The document outlines Mags' role in managing the Waterford Enterprise Network (WEN) and proposes changes to improve the network. It details Mags' responsibilities including event planning, budgeting, communications, and advisory services. It describes the current monthly meeting structure and benefits for members. Proposed improvements include name tags, rotating venues, more referrals and business focus. A new structure is suggested with a committee-led network, small membership fee, and consideration of paying for a network coordinator. Member actions like bringing guests and using social media are encouraged to aid the transition.

1. WEN PROPOSAL

2. What does Mags do?
• Event planning
• Event management
• Budget management
• Identifying and liaising with speakers
• Ongoing needs analysis (annual survey and regular one-to-one)
• Communications/Promotion – social media, email newsletter and local PR
– communications involves collecting and disseminating information from
various sources including support agencies, members and other business
& women’s networks
• Partnerships – with other business networks
• Representation of network at events
• Advisory service to members
• Facilitation of introductions and referrals within and outside network
• Organisation and attendance at events
• Reporting and liaising with Waterford County Enterprise Board

3. Current Structure
• Meet once per month on last Monday of
month
• All events free to members
• 10 meetings per year (1 high profile)
• External speakers and networking events
• There are currently 120 members with an
average meeting attendance of 10-20 people

4. Current Structure
• Networking – informal networking over
tea/coffee
• Introductions – every member introduces self,
business and outlines what referrals they would
like
• Show Your Business – a member gets 5 minutes
to showcase their business
• Meeting – mix of seminar, workshop, networking
and/or training event
• Highlights – Mags details any upcoming events or
opportunities of interest

5. Current Benefits
Peer support Support/Advice from
network manager
Motivation
Business referrals Business connections Social connections
Sociable Relaxed Offers variety
Good speakers Strong role models Makes connections
across the county
Meet like-minded people Reduces isolation Make new contacts
Keep up to date with
what’s happening in
business community

6. Desired Improvements
• Name tags
• Higher attendance at meetings
• More focused meetings
• Mix of speakers and internal discussions
• Rotating venue
• More referral focus
• More member business focus
• Business book club
• 5 speakers and 5 meetings
• Summary at end of speaker seminars with analysis at following meeting
• More input on speakers
• Troubleshooting for member businesses
• Homemade cakes!!
• Get involved with St Patricks Day parade and other high profile events

7. Proposed New Structure
• Committee-led by members
• Some funded meetings for external speakers
(5 per year)
• Small membership fee to cover costs (€30)
• Meeting attendance fee for speaker events
• Consider paying for network coordinator

8. Member Actions
• Bring a buddy
• Share membership directory
• Refer WEN businesses to friends
• Share business cards
• Set up a Facebook group
• Facilitate rotating venue

9. WEN Transition
• Mags to sit as Chair on Committee transition
from Sept-Dec
• Every member to bring a friend to meetings

10. WEN Transition
The following members have agreed to join the
committee:
• Ann Marie Coghlan
• Ann Kearney
• Pippa Sweeney
We need two more bodies – who will help?