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City Life chatted to Managing Director
of 4Networking, Brad Burton, to find
out a little more about the organisation
and its future plans.
4NETWORKING
How did 4Networking come about?
I had been to other networking events
and I was looking for something
different. I don’t like rules and, as you
can probably tell, I am always in a
hurry and have a very low boredom
threshold. For me, networking needs to
be fast paced, suitable for all businesses
and with as few rules as possible. I
wanted networking for people who
don’t wear suits as well as those who
do, networking where you build the
relationships within the meeting and
with no hierarchy where everyone in
the room get's an equal voice.
When you’re employed you are
surrounded by a team and resources.
When you’re self-employed, you don’t
have that support. Working in isolation,
that’s a tough, tough gig. It impacts on
your productivity and creativity. I recall
one day, being devoid of both of them,
running out of ideas. I watched some
TV - there was no point in pretending
to work. But there was little point
returning to my desk as I was flat.
I thought “How many other people in
business are in the same boat watching
Jeremy Kyle feeling guilty!” Then
suddenly I had a brainstorm and out of
that 4N was born. I wanted to bring all
those people together to create a
productive business community, where
we could all huddle together and create
one big virtual company.
What makes this business different
to other organisations offering
networking opportunities?
4N is the only truly linked and open
business breakfast network in the UK.
We have 148 linked groups across the
UK with a target of 250 by end of 2008.
We have 5,482 members at present
with 35,000 targeted by end of 2008.
Within each group time you have three,
ten minute one-to-one meetings at each
event. Also, passport members have full
access to all the groups across the UK.
So members can network four times a
week wherever they want. It really is a
totally different way of doing things.
It’s not the old 80/20 rule of 80%
business, 20% social. It’s the new 4N
rule of 50/50. 50% business, 50% social
because it works! Other commercial
networks insist their members bring
visitors, at 4Networking it’s our
responsibility to make each meeting
buzz. The only responsibility of the
members is to bring themselves.
What advice would you give to
those who are reluctant to give it
a go with a 4Networking?
Currently, to win appointments to gain
business, you’d probably use direct
mail, marketing and telemarketing.
Most businesses depend a great deal on
the effectiveness of the face to face
meeting. 4N circumvents those
conventional routes to market.
I’d be as bold to say by the end of
2008 4N is going to change the entire
SME/SOHO landscape forever.
Some headline companies that are
members are Barclays, Natwest, RBS,
BOS, Lloyds BMW, Hyundai, David
Lloyd Centers, Premier Travel Inn,
Thistle Hotels. The list goes on.
4N has an amazing website to support
its members at www.4networking.biz.
This allows for more networking online
with its online forum. It also allows
members to book their next
networking event, view the
4networking map, search the list of
members and read members’ articles
and insert their own.
If you ask me what’s the one great
thing that’s come out of 4N, I’d have to
say it’s the bringing together of likeminded
businesspeople who genuinely
want to be at the meetings, creating a
relaxed environment for them to do
business together and being part of a
business that’s growing day by day.
And, of course, not having to watch
Jeremy Kyle!
....................................................................................................................
NINA SLEVIN
Blue Sky
Ideals Ltd
Blue Sky aims to buy you more
time by providing a professional
domestic management service
tailored to your lifestyle needs.
By organising, overseeing, and
scrutinising any or all tasks associated
with your household including
cleaning, ironing, house sitting, carpet
shampooing etc, we enable you to
spend time on activities that are more
valuable to you. Blue Sky frees you
from wasting precious time on
everyday chores.
We are a trustworthy and reliable
partner who will manage and execute
all the arduous and undesirable jobs
around the house and home giving you
more time to do the things you want
to. You can rely on our smart, efficient
and trustworthy team to get your
household jobs done thoroughly and to
the highest standards. Buying more
time could not be easier.
Whether you’re a business executive, a
busy mother or simply don’t have the
time, energy or ability to do the
household chores yourself, Blue Sky
can free up your life by giving you the
gift of time.
