Matthew Tyson Case Study

1.    What appealed to you about joining gdb?

 

The chance to get to know other businesses in the surrounding community. As a firm we didn’t do much in terms of putting ourselves out in the business community, and to be honest it was a bit nervy! I’d been told that gdb was a good way of getting to know others in the business community, so I bit the bullet – and well over 10 years on we don’t regret it!

 

2.    What was the thing that surprised you about gdb?

 

How friendly it is! It wasn’t a rush to see how many business cards you could give out, or how many you would get bombarded with. It was about people, just like me, trying to get to know other people.  We all wanted to see if there were ways we could help each other, directly or indirectly. You didn’t feel under pressure that you had to achieve something there and then.

 

3.    What’s the biggest single thing you’ve got from being a member of gdb?

 

Getting to know lots of people and businesses that I can turn to when I (or normally a client of ours) needs something. That helps solve problems for our clients which in turn makes clients even happier with us!

 

You don’t even have to know all the members – you just ask the gdb team “Is there somebody in the membership that can do….”. Trust me it works, and in all the years I haven’t been let down once!

 

4.    What difference has being a member of gdb made to your business?

 

It’s helped us to get to know many more people, and many more people to know us. As a result, it’s helped us to grow.

 

5.    gdb puts on lots of different types of events - what’s your favourite?

 

The main member meetings. These can be a little daunting, especially if you are new – so many people and where do you start? But once you realise you are only going to meet a few at any single meeting, it’s easier. But commit to going regularly and you’ll quickly build your connections. What better way to spend a Friday than surrounded by loads of nice people with the same goals at the event as yourself!

 

6.    What’s different about gdb compared to other networking you do?

 

More relaxed, more friendly and less clique.

 

7.    What’s your top tip for getting the most out of networking?

 

Commit to going regularly. And don’t be afraid to do the odd ‘paid for’ event. The attendance numbers will be smaller, and you get to have much closer contact with the people that are there.

 

8.    Besides the events, what else do you get out of your gdb membership?

 

A certain element of community spirit.