Local Chamber of Commerce gets active

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A range of events held for small local businesses

As one of many membership benefits the London Borough of Hounslow Chamber of Commerce runs a seminar aimed for new members of the Chamber. The two-hour seminar is geared for 8-10 members at a time, with the small numbers ensuring a productive and personal forum. They are aimed at small business owners who would like to be more effective and comfortable in a variety of business networking situations. Successful self-promotion of your company is a great way to build long-term relationships and win more business.

The most recent seminar was held on 14th October, when Steve Mathews of Barnes Business Consulting led an extremely stimulating evening gearing his presentation to the delegates who, though new to the Chamber, were vastly experienced business people.

For Raymond Marks of VAR International, a market research company based in Chiswick, who attended the seminar �it was an excellent insight on how to make networking work for you. I looked for one idea I can action immediately. I found four! One of which was guidance on focusing on the events you should attend. I recommend other members take advantage of this networking seminar.�

To boost membership the London Borough of Hounslow Chamber of Commerce is offering a bottle to champagne to each member who introduces a new member to the Chamber, before the end of December.

Christine Baden-Semper who teaches the Alexander Technique recommended the Chamber to Ela Grabinska-Raubush, life coach, who subsequently joined. Sally Smith of the Chamber presented Christine with her bottle of champagne on 20th October at the inaugural meeting of the �West London Women in Business�, a newly formed networking women�s group.

The Chamber also organised a �Minute to Win it� event , on 14th October, held at the Vista Business Centre, Salisbury Road, Hounslow, which saw approximately 25 guests each having the opportunity to promote their businesses for 60 seconds. The morning started at 7.30 am with coffee being served on the 10th floor of the Vista Centre. On a clear day Central London is visible, unfortunately the day of 14th October was grey and extremely wet but the streetlights illuminating the gloom were still impressive.

The �minutes� then took place with Simon Risley of The Arts Educational Schools based in Chiswick, putting on his usual great act. This time he taped up his mouth and used flash cards to relay his presentation.

For more information about the Hounslow Chamber of Commerce please contact Sally Smith on 0208 568 8884 or info@hounslowchamber.org.uk

October 23, 2004