Questions & Answers
Here are the most popular questions we get asked and the answers to help you understand all about Catena.
Q: What does Catena Mean?
A: Catena means chain or link in Latin and this is exactly what we do, we help our members form business 'links' with potential new clients, suppliers, referrers and collaborators.
Q: How does Catena work?
A: We host a large number and a wide variety of networking events every month (online and live events again now too). Our events are mainly sector or specialist based and as a member you can come to any and all events.
As well as this, we offer a proactive business connections service, putting you in direct contact with other members who would be good for business in a variety of ways – client, supplier or referrer. Every member gets their own unique set of pages on the Catena website which gets thousands of hits per month and we’ll shout about your news and successes in our monthly members newsletter. We’ll also actively engage with you on social media, helping raise your profile.
Q: Why do I get 2 pages on the Catena website?
A: Every member gets two pages and the reason for this is as follows. The first page is your business page which you can use to display your logo, business information, contact details and the facility to add events and blog posts. The second page members get is the personal page which focuses on you rather than your business. We like to get to know our members personally so we can refer you more easily and as we know, people buy from people so we give you the opportunity to let us into your world. Plus it gives you another link in the web for people to find you.
Q: What makes you different?
A: Our proactive business connections service is what really makes us stand apart from our competitors. We'll suggest connections for you and offer you an ongoing connections service by searching through our membership. our variety of event types, on and offline. We'll become your social media champions and the 2 pages all members have on the Catena website.
Q: How much does membership cost?
A: Membership is a one off upfront payment of £350. No vat
Q: Do you have speaking opportunities for members?
A: Yes we do. We have lots of speaker slots available through our events to showcase your business to our members and visitors.
Q: Can I go to all of your events in any area?
A: You certainly can! It doesn't matter where you join us from, you have access to every event we offer across all areas. With over 200 local events, please feel free to attend as many as you like.
Q: Do you have a one seat policy? (one company per business type)?
A: We believe that people buy from the people they know like and trust, so we like to keep options open for competition and collaboration.
Q: Do I have to be a member to attend events?
A: Visitors can attend any of our events at any time to see what we do. Membership has it’s privileges of course including making business connections for you, a webpage on the Catena website and our social media backing.
Q: Do I have to attend every week?
A: No, only attend the events you want to attend. You're free to come and go to as many events you want to.
Q: Can I go to any meeting?
A: It’s your choice! We have lots of choice of online and inperson events, by sector or by event type. We're looking forward to the live food & drink events!
Q: How many members do you have?
A: We have around 180+ members across the East Midlands and as part of our objective of connecting businesses across regions we also have members in the NE, SE and SW.
Q: How do I join?
A: Contact either Claire, Sally, Andy or fill in the contact form on our website and we'll get you onboard very quickly. Click here for our Contact Form.
Q: Do senior people/decision makers attend events?
A: Yes, we generally have a good number of business owners and senior Directors attending our events.
Q: Can I have a price discount?
A: We don't offer discounts because we're proud of our pricing, which we feel represents excellent value for money.
Q: Is there a referral scheme?
A: Yes, we operate a 'Member Get Member' referral scheme. Ask us for more details.
Q: Are your events all the same?
A: No, in fact we offer plenty of VFM - Variety For Money! We have a large number of in person and online events every month. Some events are generalised such as our food and drink events where we meet in person and get to know one another. Participants can be from any sector. And then we have our sector specific events such as Marketing Mix, Healthcare or Finance for example. These are for anyone to participate in but tend to draw in professionals from that particular business sector. See our events list here.
Q: How long is the membership contract for?
A: The contract is for 12 months. If you'd like to join, click here.
Q: What do I do if I'm not happy?
A: We hope it never gets to this stage but if you feel unhappy, please let your Area Director know in the first instance. If you need to escalate the issue, please contact Claire Bicknell.
Got a question we haven't answered? Email me on claire@catena-network.co.uk and I'll answer it for you and add it to this page for others to share in.
