Nobody goes to a networking event to be SOLD something. To the contrary most people attend networking events with the hope that they will meet a potential prospect or client. They want to make a sale!
How many times have you attended a networking event or business function only to find yourself cornered by a zealous “salesman” recounting the incredible value of their products and services and trying to persuade you that, even if you are not currently in the market for what they have to offer, you should take their card and call them when you, or someone you know, is in need of their particular brand of widget!
Perhaps you have even found yourself – with your Yellow Pages AD firmly fixed to your forehead touting the worth of your products and services to anyone willing to listen.
It is this “sales pitch” mentality which has given Networking such a bad reputation. Nobody likes being on the receiving end and most small business owners also dread doing it. After all most small business owners also hate to sell.Worse still if everybody is there to sell and nobody is there to buy then the likelihood of achieving a WIN WIN outcome is slim indeed.
But what if - instead of looking for potential clients at networking events, you were to start looking for other business owners who share your target market and who might be interested in working with you on a WIN WIN referral program, joint venture or other strategic alliance?
Which would you prefer to meet -
1. A potential client
2. A potential strategic alliance which may result in tens, hundreds or even thousands of potential clients for your business?
If you answered the second one you are on the way to becoming a SMART Networker and the people you meet will be happy to network with you because a good strategic alliance means a win for everyone.
To learn which businesses would make great strategic alliances, where to meet them and how to go about identifying ways that you can work together visit Networking World today so you can start networking SMARTer, Not Harder..
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Maximise Your Networking Group Membership
Many business owners and business development managers start their networking strategy full of enthusiasm. They join a number of networking groups, show up a few times, perhaps even get a few leads, then they get busy and their networking falls by the wayside.
SMART networkers join two or three groups and then implement a consistent plan to ensure that they maximise the benefits from each membership.
Here are our 10 top strategies for maximising your networking group membership.
1. Show up – be reliable
2. Arrive early and leave late
3. Invite guests and introduce new people to the organisation
4. Volunteer – help the organisers
5. Take on an official role
6. Help connect other people who may be able to help each other - be a yellow pages not a yellow pages ad
7. Donate products and services (door prizes, raffles etc)
8. Offer to be a speaker or at least an MC
9. Offer to write articles, reviews etc
10. Send thankyou gifts and notes of appreciation.
Want to find networking groups to join and networking events to attend? Networking World has over 1400 groups listed around Australia and a comprehensive calendar of networking and business education events.
SMART networkers join two or three groups and then implement a consistent plan to ensure that they maximise the benefits from each membership.
Here are our 10 top strategies for maximising your networking group membership.
1. Show up – be reliable
2. Arrive early and leave late
3. Invite guests and introduce new people to the organisation
4. Volunteer – help the organisers
5. Take on an official role
6. Help connect other people who may be able to help each other - be a yellow pages not a yellow pages ad
7. Donate products and services (door prizes, raffles etc)
8. Offer to be a speaker or at least an MC
9. Offer to write articles, reviews etc
10. Send thankyou gifts and notes of appreciation.
Want to find networking groups to join and networking events to attend? Networking World has over 1400 groups listed around Australia and a comprehensive calendar of networking and business education events.
Monday, July 7, 2008
SMART Networkers Join the Right Networking Groups for their Business Needs!
How many times have you attended a networking event where you had absolutely nothing in common with anyone there? Perhaps you service the corporate market and you've found yourself in a room full of home based business owners (or vice versa). Perhaps everyone is there to socialise and you want to make business connections. Or perhaps there were just too few opportunities to meet other people at the event. Read on for 5 top tips for finding and joining the right networking groups for you…
Here are our 5 top tips for joining the right groups:
1. Know what you want to achieve - what are your goals and objectives? - Different types of groups will suit different goals.
2. Be aware of your personal strengths and weaknesses - if you are a self confessed introvert avoid cocktail party type events and look for groups that run events with a structured process.
3. Know what you can commit - what is your budget? How much time can you commit? Do you have restrictions on when you can attend?
4. Research a number of groups thoroughly before making a decision.
We suggest that you ask the following questions:
a. Where do they meet?
b. When and how often do they meet?
c. What is the cost?
d. What are the time commitments?
e. Are there any membership requirements?
f. What kinds of businesses/people attend?
g. How many people attend?
h. What happens at a typical event?
i. What are the group's objectives?
