Survey results
In October 2009 BEN carried out a web survey of its members in order to explore some key questions relating the the future of the network. The survey was completed by 81 members. To analyse the responses we have split them into 2 groups:
- techbiz: people who work for technology oriented businesses
- non-techbiz: people who work for other types of organisations
A further breakdown of respondees is presented here.
The questions that we asked (linked to details of responses) and the main conclusions we draw from the responses are:
What are the biggest challenges facing your organisation?
For both groups of respondees the top 2 challenges are sales/marketing related: 'creating sales leads' and 'converting leads into sales'. For technology businesses these are followed by 'finding funding', 'market research', 'technical development' and 'business planning'. Future BEN activities should help our members address these challenges.
Which aspects of BEN do you most value?
Both groups value 'cross-sector techbiz networking' and 'learning from expert speakers' most highly. The 'close connections with universities' are also valued, but 'the BEN website' is not. BEN should focus primarily on events which combine networking and learning opportunities.
What types of BEN events are you interested in attending?
BEN evening networking events, as currently run, are most popular, followed by joint events, workshops and business reviews. We will follow up opportunities for more joint events, and will run some pilot entrepreneur workshops.
What themes would you like BEN to cover in future events?
A wide variety of possible themes were suggested, with some coinciding with the challenges identified by the first question above. We will consider these suggestions as we plan the event program for 2010.
If you are based in or near Bristol would you travel to a BEN event in Bath (or vice versa)?
Less than 10% of each group is unwilling to travel between Bristol and Bath for a relevant event. BEN is planning to start holding some events in Bath in early 2010.
What areas of the BEN website should we focus on improving, to encourage you to use it more often?
Member directories, news and events are the highest priorities.
Should we rename BEN to reflect the increased focus on innovative technology businesses, and/or the coverage of Bath?
Most respondees woud prefer that BEN not be renamed. However the respondees are already BEN members who are familiar with the current organisation name, and we need to consider if a new name would help increase membership, especially in Bath. Nearly half of the suggestions for new names that were submitted included Bath in the name.
How should an independent BEN aim to generate/raise revenue?
Raising revenue from advertising and sponsorship was the most popular option (turkeys don't vote for Christmas!), followed by grants, commercial activities and event fees. Membership fees were particularly unpopular. We will further explore a business model for BEN which has a range of revenue sources, probably including event fees, but excluding membership fees.
If membership remains free or low cost, how much should we charge to attend an evening networking event?
More than half of respndees in each group proposed prices between £10 and £20 per event.
What other networks/associations do you actively participate in?
A wide range of other networks/associations were listed by the 42 respondents to this question. Those mentioned more than once were:
- 12 times: The Insititute of Directors (IoD)
- 5 times: GWE Business West (inc. Chambers of Commerce)
- 4 times BNI and Silicon SW
- 3 times: BETS, Business Link, FSB, KTNs and LinkedIn
- 2 times: Bristol Media and Open Coffee
We will continue to explore the possibility of collaborating with relevant networks such as these.
How would you be interested to participate more in BEN?
A substantial minority of respondees are interested to speak at events, be a BEN champion, join an advisory group, be a mentor or offer discounted services/products through BEN. We should follow up this interest.