“4Networking gives us a unique
opportunity to meet business people
with a myriad of different skills and
outlooks. It’s a well known fact that
contacts and relationships are what
make the world go round, both on
a business and personal level.
What’s more its great fun! I enjoy
being Group Leader of The Vale 4N
group. It keeps me sane and grounded.”
....................................................................................................................
CLARE SHEEHY
Town and Country
Hotels Group
The perfect choice of venue in
Wales, whatever the occasion.
Town and Country Hotels Group
provide a range of hotels, each unique
in character yet all share a passion for
ensuring your experience will be a very
special one. You could treat yourself by
visiting The Bear Hotel Cowbridge,
famed for it’s fine home cooked food,
friendly atmosphere and really good ale.
The Coed-Y-Mwstwr Hotel Bridgend, a
beautiful country house justifiably
proud of its fine reputation. Perched on
a Welsh hillside and surrounded by
over seventeen acres of woodland, this
Victorian mansion provides a cosy and
secluded hideaway overlooking the
picturesque Vale of Glamorgan.
The New House Country Hotel, which
boasts unrivalled views over the city
and beautiful Vale of Glamorgan, with
open fires, exquisite furnishings, fully
equipped function suites, beautifully
restored bedrooms and award winning
restaurant. Our venues enable you to
host the perfect event, from smaller
intimate gatherings to grander affairs
we will look after your every need.
Not forgetting Oscars Bar & Grill, on
Cowbridge High Street. It’s the place
for everyone. Relax and enjoy a
cocktail, chilling out on the sofas, or
treat yourselves to lunch or dinner in
the cool and stylish dining area.
“4 networking has given us the opportunity to meet businesses we may not usually come across in a relaxed and informal constructed way and let them know about our business, and we are pleased to welcome the Vale club to the Bear Hotel.”
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TAMSEN GARRIE
Alpha Associates
Established in November 2006,
Alpha Associates offers personal
growth and enhanced performance
work for individuals and businesses
through one to one sessions and
group workshops.
Using a combination of Clinical
Hypnosis, Psycho-analysis, NLP and
coaching, Alpha Associates helps
individuals to overcome limiting beliefs
and behaviour and to ultimately achieve
their personal and/or business goals.
Alpha Associates is a private Clinical
Hypnotherapy practice helping people
to manage stress/anxiety, deal with
negative feelings and thoughts, cease
unwanted habits and overcome fears
and phobias.
Alpha Associates works with private
clients with emotional or psychological
challenges and professionals with
personal or business goals which are
not being actualised.
Clinical hypnotherapy and
psychotherapy, stress management,
positive thinking and public speaking
workshops are all available.
Alpha Associates provides a holistic
solution to managing stress and anxiety,
accessing the natural resources
internally to be more effective in all
areas of life and to ultimately achieve
the success one desires.
“Through 4Networking I have gained
personal and business support and
increased profile and enhanced
confidence. Realising the potential for
business growth from a small private
practice to a larger associate company
is something I attribute to my
involvement with 4Networking and my
alliance with some amazingly insightful
and courageous business people.”
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JUDY MANCUSO
Ener-chi
Ener-chi
Ener-chi is a new concept in
natural health, beauty and fitness.
We offer clinical reflexology as one
of many fantastic treatments. This
ancient healing art is truly a mind,
body and spirit experience. An
hour of pure relaxation will leave
you recharged and full of vitality.
Their spacious retail area allows you to
browse the exciting product ranges.
Look out for Dr Hauschka Rose day
cream as favoured by many A List
celebs. L’Occitane’s Apple and Almond
range is perfect for this season’s bare
faced chic look. If time permits, stay for
a luxury manicure, a rejuvenating facial
or perhaps a hot stone massage.
....................................................................................................................
DENISE JONES & JAYNE BENNETT
Extra Hands
For You
Extra Hands For You is a concierge
company taking care of all the jobs
you need help with.