5. Before you commit to joining a group attend at least twice (if they won't let you do that then perhaps you shouldn't join them). Ask other people in your profession or with similar goals to your own what benefits they have gained from membership. Make sure that you feel comfortable with other group members.
Looking for networking groups to join or events to attend?
Networking World is Australia's most comprehensive directory of networking opportunities for small business owners.
Here are our 5 top tips for joining the right groups:
1. Know what you want to achieve - what are your goals and objectives? - Different types of groups will suit different goals.
2. Be aware of your personal strengths and weaknesses - if you are a self confessed introvert avoid cocktail party type events and look for groups that run events with a structured process.
3. Know what you can commit - what is your budget? How much time can you commit? Do you have restrictions on when you can attend?
4. Research a number of groups thoroughly before making a decision.
We suggest that you ask the following questions:
a. Where do they meet?
b. When and how often do they meet?
c. What is the cost?
d. What are the time commitments?
e. Are there any membership requirements?
f. What kinds of businesses/people attend?
g. How many people attend?
h. What happens at a typical event?
i. What are the group's objectives?
5. Before you commit to joining a group attend at least twice (if they won't let you do that then perhaps you shouldn't join them). Ask other people in your profession or with similar goals to your own what benefits they have gained from membership. Make sure that you feel comfortable with other group members.
Looking for networking groups to join or events to attend?
Networking World is Australia's most comprehensive directory of networking opportunities for small business owners.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Where in the World is Networking World - Monash Business Incubator Learning Lunch
If you are located within reasonable travelling distance of the Monash Business Incubator these Learning Lunches are definitely worth checking out.
What do you get?
As the poeple who attended my session there last week were quick to inform me number one on their agenda was the free lunch - but seriously you also get the opportunity to listen to an informative speaker and network with a variety of small business owners.
The speaker last week was me so I won't spend time raving about the information provided. The sandwiches were delicious and the networking opportunites were fantastic with a very interesting range of businesses.
If you would like to be kept up to date with Monash Business Incubator Learning Lunches and other networking opportunities around Melbourne Networking World provides a comprehensive directory of networking groups and a calendar of events (typically more than 5o events from a variety of different organisations every month)
What do you get?
As the poeple who attended my session there last week were quick to inform me number one on their agenda was the free lunch - but seriously you also get the opportunity to listen to an informative speaker and network with a variety of small business owners.
The speaker last week was me so I won't spend time raving about the information provided. The sandwiches were delicious and the networking opportunites were fantastic with a very interesting range of businesses.
If you would like to be kept up to date with Monash Business Incubator Learning Lunches and other networking opportunities around Melbourne Networking World provides a comprehensive directory of networking groups and a calendar of events (typically more than 5o events from a variety of different organisations every month)
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Network Central and Business Chicks
Well looking back over the past seven days my time management has take a bit of a backslide - two networking events last week and no entries in the Blog.
So before this week catches up with me I thought I should remedy the situation and tell you about High End Networking at Network Central and Musical Chairs at Business Chicks.
The speaker at this month’s Network Central Breakfast was Julia Palmer from BConsulted. Julia is a business relationship specialist and an engaging speaker with a number of insights on effective networking plus some entertaining stories to share.
One point Julia stressed which is often forgotten is that you don’t have to share business cards with everyone you meet. Networking is about building relationships not becoming a serial card giver or card collector.Business cards are a way of sharing contact details with people you have met that you want to stay in touch with. They should not be treated like confetti and thrown at every stranger you meet. Similarly you don’t have to become a serial card collector with a bottom draw full of business cards from people you will probably never speak to again. The other point Julia made which really stood out for me was to do with building a network of mentors and advisors – people you can turn to for advice, encouragement and support .For small business owners this is particularly important as they are often alone and the benefits of being part of a team are something they often miss out on. (Plus remember don’t just be a taker – who could you help and encourage?)
I am sure we have all played Musical Chairs at sometime or another and Business Chicks Musical Chairs variation on Speed Networking was an excellent innovation. I have attended a variety of Speed Networking events over the past couple of years and this was definitely the best. (Unlike traditional Musical Chairs nobody was out and I got to meet a wide variety of interesting women.) What made it better than other Speed Networking Events? Firstly there was plenty of time for reasonable introductions – certainly time enough to decide whether or not to exchange business cards (no need to become a card giver or card taker). Secondly, and this has been lacking in most Speed Networking Events I have attended, there was plenty of room so quiet conversations were possible without the need to shout over the couple sitting next to you. Thirdly is was well managed by friendly staff who made sure that no-one wasted precious networking time hunting for a partner to talk to.
