Networking Group Profile: Opendoorz

• Stuart Russell
• Thursday 28 March 2013

How long has the organisation been running events?

2 years

Where do you run your events and how frequently?

Weekly - Tuesdays in Newbury, Berks; Wednesdays in Witney, Oxon and Reading, Berks; Thursdays in Oxford

Briefly describe your events?

Weekly we have a meeting for our members only including afternoon tea and scones/cake. With the format of each meeting varying slightly, there is a constant and continuous wave of fresh content, shared experiences, advice and professional updates. In addition, regular ‘snapshot’ and ‘showcase’ sessions give members the opportunity to highlight specific introductions they’re looking for. These lead to serious connections that bring genuine new business opportunities – we expect these introductions to be a personal face-to-face contact, not via a slip of paper!

Monthly guest events are also held to make new connections. Whilst membership is restricted to one representative from any profession in each group, we recognize the value of meeting others within the same business arena and embrace them at these events.

What do you think makes your events different?

Although as a company we are relatively new our networking experience spans over a decade. In creating Opendoorz we have drawn on all our positive experiences, ditched what we know doesn’t work and created a new approach to networking – in fact it’s not networking at all!

We believe that business success is directly influenced by those around us and with whom we spend our time. Our focus is to develop a strong professional network; a network of trusted suppliers, strategic partners, repeat introducers of business as well as peers and allies for support, inspiration and a little fun.

What kinds of businesses attend your events?

Our members tend to be professional service providers. They have either an established business with employees, work in association with other professionals or are under the umbrella of a larger organization. They are business owners, managing directors or partners with high aspirations and goals to grow their companies. With previous networking experience they are strong connectors and have high calibre clients and contacts.

What is your top tip for people attending your events?

Come along with an open-mind and a desire to get to know other professionals and expand your personal network. Please don’t come along to throw around your business cards and try to sell to anyone who’ll listen.

www.opendoorz.biz

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