THE first Exmouth Chamber of Commerce Networking Lunch has received a fantastic reception from the business community in the town and ticket sales have already exceeded expectations.

THE first Exmouth Chamber of Commerce Networking Lunch has received a fantastic reception from the business community in the town and ticket sales have already exceeded expectations.

Member and non-member businesses are invited to the Networking Lunch at The Royal Beacon Hotel, 12 noon until 2pm, on Tuesday, July 7.

In addition to meeting other Exmouth-based companies to promote your business and source local services, there will be a chance to hear about what the Chamber does in Exmouth.

The new chairman of the Chamber of Commerce, Nigel Wilkinson, is keen to hear from local companies about new ways in which the chamber can improve the service it provides to the business community to boost the marketing and economy of Exmouth.

He said: "We want to know what businesses want from the chamber and how we can support the economic growth of the town."

"Networking is a vital tool to help you grow and develop your business, especially in the current economic climate. We are really pleased to support the Chamber of Commerce in its plans to facilitate networking in Exmouth," said Pete Stacey, of Business Link. "Combined with our Business Link Advice clinics we are currently running, with the support of the chamber, there is a real push to develop the local economy and we look forward to working with Exmouth businesses and the chamber in the future."

If you are new to networking, but want to be successful, the chamber's Ten Top Tips are:

1. Take plenty of business cards;

2. Don't try too hard to sell;

3. Sourcing a new supplier is as important as finding a new customer;

4. Practise a two-minute summary of what you do and why people should do business with you;

5. Aim to build long-term relationships;

6. Talk to people who might introduce you to their customers;

7. Give referrals and testimonials;

8. Ensure you follow up contacts you make afterwards;

9. Ask relevant questions;

10. Smile and enjoy the day;

Tickets for the Networking Lunch can be purchased from the Exmouth Tourist Information Centre, The Royal Beacon Hotel or The Golf Caddie, Exeter Road.

The lunch is priced at �15 for two courses and coffee and is sure to be an informative session with the chance to build lasting business relationships.

There are limited numbers so make sure you book your place as soon as possible.