Overall well done Business Chicks for putting an excellent new slant on the Speed Networking Concept!
Now I have to dive off and do the follow up which also fell by the way side over the past 7 days. It is an alarming statistic that 90% of connections made networking events are never followed up on and I don’t want to become a statistic!
You can find Network Central, Business Chicks and hundreds of other networking groups and opportunities around Australia listed in the Networking World Group Directory. Plus get hints and tips on networking strategies to help you grow your business.
So before this week catches up with me I thought I should remedy the situation and tell you about High End Networking at Network Central and Musical Chairs at Business Chicks.
The speaker at this month’s Network Central Breakfast was Julia Palmer from BConsulted. Julia is a business relationship specialist and an engaging speaker with a number of insights on effective networking plus some entertaining stories to share.
One point Julia stressed which is often forgotten is that you don’t have to share business cards with everyone you meet. Networking is about building relationships not becoming a serial card giver or card collector.Business cards are a way of sharing contact details with people you have met that you want to stay in touch with. They should not be treated like confetti and thrown at every stranger you meet. Similarly you don’t have to become a serial card collector with a bottom draw full of business cards from people you will probably never speak to again. The other point Julia made which really stood out for me was to do with building a network of mentors and advisors – people you can turn to for advice, encouragement and support .For small business owners this is particularly important as they are often alone and the benefits of being part of a team are something they often miss out on. (Plus remember don’t just be a taker – who could you help and encourage?)
I am sure we have all played Musical Chairs at sometime or another and Business Chicks Musical Chairs variation on Speed Networking was an excellent innovation. I have attended a variety of Speed Networking events over the past couple of years and this was definitely the best. (Unlike traditional Musical Chairs nobody was out and I got to meet a wide variety of interesting women.) What made it better than other Speed Networking Events? Firstly there was plenty of time for reasonable introductions – certainly time enough to decide whether or not to exchange business cards (no need to become a card giver or card taker). Secondly, and this has been lacking in most Speed Networking Events I have attended, there was plenty of room so quiet conversations were possible without the need to shout over the couple sitting next to you. Thirdly is was well managed by friendly staff who made sure that no-one wasted precious networking time hunting for a partner to talk to.
Overall well done Business Chicks for putting an excellent new slant on the Speed Networking Concept!
Now I have to dive off and do the follow up which also fell by the way side over the past 7 days. It is an alarming statistic that 90% of connections made networking events are never followed up on and I don’t want to become a statistic!
You can find Network Central, Business Chicks and hundreds of other networking groups and opportunities around Australia listed in the Networking World Group Directory. Plus get hints and tips on networking strategies to help you grow your business.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Where in the World is Networking World - American Chamber of Commerce
Delicious lunch at the Crown River Room. Plus a fantastic and extremely interesting speaker - John Fleming Ph.D. is a Principal at Gallup and Chief Scientist for Gallup's Customer Engagement and Human Sigma Practices. What does that mean? Basically it's all about how you can improve your bottom line 2.6 times more than your competitors if you combine your focus on maximising both customer AND staff engagement! Engaged employees X engaged customers = increased profits. And who doesn't want to do that???
Like to find out more Fleming is the co-author of the Harvard Business Review article "Managing Your Human Sigma".
However the other interesting thing I picked up at this lunch was to do with how small business owners need to behave when they are networking with bigger businesses. I had a chat to a couple of bigger business owners and this is the feedback they gave me.
1. Don't talk about yourself - listen, listen, listen and when you do speak - focus on the issues and problems the other person has been discussing. Makes sense huh? This particular person mentioned two examples - one with the sixty second infomercial about themselves - they got absolutely no-where. And another person who spent the whole lunch quietly listening to the conversation - then rang later to discuss the possiblilty of a solution to the problem under discussion. They got the contract.
2. Follow up! the other person I spoke to mentioned someone they met at a lunch. Rapport was built. The person I was talking to was genuinely interested in exploring what the small business owner had to offer. Guess what? He never heard from the other person again!
Really no different from how you should behave wherever you network.
Listen and follow up! What more can I say!
