WGA Networking gives you the chance to promote your business at a convenient time, working around the busy life you lead. In a relaxed environment, you get a chance to build relationships, share ideas and develop your network, with like-minded people.
Our business network group is open to anyone who embraces the idea of support, learning and a ‘together we’re stronger’ attitude. Now more than ever it is about sharing skills and experiences which help build relationships and in time, trust. Everyone has value and you can take away as much as you put in.
Our business network group is open to anyone who embraces the idea of support, learning and a ‘together we’re stronger’ attitude. Now more than ever it is about sharing skills and experiences which help build relationships and in time, trust. Everyone has value and you can take away as much as you put in.
The richest people in the world look for and build networks. Everyone else looks for work". - Robert Kiyosaki
Our ultimate aim is to create a group that helps each other to achieve business and personal success. Together we can make this happen. Do you have a burning question about business but too embarrassed to ask? Then please post your question and we can try and answer it next time. We value your feedback, the very thing that helps us to improve our networking group.
Benefits of Word Gets Around Networking include:
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NO MEMBERSHIP FEES
We'll never ask you to sign up to an annual membership fee. This 'pay as you go' approach makes things more affordable for you and means that every month we welcome an interesting mix of existing and new members. |
INFORMAL ATMOSPHERE
We meet every 3rd Thursday of the month at 7pm. Everything feels more relaxed in the evening, and we all feel more open to new people, ideas and opportunities. Our group is very informal, so just be yourself. No suit and tie required. |
EVENING MEETINGS
We realise that the morning is not always the best time to network. The school run, opening your shop/office, a full-time job, answering emails or travelling to see clients. By taking away early morning barriers you can find that extra few hours that you crave to successfully network. |
PEOPLE BUY FROM PEOPLE
There may be another guest from the same business area as you. We see this not as competition, but as an opportunity to form collaborations and share ideas. People will choose the right person to work with for them, regardless of business experience. People buy from people. |
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EVERYONE HAS VALUE
We all judge people on first impressions, or sometimes dismiss them as we think they have no value to us. We introduced the 'Word Gets Around Wildcard' (see FAQ) for this reason, to prove that everyone has something to offer. It fast became very popular at our meetings. |
MAKE LOCAL CONTACTS
Networking works best when you fully embrace the idea that you always get out of it, what you are prepared to put in. Word of mouth advertising is a key ingredient in marketing you and your business. It's not what you know, it's who you know. |
BUILD RELATIONSHIPS
Business operates on trust. It takes time to nurture a relationship but the rewards can be great. You become a new point of contact, an expert, someone to collaborate with and someone people are happy to refer their trusted contacts to. |
GAIN IN CONFIDENCE
Public speaking is something most of us are uncomfortable with. By introducing yourself to others you open up opportunities and your confidence will grow. We have seen this with so many members. Just say hello to people in the room. |
Your hosts
Paul Smith
Paul is a brand, graphic design, print and marketing specialist based in Taunton. He helps to nourish new businesses and re-energise those that need to look at things a little differently. He set up Word Gets Around in 2011, with a view to expanding into other complementary service areas.
Later that year he launched Word Gets Around Business Networking, a group to connect the local business community, which continues to this day. Paul has been a speaker at a number of events over the years and has worked closely with schools and colleges over with mentoring and as a lecturer.
In 2014 ‘Word Gets Around Magazines’ was introduced in Taunton working alongside his Father, Clive. November 2019 saw their new West Somerset magazine join the portfolio as they expand the business. The magazines are a blend of positive community stories, local news, features and reviews. Word Gets Around is now a perfect marketing blend to help people and businesses to market themselves more effectively online, offline and face to face.
Later that year he launched Word Gets Around Business Networking, a group to connect the local business community, which continues to this day. Paul has been a speaker at a number of events over the years and has worked closely with schools and colleges over with mentoring and as a lecturer.
In 2014 ‘Word Gets Around Magazines’ was introduced in Taunton working alongside his Father, Clive. November 2019 saw their new West Somerset magazine join the portfolio as they expand the business. The magazines are a blend of positive community stories, local news, features and reviews. Word Gets Around is now a perfect marketing blend to help people and businesses to market themselves more effectively online, offline and face to face.
Jo Middleton
As well as being the writer of probably the best mummy blog in the TA1 postal code area, I’m also a freelance marketing and social media consultant, copywriter and trainer. I work with brands on everything from social media strategy to blogging and I love public speaking and training – anything that involves me being the centre of attention and getting to put together slides.
I am basically a word whore.
I have has worked with multiple big name brands including Tesco, Disney and Unilever and has been on all kinds of adventures with my blog, from skiing in the Alps to cooking traditional pancakes in Ethiopia.
I have a combined social media following of over 65,000, and am a bit of a Twitter addict.
