Essex Business Network Testimonials

I joined the Essex Business Network, Basildon group last summer as a start-up business, having no regular customers and my only source of business was knocking on people’s doors for patio cleaning and car cleaning, which was very slow. I also had no solid contacts for supporting my business in terms of advertising, business cards, flyers, accountancy, business line, marketing, presentation skills and the list goes on!!

Since I joined the group I have gained all the above supports for my business, plus generated regular quality custom through recommendation from group members. I have also personally developed my business skills, as the group is an extremely good platform for practicing and experimenting sales and marketing technique without the risk of judgement, in most cases encouragement and in others light hearted banter!! It is always a good friendly environment, where friends are made and trusted networks for business are created.

Essex Business Network doesn’t just stop when you leave the premises, regular contact continues through out the week, with live updates on the website of up and coming social events. On a personal level my confidence has dramatically increased as with a greater feeling of security due to the quality and diversity of members that can offer invaluable support and advice.

This testimonial is to a great group run by a very conscientious Steve Parker who is always developing and driving Networking forwards. I look forward to meeting new members who will always be welcomed into Essex Business Network.

Ben Miller

Impact – High Pressure Cleaning, Mobile Vehicle Valeting & Garden Services

 

Although I have only been an Associate Member of Essex Business Network for a few weeks, I have already obtained new business as a result of joining. I can also see the advantage of attending meetings regularly in order to build lasting business relationships. You run the meetings in an informal and friendly way, and it is not expensive to attend. I would not hesitate recommending membership to local businesses. Many thanks!"
Dallas Willcox

Simply Words Editing Services


Steve should be congratulated for his determination in placing Essex Business Network on the map. I joined the Basildon group in February 2007 when the group was struggling for numbers and it was common for only 4 / 5 people to attend. Thanks to Steve he persevered with the group, which has gone from strength to strength. The Basildon group now regularly has in excess of 16 people.

The meetings have an excellent balance between being structured and informal. Every individual has the opportunity to talk about their business and questions are encouraged from the group. There is no pressure to produce referrals, however this happens as a matter of course as people get to know each other as individuals and not just about their business.

I am a member of the Basildon and Chelmsford groups and have found the contacts and business that I have gained as a result of joining EBN to be invaluable. I would recommend any business person who is looking to network to try Essex Business Network, you will be welcomed by the members and I am sure that you will find it to be beneficial.
Martin Stone

First Class Financial Solutions

 

"A fantastic, warm and growing group of people, I felt very much at
home from day one"
Graham Conway - Director
DesignG London

"It's more than just referrals - it's given me new skills in sales and marketing, access to clever, resourceful and helpful people, and above all, increased my confidence in my business, my services and myself."

Colin Hammond
Heron IT


“I was recommended to try out the Colchester EBN breakfast meeting by a colleague. At the end of my second visit I decided to join. The group is informal and friendly and, as I have found everyone to be so easy to get on with, I really look forward to each meeting. And it isn’t expensive to join!”

Rod Palser
Accountant

" I joined Essex Business Network around May 2009 looking for an environment which was unpressured.  I chose this way of networking because of the kind of work I do as a psychotherapist.  Ethically, I cannot ask for testimonials or phone up referrals given to me.  So I needed an environment where I could allow people to get to know me and feel comfortable referring their friends, relatives and associates to me without the risk of their exposure.  EBN has provided me precisely with that forum.  What I most enjoy about EBN is the relaxed way of networking, the fantastic support I receive from other businesses where my skill gaps are, the way we encourage each other and also socialise together occasionally.  Business to business, I can trust the people I refer my associates to because I can usually personally vouch for their competence at their specialism.  As a sole trader, at least once a week I find myself around other businesses who are often also sole traders or small business who also want to meet others and learn how to represent their businesses confidently.  Our meetings are innovative and fresh each week allowing suggestions from the members to be actualised fast.  So we have come to own our group and make it unique to us. (Chelmsford) Networking is a skill you have to learn.  EBN is an excellent training ground for new networkees who don't want or need the pressure of a more aggressive trading environment but who enjoy getting to know people and doing business the natural way.  As for my business, it's raised my profile, made me visible throughout the network and earned me around 10 times my investment in the last year. I'll be at EBN for a while to come yet. Thanks for having the vision, Steve"

Jenny Lynn
Open Mind Therapy