For those looking for a new way to network and more people to network with to keep their business or career afloat, Business 400 will be starting monthly meetings in April.
The organization is for anyone from Buckhead to Dahlonega who wants to network and have fun at the same time. Alpharetta residents Ron and Marie Dinsmore founded the organizations based on the principle that normal networking events are not very conducive to networking at all.
“Normally, people stand around in their little cliques and never get to know anyone or anything about anyone else’s business,” said Ms. Dinsmore.
At an October event last year, put on by the Dinsmore’s Cumming networking group, Network for Success, they tried out their own version of networking to get everyone actively involved. Attendees went around to 44 business’ tables, collecting stamps on a card from each business, and then turned them in for cash grand prizes. By the end of the night, Ms. Dinsmore said people were calling their friends to come to the event, and the final tally was 438 people.
“We used vertical banners so everyone could actually see all of the businesses. Then with the stamps and door prizes, people were motivated to visit the tables. And I’ve never seen such a crowd at the end of the night, with everyone crowded around, because cash draws everybody in.”
The organization has partnered with The Metropolitan Club in Alpharetta, and will hold the networking meetings from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. each Tuesday with door prizes, open bar, and 35 to 40 business tables at each event. Membership costs $250 and is open to anyone, said Ms. Dinsmore. The goal is to get 4,000 members.
Although north Fulton already has chambers of commerce-which host networking events of their own- Ms. Dinsmore said the organization is not meant to compete with the chambers and may offer chamber members networking opportunities with different people than they normally see at chamber events.
“Our philosophy is to promote the chambers — we give free membership to chamber staff, and chambers can have a table at our events. It’s a win-win for everybody,” she said.
Information: visit www.business400.com.
Labels: 400, Alpharetta, business400.com, network for success, networking organization, the metropolitan club
# posted by
Brian Vanderhoff @ 4:23 PM
