When I was looking for a networking group in Chelmsford my colleague recommended WIBN - In March 2009 I went along to the launch meeting, Jan Ibbott was very welcoming and so were the rest of the ladies, I felt really comfortable to talk to all of them there, then I joined within a couple of days. Since then I have already had 3 x members from WIBN various groups joined my clinic so my membership has been repaid and also I have gained new friends. I would recommend this networking group to any professional lady interested in forging a long standing business relationship . It has worked for me!
Rita O’Neill - (Member) - Chelmsford Group
Business: SureSlim Wellness/Weight Loss Consultant
Email: chelmsford@sureslimuk.com
Website: www.sureslimuk.com
I would like to thank Barbara McLeish for inviting me to the WIBN Beckenham meeting back in January this year. I must admit I was sceptical at first but I decided to give it a go. Since January I've never been so busy. I am enjoying my most productive business year for a long time and it's all thanks to WIBN and the women in our Beckenham group.
I think it works for me because women care about image, not only their own image but also the image for their businesses. As a graphic designer I have been asked to work on logos, leaflets and other promotional material for some of the women in the group. They have seen the image of these businesses transform so I think I have been able to gain the group’s trust. I am now getting referrals from outside the group including my best referral yet, to design the logo, canopy, window graphics, bags, cups and promotional leaflets for a new Italian Deli. Many thanks Cheryl.
WIBN is by far the best networking group I have experienced (I have tried others). I thoroughly recommend it for any women in business.
Mary Godward - (Member) – Beckenham
Business: Graphic Designer
Email Address: info@maryandmick.com
Website: www.maryandmick.com
When I joined WIBN in 2006 I already had a successfull Independent Financial Services company and hadn't ever considered networking in the previous 20 years of business. I am generally busy with existing clients and recommendations and thought I didn't need to do anything else.
I was invited to a Lunch and thought I would join to link in with business women in my area for ideas and widening my contacts to refer to clients. Three years on and it has achieved the initial aims and much more. I have many members whom have become clients, referred clients to me and to whom I have referred contacts.
It is something you have to work on, doing the 1-2-1's, making sure you actively help others and regular attendance.
Paula Cohen - (Member) – St Albans, St Albans Central and Harpenden Groups
Business: Independent Financial Advisor
Email Address: PaulaIFS@aol.com
Website: www.paulacohen.co.uk
As well as providing me with a very useful network of business contacts and potential leads, WIBN has been invaluable in providing me with the support and inspiration necessary to keep me going as an independent consultant. The WIBN meetings provide enough structure to ensure that they are always useful and productive, but at the same time are relaxed and very enjoyable (a welcome break from the grindstone!). Our WIBN associate, Barbara, is an excellent facilitator and works tirelessly to maintain a flow a visitors to our meeting - which keeps things fresh and maiximises the networking opportunities.
Kate Wright - (Member) – Beckenham
Business: Human Resources Consultant
Email Address: kate@katewrightconsulting.com
Website: www.katerwrightconsulting.com
When I first joined WIBN, Helen Satherwaite asked in her 1 min if anyone would consider being a volunteer at the St Francis Hospice, I feel extremely lucky doing a job that I love and wanted to give something back, So I volunteered to be a gardener for half day a week, this was over a year and a half ago.
A few months ago the lady who heads up the gardening team asked me what I do for a living – so I told her I created mosaics, she was really excited.
The original garden design had mosaic columns, but the Hospice did not have funds to support this. I was asked to submit some designs, I did, they liked my designs and commissioned me to go ahead.
I am very proud to say that I installed the completed mosaic column last week. They loved it and have now asked me to create 2 more!
Networking can work anytime, from first meetings to many months later, don’t give up if you dont get instant results up because if I had not joined WIBN and met Helen, who introduced me to the volunteer team, I never would have got the chance to promote my business and make a mosaic for such a special place.
Jackie Anwyl - (Member) – Berkhamsted
Business: Mosaic Designer
Email Address: jackie@jamosaics.co.uk
Website: www.jamosaics.co.uk
I joined the Enfield WIBN group as an Independent Financial Adviser in February 2009, and can’t praise networking through WIBN, highly enough. When you join, you are warned not to expect instant results, but I am delighted to say that just a few months down the line I am already having a huge amount of success from it.
I use my monthly minute slots to talk about different financial topics (as no-one wants to hear the same message month after month), but where I have really made progress is by doing 1-2-1’s; doing a 10 minute slot; and visiting other WIBN groups where my profession is not represented.
