Women's Business Networking in Nottingham

2009-03-31T12:40:00.002+01:00

Date: 28th April 2009
Time: 6.00-8.00pm
Venue: The Walk, St John’s Arcade, Bridlesmith Gate, Nottingham, NG1 2GR (Find The Walk). Although it's best to get to St John's Arcade from the Fletcher Gate entrance, next to the Hotel Ibis.
Price: £25.00

Cafe Moneta Women's Business Forum has its own blog - http://womensbusinessnetworknottingham.blogspot.com/ - where you can find out what networkers at past events have enjoyed and appreciated. Comments include "Useful in getting people to talk about their business in different ways", "Not just very useful but very enjoyable too", "An event that 'thinks outside the box'.

With a great mix of open and facilitated networking this event is all about you and the business opportunities that you're looking for.

Early bookers get the chance to have me try to rustle up the types of business women they want to speak to - and get a listing on the blog complete with a link through to their own web site. So why not BOOK NOW?

Nottingham Women's Networking Just Got Better

2008-12-29T14:54:00.010Z

Tuesday 20th January sees the launch of the Cafe Moneta Women's Business Forum - a new networking experience from Smart Women.

Developed for women who want more networking out of their networking events, Cafe Moneta will provide just that. We wont be talking at you; we won't be eating in to your valuable time. But we will be providing you with some excellent networking opportunities to make sure you get real value for money.

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On the menu at Cafe Moneta in January...

Round Table Problem Solving
We’re all in business to solve problems of some kind, whether it’s doing the bits of someone else’s business that they don’t like or whether it’s providing someone’s ideal birthday gift. And, like it or not, we all have these problems and we can network to find ways to solve them.

Bring a ‘problem’ to your café table, business or otherwise. See who can solve it or find someone who knows someone who can.

The Café Moneta Challenge
A guaranteed way to ensure that someone wants to understand your business and what you do. It’s a step up from the standard 60-second pitch but there’s only one way to find out how it works, and that’s to come along. Although, as a bit of a hint, it would be worth making sure that you speak to someone you don't already know arly on in the proceedings.

Let’s Celebrate
Let everyone know your good news, from a new product launch, to a significant new client, to winning an award. And it’s not a proper celebration without a cake, is it?

Would Like To Meet…
We can’t guarantee to have your perfect contact at an event but let us know who you would like to meet and we’ll do our best to introduce you. To make it easy for you to plan, we’ll be sending out the delegate list in advance.

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For more information, look here or, if you're already dead keen, download the booking form.
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Hope to see you there!

Women's Business Networking in Lincolnshire

2008-09-05T11:28:00.002+01:00

So not women's business networking in Nottingham - so why's it on this blog?

Because Smart Women's successful Nottinghamshire Showcase-Marketplace networking and exhibition format is travelling further afield. And if you'd like to spread your networking a bit wider too, then put Thursday 6th November in your diary for some great women's networking in Lincolnshire.

When:
Thursday 6th November 2008, 10.00am – 3.00pm

Where:
Hemswell Court, Lancaster Green, Hemswell Cliff, Lincolnshire, DN21 5TQ

What:
A networking event for business women, bringing together all the best networking ideas for you and your business.

Who:
Women who want an enjoyable but focused event to promote their businesses through networking and exhibition opportunities.

For more information, visit http://www.womengetsmart.co.uk/about/Lincolnshirewomensnetwork.php

Download the Lincolnshire women's networking booking form
Dowload the Lincolnshire women's exhibitors booking form

Business Women's Networking in Nottinghamshire

2008-04-03T08:38:00.002+01:00

Why did we choose Kelham Hall at Newark for the Smart Women May business women's networking event? It does take us out of Nottingham city centre but then there are plenty of business women outside that catchment area too!

Kelham is a great venue with bags of personality and the space to do some creative things with the event. Look forward to informal and facilitated women's networking, zoned business exhibition areas, and Boost Your Business workshops.

It's also got plenty of space but that doesn't men you shouldn't be getting your booking in quickly.

Download the networker's booking form or the exhibitor's booking form and send them off sharpish to secure your place.

Networking in Newark - May 2008

2008-03-15T10:01:00.002Z

Smart Women are going off-line with a great networking and business exhibition event at Kelham Hall in Newark, Nottinghamshire. Chock-full of all the best networking ideas you've ever come across, and some you possibly haven't, this is an event not to be missed.

Already, we've had bookings from Nottinghamshire and beyond, and enthusiasm for the event is building all the time...

“It’s a brilliant idea and format!”, “This sounds great”, and “An excellent idea”, are just some of the comments we've had.

