Rosena Robson, Verdant Marketing

After many years of working for other people, Rosena set up her own business in December 2007 with an ex colleague. Verdant Marketing are a business consultancy that help organisations, primarily, but not exclusively, in the public sector. Their aim is to better understand and improve communications with customers and stakeholders. as the company is still young, it gives everyone an opportunity to experience client management and help manage the business.

I proposed that we joined the IoD as soon as we had set up the business, because I knew that the services were so much better and more developed than other trade bodies and membership organisations. and I was right - in year one it really helped us keep running costs down. The free meeting space in central London is great for meetings and working out of during the day. and the Information Service is always incredibly helpful - a major benefit when we launched. We found that we could get as much legal assistance as we needed to see us through the first year. Without this, we would have had to pay a lot of money. For a start-up, it’s an invaluable service, as it allows you to avoid potential hot water and run your business on a shoestring.

I also like the fact that the IoD offers free or inexpensive events. That increases the potential for us to bring prospective clients and other non-members to the events. If you’re paying a small amount for an event, it won’t hurt your bottom line.

The IoD is a great thing to be associated with as it demonstrates your professionalism and has a sense of prestige. Last week I recommended membership to a friend. She is a VP of a trade organisation and she currently pays for information that she could get for free as an IoD member.