Objectives
The purpose of being a GBG member is to generate "good business" between each member of the group and to new customers within the framework of an ethical charter.

When does the GBG meet?
Members meet every Wednesday morning. We start at around 6.45am and finish promptly at 8.30am in order to give everyone a chance to get to work.

The purpose of the meetings is to discuss our own businesses, network with other members of the group and review the development of the Group as a whole, we also have time for breakfast.

The venue is The Three Compasses in Patchetts Green ( Near COSTCO )
Click here for a Map

Costs/Subscription
There is an initial joining fee of £100 for new members plus a monthly Standing Order of £35 that covers the cost of the cooked breakfast and the meeting venu.

What's the money for?
All money collected is used to promote and benefit all the members in the group through development of this website and other activities promoting all the services we offer as a group via PR, Advertorial and Editorial in the local papers.

Good Business Group Charter
The Rules of Membership to include:

• Members agree to act in the interest of other members and customer.
• Members agree to refer another member whenever possible.
• Attendance must be a minimum of 75%, i.e. three meetings out of four.
• Apologies must be made prior to each meeting. If a member fails to turn up for two consecutive meetings without an explanation, then another person from that discipline can be invited to join.
• The membership committee has the authority of the group to deny entry into the group of a member and to decide whether a member should be replaced for non-attendance.
• The purpose of the group is to pass referrals amongst the members. The Referrals Secretary will document and chart the referrals.
• Members must provide at least 2 testimonials from customers prior to joining.
• Subscriptions must be paid promptly to the Treasurer, but will not be refundable if a member fails to attend.

Why should I join the GBG?

Exclusivity
To promote a team spirit among members, the GBG allows only one person from each business category to join. Members should not belong to another single discipline networking organisation as any referrals an individual may be able to provide to the GBG risk being diluted. It also dilutes the effectiveness of the other group they belong to (which wouldn't be very ethical anyway). We do, however, promote visitor days to allow anyone to visit The Good Business Group.

Selling yourself
Every week you have the opportunity to tell all the other members of the group what you do, what you are planning to do, what you have done in the past or indeed the type of referrals you are looking for (in 60 seconds). Every meeting also features a ten minute presentation from one member. All members take turns to make such a presentation and explain their products and services in detail.

The benefits?

• From experience, we know that to make 100 phone calls takes all day.
• Of 100 businesses, you will only get to speak to about 10 decision makers.
• Of the 10 you'll maybe manage to get an appointment with 1.

So, presenting to a group of 30-40 local business people every week is quite a result.

Think of your fellow members as your sales team, keep them interested, keep them motivated, keep them thinking of you and new opportunities.

Selling for others
Whilst we all think about our own companies and automatically listen out for opportunities that may lead to a sale, with networking a new skill has to be taken onboard. Listening for others. We all present our 60 seconds and occasionally present for ten minutes. It's easy to focus on your own presentation and not take in everything that others are saying. The web page helps us to remember what individuals do. We all need to remember to listen out for the other members of the group, remembering what they do and the type of business they are looking for and refer them to our own contact wherever possible.

New Members
We have detailed below a list of business types that we believe would complement our group, so if anyone knows someone who fits the bill, please ask them to come along. Our objective is expand our group. So, don't forget, the more attendees, the stronger we become.

Do you know any people in the following profession?

• Advertising
• Banking
• Book Keeper
• Direct Mail
• Electrical Supplier
• Energy Consultant
• Estate Agent
• Graphic Designers
• Independant Financial Advisor
• Management Consultant
• Office Cleaning Contractors
• Office Furniture
• Public Relations
• Recruitment
• Removals
• Telecoms

Any business that is looking to expand their circle of associates should consider joining.

PR & Marketing
The GBG markets itself, its website and workshops to the general public and businesses in order to attract new members and to expose all of us to sell more of our services and products to new customers.

We know of no other organisation structured in quite this way and believe that it is an attractive proposition. Membership is not guaranteed; our membership secretary helps govern admission of new members to ensure that all members are committed to and live the values agreed in our charter.

The Good Business Group = The ultimate Sales & Marketing Network