What are the details?

Venue: Kelham Hall, Newark, Nottinghamshire, NG23 5QX
Date: Wednesday 7th May 2008
Time: 10.00am - 3.00pm

How do you get involved?

1. Find out more details on the Smart Women web site.
2. Decide whether you want to go as a networker or as an exhibitor. Or you might want to book an exhibition spot to give networkers a taste of what you do.
3. Decide whether you want to book into any speed networking sessions or Boost Your Business workshops.
4. Complete your form and send it with payment to Scarlet Events Management who are working with Smart Women on this event - full details are on the form.

Women's Networking is thriving online

2008-01-28T15:28:00.002Z

Women's networking in Nottingham and around the East Midlands thriving online at the Smart Women web site - www.womengetsmart.co.uk.

Women from all sectors and sizes of business are enjoying the fact that they can promote their businesses for free with a profile that they can change at any time. As one of them said to me recently, "It's free, it's easy, there really are no excuses." Which about sums up the reason for the site in the first place.

If you're a woman in business in the East Midlands, give it a go. There's nothing to lose.

Just Nottingham?

2007-11-08T19:50:00.001Z

Heavens no! I'm often asked whether the networking I organise is just for women in Nottingham but, in fact, the women who attend come from Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Lincolnshire too. And they're all very welcome.

Likewise with the Smart Women web site - there's no rule that says you can't join if you're not Nottinghamshire-based. In fact, why not get in on the act before we start expanding? You can create a free profile in our women's business directory and start to enjoy the other Smart Women benefits.

Women's Enterprise Day Networking Event - 24th November 2007

2007-11-04T16:27:00.000Z

I'm glad to say that this looks like being a popular event. All the tables in the Smart Women Marketplace are booked now but I'm still taking bookings for any woman to hear an interesting speaker, browse in the marketplace, and e njoy some great networking. Get in quickly before it's booked up - details and booking form at www.womengetsmart.co.uk/about/womensnetwork.

See you there!

Young Women in Business / The Story of a Brand

2007-10-15T18:37:00.001+01:00

Wednesday 14th November is Women's Enterprise Day and Smart Women will be celebrating with a great lunchtime networking event.

Enterprising Women...
Regulars on the women's networking circuit are very much encouraged to bring a young woman as a guest. She might be thinking of setting up in business; she might be a client; she might even be your daughter who wants to know what you get up to at these networking events. Whoever she is, she'll be made very welcome.

Enterprising Speaker...
Speaker: Carolynn Aitken, Red Shoes Memories, Ltd. - The Story of a Brand...
Date: 14th November 2007
Time: 12.00noon - 2.00pm
Venue: Goji, 2-4 Adams Walk, Fletcher Gate, Nottingham, NG1 1QS
Price: £10.00

Carolynn will be talking about how stories are integral to the Red Shoes brand - and about the story behind the brand.

For more information and to download he booking form, visit
www.womengetsmart.co.uk/about/womensnetwork or contact Francine Pickering on francine@womengetsmart.co.uk.

Enterprising You... Promote Your Business in the Marketplace
If you'd like to take a table at the Smart Women Marketplace, there are a limited number available for just £30 (including your £10 entrance to the networking event). If you're really canny, and you sell things that make good Christmas gifts, you might even come away with a profit! More information at www.womengetsmart.co.uk/about/marketplace.

New Sponsor for the Women's Network

2007-08-30T08:46:00.000+01:00

As of September, there will be a new sponsor for the women's network. I shall be continuing to do the work that I always have but not under the Clarity Marketing banner.

Instead, the sponsor will be Smart Women Ltd., a new venture that will widen the support that Nottingham's business women can give to each other and it's been created in responseto the things that networkers have been saying to me over the past year or so.

In the first instance, there's a free directory where we can all promote our businesses. The more women who sign up, the more effective it will be. So why not create your own free profile - just register at http://www.womengetsmart.co.uk/.

Stressed to Excess - And You Want More Success

2007-08-28T15:32:00.000+01:00

Speaker: Karen Oehme, Loving Touch Therapies
Date: 26th September 2007
Time: 12.00noon - 2.00pm
Venue: VIEw from the top Gallery, Waterstone's Bridlesmith Gate, Nottingham, NG1 2GR
To book: Contact Francine Pickering on francine@womengetsmart.co.uk

Feminsation of the net

2007-08-24T18:03:00.000+01:00

The Guardian reported yesterday that the typical web user is no longer the stereotypical male teenage geek. Rather, female web users are overtaking male users in key age brackets, including the 35-49 age group which comes as no surprise to me.

