Features of the Site

Networking
ThisIsManufacturing is all about good ideas. But we want to encourage ideas, insights, and opinions from as many people as possible, including you. That way we can provide even more inspiration for manufacturers, investors and other professionals, across the Northwest.

The Network is a place where people can hear what you have to say and you can find helpful ideas or make connections with people that have mutual interests. Our networking tools provide spaces to talk with like-minded individuals (Groups), post thoughts in open forums (Forums), or add events to drum up more interest (Events).


Register
To take advantage of ThisIsManufacturing's social networking opportunities you need to register on the site. Sign up and you'll be sent a verification email so you can confirm your account. Sign up here.


Create/ edit profile
Once registered you can update your profile giving other members an insight into who you are and what you do. Edit your profile from a link on your profile page to add your job title, company, photo, brief description and links to your websites.

You can also set the frequency for receiving notification emails from the site (which are detailed below) via edit profile. The default setting is immediate, but you can choose to receive emails daily, weekly or never.


Messaging
You can send messages by clicking on "send message" from a user's profile page, and view your own messages through your own profile page. You will be notified when a new message is sent.


Groups and discussion boards
Creating a group offers a great chance to spark debates and channel common interests. It provides a place to exchange ideas and update your latest information.

And it's easy to invite people to join and connect with other members. You can also add tags/ keywords so your group will appear as a link on relevant articles and case studies and be found when users search by keywords.

As a group administrator you can post articles and case studies relevant to your group to your group profile page.

Group members can upload a file or document (doc, docx, gif, jpeg, jpg, pdf, ppt, pptx, png, pub, xls, xlsx) to the shared workspace. All group members will be notified by email and can comment for all group members to see.

Groups can be public (open or all users to join) or closed (users request to join, and have to be accepted by the group administrator). Discussion boards are private forums for group members only. Link to Groups.

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Forums
A chance to show other people what you know, connect and maybe even drum up some new business. Share an idea by starting a conversation "thread" for people to respond to. Respond to questions from other users and share your expertise. When a new post is added to a thread you're taking part in, you'll be notified by email. Link to Forums.


Promote Events
Highlight up and coming events in the public calendar. Add tags/ keywords so your event can be found by keyword searches. The calendar features seminars, tradeshows, meetings and courses. If you've got an event coming up and you want people to know about it simply add your details, via the "add event" form and, once checked it will be posted for everyone to read. Link to Events.


Content on the site
From opinions to interviews, video features and podcasts, users will find a variety of content on the site. Search the site pages for specific topics you are interested in. The homepage will keep the most current interviews, features and discussions as high profile as possible.


Search by tags
It's easy to search for content through tags. These are added to all articles to flag up what sector and subject they relate to. For example search for "chemical" and then all content relevant for that specific sector will appear.


Directory
There is a vast array of support organisations available for manufacturers in the Northwest to tap in to. Why not use this comprehensive directory as your guide to where to find vital help, information, funding and training for your businesses. Link to the Directory.

If you have any comments, queries or suggestions please contact info@thisismanufacturing.co.uk.