Being Communal

Yesterday we released a short survey to gather feedback from our networks in order to improve the #EYorksHour experience even further. Have your say in how we shape #EYorksHour by completing our simple questions here: http://eyorkshour.blogspot.co.uk/2014/03/eyorkshour-feedback.html 

In the last 6 weeks @EYorksHour have introduced weekly themes to give participants an opportunity to tweet their contribution. Plus a blog that evaluates each hour, making sure that everyone is updated after missing a week or not being able to keep up will the stream of tweets. But we know that more work can be done to create a networking community and change the behaviours of the tweeps who just pop into the hours to promote their product/service and leave.

Therefore the theme this week is 'Being Communal'. 

New research from FundingKnight reveals that 61% of UK business leaders believe that there is a sense of community in British businesses today. 90% tap into and share advice with other businesses associates.

Listening to, working and engaging with like minded people is a great source for generating ideas. 46% said that they actually made their decisions based on gut feelings but 37% said that their best business decisions are made on recommendations and tips from other people. 

With one in five (22%) business leaders being part of business clubs or local networking communities, online platforms are providing a more instant channel for businesses to connect with each other. The research showed that email (53%), Twitter (24%) and LinkedIn (22%) are some of the many ways business leaders keep in touch with associates.

Tonight we want to know how communal you are! Please tweet along with your thoughts and opinions between 8pm - 9pm using #EYorksHour and #BeingCommunal in your tweets. 

• How much time do you spend tapping into the wisdom of other people around you?

• Where do you actively find people to help? 

• What contributions do you like to make? 

• How does providing support and advice help your business? 

• Do you mentor start up businesses? 

• Have you found networking in an environment such as #EYorksHour makes you more communal? 

Also if you missed last weeks #EYorksHour then please check out our #pancaketopping round up based around self promotion HERE

Let us know that you are joining in tonight by sending us a tweet or sharing this weeks #EYorksHour spot below.

Tweet you later! 

Top tips for #EYorksHour

Read the guidelines: 
Guidelines are tweeted out every Tuesday at 12pm and are there to inspire you with ways to participate, including further details about the weekly theme. 

Plan ahead: 
After reading what the theme is, have a think about your input/answer. Can you offer others advice? Is there something you would like to know? 

Tell us that you are joining in: 
You could either share the guidelines or the weekly spot (that's the #EYorksHour photo which includes the theme hashtag) and let others know earlier in the day that you are participating. That way, if they want to ask you a question or connect with you, then they can get prepared and vice versa. 

(This is what the spot looks like)

Use the hashtag: 
The main hashtag is #EYorksHour and each week we assign a themed hashtag that you can include also. (For example #QualitySuppliers)

Interact: 
Answer other networkers tweets to start a conversation or support their concepts and promotions by retweeting to your followers too. 

Follow participants: 
If someone interests you and you would like to connect with them beyond the networking hour then you could follow them too. 

Create shareable content: 
Standing out from the other tweets in the hour can be done by including a photo, video or even a blog entry into your tweet. Plus it gives networkers a reason to retweet. 

Bring a friend: 
If you are joining in for the first time or don't feel confident enough to tweet, then invite your friend or business connection to tweet along with you. Together you can meet new contacts and discuss the theme. 

If you have any further questions or advice then please don't hesitate to send @EYorksHour a tweet! 

#EYorksHour feedback

#EYorksHour | 4th March | Roundup

Apologies that this hasn't been posted sooner, we've been experiencing internet problems!
...

On Tuesday we celebrated Pancake Day over on #EYorksHour and after a previous few weeks of recommending others, sharing tips and offering advice; we thought we would encourage networkers to indulge in self promotion mixed with tasty topping fun! @EYorksHour HQ set participants the challenge of describing which #Pancaketopping they were most like, either personally or in business, and why. 

The task of conjuring up analogies to sound as appealing as the toppings themselves was indeed a challenge but our #EYorksHour networkers took it in their stride, and below are some of the best.

Toppings:

@HumBridgeNews : If #humberbridge was a #pancaketopping it would be chocolate. Then you'd have a dish that SPANS both sweet and savoury. #EYorksHour

@AbstractEM : We would be a #banana #pancaketopping - We're high in energy, our help will boost your mood & services available all year round  #EYorksHour

@beerinabottle :We would have to be mix of Chocolate/icecream/lemon & sugar/Golden Syrup #pancaketopping #EYorkshour . We will have something for everyone!

@Murrayhills : @EYorksHour #pancaketopping #eyorksHour think we would be lemon&Sugar,traditional yet yummy,efficiently gets job done with sweet after taste

@S_Fleming12 : @EYorksHour I'd have to be something creative, colourful and yummy - chocolate spread with strawberries and sprinkles! #eyorkshour

@RPMSLetting : We would be strawberries & ice cream with a drizzle of golden syrup. A team approach; vivid, fruitful and with a cool balance.

@ManarInfo :Lemon and sugar...Advice for some businesses bitter to take but sweet because I can offer solutions :)) #EYorksHour #pancaketopping

@360accountants :@EYorksHour Our perfect #pancaketopping would be lemon, banana & butter - VAT free and delicious

@Hullvoicebox :Hello #EYorksHour our topping has got to be crushed up love heart sweets, retro, fizzy and each one tells a story. 

Highlights:

During #EYorksHour there were a couple of interesting video’s shared that we just know you will love to watch! The first came from @HumBridgeNews  and was a short documentary called Building Sights, which first transmitted in 1996 and features Simon Armitage finding inspiration on the Humber Bridge. The second is @Art_LBroadbent talking about her art and inspirations in a new promotional video. Click on the images below to watch. 

@HumBridgeNews 

@Art_LBroadbent 

In other news, @beerinabottle who joined in with #EYorksHour for the first time 6 weeks ago, have now had their premises licence approved and have chosen their first stock of beers too! This is fantastic news and we can’t wait for more updates.

Interesting fact:

Did you know that if you have any events, attractions or days out coming up, that @WhatsOnWhereUK  will feature them on http://whatsonwhere.wordpress.com  for free! Send them a tweet for more information. 

Photo moments:

@F1_Driver_Exp blew us away with their snapshot of the stig meeting the Beverley Minster last Saturday!

@S_Fleming12  asked for feedback on her new Mother’s Day card designs and our networkers sent her some lovely feedback on the funky twists!  

Keeping with the #pancaketopping theme, we also shared a fantastic photo from @innocentdrinks which complimented the theme rather well and made us giggle too! 

Upcoming events:

Join @TheEnglishMuse at 2pm for a #BrewAtTwo everyday to be in with a chance of winning a free drink of your choice! 

You can now buy tickets for @emilys_events upcoming fundraiser, Swish Shimmer and Shine in aid of @kickstartTYACS on Thursday 1st May at Lazaat. Follow the link for more information and to buy: https://www.facebook.com/EmilysCharityEvents  

Top contributors: 

@HolmesKitchens | @Krissie_Akrill | @AbstractEM | @F1_Driver_Exp | 

@HumBridgeNews | ‏@DaisyAppeal | @beerinabottle | @Utopia_Creative | 

@Murrayhills | ‏@CISMadeEasy | @cartaprojects | @S_Fleming12 | 

‏@BeverleyHour | @LittleRedOwlCo | ‏@BLAEastRiding | @EvergreenBody |

@BFPoffers | @ManarInfo | @PartyFeverHG | ‏@Art_LBroadbent | 

@YorkHumbrTrails | @SwannAutomotive | @innocentdrinks | ‏@RPMSLetting | @penelopepayroll | @OldLeodensians | @WhatsOnWhereUK | @360accountants | @atombeers | @DMP_Surveying | @Hullvoicebox | ‏@HullVolley | 

@bridlingtonpark | @KerbEdge | @TheEnglishMuse |

Final note: 

Thank you to everyone who participated, we look forward to tweeting you again next Tuesday between 8pm - 9pm. 

If you missed last weeks #EYorksHour about #QualitySuppliers then please have a read: http://eyorkshour.blogspot.co.uk/2014/02/eyorkshour-26th-feb-roundup.html

Please share our #EYorksHour spot to encourage your followers to join in. Just simply click on the picture to save and then share away. 

Enjoy the rest of your weekend! :-)

Pancake Topping

Quality suppliers was our topic of conversation for #EYorksHour last week and we collated a list of tips and advice suggested by our networkers in the weekly round up too. If you didn’t tune in or have not had chance to read the round up, then please follow this link: http://eyorkshour.blogspot.co.uk/2014/02/eyorkshour-26th-feb-roundup.html - We also had some brilliant local highlights and an important fact that is sure to put a smile on your face! 

In the previous six weeks we’ve concentrated on recommending others, providing tips and offering business advice so this week #EYorksHour will focus on you, yes you reading this! 

As you probably know, today is Pancake Day (Shrove Tuesday) and it marks the last day before Lent, traditionally a period of abstinence, associated with clearing your cupboards of goods such as sugar, fats and eggs. It’s commonly known as Pancake Day because it represents a good opportunity to use such ingredients ahead of the fasting period. 

So, imagine that we’ve got these key ingredients in a pan and we’re cooking away but all that’s left to do, is add a topping - yet you don’t know which to choose.. This can be what it’s like when you have a business need and don’t know which company to go with. For instance you might have all the foundations in place to launch your new business but need a website developing and don’t know who to choose. Perhaps a bit of self promotion this evening and some creative descriptions might just spark up interest from others who are looking to add your topping onto their pancake!  

Therefore, tonight please join in by telling us which topping you or your business is most like and why! It will be great to read each others analogies and if you’re not so good at talking about yourself, then our pancake theme will be a flipping good start! 

Please use the hashtags #EYorksHour and #PancakeTopping in your tweets to be included in the conversations. If you're new, don't worry you can learn more about East Yorkshire Hour here! 

Here is an example: 

“@EYorksHour is like honey, the first layer before the toppings meet #pancaketopping #EYorksHour”

Enjoy your pancakes and synchronise your watches to start tweeting at 8pm! 

For all your #EYorksHour questions, please tweet @EYorksHour. 

Tweet you later! 

P.s let us know that you're joining in tonight by sharing the #EYorksHour theme image below:

#EYorksHour | 25th Feb | Roundup

‏
Following on from our #goodservice theme that we analysed last week (read here) we have kept the momentum of #EYorksHour going by introducing conversations on quality suppliers for the theme this week.

Quality suppliers are important for helping you maintain a reliable reputation, occasional discounts, loyalty and having high standards as well as being able to deliver your product, service or event. During the hour we discussed networkers selection processes and how they find good, suppliers, whilst sharing ideas about what makes them ‘high quality’. 

As usual, #EYorksHour embraced the theme and engaged with brilliant examples of their suppliers qualities and recommendations for other companies to use. 

According to our networkers, here are a few top tips:

How do you develop a relationship with your supplier?

@EastRidingMums Be clear about what you want your supplier to achieve and explain your brief thoroughly

@ChefmartynShaw It’s a two way street, being good to each other ensures more cooperation and better service all round

How do you find quality suppliers?

@EastRidingMums Word of mouth is very good but opinions do vary.

@emilys_events We like personal recommendations for #qualitysuppliers and nice people to work with. 

@S_Fleming12 I keep a look out when on social networks, ask fellow designers and family/friends. Ask for samples if you can! #EYorksHour

@Utopia_Creative We have met a few #qualitysuppliers through Twitter and #eyorkshour and we like to develop relationships through face to face meetings

@andallthingnice Word of mouth recommendations & fab packaging

@WINNERHull Word of mouth, partnership working, networking :) Word of mouth is probably the best one #qualitysuppliers

How do you know if someone is a quality supplier?

@S_Fleming12 I go a lot on recommendations for #qualitysuppliers for my products/design work. I find the better companies communicate better too.

@beerinabottle We were down in Derbyshire at the weekend to meet some brewers to make sure we have #qualitysuppliers for our beers.

@RPMSLetting Recommendation in the first instance, expertise in action, personable, reliable and prompt invoicing.

@Reinedesgouters I do a lot of research to find my wine suppliers. I like going to see them and how they work when possible. #EYorkshour

@SwannAutomotive #qualitysuppliers affect our work massively, quality of product, price, delivery time all matter #EYorksHour

@ManarInfo I go a lot on recommendation but will always try before I buy if I can!

Who are your quality suppliers?

@AngelicAngelsJo We like to use local whenever possible and would recommend @Lee_Creative (design agency) @mandymiller17 (chalk board artist)

@S_Fleming12 I would recommend @GFSmithpapers in Hull - they are reliable, personable, helpful and prompt with communication & delivery #EYorksHour

@ChefmartynShaw I use all local @raftersproduce for fruit & veg, cammish for meat & @oceanreward1 for local east coast fish and shellfish!

@Amantishop Some of our best #qualitysuppliers are local producers & artists - @CwestClaire @TheBuntingTree

@S_Fleming12 I think my recent recommendation makes me a #qualitysupplier of wedding stationary #eYorkshour : pic.twitter.com/jfwdsIlYoh

Highlights:


Yesterday #EYorksHour networker @ChefmartynShaw tied the knot and during his ‘last night as a single man’ participated with #EYorksHour on Tuesday. 

