© 2006 HCCI - Design by UKMS |
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Frequently
Asked Questions
Q: How often does HCCI run networking
events?
A: Every other month at a variety of locations and venues in
the borough.
Q: I do not have the time to attend networking events during
the working day.
A: We run breakfast, lunch and evening networking events so
that members can benefit whatever business hours they keep.
Food is usually served so you are combining networking with
eating - something we all have to do at some point in the day!
Q: I already have plenty of work to keep me busy, so I cannot
see the point in networking.
A: We are glad to hear it but by joining the Chamber and involving
yourself in our activities, you may find more productive and
lucrative ways to keep your already successful business working
more efficiently. Plus you stay up to date with what is happening
in the business community and meet people you may be able to
make referrals for work you cannot undertake.
Q: Although I am confident in my product or service, I am
quite a shy person and the idea of approaching complete strangers
at an event fills me with dread.
A: Don't worry we've all been there. We put a lot of effort
into making all our events informal and fun. Our facilitators
make sure you come into contact with as many other business
people as possible during an event and new faces are always
welcomed and sought out by members. By the end of the event,
you will have forgotten that you were networking at all! Just
make sure you bring a good supply of your business cards.
Q: How much does it cost to attend events?
A: We try to offer as many events as possible free of charge
but all members receive discounts if there is a charge. For
a breakfast or lunch you might pay anything from £7.50
to £10.00, which is no more than you would pay if going
out to eat. Once you are a member, further reductions can be
obtained by bringing guests too and any referrals you make who
join the Chamber could earn you free tickets to events!
Q: I own my own business and have a family, so I do not have
time to attend the social events really.
A: Many of our social events are open to members and non-members,
so you could bring your family along! For sole traders and small
business owners, time and money can be scarce but you can combine
business with pleasure and invite your clients along too. Our
annual events, such as the Barbeque, Dinner Dance and Carol
Concert are the ideal way to thank your staff without the huge
expense of having private functions.
Q: I belong to several networking groups already and I have
not seen any benefits yet - what is different about Chamber
events?
A: Our networking events are run very tightly but informally.
Our facilitators use the best possible ways to break the ice
and ensure that everyone gets to meet a good selection of people.
We welcome feedback from all our events and frequently offer
advice about how to get the most out of networking. Maybe you
could apply some of this advice to other networking events you
attend and really see a difference! Remember that networking
is one of those things where you only get out what you put in,
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