BPBA Network Meeting to be held on the 17th October

As our economy like the rest of the western world struggles through the credit crunch, we all need to learn the power of local business meetings and networking. A very productive way in which we can all spread our business messages through the local community. Used powerfully all over the modern business world, networking plays a key role in any professional business plan. Meeting likeminded individuals and building a network of personal business colleagues is crucial to anyone wishing to succeed. Whether your business is large or small, everyone will at sometime need it, being part of a business network increases this dramatically.
For example, I have had many business owners come to me and insecurely say "Well, I don´t really think I will be able to sell my services at the meeting so I will give it a miss". The Business Network meetings are not the place to sell anything, and if you come with your order book, you may as well leave it in the car. The meetings are about Networking, and building your potential client list for the future. Selling yourself to a new audience who may not be in need of your product or service today, but may well be in the future. If you put a good face to your products and services, by selling yourself around the room, those people will go on and sell your ideas to others, promoting you and your products to their friends. You may not make a sale on the afternoon you arrive, but the right attitude and enthusiasm, will go on and generate sales in the close future. A general rule up for me, is to start by always passing my business cards, I always pass two to everyone I meet. This allows them to pass one on again and not lose my details. I always ensure I take a card from them, and write down a little note about the conversation I have had with the person who gave it to me. This way, when I return to my office, I can send some personal emails thanking them for their time, and talking with me, adding the personal touch with the use of my notes.
Selling yourself in this way creates a fantastic business aura about you, people like to do business with people they like, so the more people you get to like you in the network meetings, there more people who will do business with you in the future.
There is only one letter that is different between Networking and Not-working and that is the letter E, I believe this letter should stand for Enthusiasm, which is the first thing you should bring with you to a business Network meeting. This along with a pen and plenty of business cards could see you on your way to new sales and new business colleagues generating sales for you.
Business Pages Tenerife are now focusing on the local business community and building a Business Chamber. They hold the only Network meeting in the south, and every quarter the local business communities can meet and enjoy the benefits of Business Networking. The past meeting have been a great success, and 90% of the businesses who attended generated new sales. I personally know of one company who gained 4 new sales from the first meeting. These sales have turned into returning clients and now are valued customers to this company. This all began from a simple conversation and introduction at the meeting.
There are also business presentations held by local business owners, who are confident enough to stand before the room and give a brief talk about their products. These prove to be interesting with offers of incentives to the room. If you would like to present your company at the meetings then don´t hesitate to contact the team on 902 881 061.
The next meeting is set for the 17th October, and will be held at the Showtime Beirkeller, situated at the Adeje turn off, from the TF1 next to Karting Las Americas. They always start at 2pm and run until 4pm. You do not have to be a member of the directory to attend; it is open to all business owners and representatives. For any further details about the Business Chamber and the Networking opportunities it offers, you can contact Business Pages Tenerife on 902 881 061.
Business Pages Tenerife - helping to build a better future

Heading into the Final Quarter

As we head into the final quarter for 2008 its no lie to say the economy has seen better times. But working through a recession, can help us to improve the business services and products we offer. Remember, the customer service that we tend to loose as our companies grow, is of critical importance through trying times. Business Pages Tenerife is constantly working to improve its services to its clients. We now offer business support from 9-5 every Monday to Saturday. If you are in need of help, or ways to maximize your businesses potential, then call the operators on 902 789 925, the call is local rate and we will arrange for a business adviser to visit you and help maximise your business goals. A consultation with our advisors, if you are a member of the directory, is free of charge, and is another great service we offer our premium listed members. Advice can be taken or simply heard, but it won’t cost you anything to listen. Take advantage of the offers available to you, as a premium members of the directory, these services are part of your package.

We are now the only business directory in Tenerife, and will constantly work towards helping your company succeed. Marketing your business with us, places your company directly into the hands of over 25’000 potential customers. Our directories are delivered once a year in Tenerife, keeping the island up to date with your business details.

It is also free to list your business in our directories, with your lineage insertion. But you must register your company through the website and enter your details. Registration is simple, log on to Tenerife’s biggest business directory www.bptenerife.com, register by clicking and follow the instruction in the top right hand corner of the homepage. If you would prefer an operator to take you details then telephone the call centre on 902 789 925, we will be happy to assist you.

BPBC whats it all about?

In all modern day business environments we can find help groups, support groups and Business Chambers. They are available for any individuals to seek help from, and advice which may steer them into the business world. I have attended and been involved with many chambers of commerce throughout the UK, and Business Start up groups helping people make the right decisions.

Tenerife is such a great place to live, but to do business can be very hard. Who can we ask for help and advice, with out them holding out a sweaty palm? And most of those sweaty palms are held out by nothing more than fortune tellers of the past. Finding local resources can be such hard work, breaking into new markets a daunting task. But why, why should it be any harder than the UK or other countries of the modern day world. It’s smaller, its less demanding, people are more laid back, so why should the business world be difficult to get to grasps with.

The answer to many of these questions is simple, there is no where we can go and get the straight answers. Oh yes, there are many people claiming they can help for a fee, even offering to conjure up some papers for you, that you never really needed. And all of this mounts to a very sore bill at the end of their “services”. I believe its time to change, its time to rid the island of these unskilled business operatives and make a stand. Its time for the new business generation of Tenerife, to be heard, to be seen and be counted.

Business Pages Tenerife is now developing the first Business Chamber for the Island, next to the Chamber of Commerce in the North. We aim to build a chamber where local businesses can Network, find the information they need, and give/receive helpful advice.

The second Networking event took place on the 10^th July, and was again a great success. People are beginning to see how powerful it can be, and so cost effective. The birth of the business chamber has begun, and slowly we will encourage a membership scheme. This will allow members to recognise each other and businesses who are here to help. Businesses offering first class services and sales aftercare. Standing together and forming this Business Chamber, will allow the business community to flourish, without the aid of our scrupulous advisers.

Our first objective has begun, and the construction of a committee to run the chamber in place. As the new committee members bring ideas to the table, we will grow, and reach out to everyone who wants to become involved in the Business Pages Business Chamber (BPBC).

Our next event is for Networking and will be held in October, we are expecting a turn out of 50+ businesses, from all over the island. We have now even began to attract business owners from the North, who presently really do feel the need for this kind of development.

We welcome all, and look forward to the prospects this innovative idea will bring, offering everyone the same opportunities no matter where you are from, whatever part of the globe.

We now have a fully qualified Spanish business adviser on our team, he is at hand to answer any of your business problems and is extremely efficient. As part of our Chamber vision, you can now call him, and consult with him, as a business owner in Tenerife, free of charge, courtesy of the BPBC.

Mr Fernado Bernitez

Ferea Consulting SL

BPBC Business Advisor

Tel:- 650 724 390

We look forward to meeting you all at the next event, and the continued growth of the Business Pages Business Chamber.