I am now doing business with a number of members in different WIBN groups, and from this have found that by helping them out, they are willing to recommend me to their friends and contacts.
It is so true that women like to deal with other women, and can honestly say that networking is the best way for me to secure new clients and help my business grow.
Sarah Belsom - (Member) – Enfield
Business: Independent Financial Advisor
Email Address: Sarah@reidandco-fsa.com
Website: www.reidandco-fsa-com
I've been a member of WIBN for almost a year now, and in that year my confidence in promoting myself and my business has grown tremendously. The "dreaded monthly minute" has become less dreaded. A minute is not long, but it is surprising how much you can get across about your business within that time, or learn about other businesses. The new member training is excellent at preparing you for the meetings and helping you get the most out of your membership.
I have gained some new customers through the people I have met in the group, and been able to pass on business contacts to my fellow members. As a bookkeeper, we are sometimes seen as an advisor to a business, and get asked all sorts of questions: "Do you know someone who does XYZ?" and the answer, through my contacts at WIBN, is often "Yes!”
Liz Brewster - (Member) – Newport Pagnell
Business: Accounting Services
Website: www.bramleyaccountingservices.co.uk
WIBN St Neots is a friendly but business-oriented group, a mix of one-man-bands and bigger organisations are represented. Other members are helpful, and prepared to share hints and tips on a regular basis, and relationships with many members have developed from business associates into personal friendships. Within 3 months of joining, I had more than recouped the cost of joining, and have ongoing work for several members.
Eppie Hutchigs- (Member) - St Neots Group
Business: Marketing
Website: www.the-marketing-team.co.uk
WIBN was the first networking group I had ever attended and I was immediately bowled over at how friendly and unassuming everyone was. I cannot emphasise strongly enough how WIBN has benefited my business over the past 18 months and I not only recovered my joining fee within the first 3 months but doubled my turnover too! It has given me a massive confidence boost, everyone else is willing you to succeed. I have made some invaluable business contacts, genuine friendship and camaraderie. I would say go for it, you have nothing to lose and absolutely EVERYTHING to gain”.
Nancy Stevens - (Member) - Newport Pagnell
Business: Image Consultancy
Email: nancystevens@alteredimagemk.co.uk
Website: www.alteredimagemk.co.uk
On my first meeting I was very apprehensive at the thought of meeting a group of business women wondering if I would feel out of my depth. I was quickly put at my ease by a lively group of friendly ladies who made me most welcome.The conversation is varied and all members are interesting, showing much expertise in many areas and listen to you with the same degree of interest.
I have already linked up with 2 members and am beginning to collaborate with them. The meetings are most rewarding and you leave feeling re-energised and more knowledgeable. I have been to 3 meetings now and It is something I look forward to each month.
Margaret Pryor - (Member) - Hemel Hempstead Group
Business: Aloe Vera Products
Email: margaret.pryor@yahoo.co.uk
I have been a member of Enfield & Barnet group for 3 years and Loughton group for 2 years. I really enjoy networking and especially visiting other groups. The initial meeting can be a little daunting but all the women round the table have been first time visitors at some point and always make a point of welcoming visitors.
My business has gone from strength to strength since joining WIBN. Its great to meet like minded business women and we all support each other and at every opportunity recommend a fellow WIBN member. I have also made some great contacts too to enhance my own business , by meeting other members on a monthly basis you can build up a great rapport, learn about their businesses and in turn they have confidence to use you for their own business needs.
Since joining WIBN I have recouped my annual membership and monthly lunch fee many times over. Once members know you and your business, they are happy to recommend your services and this adds to the personal touch that so many larger businesses sometimes lack
All in all WIBN has worked very well for Ashbourne and for me personally!
Sarah Smits - (Member) Enfield & Loughton Groups
Business: Independent Insurance Broker
Email: sarah.smits@ashbourneinsurance.co.uk
Website: www.ashbourneinsurance.co.uk
I joined the Newport Pagnell Women in Business Group in February having been asked as a visitor in January. I was made to feel really welcome and it has been nice to network with other ladies focused on their business and keen to extend their markets. I have used some contacts myself already and I think that by attending the meetings and promoting my own business, I will be able to reach out to others and more work will follow.
