Please add your own ideas and suggestions for new/extra categories adn comment on suggestions already received.

Pam's Tips for successful networking - gleaned from over 14 years of running clubs and hearing the combined wisdom of our business coaches.

When is it OK to quote people in social networking or blogs?

What support do local SMEs want?

I've just been put on to the board of the Bedford Development Agency with a representative of the Federation of Small Businesses to represent the local SMEs who now actually form the backbone of the local economy. The board advises Bedford Borough Council's  Economic Development team about business needs in the area. The large employers are represented by Wells Young, Casella, Bourns, 3M, Axis Electronics, Lockheed Martin and other such companies.

So.. what do local SMEs want by way of support?

Change - When is a good time to introduce changes?
Is there a good time?
Is it possible to lessen the resistance we all feel to change?

Presentations - How fast is right for business people?
Generally when I book speakers, I tell them that their audience will consist of owner/managers of SME's that have had to learn all sorts of things from accounts to marketing on top of their particular skills and are able to lean fast and are easily bored by slow presentations.

But how fast is right?

I knew the theory, but the practice exceeded my expectations. It is a tremendously valuable business tool.