Time you got out more?

While all else may seem to be on the decline, there are thankfully networking events a-plenty for small business owners. So in these dark winter months, we reckon the time to get out and about, make contact and share ideas with some like-minded souls, is now.

A couple of recommendations in the London area:

• BNI business breakfasts are the stuff of networking legend. TT has been going along for many years because we find them quite simply, to be a brilliant way to meet other businesses. Join us and some 400 other members as they launch International Networking Week at the Lords cricket ground on 5th February, 7-8.30 am. Find out more about BNI at: http//www.bni.com/

• Business Junction is a London/South-East independent business referral network. Their monthly networking events pull in SME owners from far and wide. February’s lunch event is at The Ebury restaurant in Pimlico on Tuesday 3rd February. This month’s guest speaker will be London Mayor, Boris Johnson. Go to www.businessjunction.co.uk to find out more about registration.

• We Have No Office Party is a new networking event, offering the self-employed an informal chance to meet, network and generally shoot some business breeze. This event will be in full swing from 6.30 at the Kings Arms, Roupell St, Waterloo: http://www.fancyapint.com/pubs/pub1006.html Contact the TT team on 0845 075 1044 to find out more.

Networking across the UK
The examples above are just the tip of the networking iceberg and wherever you are there will be something going on. Check online for other local or virtual business groups such as Sistersnog, Anthena, The Room Upstairs, BRE, The Millionaire's Club, ecadamy and many, many more. We use this website which can put you in touch with events to meet like-minded business contacts right across the UK: http://www.findnetworkingevents.com

Please share!
If you know of any events you either need support with or you’d simply like to share, please do so by adding your comments below or contact the TT team on 0845 075 1044.

TT

Boost your blog and website traffic today

If you have a website, chances are you bought it, set it up and have since given it very little thought, save to add the occasional blog or news update. We have found that by smartening up our blogging we've managed to make a big difference to the potential clients who have been searching for something we can provide.

For starters...
• Use the right keywords – think about what your audience will be searching for
• Chose the right title – no more than 10 words, keep it short and to the point
• Use meta data where you can though be aware of the spam implications (follow links below to find out more)
• Make them lively – keep content engaging with pictures and links
• Encourage comment and debate


The following links go to sites we have found or had recommended by clients and colleagues, which offer expansive and relevant advice on boosting your blog and website footfall.

• http://www.xarj.net/2008/seo-secrets-to-writing-the-perfect-blog-post-wordpress/ - offers accessible, comprehensive advice on search engine optimisation and more
• http://www.searchengineguide.com/mack-collier/10-steps-to-creating-the-perfect-small-b.php - this site offers tips on content for small businesses.


Additional thoughts...
• http://www.money-from-blogs.com/ - this site is an example of one that can put you in touch with advertisers who will pay you to appear on your blog
• http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/0470230177/interactiveda3375-21 - there is now a Blogging for Dummies book – this successful series now makes the most complex blogging tasks seem simple.

Please share!
If you want to share experiences or good practice of your own, we’d love to hear from you. Please ask any questions or add your comments here.

TT