New Moto – I refuse to participate in a recession!!

BNI Conference Cork 2008

I had a 6.30 start on Saturday morning with a BNI Conference, that took place in Cork.  This was one of the best conferences I attended – and yes, it is true the early bird catches the worm…. 
The room was full of energy and people with a positive attitude.  It was extremely well organised by Sandra and Andy Harte – Executive Directors of BNI Ireland.

Busy networkers

 Here are some of the highlights and learning from the day…
• From Phil Berg of “Reach your Goals”
-   Take one part of your business and improve it a little bit, then go around on all of your business and do the same, when all aspects have been improved – start again!
- Arrive a half hour early before networking events
-  Sit next to someone different every time –move tables throughout a day conference
• From Maggie Bowen of Sites to go

– Ten things to do for Free right now – Maggie Bowen -Sitestogo - http://www.sitestogo.biz/web-knowledge-page46457.html 

great networking opps

  
• Rob Copeland – Executive Director BNI Scotland West – picture of him -

- In a 60 second presentation of your business this is what you must cover –
- How can someone help grow your business
- Why are you better than your competition?
- Who do you work for – client examples
- Who is your target market – be specific
- How do you do things different from your competitor?
Charlie Lawson  - Assist Natinoal Director BNI UK and Ireland– Best questions to ask at your 1-1 meetings / your networking referral contacts

– Who are your top 3 current clients, why do your clients think you are good? Who are your 3 target clients?  What’s the best way to introduce you to a potential client?  Who passes you business?  How did your best referral happen? What can I watch/listen for to get you a referral?  What are we going to do next – follow up?
- Frank De Raffele – Making the Most of your marketing –
I need to write a separate post on this one as there were so many!  Very Brief summary is this -

“nobody cares” about your business like you do – make an emotional connection to your target market that inspires them to ACT!

It was definitely an inspiring talk and I am very jealous of Paul of Spa Lighting wining a $5000 marketing consultancy with Frank!

Dr. Ivan Misner – Founder of BNI
- Create a diverse network of connectors -and moto – “I refuse to participate in a Recession”……  there are opportunities in each climate, they must be found and explored.  Real Estate agents on the East Coast of the US are having their best year ever – why, because there are properties on the market, at more reasonable prices that buyers are very willing to buy.

 

is anyone listening??

 

Venue of the Week – Portmarnock Hotel and Golf Resort -conference and meeting venue

sea view from the room

 

Lobby area - great couches

 

I had the pleasure of staying at the Portmarnock Hotel recently. I was doing business in North Dublin and the location suited me perfectly. I have to say it was a fantastic stay. I find Averil in the sales department wonderful to deal with. I was checked in by Garbour – who was lovely and friendly and went out of his way later in the evening to obtain an old nokia charger for me. I stayed in a sea view room, which was beautiful. Really loved it, decorated in egg shell blue with a very inviting looking bed.

Egg shell blue seav view room

As a female staying in a hotel by myself, I love to order room service. Had a great sea food salad which was delivered very promptly. The glass of wine was also very generous and I appreciated that!

Great team building area

 

It was just a pleasure to wake up to the sound of the sea, I really didn’t feel like I was on business and the shower was just fab – nothing like the sunflower/rain showers to wake you up in the morning. I took a walk around the hotel after breakfast. I like that there are many areas where you can do your own thing and find a comfortable spot and read the newspaper or avail of the free wifi. I was looking at the hotel from a Conference/meeting organiser prospective and this is what I thought make the hotel a great choice -

· Free parking and lots of it

· Easy to access and close to the airport

· Main conference room has its own access

· Choice of meeting room – plenty of break out space centrally located

· Great pre-registration and coffee break areas

· Mix of old world and new – blend of the original Jameson Family home with contemporary lobby, rooms and restaurant

· Golf – world renowned golf course

· Great evening entertainment options – lovely bar area that can be made private.

· Plenty of options in the area for incentive or evening entertainment- Malahide Castle is just on its door step- link to things to do –

· It is right on the coast – wonderful beach walks and a lovely garden area. I noticed many business people taking a walk before starting their day.

Other Dublin Venues - to hold an event, conference or meeting.

So hope you liked this post. I will be reviewing a venue in Ireland every week so do check back. If you would like to talk to me about any venue in Ireland do just call, I would be happy to offer my expert advice. 353 (0) 26 21015

outside shot - Portmarnock Hotel, Dublin

How to arrange a conference or event on a shoestring budget..

 

Attending or creating Conferences, Meetings and Events are the easiest way to meet prospective clients, make valuable networking contacts, enhance your career and impress clients.  It can be done in a very cost effective way and can cost less than a few newspaper ads.   So to make it easy, I have put together a few quick suggestions.  I will add more over the next few weeks…

ü  Make a Budget – and stick to it!  Keep it updated regularly once established.

ü  Gather a Strong Team – Delegate responsibilities that would normally be contracted out such as registration, transportation coordination, marketing, decor etc

ü   Negotiate rates  – if you run a few events during the year, negotiate them with the one property or hotel group to avail of the best rates.

ü  If flexible on Days of the week generally a Sunday night check in with a Monday meeting will be very attractive to hotels and will be able to be more flexible with rates.

ü  Consider the Time of the Year – to a corporate hotel generally the summer time is quiet for meetings and so you will be able to negotiate better rates then.    Otherwise consider shoulder months such as early January.

ü  Ask the hotel or venue what Dates they have free that they are willing to negotiate on.

ü  Setting up systems to save time – will transfer into savings of money – use a Venue Finder and seek their expertise on Venues in Ireland to suit your event.   This is a FREE SERVICE with FindaConferenceVenue.com. 

ü  Use an online Registration System such as Eventznet.ie – Sarah Carroll.  This will save thousands on posting invitations, printing and packaging.

ü  Using an online registration system will also save hours on gathering fees, processing cheques and most importantly you get paid at time of registration and so save on “collecting money” fees or indeed not getting paid at all.

 

 

 

 

 

More great tips next post…..

photo courtesy of cheapticketsonline dot org