Want to know more about how to network effectively and what questions to ask to make the follow up easy? Visit www.networkingworld.net.au where we help you network SMARTer not harder!
Like to find out more Fleming is the co-author of the Harvard Business Review article "Managing Your Human Sigma".
However the other interesting thing I picked up at this lunch was to do with how small business owners need to behave when they are networking with bigger businesses. I had a chat to a couple of bigger business owners and this is the feedback they gave me.
1. Don't talk about yourself - listen, listen, listen and when you do speak - focus on the issues and problems the other person has been discussing. Makes sense huh? This particular person mentioned two examples - one with the sixty second infomercial about themselves - they got absolutely no-where. And another person who spent the whole lunch quietly listening to the conversation - then rang later to discuss the possiblilty of a solution to the problem under discussion. They got the contract.
2. Follow up! the other person I spoke to mentioned someone they met at a lunch. Rapport was built. The person I was talking to was genuinely interested in exploring what the small business owner had to offer. Guess what? He never heard from the other person again!
Really no different from how you should behave wherever you network.
Listen and follow up! What more can I say!
Want to know more about how to network effectively and what questions to ask to make the follow up easy? Visit www.networkingworld.net.au where we help you network SMARTer not harder!
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Where in the World is Networking World - Australian Businesswomen's Network
Last night I was inspired and awed by three amazing women who have all deservedly been awarded Telstra Business Woman awards over the past 3 years.
Linda Sorrell - Chief Executive of Melbourne Health and National winner of the 2007 IBM Community and Government Award and 2007 Telstra Victorian Business Woman of the Year.
Diana Williams - Founder and Chairman of the Board of Fernwood Women's Health Clubs and 2005 Telstra Australian Business Woman of the Year.
Amy Sznicer - 2006 Panasonic Young Women’s Award Winner. Amy is now the National Retail Manager for the fashion brand WITCHERY.
The evening was MC'd by Margot Spalding - 2006 Telstra Australian Business Woman of the Year - Co-Owner and Co-Director, Jimmy Possum Furniture Pty Ltd.
This event was presented by the Australian Businesswomen's Network and sponsored by the Telstra Business Women's Awards.
Watch out in the NetworkingWorld calendar of events for other events presented by the Australian Businesswomen's Network.
Linda Sorrell - Chief Executive of Melbourne Health and National winner of the 2007 IBM Community and Government Award and 2007 Telstra Victorian Business Woman of the Year.
Diana Williams - Founder and Chairman of the Board of Fernwood Women's Health Clubs and 2005 Telstra Australian Business Woman of the Year.
Amy Sznicer - 2006 Panasonic Young Women’s Award Winner. Amy is now the National Retail Manager for the fashion brand WITCHERY.
The evening was MC'd by Margot Spalding - 2006 Telstra Australian Business Woman of the Year - Co-Owner and Co-Director, Jimmy Possum Furniture Pty Ltd.
This event was presented by the Australian Businesswomen's Network and sponsored by the Telstra Business Women's Awards.
Watch out in the NetworkingWorld calendar of events for other events presented by the Australian Businesswomen's Network.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Where in the World is Networking World - Monash Business Incubator
Jim Stewart from Stewart Media was the guest speaker yesterday at the Monash Business Incubator Learning Lunch. This must be at least the fifth time I have heard Jim speak but I learn something new every time.
Monash Business Incubator Learning Lunches happen about once every six weeks with the next one scheduled for Thursday 1st of May with myself as the guest speaker.
A light lunch, sandwiches, coffee and soft drinks are included and there is plenty of opportunity to network as well take advantage of a range of interesting and informative speakers. Watch out for a full Where in the World is Networking World review of Monash Business Incubator networking events from Networking World in the coming weeks.
Monash Business Incubator Learning Lunches happen about once every six weeks with the next one scheduled for Thursday 1st of May with myself as the guest speaker.
A light lunch, sandwiches, coffee and soft drinks are included and there is plenty of opportunity to network as well take advantage of a range of interesting and informative speakers. Watch out for a full Where in the World is Networking World review of Monash Business Incubator networking events from Networking World in the coming weeks.
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Box Hill BEC
Despite the absolutely awful weather and the lack of traffic lights around 20 small business owners (myself included) ventured out to Box Hill BEC last night to network with other business owners and hear Peter Risdale from Beds For Backs speak on how to make Customer Satisfaction your marketing edge.
