Quite simply, it is a business network dedicated to ensuring its members generate significant returns on investment. There are thousands of networking groups in the market doing breakfast, lunch and dinner centred on golf, fashion, education, charities and so on, so where is the difference in this one?
The answer lies in the world of sport and in the concept of managed networking. As consummate networkers ourselves we fully appreciate the benefits to be gained from this most direct of direct marketing disciplines but we also know that most networking groups fail to deliver anything other than a feel good factor and that the connections made in these groups are too random. We are 100% focused on making qualified and strategic business introductions for our members. We can do this because we, alone, have an overview of the business strengths (and weaknesses), skills, targets and ambitions of all of our members, so we know who to make connections with, when and why.
Without a shadow of doubt our members can be characterised as people with a “can do” attitude who are entrepreneurially minded and ambitious. They don’t waste money but they also recognise that whatever the prevailing economic conditions there will be winners and losers in every market. It is no coincidence that they are winners. They believe in the power of strategic networking and know that to “pull” the right sort of attention to themselves they must give first. With a limited number of similar businesses in the same geographical area allowed into the network, our members enjoy protection from competition. We hold regular (but not compulsory) networking events which make connections for them. Joining the business members of the SBN are our sport partners. These are grouped into three tiers. TIER ONE The professional sports clubs and their community programmes
TIER TWO Sports venues, events, semi professional clubs and governing bodies
TIER THREE The amateur member-run community clubs themselves and whilst our focus is primarily on the major sports in each town, like football, rugby and cricket, we will happily work with and try and help any sports club. What does “partnership” actually mean in this case?
It means that we have developed a relationship with these organisations which gives them valuable PR, access to a massive business market (we are happy to broker specific sponsorship deals that a member my want to implement) and, in certain cases hard cash through the sponsorship of the Sport Business Network. In return we get access to a vast additional network of business people, a range of media tools (from match day programmes to databases) and discounted or free hospitality all on behalf of our members.
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