THE BUSINESS NETWORK NETWORK REVIEW – THE ATHENA NETWORK By Emma Pearce, Marketing Consultant – marketing planning, outsourced marketing services and social media training | www.pearcemarketing.co.uk
W
hether you agree or disagree with women-only networking, for those involved it works. So they keep doing it! Athena was founded in the UK in 2005 and now has in excess of 2500 members across 30 regional territories. I spoke to Regional Director Michala Rutherford about her experiences running the Crowborough, Eastbourne, Hassocks and Lewes networks. “I’ve been running Athena groups for 10 years now, and a lunchtime networking meeting definitely works for many professional female business owners and directors. We run very productive and structured business meetings, plus I organise extra events, such as training days and workshops, using a mix of speakers from our skilled membership and external experts.” MEETING FORMAT The agenda for each event is: • • • • • • •
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30 minutes - registration, open networking Sit down and pass around cards and any other literature/product samples 1 minute round for each member to promote their business 2 course lunch Speaker - 10 minute slot Networking skills/training slot (led by Michala) – 10 minutes 30 second round – to say thank you to members, arrange 1-2-1s and give testimonials Closing comments
Michala added “We really encourage everyone in the groups to organise 1-2-1s outside the meeting. It is always so helpful to spend an hour with other members to talk in more detail. As well as getting to know each other better, you can uncover ways in which you can work together, be clear on when to refer each other and share advice and tips.”
Comments from those attending the group were very positive and consistent. One lady summed it up, saying, “This group beats other networks hands down in terms of the results I get. But it’s not just business leads, it’s new suppliers and genuine support from a very friendly bunch of people.” KEY FACTS •
“I’ve been running Athena groups for 10 years now, and a lunchtime networking meeting definitely works for many professional female business owners and directors”
The meeting in Crowborough recently had representatives from a wide range of industries, including private healthcare, IT support, IT training, family law, plumbing, marketing, interior design, travel, and bailiff services.
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Location: Premium Hotels/Golf Clubs in Crowborough, Eastbourne, Hassocks, Lewes Frequency: Monthly (10 months, plus 2 regional events) Size: Typically a maximum of 30 Time: Lunchtime 12 - 2 Lock out: Yes USP: Perfect mix of business and friendly support. Promote 1-2-1s outside the meeting. It’s all about relationship building – people buy from people. Minute round: Yes Speaker slot: Yes Cost: £235 per year plus £20 per month (for 2-course lunch in high-quality venue)
Find out more by emailing michala. rutherford@theathenanetwork.com. or visit: www.theathenanetwork.co.uk/ and the local Sussex Blog https://athenasussexse. wordpress.com/.