Joining Ambit Connect
The network is based on co-operation and fairness backed up by a minimal set of rules and procedures. The aims are:
- marketing that respects the potential client and gains work across a wide range of sectors and contract values.
- efficient execution of projects in order to meet client needs on schedule and within budget.
- fair dealings between all parties involved in fulfilling contracts so that working relationships strengthen.
Now of course we have these aims already, but meeting them can be extremely taxing when working purely as an individual or small company. Our philosophy is that by sharing information, resources and insights we can increase efficiency and effectiveness, leading to greater stability, client satisfaction and business growth.
The three main tools we offer in order to promote these aims are:
- a local marketing model backed up by useful resources.
- a project model based on practical management.
- a financial model that treats everyone fairly.
The basic cost of membership is £40 per annum excluding VAT. You will of course have opportunity to spend more than that if you see something that takes your fancy, but there is no compulsion to do so if a particular idea makes no sense for you. This approach involves minimum risk.
Just to clear up any doubts, here are some points of clarification! We are not:
- a directory or agency that simply puts everyone into greater competition with each other.
- information gatherers - anything you tell us is confidential and we don't pass information to anyone without your permission.
- a trade association providing lists of 'approved suppliers' and an ad in Yellow Pages.
- a talk shop that never gets anything done. Getting things done is of the essence!
Still interested?
Then e-mail info@ambitconnect.com and tell us who you are. We'll reply with the necessary information to sign up or answer any further questions you might have. Please include a phone number in your e-mail so that we can phone you as a security check.
When you're signed up you will receive a password for the Connect members' pages, a summary of matters currently in hand and a note of any opportunities that might be relevant to you. Shortly after that you'll receive an invitation to complete a short questionnaire to tell us what would be most useful to you as a result of your membership of Connect.
FAQs
- Do I have to join before I find out what the rules of membership are?
No, the rules are sent in reply to your membership enquiry, along with a brief application form.
- I'm wary about putting personal or company details on-line. I just seem to get more and more spam.
Neither personal nor company details are put on line.
- What do you mean by 'opportunities that might be relevant to you'?
We are gradually building market intelligence and occasionally an opportunity comes along to pitch for work. Anything in the pipeline that was particularly relevant to you would be passed on.
- If I join how does that affect my relationship with people I already work with locally?
It doesn't. We ask you to give preference to Connect members when it does not disadvantage you, but fully recognise that disrupting local working relationships may well be a disadvantage. The network is meant to provide new opportunities, not destroy old ones.
- The financial model sounds as if it could be rather restrictive.
It deals only with how payments for joint projects are treated, so that everyone involved (designers, programmers, marketeers and so on) knows where they stand. It's flexible and the parties involved can agree to variations if they wish, particularly in response to client requirements.
- Can I refer to membership of Connect when talking to potential clients?
Yes, provided you do not pretend that work is yours when it is not, and provided you portray Connect as exactly what it is - a valuable resource network, not a company in its own right.
- As a designer I often find technical problems difficult. Will the network help me with this?
Yes, there is provision for small scale low-cost internal consultancy. The same applies to techies who can't draw and so on.