Open Days
These are when we have organised a guest speaker, usually someone who will educate, inform and hopefully entertain on an interesting subject.
To these events we can invite anyone regardless of clashes with existing members.
It’s our chance to raise our profile with the larger community and extol the virtues of Grapevine. We only have about 3 or 4 of these a year.
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Guest Days
Are opportunities to bring along a friend or business associate who may benefit from the group, or add something to it, especially if they fall into our members wanted category.
Many groups double their numbers for these days. Occasionally we should invite other groups like the FSB or other local organisations like Business Link. With the exception of summer we have allocated one day a month to guest days, normally in the 3rd week of the month.
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One to one’s
Is a meeting of two individual members, to get to know one another and achieve a better understanding of each other’s business. These meetings should take up to an hour if conducted properly.
Keep it informal and friendly, invite your colleague to your home or business premises, if relevant.
Explore how you can help each other, discuss any common ground. Are there areas where you could collaborate “Who do you know who may use their products or services?”
Often when you talk in depth about what you do, you will hear: “I didn’t realise you did that!”
Tell them the type of customers you currently have and who you are looking for.
Take it in turns to explain what you do. Do not dominate or hog the session. Listen carefully, make notes, ask questions, and make suggestions. Show examples of your work or products give examples of prices.
If you agree some action make sure you follow it through!
Most of all enjoy it!
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Substitutes
Recently we have let the use of substitutes slip badly, yet it is your opportunity to keep your profile up whilst introducing someone new to the group.
I know we have a subs list which is fine in an emergency, like illness or unavoidable circumstances. However, most of us know in advance when we are going on holiday or have an appointment, so why not get someone you know in business to sub for you.
Members are not allowed to sub for each other; it’s much more interesting for all concerned, if the sub can bring something new to the meeting.
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