An article promoting a business networking group, 'missing Link'.

the missing Link - HELPING BUSINESSES SUCCEED

Oxfordshire, 1998. Three business associates are enjoying an informal meeting in a local hotel. Today this group hold regular evening meetings in over 24 locations throughout the UK. They call themselves ‘the missing Link’ and offer their members a different slant on traditional business networking.

Many of us will be aware that most national networking organisations work on a sales-focused basis. Emphasis is placed on doing business NOW, rather than building longer-term business relationships.

Here’s where the missing Link are refreshingly different: the aim is to foster long-term trust between peer groups, helping individual businesses to grow, develop, and prosper in the process. There is no requirement to bring business to other members although as business relationships develop, this will naturally follow.

“Our aim is to support our members through the process of developing their business” says Managing Director Charles Lovibond. “We take a long-term view rather than the short-term favoured by most networking organisations. Of course it’s great to generate quick sales through networking but there’s far more to running a business than simply selling your product or service. Sometimes you need informal advice about day-to-day issues and this is where our members find real value.”

In Berkshire, meetings are held twice monthly at both Newbury and Reading, with a Maidenhead meeting scheduled for early 2005 “We’re in the phase of finalising a venue” adds Charles. “Our meetings are limited to a maximum of 15 people because we try to maintain quality rather than quantity. That way everyone gets ample opportunity to communicate their needs to fellow members without the time constraints that can affect bigger groups.”

A true network in every sense, the missing Link encourages its members to use the entire network of members nationwide – not just those in their immediate locality. As Charles says: “Essentially it opens up a whole field of knowledge, expertise, and advice that our members can call on for ideas and inspiration as they grow their business. Our aim is to help our members succeed – it’s as simple as that.”

To find out more about the missing Link, visit their website at www.themissinglink.co.uk or contact their office on 08707-876-874.

Note: this piece was written in half-an-hour, based on a 3-minute phone interview with the client. They were amazed that they’d managed to convey so much information in just a few minutes and impressed that I’d captured the essence of their message so effectively.