Part of this change is attributed to the increase in web sites that are seen to be relevant to women, in all aspects of their lives.

In business, the Everywoman website - http://www.everywoman.co.uk/ - has been around since 1999 so we have to regard them as trailblazers. But the ability of the web to cater for niche groups as well as the wider market has also seen the rise of the diverse likes of http://www.motheratwork.co.uk/, http://www.creativewomensnetwork.co.uk/, and http://www.onewomanbusiness.co.uk/, as well as sites that are not woman-specific but which are useful and appealing to types of business where female owners are common, such as home-working site http://www.enterprisenation.com/.

The web going local (as opposed to that old-fashioned idea that everyone should aspire to be perceived as a global empire because no one knows you're based in the back bedroom) is another trend that works well for women. Time for a gratuitous plug for Nottingham's Smart Women site - so why not check out http://www.womengetsmart.co.uk/?

Networking and business performance

2007-08-14T20:07:00.000+01:00

Research from the University of Strathclyde, reported on the Prowess website sheds interesting light on differences between the way women and men network and the impact of these differences on business performance, in particular in relation to women's access to finance to support business growth.

The research identifies that male business owners tend to network more closely, building strong ties, whereas female business owners, compensate for their lower 'social capital' (derived from being, typically, younger, less experienced in their field, and less well-connected through past employment) by networking more widely and actively but, seemingly, in a manner less focused on the things that would help them to grow their businesses.

These things, of course, are never as clear cut as all that, with other factors affecting both networking styles and access to finance. But would this knowledge affect your networking strategy?

Awards for Business Women

2007-08-02T18:58:00.000+01:00

I've been contacted by our friends at Everywoman to let me know that their annual Everywoman Awards are looking for nominations - closing date is 31 August.

Categories are:

The Artemis Award for the most inspirational woman running a business who is aged 25 or under.
The Demeter for the most inspirational woman running a business who is aged between 26 and 35.
The Athena for the most inspirational woman running a business who is aged between 36 and 49.
The Hera for the most inspirational woman running a business who is aged 50 or over.
The NatWest everywoman which recognises the most passionate and dedicated woman business owner who the judges feel has overcome significant challenges to achieve outstanding business success. The award winner will be selected from the finalists of the four categories listed above.
The everywoman Iris for the woman whose business growth and success has been greatly improved through successful implementation and use of IT & communications. The award winner will be selected from the finalists of the four categories.
The Spirit of everywoman Award which honours one woman who has changed the landscape for women in business in the UK.

You can nominate yourself or a woman in business who you feel deserves that recognition. Perhaps we should have a winner from the Nottingham area this year - I'm sure there are plenty who would make excellent candidates.

More about entering these awards at www.everywoman.co.uk/everywomanAwards.

Networking for women with techie tendencies

2007-07-30T17:06:00.001+01:00

As the summer holidays roll on, networking opportunities dry up a bit. But I did enjoy a meeting of the Nottingham Girl Geeks the other week - dedicated to bringing geek-speak to the non-geek community. An excellent presentation by search engine optimisation expert, Susan Hallam, who will be pleased to know that the hypnotism worked this time :)

Congratulations to Women 4 Women

2007-07-16T15:15:00.001+01:00

Last Friday's event run by Women 4 Women went down very well. "I've been telling people how brilliant it was" is what one participant emailed me this morning to say. Well done, Christina, for organising a successful day of business workshops.

2007-07-08T22:33:00.001+01:00

What makes a great business women's network? Your input on what you do and do not enjoy about networking - at View from the Top or elsewhere - is always welcome. Post a comment below.

Moaning Men... they're discrimated against, don't you know?

2007-07-03T18:12:00.000+01:00

Once again, I've been collared by a chap complaining about how 'discriminatory' a women's network is. Not surprisingly, we were at a networking event - overwhelmingly dominated by men. Hey ho!

The case for women's networking is ably made by pan-European research by a group of organisations including the UK's Accelerating Women's Enterprise. Their research backs up a lot of the principles behind the women's lunchtime network in Nottingham.

For example, 70% of caring for children at school pick-up and drop-off times and during school holidays is undertaken by women - which makes the ultra-formal breakfast meetings that require week-in, week-out commitment a non-starter for many mumpreneurs. And goes some way to explaining why these are the types of networking events when men predominate.

But if I can chip in with my own observation... many women in business are selling products and services that are primarily or exclusively aimed at women (midwifery anyone?). So it makes sense that groups where men are in the majority are not rich networking opportunities for them - but that groups where women are the main focus will be much more productive.

