Speaking opportunities

I'm trying to get the programme together for the rest of the year and would love to hear from women interested in speaking. You need to talk for about half an hour with an additional ten minutes for questions. The golden rule is that fellow networkers should learn something useful they can apply themselves. So it's an opportunity to enhance your profile and demonstrate what you know or can do, rather than to simply talk about your business. However (as the 21st century sales gurus tell us) giving something away, and thereby inspiring trust and confidence, is the very best way of selling your business and achieving great referrals!

Email me with a rough idea of what you'd like to do and when - we've currently got some free slots July through to December. Jeanne@viewfromthetop.co.uk

May 14th - Suze Watts - 'Branding on a Budget'

Having a 50 page glossy brochure is pretty much out of the question for most small businesses. But there are lots of options available for smaller budgets which, used effectively, can form the basis for a strong and continuing brand promotion. Looking after your brand is critical - it is the visual representation of your business! Suze will be:

• sharing knowledge of brand development
• giving ideas on cost effective marketing literature & promo items
• sharing tips on making the most of your visual space on these items

Suze is an experienced graphic designer with over ten years in the industry - five as director of her own business, Fatcactus. She is now creative director and 50% owner of The New Fat, a Nottingham design agency offering creative design for brand communications.

Booking form for 14th May

April 9th - Susan Luke on 'Presenting Confidently'

Susan Luke, professional trainer,accredited coach and advocate provided a superb, comprehensive introduction to presentation skills, including lots of practical points on how to appear calm, confident and capable. She guided us through the critical preparation stages, including advice on the audience, content, the environment and preparing yourself (right down to your undies!) The Network audience was unanimous in appreciation. "Excellent speaker." "Thank you for practical advice I can use." In my case I used it much of it two days later in a presentation for Intelligence East Midlands - especially the bit about not taking too much notice of your audience's facial expressions!

There's no getting away from the need to make good, effective presentations in business and it's an area that calls for a little investment in yourself. You are your business's greatest asset after all! To help develop your skills, Susan's offering a half-day session at View from the Top on April 30th. Check out the details and Susan's website www.selcoaching.co.uk.

Become a member of the network that means business!

"Brilliant… refreshing… it was so great I could have stayed there all day.” “An excellent network and one I always recommend.” “My top choice from the networking I do - I've had more leads from this group than any other networking groups I attend.”
These are just some of the things women said about View from the Top lunchtime networking.

Meeting on the second Wednesday of every month (except August) the Network brings together women running businesses, to support each other, buy and sell, learn something and explore ways of collaborating. But make no mistake, this network is not just another talking shop, it is an opportunity to do business with other women. Bring your business cards, take away information and samples. All women are welcome, whatever your business.

From April 2008 we are asking participants to consider paying £5/month membership fee (on standing order) to help to support, sustain and develop the Network. Network Members receive a number of immediate benefits which will increase with the growing membership. These are:

1. If you are a member and you advance book to attend the Network meeting, your name and a link to your website will appear in a special section of the emails sent to promote the meeting. At least one mailing goes out per month to nearly 500 local businesswomen and it is promoted on other sites.

2. In addition to the free business exchange table, a limited number of marketplace tables will be available for hire at Network meetings. These can be used for selling, demonstrations or information. Members get priority and reduced hire fees (£25 r/t £40).

3. As a member you can hire our gallery or meeting room at not-for-profit rates.
(eg. Gallery @ £500 r/t £600/wk. Meeting room delegate rates @ £25/head r/t £27.50)

4. Members will be entitled to use the View from the Top clubroom, available shortly.

If you decide not to become a member you can still come to the meeting. The cost for members is £10 and for non-members it's £15. So it's all the same really - except members get additional benefits and we get some regular income to use to support, sustain and develop the Network. Rest assured all monies raised through membership fees will be used for that purpose.

There is more information on the booking form You can also email me, jeanne@viewfromthetop.co.uk with any questions, thoughts or comments. Or catch me at the next meeting!