01.06.2023 Focus on “member-driven initiatives”
01.06.2023

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This is the first of a series of articles which will FOCUS on various aspects of the NEBA organization to provide clarification as to why the approach we are using will benefit members. We invite feedback and comments.

Focus on “member-driven initiatives”

NEBA is a “PLATFORM” that facilitates the business development of its members.

NEBA emphasizes “member driven initiatives.” See Mission - https://neba-network.eu/mission.  

For active members, this means that:

• you are the process owner of your own initiatives,
• you can use the NEBA platform, its instruments, and its network to promote your own businesses (see https://neba-network.eu/about-us/basics),
• you are responsible for your own progress,
• you may liaise with other members to develop promotional activities,
• you can work by yourself, or work in teams,
• NEBA officials will coach you in the effective way of using its instruments and programs, and will improve and modify these on the recommendation of its members.

This does not mean that:

• NEBA is responsible for the development of your business opportunities,
• NEBA provides free consulting.

NEBA does not have the staff or resources to provide free services.

For supportive members, this means that:

• you may benefit from the halo effect of active members, that is, benefit from business activities initiated by the active members or the advertising possibilities offered by the network,
• you can still participate in NEBA programs and use NEBA instruments as desired.

As our website states:

“The main concept is for the NEBA platform to serve the needs of its members; thus, the initiatives must be initiated by the members themselves and supported by NEBA”.

NEBA is an international networking platform focused on Northern Europe to facilitate the business development objectives of its members locally (by country), regionally (in Northern Europe) and internationally through a variety of instruments and “fit for purpose” member driven initiatives.

So, what does this mean? 

Essentially, the more active you are, the more benefits you can gain from participating in NEBA. As an active member, you have the option to join in the formation of our networking events and educational workshops through soliciting feedback and ideas from other members, and/or being available to support member-organized events (such as show-and-tell events to promote your product or service, the chance to become connected with the NEBA Visit program, panel discussions (NEBA Talks) and other educational sessions).  Active members can promote their products or services to other members and the public by creating promotional activities via the network, or by participating with others who are promoting their products or services within the network.

• However, maybe at the moment you are unsure if you can participate as an active member – that’s okay! You can still become a supportive member of our network. You can advertise your services or products to other NEBA members and the general public that interacts with NEBA and will be invited to NEBA related events and receive periodic news updates.  If you join as a supportive member, you are able to upgrade your membership and switch to becoming an active member at any time.

As a networking organization, NEBA is here to help you by assisting you with a platform and contacts.  Unfortunately, this doesn’t include the services of NEBA staff, as NEBA is currently member-operated on a voluntary basis, but there are many other benefits of joining a business networking organization! 

Are you thinking about joining our organization? Would you like more information about why to join?  Check out https://neba-network.eu/docs/1515/About_Us/Member_Benefits.pdf.