Wondering what a BEC is?
Business Enterprise Centres (BECs) are independent organisations which provide low cost, assistance to support the development of new and existing small businesses.
Each Business Enterprise Centre has its own identity, however the range of services provided includes Training, Networking opportunities, Mentoring, Counselling, Referrals and Business Incubation.
There are 22 Business Enterprise Centres located throughout the metropolitan and regional areas of Victoria, and a national network of over 130 Business Enterprise Centres.
Wondering what a BEC is?
Business Enterprise Centres (BECs) are independent organisations which provide low cost, assistance to support the development of new and existing small businesses.
Each Business Enterprise Centre has its own identity, however the range of services provided includes Training, Networking opportunities, Mentoring, Counselling, Referrals and Business Incubation.
There are 22 Business Enterprise Centres located throughout the metropolitan and regional areas of Victoria, and a national network of over 130 Business Enterprise Centres.
Monday, March 24, 2008
Nationwide Networking
Last week I was part of a panel of experts discussing Low cost, no cost marketing opportunites at Nationwide Networking's special event on guerilla networking. Other members of the panel were Kimberly Palmer from Networx and Geoff Tucker a previous Telstra Business Award winner. Certainly a lively discussion with some interesting questions from our host and compere Ben Angel.
The evening served to reinforce how invaluable networking is in developing win win marketing strategies with other business owners. Unfortunately most business owners see networking only as an opportunity to meet potential leads and clients. How much more powerful it can be when the focus of your networking is looking for ways you can work with other business owners to grow both your businesses.
A question I often ask is:
"Which would you rather meet at a networking event
- a potential lead or referral OR
- a potential strategic alliance who may be able to send you 10's 100's or even 1000's of potential clients?"
The huge potential to grow your business from low cost or no cost marketing ideas which can develop from strategic alliances are limited only by your imagination as was obvious from the lively discussion on Wednesday night.
The Networking World Business Matchmaking Centre specialises in helping small business owners find potential strategic alliances to develop joint marketing strategies.
The evening served to reinforce how invaluable networking is in developing win win marketing strategies with other business owners. Unfortunately most business owners see networking only as an opportunity to meet potential leads and clients. How much more powerful it can be when the focus of your networking is looking for ways you can work with other business owners to grow both your businesses.
A question I often ask is:
"Which would you rather meet at a networking event
- a potential lead or referral OR
- a potential strategic alliance who may be able to send you 10's 100's or even 1000's of potential clients?"
The huge potential to grow your business from low cost or no cost marketing ideas which can develop from strategic alliances are limited only by your imagination as was obvious from the lively discussion on Wednesday night.
The Networking World Business Matchmaking Centre specialises in helping small business owners find potential strategic alliances to develop joint marketing strategies.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Local FIRM
This is my third FIRM lunch - Local FIRM is an initiative by a few business people to promote interaction between local business people in the Maroondah (VIC) and surrounding areas with an emphasis on:
Fun
Information
Referrals and
Mateship....FIRM!
Casual networking kicks off proceedings, before we are seated. For $25.00 you get a very generous sized lunch with a choice of 2 drinks (incl beer, wine, soft drink and cofffee).
A relaxing environment with friendly members, all from various industries, backgrounds and work experiences. Usually each attendee gets an opportunity to introduce themselves and their business, however yesterday's lunch included two guest speakers who provided information on the new Workplace Relations - not as much time for networking, but still lots of information to absorb!
Looking for business networking events around Melbourne? Networking World has a comprensive list of networking groups and an upto date calendar of networking events all around Melbourne
Posted by Beth Thomson
Communications Manager
B.A. Dip. Ed, Grad Cert Appl. Bus
Networking World Pty Ltd
A: PO Box 184, Mitcham, Victoria, 3132
P: 1300 790 997
F: (03) 8456 5945
E: beth@networkingworld.net.au
W: http://www.networkingworld.net.au
Fun
Information
Referrals and
Mateship....FIRM!
Casual networking kicks off proceedings, before we are seated. For $25.00 you get a very generous sized lunch with a choice of 2 drinks (incl beer, wine, soft drink and cofffee).
A relaxing environment with friendly members, all from various industries, backgrounds and work experiences. Usually each attendee gets an opportunity to introduce themselves and their business, however yesterday's lunch included two guest speakers who provided information on the new Workplace Relations - not as much time for networking, but still lots of information to absorb!
