Drinking coffee for market research_

The evening was kicked into action by Dennis De Clercq, co-founder of market research firm Buffl. In line with the creative name of his business, Dennis talked about knowing your target group with a big wink and a comical note. He made it clear that you can market the best product/innovative service in the world, but if your target group doesn't crave it, you'll stand out with your concept.

He put it nicely and to the point: "It's not because you could, that you should."

Dennis pointed out to us that evaluation and validation are essential. And if your objections are not validated, then retraining is a must. Otherwise, scaling with your company is impossible. Trial & error at its best.

Do you want to get inspiration from other successful entrepreneurs or convince customers? Dennis are two out-of-the-box tips: listen, listen and listen again. Forget your pitch.

• Listen to your interlocutor's problem and propose a solution with your service/product.
• His second tip: invite people for a coffee instead of sending out a cold mailing: 95% positive caffeine shots versus 25% mailing open rate. Coffee savesthe day!

Entrepreneurship is in your blood - or not__

Valerie Thys is a pure businesswoman with a very varied portfolio: weatherwoman, hostess, digital content creator, mentor at Start it @KBC, keynote speaker and fruit maker(!). If we can learn from someone how to profile yourself as a freelancer, it's from Valerie.

Valerie told us passionately about her story of trial and error: about how making fruit ice cream isn't as easy as it looks; and how selling the product is even more difficult. She honestly told us how to - literally - put her entrepreneurial idea in the fridge because the market wasn't ready for her idea yet, which fits in perfectly with the takeaway of the previous speaker.

This was followed by a very recognizable piece for the freelancers and a nice preparation for future freelancers: the myths about entrepreneurs. From 'entrepreneurs have a lot of money' to 'anyone can do business'. The audience sniggled and nodded to recognize a lot of 'myths'.

Valerie believes that not everyone is made to do business. There is such a thing as the 'DNA of the entrepreneur': an open mindset is crucial for daring to take risks, dealing with uncertainty and eagerly learning at every opportunity (even if it is only 5 minutes a day). Oh yes, and let's not forget that entrepreneurs also have a lot of fun with what they do and creating what they believe in!

Pay less taxes thanks to creative work: yes please__

The last speaker was Naomi Solomaniuck, Creative Shelter's customer success manager. Creative Shelter helps creative entrepreneurs to keep more money by using copyrights. Since a lot of creative freelancers were present in the room - from copywriters to graphic designers and keynote speakers - Naomi immediately grabbed everyone's attention. She explained how, as a self-employed person, you actually pay a lot of taxes on your income - 50% or more. But by selling the copyrights of your creation separately, you can tax your own income. on this part to 7.5%. It goes without saying that this will leave you with a lot more and that less will go to your father's house. She patiently explained how Creative Shelter takes over the work and puts everything in order legally. A complex financial nightcap to end the evening with, but very interesting to work with as a freelancer.

We talked to some freelancers about how they were doing the evening - from networks to speakers.

Copywriter & Photographer Inge de Wee visits a network evening every month to supplement her social vitamins and to learn new ones. She also found satisfaction on the Office Arena networking evening.

The evening was full of solidarity">

as she so nicely described it herself. She loved the interactive approach of the speakers and would advise any novice freelancer to get well informed through events like this evening. For her, the setting of Office Arena was the pinnacle of productivity: a fun and cosy atmosphere where creativity lurks around every corner.

The setting of Office Arena is the height of creativity for me" - Inge De Wee, copywriter & photographer >

Bart Schelstraete is active in the world of genealogy and often - literally - has his nose in the books and archives. For him, Office Arena is a refreshing workplace thanks to its colourful interior. He also finds the open spaces in the co-working stimulating because you don't feel like you're in a small office.

Bart found the complete concept of the networking evening fun and interesting thanks to the various speakers and interlocutors.

Office Arena a refreshment

Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator