In praise of…. the Confederation of British Industry (CBI)
I know this blog is intended to be of at least European relevance rather than just UK, but naturally my business networking has been largely confined to the UK. Anyhow, there are close equivalents to the CBI in every European country (Confidustria in Italy, Bund der Deutschen Industrie – BDI in Germany, MEDEF in France, etc) and of course UNICE on pan-European level.
If a zoo want to attract business sponsorship, it is going to have meet senior decision makers, and the CBI is the premier business network.
Something like 6 leading UK zoos are members now, in part to recognise the CBI and Sir Digby Jones’ role in hastening and securing some £30 million backdated VAT owing to them. But also to make invaluable contacts at CBI events.
It does take a little experience to do this. I certainly think the pre-dinner receptions far more valuable networking opportunities than the dinner itself. Arranging a free ticket distribution wins fantastic profile and opens the door to all sorts of dialogues. Freely inviting contacts back for special zoo tours, and offering facilities for the CBI main council itself to meet on the zoo site are all great techniques.
Certainly Europe’s zoos and similar organisations cannot expect to secure serious corporate funding, and to be otherwise taken seriously as art of the overall economic landscape, if they make no commitment or investment in developing strong organisational and individual relationships.
John
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