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L.B.I meetings - Peter Shepherd (26th Oct 2010 - 04:54:49) I feel I must comment on the poor turnout at Last weeks L.B.I meeting at Old Thorns. I counted fewer than 25 people in attendance. Personally I have always found the meetings, interesting, informative and fun. With the current level of attendance I can see no point in future gatherings, which would be a real shame. Has anybody got any thoughts on why there has been a sharp decline in numbers (the previous meeting at Old Thorns attracted twice the number of people). Also are there any views how to increase the numbers?, I suggest Pole Dancing

Re: L.B.I meetings - Ed (26th Oct 2010 - 16:14:13) I assume that's Maypole dancing? that would be O.K. for next spring. Ed is not short for editor

Re: L.B.I meetings - peter shepherd (26th Oct 2010 - 21:08:12) Ed Is there any other sort of pole dancing?

Re: L.B.I meetings - Finchie (28th Oct 2010 - 19:05:37) Absolutely Peter ! Last time I was in Warsaw, I went along to a disco .... Cheers, Finchie

Re: L.B.I meetings - lee Stewart (1st Nov 2010 - 08:41:11) Peter I am sorry you did not enjoy the last meeting. In actual fact 30+people attended and the feedback i had was positive, however i will take your points on board. I had received a few apologies before the meeting and at least 5 people who replied to the invite as would attend didn't. I think Old Thorns put on a good spread and were good hosts. The point of the meetings is to get to know other local businesses and there were 3-4 new businesses in attendance. Any ideas as how the meetings could appeal to a greater number of businesses would be appreciated. If you know of some Polish dancers and wish to see them then lets see what we can do. I hope you will continue to attend the LBI Functions and support the group in its aim to unite the businesses of Liphook, and help to promote those businesses to the Liphook community and beyond.

Re: L.B.I meetings - peter shepherd (2nd Nov 2010 - 20:57:39) Lee Nowhere have I said that I didnt enjoy the last meeting. Regards Peter

Re: L.B.I meetings - Lee Stewart (3rd Nov 2010 - 09:20:17) Sorry Peter my mistake. I hope you do attend the next meeting and, like yourself, i hope more attend especially new businesses. Lee

Re: L.B.I meetings - Sumi Olson (7th Nov 2010 - 23:26:28) HI I just wanted to say that I enjoyed the LBI Networking Evening last month which had a positive atmosphere. People came and went throughout the evening, as it started before 6pm and lasted until 8.30. I think it's perhaps rather early to be worried about the future of LBI Networking Evenings - there's a list of achievements and planned activites in the local news section which mentions that future Networking Evenings will include speakers. This will make it an even more useful event for members. Looking at the planned activites, I think the LBI is going to make a difference to Liphook Businesses in the future, especially to sole traders/home-based business as well as other SMEs who value the training, support and shared opportunities that membership will bring. I'm glad you enjoyed the event too, Peter, but I hope you don't still not feel worried about the future. See you at the next meeting! Best wishes, Sumi

Re: L.B.I meetings - Peter Shepherd (9th Nov 2010 - 10:30:23) Sumi With a 50% decrease in numbers from the previous meeting at Old thorns in the early summer,I would say you would have to be fairly naive to say it wasnt a concern. As I said in my previous post there was no more than twenty five people there,and I was in attendance from 18.15 until the end. I have seen a few people around the village who have been to previous meetings that have stopped going,and asked their thoughts,and the responses are interesting. I enjoy the meetings an awful lot,and the benefits are obvious. But I think people burying there heads in the sand,and not being prepared to listen,will cause the demise of L.B.I Peter Shepherd C.E.O Courtesy Cabs.

Re: L.B.I meetings - Vic (10th Nov 2010 - 14:56:09) Dear all I have been reading with interest the recent posts regarding the LBI. Although I appreciate Peter’s comments and take any concerns over dwindling interest seriously, I think one should bear in mind that everyone won’t be able to make each meeting. There were other events on in the village on that night, including parents’ evening at the Infant School, which in fact made me late to the meeting! Although I know I am not one of the key players in the group, I certainly enjoy the meetings and getting to know other businesses and individuals in the area and think everyone involved has done a fabulous job in getting something like this going. It’s groups like this which make Liphook a great place to live and work. Vic JMB Accounting Ltd

Re: L.B.I meetings - S. Woods (11th Nov 2010 - 10:46:34) Interesting to read these comments – each and every one has good points. The reality is One Size does not fit All. Networking/social evenings are on the whole enjoyable, fun and a great place to learn about other companies and showcase and talk about your own business – to people who may also live in the community. Is there enough businesses/members in Liphook to sustain regular meetings – not that convinced? It was always part of the meetings throughout 2009 to have guest speakers, either from other business groups, sharing their experiences, local organisation like Liphook In bloom, and council representatives talking about small business rate relief, grants for rural businesses and what funding is available, and grants to help ‘dress’ empty shop windows etc. This element has been missing from the meetings this year, and pleased to see that they are planned to return. I think Peter is quite right in his appraisal of what is actually being muted amongst a portion of members, who in particular feel that Networking is not right for them or their Business. They are totally correct and have a right to say so. Many joined the group for the promotion of Liphook Businesses into the Community, and to be involved more with community projects, which is part of the groups mission statement. Talking to about 30-50 people with perhaps the odd recommendation is not the same as spreading the word to 3000 homes and 100’s of potential customers that visit Liphook. S. Woods Liphook Hardware/Founder Member of LBI

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