What our members say about CNG
“I joined the Chiltern networking group (CNG) in March 2007. I had two reasons for joining, one was to launch my business and gain work. The second was to interact with people who are in business and running successful businesses and to learn off them.
The group has enabled me to achieve this. I’m now working with lots of people to improve their health, by working with them on their exercise, their nutrition or a combination of the two. A testament of the groups helpfulness is the question that I was asked by several people when I joined.
The question was quite simple “what can I do to help you in your business” and then they followed up on this by working with me to launch a new product within my business, using my services and gaining referrals for my business.”
Keith Tucker
Absolute Training Exercise And Nutrition Coach
“I have been a member of the Chiltern Network Group for over 3 years. As a direct result of my membership, I have gained over £27,000 of Pharos programmes.
This has come about because of trust. About £15k of that sum came from members of the group themselves. The rest came from members having enough trust in me to recommend me to their clients and contacts.
The way I make networking work for me is that I spend time, quite deliberately, going out of my way to help my fellow networkers. I help them prepare presentations and learn how to deliver them well. I give them free advice and suggestions. I make sure I have one-to-ones with each member of the group regularly and make them feel confident and comfortable in recommending me.
It's also been about staying in the top of their minds. And just being a prominent member of a networking group does that very well. You can take on a small role or a big role in the running of the group or keep volunteering to do things which keep you in touch with the members. I have done all the roles in the group at one time or another and this does help shape your image in fellow networkers' minds.”
Catherine Catherine Orton
Positive Colours
“Why am I going to Chiltern Network Group?' This was a question I asked myself in January 2006 on a cold frosty morning whilst I was driving to our venue at 0645.... I hadn't chosen to join - I was just covering for a colleague and didn't really know what I was letting myself in for...... what sort of people would be there and would I be able to find anything to discuss with them?
All my concerns were unfounded - they were very friendly people who had important sounding jobs but who were interested in a new face and made me welcome. I continued attending, 'covering' for my buddy and realised that many of the people around the table were already doing business with Travel Counsellors.
I soon found that I could direct business to other members and they were bringing me their family and friends travel enquiries on a regular basis - I had taken on the face of Travel Counsellors in the group.
In Janaury 2008 I will have been a member for 2 years - I now feel I've missed out if I can't attend and can count many members, visitors and ex members among my clients. It's true - if you're not at work, you network, sometimes without realising it. I have learnt so much and had so much fun in our morning meetings that now - in that same position - I would join - without a doubt! ”
Linda Buckingham
Personal Travel Counsellor