Congratulations on your wedding and best wishes from #EYorksHour!

Also in this weeks highlights, @YorkshireAles have announced their collaboration with @thechillijamman and All Hallow’s Brewery to make their very own Chilli beer. Described as a lightly chillied, lightly smoky, ruby ale 'Hickory's Ghost', and is available now from Yorkshire Ales in their shop and HERE

With a recurring focal point of local businesses working together, @LouiseFTPgas shared with us the brilliant press release featured in The Hull Daily Mail about @MaruMarket - A grocery home delivery business supporting small independent shops, including #EYorksHour’s favourite @croftscakes. Read the story below.

@MaruMarket is a fantastic concept and not only do they offer great produce but they also offer value for money. Be sure to check out the website: http://www.marumarket.co.uk 

@EastRidingMums is part of the UK's only network of hyper-local online magazines dedicated to providing support, guidance and information for all mums in their local areas. They are offering to review child friendly businesses on their website, please take a look: http://www.eastridingmums.com

EYorksHour success:

A few weeks ago, we told you about the success of @RPMSLetting meeting @kickstartTYACS through #EYorksHour and are now supporting the charity throughout the year to raise funds for young people with cancer who deserve a kickstart!

This week @emilys_events announced how their upcoming fundraiser #SwishShimmerandShine will be supported by @whistlesballoon with a supply of balloons after meeting through #EYorksHour.

Isn’t that just brilliant? 

We would love to share more stories here, so please let us know about yours!

Interesting fact:

Did you know that if you are having trouble with your internet signal, you can sing D-I-S-C-O to the flashing lights on your router and it will instantly recover! - Okay, so that’s not entirely true but it made us giggle knowing that’s what @pierce_jo was doing at the end of #EYorksHour on Tuesday!

All together now, D-I-S-C-O ...

Favourite photo moments:  

We have a couple of adorable animal photo’s this week after we were joined by @bridlingtonpark for the first time. 

Here is the new baby Joey: 

Also Harris Hawk was too cute to be missed: 

Upcoming events: 

Tonight join @Amantishop in the opening of their new art exhibition for an evening with local artist, Pascale Oakley.  You'll be the first to see her new collection of work, while you enjoy a glass of wine. It’s free and you can find more details here: http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/an-evening-with-pascale-oakley-tickets-10467076307

@HullVolley are having a Showcase day on Sunday 9th March at Trinity Academy to help promote  volleyball in the area and how great would be if many of the #EYorksHour participants took a stroll on down to watch the game?! A few have already pledged their attendance, how about you? 

@emilys_events presents Swish Shimmer and Shine on Thursday 1st May at Lazaat. Follow the link for more information: https://www.facebook.com/EmilysCharityEvents  

Top contributors:

@andallthingnice | ‏@EastRidingMums | @HullVolley | ‏@DTPoffers  |
‏@kickstartTYACS | @DaisyAppeal | @ResinBond | ‏@pierce_jo | 
‏@RPMSLetting | ‏@ChefmartynShaw | ‏@BristolStMotors | ‏@ManarInfo | @GrimsbyAirlie | ‏@BeverleyHour | ‏@emilys_events | @DaisyAppeal | @S_Fleming12 | ‏@ManarInfo | @beerinabottle | ‏@HullVolley | 
@Reinedesgouters | @labelmedia | @Utopia_Creative | ‏
@AngelicAngelsJo | @jollysmithuk | @F1_Driver_Exp | 
@ERidingCricket | ‏@SwannAutomotive | @SlaithwaiteHour | 
@ElementSafety | @besttabletco | @Playforeless | @ShorewoodParks @musicandmymummy | @MoranaBlue | @YorkshireAles | @Pollinatr | @EcoClean4Good | @LouiseFTPgas | @Krissie_Akrill | @EYtraining Purple House | ‏@WINNERHull | @whatacatch123 | @Amantishop | @weddingguideliz | @BLA East Riding | @bridlingtonpark | @Danbo | @atombeers |

Final note: 

Do you want to promote your business/ cause / event further by being a guest in our #spotlight60 segment that is going to start in March? If you would like to be in our spotlight, then please read further information HERE and email your interest to eyorkshour@gmail.com

Thank you to everyone who participated, we look forward to tweeting you again next Tuesday between 8pm - 9pm. 

Have a fantastic week! :-)

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