I am pleased to say the re-launch of Enterprising Women Dorset back in March 2011 has proved to be popular with 22 paid members and 68 others having attended events throughout the rest of the year. We still have a few months to go until fees are due again, and I’d like to confirm I will be running the group due to the feedback received from all those of you who took the time to respond to my recent questionnaire, so thank you!
There was an overwhelming response to the amount fees should be, and as such I am setting them at the most popular suggestions, details are at the end of this message. Feedback also confirmed the variety of locations and varying evenings were most popular, however, I am aware a few requested morning meetings so I will be putting some am events in the calendar in the hope I can attract those of you who requested this to re-join. Options to eat or have some light nibbles was also important to many of you, and events will now have light nibbles (no charge) and where we are at a location where we can eat ‘properly ‘everyone can order and pay for what they want. I am sure you’ll understand membership fees won’t stretch to full catering.
On the subject of fees, some asked why the group have to pay a fee, and what happens to the money. I don’t run the group to make a profit, but simply to cover costs. Rooms have to be paid for unless I can find a host with a suitable room, for example the Borough Gardens room cost £60 and the refreshments £20, and the Tank Museum Buffet cost £120, so I use fees to pay for these things. I also use fees to purchase a thank you gift, like a bottle of wine for our guest speaker, who give their time for free. The web site hosting needs paying for as well as paying for any extra work that I am unable to do on it myself. Bank charges, i.e., paying in cheques and BACS payments, although small, do add up. Last year I produced proper EWD liveried badges for all members, and promotion brochures to attract new members.
I hope this clears up what happens to the funds for those of you who wanted to know why I have to make a charge. What I would like to make sure you all know is that I don’t charge for any of my time to organise speakers, sort and source locations, prepare and send out e-mails, reply to said mails and enquiries as well as my fuel and time attending and managing the events themselves.
Virtually everyone loved the format and variety, bringing like minded ladies together interacting to share views and to have some fun. Links to members web sites on the EWD site was requested, although the lady who asked for this should look as they are already there!!!! What is not there are articles of interest, so I would like members to submit text for me to upload if they feel it is of interest to other members. I plan to make ‘more’ of the web site, so watch this space!
With regards to the format of the events, feedback showed the desire to have shorter ‘thought provoking’ presentations and more discussion groups where the audience decides what the key questions are arising from the presentation and then form discussion circles to explore further. So, we will be adopting this new format and I encourage those who are reluctant to get involved in discussions and public speaking, to move out of their comfort zone and participate. After all EWD is a developmental and supportive network and since our values are to inspire, motivate and challenge, we should embrace these opportunities.
The fee’s, for existing members who have paid a joining fee in 2011 there are two options:
1. Pay a £30 membership fee and £10 per event attended. We will have 10 ‘paid’ events throughout 2012. We will have 2 social events, August and December, and there will be no £10 fee for these, but for example our August one in 2011 was the trip to the Theatre, and of course everyone paid for their own tickets.
2. Pay a £60 membership fee and attend as many events as you wish for no charge. We will have 10 events throughout 2012. We will have 2 social events, August and December, these will be paid for at the time, for example our August one in 2011 was the trip to the Theatre, and of course everyone paid for their own tickets.
For new members a one off joining fee of £25 is required and then one of the two options above for membership.
All membership is due by 1st April 2012 and can be made by post dated cheques or BACS on the 1st please. If paying by BACS please e-mail me so I know what option you have signed up for.
If you don’t wish to join, but want to come to an event the charge will be £20 and this will be a commitment to pay on booking. Guests of members can attend once for no charge.
Thank you for taking the time to read through this, I hope to see the membership numbers grow and more ladies attending events so we can continue the momentum. Remember it’s your group so any suggestions, requests or offers of hosting are welcome.
My best regards,
Karenlee.