I'm the author of the blog Slummy single mummy, a Cision top five UK parenting blog that has netted several blogging awards and accolades since its launch in 2009. My blog covers the highs and lows of parenting alone, working from home and searching for Mr Right whilst all the time trying to maintain a basic level of sanity and my mixture of honesty and humour is hugely popular with parents and non-parents alike.
slummysinglemummy.com
I am basically a word whore.
I have has worked with multiple big name brands including Tesco, Disney and Unilever and has been on all kinds of adventures with my blog, from skiing in the Alps to cooking traditional pancakes in Ethiopia.
I have a combined social media following of over 65,000, and am a bit of a Twitter addict.
I'm the author of the blog Slummy single mummy, a Cision top five UK parenting blog that has netted several blogging awards and accolades since its launch in 2009. My blog covers the highs and lows of parenting alone, working from home and searching for Mr Right whilst all the time trying to maintain a basic level of sanity and my mixture of honesty and humour is hugely popular with parents and non-parents alike.
slummysinglemummy.com
Frequently asked questions
WHAT'S THE FORMAT?
19:00 – 19:30pm
Arrive at the venue, get a drink and then enjoy some open networking. We will give you your WGA Wildcard* for the evening.
START 19:30 – 20:00pm
Welcome from Paul & Jo. We will start the 30 second round. You have a maximum of 30 seconds to stand up, introduce yourself and tell us a bit about you and your business. For some people this may be very daunting. Please do not worry, you are among friends. The 30 second limit is just to stop the people who like to talk too much. Over time this will help to build your confidence and also how best to sum up what you do. You may tell us the kind of work you do, current projects or the kind of people you are hoping to meet to help your business.
20:00pm
Time to get some food. Feel free to sit where you want but it’s always good to meet new people. During the break please visit the “Contact Corner” to pick up any business cards, brochures or any special offers.
20:30pm
It’s time to find your matching WGA Wildcard. Sometimes it’s good to broaden your horizons and chat to someone you may not think could add value to you and your business. Remember that everyone has value and you never know who they know....When you arrive we will give you a number that pairs up with someone else in the room. A bit like speed dating, without the speed and erm... the dating! A chance to meet someone new.
20:45pm
Guest Speaker. Each month we will have a guest speaker. This may range from how to increase your sales, an insight into an area of running a business, or an inspiring, motivational story or business success. This is followed by any questions for the guest speaker.
21:15pm
This is the time to ask if there is anything you need help with? The group will then collectively try and point you in the right direction. This may be about social media, finance, law or to recommend a place to buy office furniture. People naturally want to help so this is a great opportunity to allow them to do that.
21:30pm
Close the meeting but you are free to continue networking. Have a safe journey home and remember that it's Friday tomorrow :-)
Arrive at the venue, get a drink and then enjoy some open networking. We will give you your WGA Wildcard* for the evening.
START 19:30 – 20:00pm
Welcome from Paul & Jo. We will start the 30 second round. You have a maximum of 30 seconds to stand up, introduce yourself and tell us a bit about you and your business. For some people this may be very daunting. Please do not worry, you are among friends. The 30 second limit is just to stop the people who like to talk too much. Over time this will help to build your confidence and also how best to sum up what you do. You may tell us the kind of work you do, current projects or the kind of people you are hoping to meet to help your business.
20:00pm
Time to get some food. Feel free to sit where you want but it’s always good to meet new people. During the break please visit the “Contact Corner” to pick up any business cards, brochures or any special offers.
20:30pm
It’s time to find your matching WGA Wildcard. Sometimes it’s good to broaden your horizons and chat to someone you may not think could add value to you and your business. Remember that everyone has value and you never know who they know....When you arrive we will give you a number that pairs up with someone else in the room. A bit like speed dating, without the speed and erm... the dating! A chance to meet someone new.
20:45pm
Guest Speaker. Each month we will have a guest speaker. This may range from how to increase your sales, an insight into an area of running a business, or an inspiring, motivational story or business success. This is followed by any questions for the guest speaker.
21:15pm
This is the time to ask if there is anything you need help with? The group will then collectively try and point you in the right direction. This may be about social media, finance, law or to recommend a place to buy office furniture. People naturally want to help so this is a great opportunity to allow them to do that.
21:30pm
Close the meeting but you are free to continue networking. Have a safe journey home and remember that it's Friday tomorrow :-)
WHERE DO WE MEET?
We meet at The Corner House Hotel every 3rd Thursday of each month. The parking at the hotel may be limited depending on the number of guests staying. The exit from the car park is VERY tight.
There is a large public car park NEAR Tesco that will be free after 6pm. The other options are to park along the Crescent and walk 2 mins, or you may be able to park in the County Court car park. This would be a 1 min walk depending on the wind resistance!
