Hi Mark,

good luck with the meeting.

when I have to do standups with my bankers head on I always think of the audience as a group of four year olds and it makes the whole thing less scarey.... Actually, some actuaries really do act just like four year olds!

On the cards front and brand recognition have you thought of branded pens rather than just cards? The card will go in a pocket and maybe forgotten about but a mid quality pen is more likely to be used so they will be seeing you're companies name every day.

Also pens are easy to carry around in your pockets to give out unlike things like desk magnets to hold your paperclips which I keep getting inundated with... Brilliant idea. A magnet is JUST what you want to put near computer screens! (not).

If you go with the pen idea don't go with a branded bic or cheap white plastic pen as it just makes you look cheap. Also the printing always seems to wear off the gold coloured metal ones which sort of defeats the object!

Anyway, just a suggestion, and good luck with it,

Shaun.

By the way Mark, have you paid to become a member of your Chamber ? I was on the phone to my local Chamber yesterday and they want £120+VAt per annum to become a member. The benefits they told me are that I had access to over 200 other members, could have their logo on my stationery and have access to a 'business community support officer'. I told them I would think about it and get back to them.

Hi Mark,

the scary thing about these open networking events is all that milling around and having to approach people and just start a 'natural' conversation. Always remember most people are as scared as the next one, which is great because it means they are desperate for someone to approach them...really! Perhaps look out for people on their own, they will definitely be pleased to be joined by you but never go up and tell them what you do, instead approach and say something along the lines of 'Hi, I'm Mark...do you hate networking as much as me?' They will either laugh and agree or disagree, it really doesn't matter. The important thing is that you ask them about what they do, how long have they've been doing it, is it going well etc. Be interested in them, eventually if they have anything about them they will ask about you! There will probably be a lot of accountants there, they are easy to spot, they will be wearing pinstripe suits and have a side parting (The daring ones will have odd socks on but you will never notice as it will be navy and black!), these people are worth talking to if you do not clash too much. If you offer a full accounting service, bookkeeping, vat and tax returns look for people who look a bit nervous as they may be people who have just started a business and need your services.

Good luck I'm sure you will be fine!

Thats really good advice Rob. I have taken it on board too so thanks

Cheers Rob... Really good advice and of course most of that can also be transposed to chatting to the fairer sex in the pub on a Friday night as well!

All the best,

The ginger tom cat!