The Isle of Man’s very own LinkedIn discussion group has hit a momentous milestone! Formed in July 2008 the Isle of Man group has now reached the 1,000 member mark and continues to grow. The group was originally set up by business consultant Steve Burrows, who having recently moved to the island wanted a way to learn about and network with other business professionals, but he didn’t know if it would work. Steve said “When I set up the Isle of Man group I thought it might flop. Being a small island with a close-knit business community there are many opportunities to meet people in person, and the absence of any other on-line business networking forums for the island suggested that there might not be a need for such a thing”. Steve’s fears were unfounded, the group has attracted a steady stream of professionals doing business in or with the Isle of Man and has become a major forum for the exchange of ideas and for business people to make valuable contacts.
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The Isle of Man group includes MHKs, civil servants, company directors and senior business professionals from most of the broad spectrum of industries on the island. It has spawned several smaller LinkedIn groups for specific segments of the economy and become a key part of the Isle of Man business networking infrastructure.
Despite its now large size the group is still administered by Mr. Burrows, who checks it most days to authorise new members and see what’s being discussed, but it doesn’t take up much of his time, he said “The great thing about running a business-focused networking group is that members are mature and responsible professionals, they behave sensibly, have intelligent discussions, so as group administrator I have very little to do, I rarely need to exert control or moderate discussions, the forum is self-policing”.
In addition to being popular with its members, the group has also worked for Steve as a come-over. Through participating in the varied discussions on the group Steve has met many people in the island’s business community in person, helping him to learn about the nature of business on the island and integrate himself into Manx life.
The group can be found simply by searching for “Isle of Man” in the LinkedIn Groups Directory, where it has the easily recognised symbol of a Manx flag.
