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As I write this, I am recovering from a hectic day yesterday.
I met clients at two different places and had the privilege to be the opening speaker the Technology Supply Chain event at Millennium Point in Birmingham on behalf of Richard Fallon.
Well over one hundred people attended the event from all sorts of backgrounds and with a spattering of Family Business Practice members as attendees as well it was an excellent event professionally run.
Yesterday I also filled up my car with petrol with a tankful looking at £90 plus…
…and by all accounts, this figure is going to rise…!
A couple of days before I attended a spirited FSB Connect zoom session and as usual, we had our Monday Family Business Practice Check In zoom session.
Undoubtedly zoom numbers (as predicted) are down compared with some months ago as so many people are desperate to feel alive by visiting face to face events again.
However, interestingly at face-to-face events, even with such great events as Richard’s, the numbers are not as high as you would expect.
This is a trend across many face to face events on a national basis (again with some notable exceptions).
It is very clear that we are all taking a long hard look at what events are right for us currently and the criteria is threefold:
Will this event help me find business or is it a flag-waving exercise?
…Flag-waving is necessary at times but how often do you really need to do it?
What is the cost for me to do this event?
…in terms of financial cost and of course the big one TIME?
Will I learn something significant?
…which will assist me in my personal or professional development?
I am finding that a lot of individuals are cutting back their activities and are being far more selective.
For some it’s finances and for others, it’s time and energy.
Frankly, the last two and half years have been challenging and many are simply tired. I was tempted to say knackered, but Anny would tell me off so hopefully, I have got away with it!
What’s the point, Peter?
In my opinion:
To say only zoom events is a mistake.
To say only face to face events is a mistake.
To say no to personal development is a mistake.
To operate the same plan as everyone else is a mistake.
My twenty-six years of experience in networking tells me it is essential to have a combined approach of these areas, looking directly for business, flag-waving where easily available and developing oneself both personally and professionally.
And the plan is unique to you and your business.
The trick is a wonderful word called balance.
Don’t get sucked into one area alone, use a better and more refined approach and test and measure.
Do work hard at staying in touch, it pays dividends!
Be clever in how you stay in touch using a variety of methods.
Be careful, out of sight is out of mind…
The beauty of the Family Business Practice is we have lots of online events, some specific face to face meetings, some flag-waving events combined with several ways to stay in touch, this Thought4The week being just one.
What are you doing to keep balanced?
We would love to hear your thoughts and learn what is working for you and perhaps apply positive results to our business too!
The Family Business Practice is a vibrant learning and development community full of great people and businesses who in many cases give of their time and expertise to help others, PLUS do business together where appropriate!
CLICK HERE to see the latest events and book on soon – you will be glad you did.
Go on you know you want to!
Until the next time…
Peter
Peter Roper The Family Business Man
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