[Rita]

Hi All,

I'm new here and have joined as I'm considering starting a networking event in the Midlands for young business people.

I'd like to gauge an idea as to what people would expect to get from a business network (apart from just referrals/sales) and what the 'ideal' structure to an event should be.

I know it's all very subjective, but all opinions are welcomed.

Thanks

Rita

[Indizine]

you say for young business people but what age group exactly? 14-21, 18-30, etc??

[Rita]

I'm thinking more along the lines of 18-30, but really I'm wanting it to be a place for people who are either at the planning or very early stages of their business who have relatively little business or commercial experience and are looking for a forum to discuss and develop ideas.

[Indizine]

the most common age of start ups is definately over 30, and upto about 45 ish. Depends what you are trying to achieve when deciding what age group.

[wecando.biz]

Happy to provide some support for your networking group through our our website. Feel welcome to PM me to pick up discussions about some features we have coming after the summer which may help you.

IH

[Rita]

Originally Posted by Indizine

the most common age of start ups is definately over 30, and upto about 45 ish. Depends what you are trying to achieve when deciding what age group.

I'm an example of the kind of people I'll be looking at targeting...early 20's, know that my ultimate aim is to work for myself, have an idea, but lack the support and knowledge to further the idea.

I'm thinking that getting a similar group of people together to meet on a regular basis to develop ideas and discuss needs, with speakers who have relevant experience to provide guidance will enable the group to progress individually

But would this make a good format to a networking event?

[Chris(tina!)]

I think for the age group you are talking about, the description you give is good - meeting up together is great, getting some people from business along on an ad hoc basis to 'mingle' is good and a 'speaker' is also a great idea.

If you are JUST starting out, talk to the Princess Trust/Business Link and maybe a local bank to come along and give advice about starting out.

Also, if you get some established young businesses in your group, to have them talk about their experiences would be great - better for some people than anything else, to show that a contemporary can achieve what they have and how they have done it!

Oh, and local accountants may well be interested in addition to the banks - they have a vested interest as well and can impart some great advice for free to a group if they think they have an 'in' to a load more business!