The Business Round table will be recreated soon

As requested by SHC members with entrepreneurial and business interests, the Business Round Table was created, just over a year ago.  This was felt necessary by a number of members, although we had no experience as to how to get it started.

Initially, this monthly event was led by Jeffrey Lim and assisted by Susan Chan.  It began with a  series of dinner events, and was attended by approx 10 – 20 members each time.  The intended objective was to provide business networking among SHC business groups and entrepreneurs.  It wa a good starter series of business meetings, although at the end of it all, the EOs and some members felt that the Business Round Table did not achieve its desired objectives.  The EOs of the Business Round Table  gatherings were rotated from volunteer members.

Here are some of the feedback from EOs and participating members:

  1. There are not enough participating members, meaning no critical mass.  The average participation was about 1 – 2 round tables.
  2. While there are members with interests to discuss business issues, there is a view that “after 45” is not a good time to start a business, especially when one is not already in business.
  3. A number of non-entrepreneurs lacked understanding of the purpose of the Business Round Table.
  4. There is also a mis-match in the objective.  The Round Table was intended to be the focal point to meet and know who does what; and that any further business would then take place outside the Round Table.
  5. Some members had felt that the Round Table was a place to look for job opportunities; although this was not the intention.
  6. Interesting, other participants felt that the Round Table had turned out to be an expensive makan dinner.

The above are good feedback, and the experience from early Business Round Table gatherings can help us readjust our strategy.  Yes, many members are still working, for companies while others may be working part-time.  For those who are in business, and wishing to engage other members who are also in business, please share your thoughts.  Yes, you may have a business idea, and wish to start it on your own or with fellow shareholders, this could also be an opportunity; and that other members may be interested in your plans too.  MLM excluded.

Please share your thoughts, as we are looking at recreating the Business Round Table activity.

Thank you Jeffrey Lim and Susan Chan for setting the stage.

NetworkingBusiness

Terence Seah

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Registration to participate in the Business Round Table:

  1. Terence Seah
  2. Martin Lee
  3. SS Tan

Author: Terence Seah

Founder

10 thoughts on “The Business Round table will be recreated soon”

  1. Hi Terence,

    It would be great if the Round Table meeting can be held at least once on alternate months. The Round Table Meeting is indeed very much different as compared to our monthly gathering @ Han’s, but some members misunderstood it for another ‘makan & chat session’?!

    Let me commend that the co-ordination work & logistics were well handled by Susan before EO Jeffrey Lim commenced the meeting with formalities e.g. self introductions etc. In particular, the sharing & exchange of related business areas did generate interest amongst members who are still in contact to gather more information in order to pursue more indepth.

    Hopefully, the Round Table meeting can be revived with more business-oriented members joining us,otherwise, it would be a Waste to have this project aborted.

    Regards,

    1. Hi Martin,

      Your feedback gives positive support to the Business Round Table. And that we should continue this activity after the work done by Jeffrey and Susan.

      I am inclined to restart this activity as there are a number of entrepreneurs and business owners in SHC. There are also many SHCians who are working in companies; and who are keen to expand the business opportunities in their companies.

      Some members would like to find similar like minded people who would like to come together to start small businesses to engage their SilverHairs years.

      More feedback would be great.

      Terence Seah

  2. Yes, we will revive the Business Round Table gatherings. Well, we can always work around the Round Table. Tables can be square, we can be standing, buy our own drinks, dinner need not be provided but the gatherings will be targetted at business or entrepreneur oriented members.

    This time, we will start slightly differently. If you would like to be part of the Business Round Table group, you just need to register once, here. When an activity is planned, or the date is firmed, you will be informed via email or Whatsapp.

    You are free to exchange business cards, discuss business opportunities, share business contacts or deals, and identify the who’s who. We will also get to link up with other business groups.

    Feel free to register here.

    Terence Seah

  3. Hi Terence,
    I guess reviving the Business Round Table is a good idea; this platform could be used to gather like-minded people who are in business or intending to start a business or even for those who are prepared to invest in a business. I am sure there some members in our midst who are prepared to invest if the business is feasible and viable. It is a good suggestion to call for registration for members who have an interest in any of the above categories. To a small extend I have some exposure on M&A as well as how a Venture Capitalist works. You can count me in, regards, SS

  6. We are moving ahead to have a series of Business Round Table gatherings. The objective is to have a Business Networking gathering for SilverHairsClub members who are in business, working for a company or have intentions to expand new business or create new ones. Activities are likely to be once a month or two months.

    Unlike SHC social activities, business cards are allowed to be exchanged. Where possible, there will be a short talk and brief introductions of participants.

    If you are retired or semi-retired with some time at hand, or you are still working but have plenty of time to spare, and would like to help in the organisation of the Business Round Table gatherings, please raise your hand. Am looking for at least two coordinators to get these event running. The term is two years.

    Coordinators should be friendly, like to meet and mingle with business minded people and have time to attend the gatherings. Coordinators need not be business or entrepreneur inclined. Reasonably internet fluent.

    Please raise your hand, if you like an outgoing and loves meeting people. Interested, you may also write to me.

    Terence Seah

  7. For greenhorns in business, this could be a good place to start:

    Talk on ‘Starting up a business in your HDB flat’
    Date: 18/5
    Time: 2 – 4.30pm
    Venue: HDB auditorium, Basement 1, HDB Hub, Toa Payoh.
    Free admission. Registraton is needed. Can register online at HDB website.

    Hi Susan (CHTan),
    See you there? :)

  9. Hi, my name is Leow Soon Huat and you may also call me Roland. I have joined the club very recently and I am a taxi driver. After reading through this article, wish to join this table. Please inform me of any new forthcoming meeting/gathering.

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