Think Different Business Banter

When I was with Learning and Teaching Scotland I really enjoyed the banter you got around the office - the water cooler discussions. Some of the chat was about football, sport or other social activites, some about the family, a lot about the company, etc. It was a chance to catch up with all that was going on and build relationships with your colleagues.

When I set up Think Different Events Ltd all that changed. Nobody to talk to. Nobody to share a quick coffee with. Nobody to chew over the latest football stories.

Even when we started taking on staff the conversations didn't have the same breadth attached to them and while there was always a great atmosphere in the office it just wasn't the same.

So I started attending various networking events and invariably many of the conversations turned to sales pitches with cards thrust in my hand and calls made soon after looking for a meeting or offers of 'support'. Don't get me wrong some of these were very valid and ultimately valued, but I've always had an unease when I go to some of these events because I'm wary of the next business hijack.

So hence, I've decided to launch our own series of events - Think Different Business Banter

This is a new series of events, initially to bring LinkedIn group members together in an informal way - over their first cup of tea or coffee in the morning. A chance to meet some of the people in their LinkedIn network, a chance to meet new people too. No sales pitches. No formal presentations. No fees, just an administration honesty box where you could throw in some loose change to support the administration of future events. Come at anytime between 07:30 and 09:30, leave at anytime, you buy your own refreshments, you're in control.

"So many of today's networking events are just sales driven and it is like a manic exercise in speed dating - you leave feeling distressed." - Bronagh Bell

Rather than distressed we hope you go to work with some fresh thoughts and perspectives.

So if you want to find out more or where the next event will be let me know

The launch event is this Thursday morning in Caffe Nero, the Ticket Office, St Enoch Square Glasgow - 07:30 until 09:30

Hope to see you there or at future events.

Comments

David Burkill
Posts: 2

Business Banter
Reply #1 on : Tue August 24, 2010, 07:57:36

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Hi Martin
Without sales pitches or mandatory "fees" I really dont see how you can go beyond an honesty box.
Any alternative option - company hosting, company venues, etc will be a sales pitch whichever way you present it.
Any other venues will require a fee of some description, unless there are very generous LinkedIn members who can donate a venue pitch-free?
Serious people, LinkedIn members, people buying their own coffee etc can surely be trusted to throw £1 into a box, or whatever is needed.
One final alternative - ask the hosting venue to add £1 to the cost of every cup they sell and keep the difference as the venue fee.
Risk and reward I think is fair.

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