Barry- is this OK for posting in the "Business Connections' section?:

Well, since this was basically my idea, I suppose it's up to me to get the ball rolling

A quick preamble first: I greatly respected the chap from PCSupport (I apologise for not knowing your name) for having the courage to come on here and say "I've got a problem. Anyone help me out?" Let's be honest, we all know it's bloody tough running a business in these days and we all need all the help we can get. If you're looking for business I may know someone, who knows someone, who may be able to help you out. But I won't know about it unless you tell me you're looking. To me, that's what this section of the forum should be about.

Here's how I saw it working:

The section is only open to established Forum members who have made at least 20 posts in other Forum sections. You're limited to making one connection request per week. Please make your connection request a new thread - not as a reply to another thread. If you're replying to a thread, please only reply in general terms - " Hello Jim, I know someone who may be able to help" - and then send the relevant information in a PM. DO NOT POST THIRD PARTY INFORMATION ON THE FORUM.

I'm going to shamelessly pinch the BNI format for making posts. For your first post, do a brief reintroduction of your business and the kind of work you're looking for in general - "Hello. I'm Jim Barker. I draw cartoons. I'm always looking to make contact with people who could use cartoons as part of their business" - and then make specific request - "I'd like to get my foot in the door at Lothian Health Board. Does anyone have any contacts in the promotions and publications department?" - and keep it as simple as that.

Thoughts? Comments?
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Jim Barker Cartoons and Graphics

Hello Barry

Hope you recovered from meeting me. This is the 4networking group I mentioned at lunch. Dunno if there's anything there you can pinch...

jimB