Shall I suggest the next meeting either on Monday 2nd or Friday 6th March?

I love to join you guys but Tuesday is not convenient to me.

I run my small accounting practice in Sheffield and I, like people in this thread, are small businesses so we need to spend money wisely. Joining a networking event can be expensive so I think this is a good opportunity for us to meet and help each other particularly in the current economic climate.

If anyone needs advice regarding business plan, tax planning and accounting, I offer first hour free consultation. Please PM m


Sleepingcat

Not the event, but the website (http://www.tradesheffield.co.uk/) - what do people think?

"Do not miss the Trade Sheffield pre-launch party!
10th February - 6pm at The Walnut Club, 557 Ecclesall Road
With leading local business guest speakers
Over 100 local business already registered and growing...
Please forward this email onto as many local businesses as you can.
The more that register, the more we can help each other.
Do not keep it a secret!
Trade Sheffield - http://www.tradesheffield.co.uk"

Is it free to join this site?

I was wondering the same thing - it's free to register and there's no request for card details, so I've registered and will wait and see what happens.

Can I suggest we move discussion to the other thread I started on this topic?

I'll go back to it when it's live. I don't submit my email address without knowing what i'm getting from it. Most sites are free to register, but then start charging to use it to any effect.

has every1 gone against this idea then

No I wouldnt think so- just side tracked

yeah well March is a couple of weeks off yet.

how did this launch party go - anybody go to that?

There's a free business exhibition in Leeds next Thursdsy 9-3, 2 seminars and 3 speed networking events and you only get 60 seconds to pitch! I will be shattered by the end of it!!

[QUOTE=INDIZINE;4673028]
There's a free business exhibition in Leeds next Thursdsy /QUOTE]

Linky?:thumbsup:

http://www.thebusinessgrowthshow.co.uk/event-details/events/leeds-business-growth-show.html

yeah well March is a couple of weeks off yet.

how did this launch party go - anybody go to that?

There's a free business exhibition in Leeds next Thursdsy 9-3, 2 seminars and 3 speed networking events and you only get 60 seconds to pitch! I will be shattered by the end of it!!

we made it to this one (apologies about the February meet- purely weather-related reasons *is ashamed to admit this, as has never been beaten by a bit of snow before*)

It was an interesting concept- keeping trade in Sheffield by promoting business relationships between each other. The idea is that you register what you buy- not just your products but your regular "incidentals"- printing, stationery, vehicles etc- as well as what you sell. The website will the generate possible matches between businesses. So, you may not get a sale, but you may be able to do a deal to swap/ barter services etc.

That's a very basic overview.

The website isn't up and running yet- hence the term "pre-launch- so we'll see what happens.

Hi there,
I've just started up my own business and would love to start informal networking. March 6th Friday would suit me.
Cheers
Kathleen

6th March is a friday - probably a worse day than the snowed off event?

Monday or Thursday of 1st week in March is best for me.

Just a quick note from me. If you plan to do a networking meet in the Dev Cat make it on a Tuesday apart from the 10th. Every Monday is quiz night, last week 106 people turned up fo that, Tuesday 10th of each month is my beer styles night and is always busy too. Thursday & Fridays are the busiest nights next to Saturday. Don't forget to arrange with Ben or Hannah if you want an area setting to one side. I will be back after March.

Could I suggest Tuesday 3rd? I'm happy to contact the Dev Cat to arrange a space to be saved.

Could I suggest Tuesday 3rd? I'm happy to contact the Dev Cat to arrange a space to be saved.
I would be okay with that date..

As would I.

just read my last post, they're the 2 dates which I cant do! Getting muddled in my old age!

On Monday 4-6.30pm there is a free Rotherham/Barnsley Chamber networking event in Brinsworth, hosted by Irwin Mitchell.

Will there be more than three of us otherwise there is little point... ?!

Include us TPS Plumbing of Bents Green
Chris 07808 763 784

That's the downside to informal networking - you take it as it comes. There's no commitment to attend. It's a long way (30 miles each way) for me to come if the turnout is low whereas if I lived local it wouldn't be as bad if you're just 10-15 mins from home.

See its no problem for me I am walking distance away :P

But yes as there is no fee people dont 'NEED' to attend - but thats what we wanted isnt it? I guess either that date is not good for the majority and people arnt saying because they dont want to start a 'i cant come either 'snowball' but I would say that I have seen a little less activity over the last week from the people who usually say they are up for this so it could mean that lots of people havnt had a chance to sign in and say they can come... or want to come

now I am just rambelling sorry.

the forum itself has had barely any activity, yet the forum I mod on (A1 Business Forums) has been quite busy this week.

The thing is, when its a properly orchestrated event someone is coordinating it and you make a commitment because you know it will be well attended. But those people doing these events are charging for them. Even the 'free' Chamber ones are only free to members paying an annual membership fee, so they are not actually free in that sense.

Could I suggest Tuesday 3rd? I'm happy to contact the Dev Cat to arrange a space to be saved.
Did you contact the Dev Cat at all?

No I haven't yet.

I'll be there on the 3rd

Can I suggest we make this the first Tuesday of every month, that way fixing a date won't be an ongoing problem. People can either make it or not.

We could then have a new thread each month for people to say they are coming, so we can gauge numbers.

great idea count me in although my only dilema is getting there before 9 on a weekday as Im coming up from leeds and alot of the times work late

I would like to attend the next meeting and Tuesday 3rd is OK for me.

Dev Cat is booked for 6.30pm next Tuesday, 3rd March. I asked for seats for about 10 people so that should leave room for a few more than those who have already said they are attending!!

Count me in!

Dev Cat is booked for 6.30pm next Tuesday, 3rd March. I asked for seats for about 10 people so that should leave room for a few more than those who have already said they are attending!!
Thanks will see you there.

I would like to attend :)

Put me down for Tuesday as well, please :-)

Include us.TPS Plumbing of Bents Green
Chris and Lesley

Put the Imp (and Ms Imp) down for a swift 'arf on Tuesday too.

I will need some sponge juice after being at SENTA all day on the 3rd so sounds ideal.

Hi, I've just joined the forum and I'd like to attend the next meeting. Has it been decided when this will be?

Hi, I've just joined the forum and I'd like to attend the next meeting. Has it been decided when this will be?
Will be in April date to be decided.

Thanks for the reply, I will watch with interest