There is a large public car park NEAR Tesco that will be free after 6pm. The other options are to park along the Crescent and walk 2 mins, or you may be able to park in the County Court car park. This would be a 1 min walk depending on the wind resistance!
HOW MUCH IS IT?
The price is just £15.00 (plus fees*) for those that book early online. Without charging a membership and a large fee upfront we rely on some commitment to attend. Please give 48 hours notice if you are unable to attend once you have paid.
As an incentive to book upfront, we feature a listing for those companies who have pre-booked on the WGA Business Networking website. This not only promotes your business (with links to your website) but helps to showcase the variety of businesses that attend the meetings.
We want to promote local businesses and celebrate the successes that come from attending the meetings. This may be through gaining business leads, contacts, confidence, friendship or support. With your help in spreading the word we are growing the group to offer affordable networking that attracts a variety of businesses, without a membership. This works for both start-up businesses and for representatives from larger companies that have to justify an expensive membership fee.
( *Fees are to cover the cost of processing your payment with Eventbrite)
As an incentive to book upfront, we feature a listing for those companies who have pre-booked on the WGA Business Networking website. This not only promotes your business (with links to your website) but helps to showcase the variety of businesses that attend the meetings.
We want to promote local businesses and celebrate the successes that come from attending the meetings. This may be through gaining business leads, contacts, confidence, friendship or support. With your help in spreading the word we are growing the group to offer affordable networking that attracts a variety of businesses, without a membership. This works for both start-up businesses and for representatives from larger companies that have to justify an expensive membership fee.
( *Fees are to cover the cost of processing your payment with Eventbrite)
CAN I GET A REFUND ONCE I BOOK MY PLACE?
If you are unable to make an event once paid we can issue a full refund up to 48 hours before the event time.
This is due to food commitments with the venue to make sure we can accommodate our guests. After this period we are unable to issue a refund.
This is due to food commitments with the venue to make sure we can accommodate our guests. After this period we are unable to issue a refund.
WHAT'S IN IT OR ME?
Our network group is open to anyone who embraces the idea of support, learning and a ‘together we’re stronger’ attitude. Now more than ever, it is about sharing skills and experiences which help build relationships and in time, trust. Everyone has value and you can take away as much as you put in.
By making relationships you have someone else thinking of you and your business, and wanting you to succeed. It may be you have just been made redundant, left school or wish to take your hobby to the next stage and make it a business. As a collective group you get the support to make that dream become a reality. Places are limited to 50 people to make it all manageable.
By making relationships you have someone else thinking of you and your business, and wanting you to succeed. It may be you have just been made redundant, left school or wish to take your hobby to the next stage and make it a business. As a collective group you get the support to make that dream become a reality. Places are limited to 50 people to make it all manageable.
WHAT DO I BRING ON THE NIGHT?
Just bring yourself and any marketing/promotional material you may have to pass on to the people you meet. If you do not have any cards then we can recommend the best place to buy them to get you started.
Feel free to wear what you feel is the most appropriate to represent you and your business. We wouldn't expect a gardener to turn up in a suit or someone in finance to turn up in flip flops!
Feel free to wear what you feel is the most appropriate to represent you and your business. We wouldn't expect a gardener to turn up in a suit or someone in finance to turn up in flip flops!
CAN A SIMILAR BUSINESS TO MINE ATTEND TOO?
We do not believe in category lock outs like some other networking groups. We believe that everyone has value and people buy from people that they get to know over time and will buy when they feel the time is right. In fact this also helps to form friendships and the chance to collaborate together in business which is great news for everyone.
What's a WGA wildcard?
We all judge people on first impressions, or sometimes dismiss them as we think they have no value to us. We use the analogy of a pairing a Builder with a Ballerina. The Builder dismisses the Ballerina as they feel they have no value to them and their profession. The wildcard is there to help you keep an open mind, like the Builder who later found out the Ballerina's partner owned the biggest building firm in the country. The opportunity was lost. By building a relationship with one person, you are opening up opportunities, once trust is in place. The numbered wildcards pair you with someone else in the room.
WHAT IS 'WHAT'S IN THE BOX'?
We're the only business networking group to have 'What's in the box?'. In this box are 4 prizes. The winner is someone who stands out on the night. Maybe they have some exciting news, are very topical in their introduction or make everyone laugh. Prizes have ranged from a signed Timmy Mallet postcard, some new sunglasses, to a whoopee cushion and a free ticket for our next meeting. This is a light hearted way to end of the evening.
History
It all began on a damp Thursday on 24th October 2011...
We wanted to create a network group that is social but also gives you business advice, support, friendship and leads without the demands on your time and money. Our success is a result of our guests success by attending. We love to hear how relationships have developed to open the door of opportunity.
We wanted to create a network group that is social but also gives you business advice, support, friendship and leads without the demands on your time and money. Our success is a result of our guests success by attending. We love to hear how relationships have developed to open the door of opportunity.
