On Thursday I'm starting with a new Profitnet group, or rather Profitnet Plus, which is the follow-on to Profitnet.
Developed by the University of Brighton, Profitnet describes itself as "an innovative business development and support programme that enables small and medium-sized enterprises to help themselves and their peers."
Between July 2008 and December 2009 I went along to monthly meetings where others like me (small and micro business owners) got together to share and solve business problems, and learn from each other and from invited trainers. We were all running quite different businesses and had diverse skills and experience. By the end of it there was a definite sense of mutual trust and respect. The meetings are structured and expertly facilitated. It opened my eyes to many things and certainly helped me tackle a number of difficult issues that I'd otherwise have had to muddle through on my own.
Last month there was a ceremony at which all the Profitnet members from across East & West Sussex got together for a bit of a celebration and some recognition, and much to my astonishment I got presented with a 'Profitnet Hero' award for being a kind of ambassador for the scheme & supporting it fully.
So I'd better not be late for Thursday's meeting - no pressure or anything!
