Posted by Charlotte Lamb

The headline was told to me this morning in our monthly Create Design Studio committee meeting. It’s not that surprising when you think about the sad effect of recession is that people are often made redundant and opt to start up their own business afterwards.

The surprising thing is that businesses started during recessions are thought to have a better chance of success than those started when times are good.

There are so many ways that modern technology can make things easier too. Blogs and social networking tools like Twitter can help you make contacts in your local area. (See previous posts for links to social networking websites and business networking websites) Get business advice without having to leave your desk on the Business Link website and book your place on their informational business seminars. Getting your printer materials is easier too because digital printing techniques have made getting your cards and letterheads cheaper and quicker.

Get in touch on 01962 737989 if you are thinking of starting up a new business, we are putting together a special package of logo, business card, letterhead and website. We can also put you in touch with other business experts who can smooth the path of starting up.

There will be a business expo in Andover on Tuesday 17th March. It’s free admission from 10am to 6pm and there will be all sorts of local companies and free talks on aspects of business throughout the day.

David and I will be there early as we will be networking with MBG in the morning at the same venue: The Lights Theatre in Andover.

Here is the website with all the details of place and times: click here.

Hope to see some of you there, do come over and say hello!

Posted by Charlotte Lamb.

I was asked by a friend to give him some information about networking clubs and it seemed like a good idea to share it with the rest of you:

Andover: http://www.andovermbg.com/

Hook: http://www.brx-hart.co.uk/home.asp

Salisbury and Andover:  http://www.bishopslaw.co.uk/site/legalnews/breakfast_club_introducing_andover_article.html

Salisbury: http://www.southwilts.com/site/Ambassadors/index.htm

Alton: http://www.alton4business.org.uk/

Guildford: http://www.ecademy.com/module.php?mod=club&c=435

Ecademy  is an online networking site that is worth signing up to because basic membership is free.

Fareham: http://fbgfareham.blogspot.com/

4Networking: http://www.4networking.biz/

 Reading: http://duffnuts.net/

 Businesslink run courses and seminars (I went to one in Andover last night)

So if you fancy coming to any of these the chances are you will bump into David, or myself. Don’t be shy, come over and say hello!