New networking group supports local businesses

There’s a new networking group in Auckland that, according to its local director Neil Berryman, will be unique and on a scale, format and structure that’s quite different to existing networking groups – offering a different experience for business owners to take part in. “Many networking groups are primarily a ‘leads club’ where exchanging referrals is the main focus of the meeting,” says Berryman. “In addition to this format, The Local Business Network has business owners participating in a ‘boardroom’ style format that gets them helping each other with business challenges and comparing strategies that have helped them succeed. “A third format has the focus on business education so owners can take away the latest strategies on how to optimize their business on topics such as sales, marketing, margins and productivity,” he says. “In this ‘classroom’ style format, owners get a workbook with exercises to do that develops a mini-plan for them to use in their businesses immediately.” Meetings are being run fortnightly for 90 minutes with one format per meeting on rotation. In addition, the group is supported with an online business directory. The directory is free to join and markets local business with education-based marketing content. “Business Directories are easier to market than individual websites because they bring buyers and sellers together in the same way as Trade Me operates,” says Berryman. “So the purpose of The Local Business Directory is to provide a hub for local business owners to advertise their businesses with links to their own websites to handle enquiries and for additional information.” He says the meetings will be comprehensive structured business meetings, with members from a wide range of businesses. With the larger groups they will provide more business opportunities and build deeper connections. Berryman has just launched the Auckland chapter and reports that interest from business owners has been extremely strong, with more than 40 business owners attending a recent presentation.

If you want to grow your business and become more profitable by being connected to other successful business people, rather than going it alone, contact Neil Berryman 027 333 6946 or email neil@neilberryman.co.nz