You know how precious your time is.
Extra Hands For You give you back the
luxury of quality time for yourself and
your family, arranging everything from
domestic chores, to dinner reservations,
weekend break, holidays or concerts.
They can even assist you with house
sale arrangements and managing the
transaction on your behalf. Perhaps you
want to re-decorate or arrange a special
project like a new kitchen or bathroom.
They have thier own comprehensive
database of service providers and trades
people who have been vetted to ensure
that they provide the high level of
service that you would expect.
How often do you forget to send
birthday cards and suddenly have to
rush out and grab one to post? Extra
Hands For You can provide the cards
for you to sign and post them when
they are due. They can also shop for
presents and gift wrap them or send
flowers and special gifts.
Whatever you need, Extra Hands For
You can arrange it to take the stress out
of your life. Just pick up the phone and
call them on
01656 661130. You’ll find
them understanding, professional and
fun to deal with and wonder how you
ever managed without them!
....................................................................................................................
PIERS HUBBARD-MILES
The St. James’s Place
Partnership
Piers is an associate partner with
The St. James’s Place Partnership,
recently voted “The Daily Telegraph
Wealth Manager of the Year 2007.”
The Partnership is an elite group made
up of many of the most experienced,
able and highly regarded professionals
working in financial services today.
“We are one of the UK’s leading wealth
management companies specialising
in providing high quality advice on a
comprehensive range of wealth
management services to both personal
and corporate clients.”
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Suzanne Jaya and Sue Brown run
their own successful businesses but
come together to work with clients
requiring a complete makeover.
They have recently worked with
Jessica Morgan of Space Studios.
SUZANNE JAYA
What’s Your Style
Established for three years,
Suzanne is a personal stylist and
image consultant.
Her clients range from all professions,
ages and income brackets, from small
and medium business owners to new
mums. Suzanne offers individual style
consultations (i.e. dressing right for
your shape and colouring), wardrobe
workouts and personal shopping.
Total makeover packages are offered
in association with make-up artists and
hair stylists.
Suzanne helps clients to re-vamp their
wardrobe by mixing together items to
create outfits and combinations of
colour that they would never had
previously considered. She also has
a background in skincare and
complementary health and recognises
that how we feel can influence the
way we look.
....................................................................................................................
SUE BROWN
Total Image
Sue Brown has been a personal
image consultant for two and a half
years, offering business and
executive coaching, training in
corporate image, leadership
training, and personal branding.
Sue also offers personal image
consultations and on-line style profiling
for men and women which is unique
to the market place.
Clients range from middle and senior
managers in a corporate environment
to private business owners and
personal clients.
Sue’s 20 years’ experience in corporate
training and business management roles
enables her to help clients develop on a
personal and business level, giving
them increased skills and confidence to
promote their business and manage and
lead teams more effectively.
....................................................................................................................
JESSICA MORGAN
Space Studios Ltd
Space Studios is a recording studio
specialising in top-quality audio
recording of speech, music, sound
effects. Space also offers team
building and products to entice
even the most nervous or reluctant
musicians!
Founded in late 2005 by Jessica Morgan
and her partner Chris Thomas, Space
appeals to people from all professions
and situations, and has a wide variety of
clients, such as named professional
musicians, business people, TV and film
audio post-production, charities and
unsigned bands.
Products and packages include band
recordings, gift vouchers, vocal
coaching, team development, Foley
(live sound effects for TV, film and
radio), audio recording for the purposes
of business marketing, and radio shows.
Space is special because they aim to
make everyone feel welcome. They
work with people with physical or
learning disabilities - people who need
help with their performances, or
people who want to take the first step
into professional recording. They have
successfully managed to combine
development work with high-end
professional audio recording, and
everyone leaves happy.
“4Networking has enabled us to sell to
a wider range of clients, particularly
business people with whom we can
combine skills. It’s good to be able to
refer a client to another professional
with confidence.”
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