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BiZHUB Monday Recap: Highlights & Takeaways
Couldn’t make this week’s BiZHUB Monday? Here’s what you missed and what’s next:
What We Covered
1. Soapbox Fundraiser Success:
Members and the SiGNAL team reflected on the recent Bordon Soapbox charity event, celebrating those who participated and sharing learnings from the day. The VIP bus (with the best view in town!) was a hit2. Journaling for Growth:
Damon shared insights from the 6-minute diary and how simple journaling can form positive business habits. Barrie added his own journaling routine—reminding everyone that consistency matters more than perfection.3. Brand Building & Team News:
Rob from Brandstorm announced an upcoming branding workshop (Wednesday, 9AM) focusing on workplace culture and employer branding.4. Learning from Dragon’s Den:
Inspired by Millie’s inclusive makeup brand pitch, the group discussed the power of giving time and expertise—especially when it comes to helping others and promoting inclusivity.5. Breakouts: Inclusivity & Giving Time:
Small group discussions tackled two big topics:-
How to build more inclusive businesses
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When to offer free/pro bono services, and how to strike the right balance
6. Free Services & Client Engagement:
Stories were shared about offering free trials, workshops, or advice. The big takeaway? Charging—even a nominal fee—often increases engagement, and generosity can still lead to future business if managed with clear boundaries.7. Community & Volunteering:
The group agreed: giving back, whether by teaching, mentoring, or volunteering, is powerful. Not only does it feel good, but it can also build reputation, networks, and new opportunities.8. Upcoming Events & Actions:
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Emma, Barrie, and Damon to continue their volunteering and education efforts, with Emma asking for extra help on the entrepreneurship program.
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Rob to follow up on digital marketing collaborations and host the next branding session.
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Keith to rebrand his GDPR sessions for greater visibility.
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Joel to consider presenting at a future meeting.
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An inclusivity-focused session with DEI experts is in the pipeline.
Key Takeaways:
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Journaling and self-reflection are simple but powerful tools for growth.
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Inclusivity and community involvement are top of mind—giving back builds everyone up.
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Free offers can work—but set boundaries and value your time.
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Networking and collaboration remain at the heart of BiZHUB.
Next BiZHUB Monday:
Same time next week (9:30 AM). Got a topic or want to present? Let us know!Who was in the room? If you’re wondering whether to come along next week here are a few of the people you can expect to catch up with …
.Who Was in the Room? (Introductions Recap)
Emma
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SiGNAL founder, host and community leader.
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Volunteering teaching entrepreneurship at a local school.
Damon
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Adapt and Flow founder
Shared his experience with the 6-minute diary (journaling/habit-building).
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Volunteering with Brains Trust.
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Missed the Soapbox event due to attending a Wim Hof workshop.
Barrie
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Sales Geek owner
Three-month daily journaling habit (at least one word a day).
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Volunteering to support Emma on entrepreneurship education.
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Works for a charity and values professional giving.
Bartek
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AI expert focused on improving business workflows and lead generation.
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Offers a two-week AI trial for businesses.
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Experienced in mentoring and volunteering.
Gilly
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Bookkeeper.
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Specializes in cash flow management for small businesses.
Joel
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Tokyo based company Deep Footprint
Digital marketing expert for small businesses.
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Considering giving a future presentation.
Keith
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GDPR educator. Founder ‘Ensurety’
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Presented at the West Country Business Show.
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Runs fortnightly GDPR sessions, soon to be rebranded as “the best place in the world to learn GDPR for free.”
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Experienced in offering free workshops that convert some attendees to clients.
Rob (Brandstorm)
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Brand strategy and employer brand specialist.
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Hosting a branding open session (Wednesday 9 AM).
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Emphasizes building meaningful brands and community involvement.
Matthew
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Owner, Luminous Indstries
Small Creative Agency
Digital product designer.
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working on clarifying his service description.
Doris
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Specializes in employee communications and engagement.
Lisa Woolnough, Kiana Douglin and 5 others15 Comments-
sounds like a great session today!
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Wow you packed a lot in. Thanks for the summary, sounds like it was a good one!
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Sounds like you packed in a lot and it was good. Will try and book on for next Monday.
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Pleased I could make this one. The Soapbox was a great day and huge community effort and shows what can be done when you involve your community.
key takeaway for me today was:
• Giving an hour of your time without any obligation to help someone that is struggling with something will get remembered. Also dont be afraid to shout about it, it’s a good way of getting something in return.
• Overgiving however can sometimes lead to that awkwardness of someone expecting more and more for free so good to set expectationsIf anyone is interested in this weeks Free Branding Open Session then here is the link to register.
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/1izlkx0bT3GDLBN5e-PRdg#/registration1-
@robfryer-brandstorm great summary!
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It was great today. Interesting to hear everyone’s thoughts on volunteering and inclusivity.
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Sad to have missed it, but MC-ing the Soapbox start line was exhausting, it was an amazing event and I love volunterring for a massive community event where we all pull togther and deliver something a little bit special for our local town, and recognition within the wider region. If we build our communities and strengthen employment, business and opportunities then my firm belief is we ALL benefit in our community.So find a worthy cause wherever you are and go offer them your skill, experience and expertise and see if you can really make a difference locally!
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@stu You were missed! Great job on Sunday you were extremely professional and entertaining!
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Thanks for update Emma, looks like a missed a good discussion around inclusivity. Please let me know if you want any input of the proposed DEI session. Would be happy to get involved.
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@refeiaz Hi , yes good spot! Your name was mentioned as I was hoping you’d be on the call to help with the discussion on inclusivity. What would be a good Monday for you to be there ? If we plan in advance we can benefit from your experience and knowledge and perhaps @Roda too? Would you be able to give a very short presentation on ways tp make sure your business is inclusive?
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@refeiaz I am sad to have missed it too. I’m currently involved with a new Podcast re: ND and business and am keen to find suitable subjects to come and be interviewed. So prepare for an invite in September!
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Hi Emma, that sounds great. Shall we go for a Monday in Sept, to avoid the holiday season. Currently I can do any Monday morning.
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@refeiaz sorry just seen this. Yes – how about the first Monday in Sep
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Great Stuart, always up for a good conversation (I’ve never done a podcast but am an avid listener) 😀
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