I really appreciate the feedback and will look into and implementing all the suggestions. Can I hear a little more specifically about the food.

I really appreciate the feedback and will look into and implementing all the suggestions. Can I hear a little more specifically about the food.

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Bob, do you really want feedback on the food?

Being in the hospitality industry for the last 20 years in Fairfield County, working with caterers & staffing events thru my "CHEERS" Butlers service, it was apparent 84 Park didn't put out the ritz. The fact the event was free to attend w/ Free food....I don't think anyone could expect much.

I have an offer for NetworkingCT. First, Learn how to SAVE 30-40% on your catered menus for future events. Go to: http://Chefs-Bartende... and then my company will provide the staff & whatever else is needed at my out of pocket cost and literally cater it for everyone. However, participants should expect a minimal admission fee.

MAybe we can get some feedback on what people are willing to invest in one of your networking CT gatherings...

John Piro
(203)857-4666
cheersbutlers@gmail.com

Here's the video I put together for this event:

http://BudUrl.com/Net...

Enjoy!

I agree with John that the food wasn't all that impressive, but for a free event, I wasn't all that concerned about that. I would have appreciated seeing a veggie platter or something healthier than some of the choices there. But I saw no need to complain.

John, to answer your question about nominal fees, I prefer events that can keep the cost down to $10/person. I'm there to meet people, typically drink water, and don't eat a lot. (Who wants broccoli stuck in their teeth when they're meeting new people?) So an event that is $20, on top of gas money, isn't all that cost-effective to me. Anything more than that, and I honestly don't even consider it.

Bob, thanks again for putting on this event with Harrison. It was fun to meet so many great people!

- Tara

I Agree Tara - $5-$10 tops for one of these networking gatherings works for the majority I think. The Chamber of Commerce's charge $15-$20+ and seem to get away with it but I'm not so certain networkingCT can until the rep builds up.

Once ya get over $10 I believe people tend to shy away unless there is some incredible value being offered in terms of knowledge and/or great foods/free drinks included etc at a low cost. Most people are there for the networking and don't nbecessarily care about anything but meeting people! However when the food isn't that great or the drinks are costly reflects on the organization unfortunately so the management has to be careful.

That's why I offer to do what I can to assist Bob & Harrison in making Networking CT what they would like it to be. I suggest anyone who wnats to DAVE 30-40% on catered menus go to: http://chefs-bartende...

The only way to really do these events at a low cost is to do exactly what The Tonne's did. Well...I assume what they did is choose a central location, easy to get to, plenty of parking, and tell the venue they will bring in 75-150 people for cocktail hour who will spend money at their place. (And if they don't SOWHAT! The venue gets all that exposure! HAve you ever been inside 84 PArk? I hadn't been til this past week.

Personally, I think 84 Park management missed the point what Bob & Harrison tried to do "FOR THEM"! If they were smart they would have INVESTED in their business rather than try to make money on the traffic.

I have done events like that at The Loft in SONO for several years just prior to 9-11. I brought in great food - "Lobster size" Shrimp, Filet carving station, lamb chop apps, scallops, etc...I mean high end food. People were blown away and to this day people still talk about the events "CHEERS" Butlers supports... (but that's when times were good and the cash was flowing - so it was easier to do at that time). Yet, now if everyone was willing to support one another (ie Venue, The Event promoters, caterer, guests, etc) there is no reason why everyone would not win with a minimal investment to each entity or person given what I offer and suggest be done.

Again Bob/Harrison...I am happy to assist in your efforts in making http://netowkingCT.co... the premier business networking & educational org Fairfield COunty has ever seen!

So far as location goes too, if it were possible to be a bit farther north, it would be great. I talked to a number of people who came from Danbury, and I personally came from Fairfield County's northernmost town. So, it took me almost an hour and a half to get to the venue. Personally, I didn't find the location to be "centrally located." But given what I'd heard about the first event and that the price was reasonable, I decided to give it a try.

Bob and Harrison, thanks for organizing the event! About food - I do not have any preferences about food, I came to meet new people and network. Actually I would prefer not to eat...
Thanks,
Alla