When Is The Next Forum SA Get Together?

[Nigel Hamilton]

Because i am new, just don't want to miss the next Forum SA Get Together? When is the next one in Gauteng?

[Dave A]

When is the next one in Gauteng?

The next one will be the first one!

[Nigel Hamilton]

The next one will be the first one!

What!!! No way...come on guys, if you have a community as good as this, then we have to have "get togethers"

Ok

so first one in Gauteng...who's in? Will make it say somwhere near 4 ways? So the pretoria guys don't have to travel too far?

Couple of beers very informal, after work lets say from 5 onwards? If we get at least 20 responses we will put it together in the next 2 weeks? Ok? You guys in...meet the guys behind the avatar(or infront!)

[IanF]

Vincent organised about 2 years ago. This was at greenstone.

[Cream]

Already there is an event happening in Sandton for business owners, unfortunately I heard about it a bit too late and already they can't take on more people.

I am most definitely in, but NOT on the 3rd Dec please. There are a lot of options open in terms of places to meet, however Gauteng may be a good start!

[murdock]

next thing you will want my keys for the swingers club

[Cream]

Hmmmmm. I know you think you understand what you thought I said, but I'm not sure that what you heard is what I actually meant!

Your signature goes so well with what you have just posted murdock

[Dave A]

Vincent organised about 2 years ago. This was at greenstone.

If I remember correctly, that was in conjunction with something else.

Already there is an event happening in Sandton for business owners, unfortunately I heard about it a bit too late and already they can't take on more people.

There seems to be a rather worthy line of thought developing here.

So far we've developed as a (pretty much) purely online community. And I'm quite happy with that. But there could be merit in every now and then doing something along the lines of what BNI do - swarm a venue (arranged with the venue, of course), a bit of an intro process, a presentation or two as well as the backslapping getting-to-know-you social.

Gives it a bit of purpose/value-add/whatever without going anywhere near the level of a conference or overly regular ritual. I'd hate it to become a "duty" or burden - just a pleasant, worthwhile experience every now and then.

What do you think?

[Cream]

Definitely Dave there is a need for Business Owners to network. Just looking at LinkedIn, the amount of people discussing this exact topic.

There should be a SA Business get together, one that doesn't require a payment of R2500.00 per person. I have realised that most business development seminars are just too expensive for SME's / Entrepreneurs.

Achieving a balance between the "unconference" and the connecting is important in my view.

In the Netherlands they organise Open Coffee's. It's a get together at a bar or cafe at the start of the day. Just a social event with one short 5 min pitch from the companies. The pitch pays for the coffee or drinks. So only one time small investment from each pitch.

[murdock]

i have been going to bible study for a while now and we all arrive dont say a word to each other sit down...bible study finshes and everyone leaves...

2 of us decided that we would sponsor and supply coffee and biscuits half an hour before it starts...now we all know each others names and greet each other by name...and we now we even get choclate cake and milk tarts from the ladies who bake

so yeah i think it would be a great idea...

unfortunately i wouldnt be able to attend...it would mean i have to dress and act like a human...

[IanF]

Dave
That was including another organisation, can't remember what. (Craft setting in)

I would like to go a get together, I have been to an innercircle and they charged R100 in the hat plus you had to pay for your beer.

So I am up to it just midrand is to far for me, business is Illovo and I stay in the south.

So lets keep this going and see if we can get this going.

[Cream]

As the year end is upon us, some might not be able to attend however there will be other opportunities. Should we look at having an event on the 10th Dec or rather towards Feb 2011?

What are your thoughts?

[desA]

2 of us decided that we would sponsor and supply booze and magic mushrooms half an hour before it starts...now we all know each others names and greet each other by name...and we now we even get choclate cake and milk a few tarts from the ladies who sell cake

so yeah i think it would be a great idea...

A minor play on words can lead to rather different outcomes.

[garthu]

I think its a great idea as well. The BNI model is to much for me, 20 hours a month.... sure networking is great but 20 a month!

Also if i may Dave.. there are alot of guys on here and we do not always know who they are. I know IanF does printing, can he print flyers etc, sternlaw, what law, business, property.. etc etc.

A business directory so we all network online with what they do, where etc. I know most of us have links at the bottom, but it doesnt really specify what we do always.

Maybe open to members with 50/100 posts. There would be more info needed like personal numbers available online which some people may not like, but hey they dont have to jump on either. Maybe a small referral fee involved.. MAYBE... to make it work worthwhile for someone to send me an external lead for business etc (not sure about that one, needs thought and input) or they just get coffe points..

I would much rather give the guys business that take time to answer all my silly questions on excel, tax and the rest with good advice.

Of course.. its Dave is the one thats putting in the work online so need to consider the size and implications for you!

[IanF]

I think its a great idea as well. The BNI model is to much for me, 20 hours a month.... sure networking is great but 20 a month!

Garth
I have been invited to a new BNI chapter starting up. Just for my info were do you get 20 hours a month are there weekly meetings?
I am going Thursday so I will give feedback on my thoughts then.