Carol Hill – (Member) – Newport Pagnell
Business: Solicitor
Email: carol.hill@mablaw.co.uk
Website: www.mablaw.co.uk
I’ve been a member of WIBN for five years. In that time my business, target market and type of work I want have evolved. But whatever I’m looking for – whether it’s support, clients or referrals, WIBN has always been there providing exactly what I need. I’ve met inspirational women. I’ve been introduced to professions that are interesting and new. I’ve seen the power of networking and have become a walking directory of trusted contacts. Although confident, I never used to enjoy speaking in public. Since joining WIBN and doing my monthly minute so many times, my confidence has increased and I recently volunteered to give an impromptu speech to 90 people!
I’ve always recouped my monthly fee very quickly.
Fiona Mocatta - (Member) Muswell Hill Group
Business: Copywriter
Email: fionamocatta@hotmail.com
Website: www.mocatta.org
You definately get out what you put in, I have found the main benefit has come when I have organised a 1 to 1 with another member, you really get to know that person, and of course have a great opportunity to talk about what you do too. I have just started to visit other groups and it is definately well worth doing this.
I like the fact that the 'formal' meetings do not eat too much into my working time, and the informal 1 to 1's are done at a time that is convenient for both of us - I also use that time as 'me time' a good opportunity to relax, have a coffee and just enjoy the moment. I have met some wonderful women and I always keep them in my mind when I am meeting clients or indeed my friends. I like the way knowledge is shared within the groups. As my friendship with the group has grown I WANT them to succeed, and this makes me always have them in my mind.
Have I recouped my fee - yes, took about 6 months, but I don't have a 'product' to sell, and what I do is not always 'tangible'. I am not too concerned however, as I beleive that the women in the group WOULD think of me and how I help clients if the opportunity arose
Lorreine Kennedy - (Member) Hemel Hempstead Group
Business: Independent Financial Advisor
Email: Lorreine.Kennedy@nhance.org
Website: www.nhance.org
At the very first Express Networking Event when I met Jan at Sopwell House, one of the members referred me to her daughter's school. I attended the school's puberty evening last night and have taken orders for my packs for girls at the pre-puberty stage in their lives.
The second Express Networking Event generated a very worthwhile idea for product expansion in the future, which could also be a winner like the PoGo Pack. It was on the basis of these two very uplifting ENE experiences that all doubts about joining evaporated. And then the launch meeting on Tuesday was just fantastic for me with so many offers of referrals. So, in a business respect I am already benefiting.
Also, the enthusiasm, support and creativity of the women is hugely motivating, which is important for me emotionally as I have recently lost my husband who was my partner in my business.
Robyn West - (Member) - St Albans Central Group
Business: Pre-Puberty Packs for Girls
Email: robyn@pogopack.co.uk
website: http://www.pogopack.co.uk
I very much enjoyed the new ‘open’ discussion topic today, we used the topic which was used at another meeting I attended last week. I enjoyed both equally and took away different thoughts from both sessions, but ultimately it helped me to realise that "we are all in the same boat". It is very comforting to know "it's not just me with these issues" and that we are able to share and exchange business experiences at our WIBN meetings.
Jan Brooks – (Member) - Harpenden Group
When I first joined WIBN I had no budget for professional memberships and was in two minds whether this was a good use of my money. I am delighted to say that I quickly recovered the membership costs in new course fees and sales through my website received both directly and indirectly from other WIBN members.
I have also made substantial savings having found new suppliers among the other WIBN members. I can now see how word of mouth is the most valuable marketing tool there is and would thoroughly recommend WIBN. It's also great to build up a network of other working women, some mothers of young families like me, who all appreciate the hard work that goes into running your own business.
Amanda McDermott - (Member) - Berkhamsted Group
I went to the WIBN training yesterday, and it was fantastic. I would thoroughly recommend it to all the other members. I have been out of ‘networking’ for 6 years and this has given me the confidence to really increase my business.
Catriona Armor - (Member) - Milton Keynes Group
'I couldn't agree more about the WIBN - fabulous! I have had more interest from potential clients than any other networking group, and in the shortest space of time, which means it really WORKS!!! - finally a networking group that does what it says it will do. The energy and the vibe of the group is fantastic too'.
Katherine McAdam - (Member) - Milton Keynes Group
'Thank you very much for an excellent training session on Monday morning. The session was well structured and I felt that I got a lot out of the two hours. It was interesting to meet members from other groups as well. I believe the session will enable me to become more focused in my networking and to give more thought to the message that I want to share will fellow members. Thank you.
Anntte Turner - (Milton Keynes) - New Member Training Session |