The thing is, though, that networking isn't just about making a quick sale. There are many other benefits: meeting suppliers, gathering marketing intelligence, finding out about business support, and gaining social support in what can be a lonely way of life as a business owner. And if women don't attend mainstream networking events because their target market (other women) are in a minority at them, then they lose out one these benefits too.

So which is the worst form of discrimination? The type that excludes a whole group of business people because it doesn't offer them the same type of opportunities it does to others? Or the type that redresses this imbalance by presenting them with the chance to get the full range of networking benefits?

Women's Network is taking a short break

2007-06-29T16:01:00.001+01:00

June saw the last event in the Spring/Summer season for the Women's Network at View from the Top. But don't worry - it'll be back in September with another great line-up of presenters and much more splendid networking. If you're not on the emailing list, contact me on francine@clarity-in-communication.com to make sure you're amongst the first to hear about up-coming events.

Lucky for some...

2007-06-25T18:56:00.000+01:00

Friday 13th July sees the Women 4 Women business support project running a day of workshops and networking.

The day's workshops will cover topics from marketing and sales; accounting and finance; IT and e-commerce; to personal and professional development. There will be plenty of opportunity to network and I believe there are still some place left to book an exhibition table.

And if you're not already signed up to the Women 4 Women project, this is a great opportunity to find out more.

Date: Friday 13th July
Time: 9.30am - 4.00pm
Venue: Nottinghamshire Enterprises, Edwinstowe House, High Street, Edwinstowe, Nottinghamshire, NG21 9PR

For more information or to book a place contact Christina Williams on C.Williams@employment-training-links.co.uk or 0114 278 7722.

The High-Growth World of the Virtual Slimming Club

2007-06-17T17:57:00.000+01:00

Speaker: Rachel Hartley, NutraTech Ltd.
Date: 27th June
Time: 12.00noon - 2.00pm
Venue: View from the top Gallery, Waterstone's Bridlesmith Gate, Nottingham, NG1 2GR
To book your place at May's women's business network, download the flyer and booking form at www.clarity-in-communication.com/WomensNetwork.htm or www.viewfromthetop.co.uk.

Award-winning NutraTech is taking the slimming world by storm and the guesswork out of losing weight. After exploring initial options to allow weight watchers to monitor their diet, the company has found that a mixture of online and mobile services keeps it in tune with its customers and ahead of any competition.

From offering just one online service a year ago, NutraTech is now progressing its ‘white label’ strategy of offering “Powered by Nutracheck” products through other brands. Exciting times indeed.

Rachel established the company with two colleagues in 2004, building on her background as Product Manager at Boots, working with the low calorie Shapers sandwich range, and the food and nutrition knowledge gained during her degree. With extensive agency experience in advertising and extensive knowledge of marketing strategy and planning, she has taken NutraTech through an intensive period of growth.

27 June - The High-Growth World of the Virtual Slimming Club

2007-06-04T17:25:00.000+01:00

Speaker: Rachel Hartley, NutraTech Ltd.
Date: 27th June 2007
Time: 12.00noon - 2.00pm
Venue: View from the top Gallery, Waterstone's Bridlesmith Gate, Nottingham, NG1 2GR
To book your place at June's women's business network, download the flyer and booking form at www.clarity-in-communication.com/WomensNetwork.htm or http://www.viewfromthetop.co.uk/.

Rachel Hartley, one of the founders of NutraTech Ltd, will be talking about how she has built a growing business from an innovative idea. Having been featured in the Wall Street Journal, on Radio 4's "In Business" programme, and on CBBC's "Beat The Boss" show hosted by nearly-Apprentice Saira Khan, she's bound to have plenty to say.

Success Stories

2007-05-28T17:49:00.000+01:00

I'm sure there's plenty of business done at the women's network but are there any interesting success stories out there? Have you made a great strategic alliance with another networker? Or picked up a significant client or contact? Let us know by commenting below or drop me a line at francine@clarity-in-communication.com.

One-Year Promotional Plan Workshop

2007-05-24T20:18:00.000+01:00

Places are still available on my half-day workshop on Monday 6th June on how to develop Your One-Year Promotional Plan. There's a 25% discount for members of the women's network - go to the secret women's network page on my website to find out more and get your booking form - www.clarity-in-communication.com/promoplan_womensnetwork.htm. If you're interested, please book before 31st May.

Women's Network - 23 May 2007

2007-05-23T10:01:00.000+01:00

At today's networking event, Marcia McKerrow gave us a refreshing session on how to move from A to B. How did you find her presentation? And the rest of the event? I really welcome your feedback so please post a comment below.