Looking for business networking events around Melbourne? Networking World has a comprensive list of networking groups and an upto date calendar of networking events all around Melbourne
Posted by Beth Thomson
Communications Manager
B.A. Dip. Ed, Grad Cert Appl. Bus
Networking World Pty Ltd
A: PO Box 184, Mitcham, Victoria, 3132
P: 1300 790 997
F: (03) 8456 5945
E: beth@networkingworld.net.au
W: http://www.networkingworld.net.au
Monday, March 10, 2008
Connect Network at the Botanical
Although I must confess to being a morning kind of person getting up at 5.30 in the morning to get to a city breakfast event is not high on my list of favourite activies.
However, breakfast at the Botanical Hotel in South Yarra and the opportunity to listen to Rob Hartnett, managing director of sales performance company Business Performance International definitely made the early morning start worth while.
Breakfast was up to its usual standard from the Botanical and Rob was a fantastic speaker - entertaining and informative.
Rob has appeared on TV programs such as Good Morning Australia, Business Daily, Viewpoint, Bread TV and Career Success. He is the author of the best seller Fast Times Ahead published in 2000 and most recently Small Business, Big Opportunity published in 2006 which has over 100,000 books in print.
This event was hosted by Carolyn Stafford of Connect Marketing.
Carolyn hosts regular events at the Botanical - always with good networking opportunities, excellent speakers and a great vibe. Regular attendees that I spoke to said that they were never disappointed.
To catch future Connect Marketing Events and other networking oppotunies check out Networking World forAustralia's most comprehensive list of Networking Events.
However, breakfast at the Botanical Hotel in South Yarra and the opportunity to listen to Rob Hartnett, managing director of sales performance company Business Performance International definitely made the early morning start worth while.
Breakfast was up to its usual standard from the Botanical and Rob was a fantastic speaker - entertaining and informative.
Rob has appeared on TV programs such as Good Morning Australia, Business Daily, Viewpoint, Bread TV and Career Success. He is the author of the best seller Fast Times Ahead published in 2000 and most recently Small Business, Big Opportunity published in 2006 which has over 100,000 books in print.
This event was hosted by Carolyn Stafford of Connect Marketing.
Carolyn hosts regular events at the Botanical - always with good networking opportunities, excellent speakers and a great vibe. Regular attendees that I spoke to said that they were never disappointed.
To catch future Connect Marketing Events and other networking oppotunies check out Networking World forAustralia's most comprehensive list of Networking Events.
Saturday, March 1, 2008
Red Tent Woman Network
Given the nature of my business - networking for me is pretty much my daily work, so when I am at a networking event I am "at work"!
Red Tent events for me are where I go to network when I don't want to be "at work". Ludwina told me once that the atmosphere she was aiming for at Red Tent dinners was to make her guests feel as though they were guests in her home. She has succeeded.
Ladies - if you want to know what I mean give one a go - there are venues springing up all over Melbourne. To find a venue near you visit The Red Tent Woman.
Looking for business networking events around Melbourne? Networking World has a comprensive list of networking groups and an upto date calendar of networking events all around Melbourne
Red Tent events for me are where I go to network when I don't want to be "at work". Ludwina told me once that the atmosphere she was aiming for at Red Tent dinners was to make her guests feel as though they were guests in her home. She has succeeded.
Ladies - if you want to know what I mean give one a go - there are venues springing up all over Melbourne. To find a venue near you visit The Red Tent Woman.
Looking for business networking events around Melbourne? Networking World has a comprensive list of networking groups and an upto date calendar of networking events all around Melbourne
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
VECCI Women's Networking Event
Last night attended the VECCI's Women's Networking Event. Held at Zinc, Federation Square, this event had a really relaxed, friendly buzz. Being a cocktail style event, we were greeted with a glass of wine and really delicious finger foods. Informal networking took place until we were seated (each set having a gorgeous yellow rose on it...) and our speakers began. The MC for the evening, Bindi Gove, Industrial Development Manager Tourism and Events VECCI, was fantastic, warm, inviting and funny. Speakers were exceptional, Liza Boston from Cracked Pepper Communications and Sharon Pearson from The Coaching Institute.
A lot of corporate women attend this event who are working in industry, great mix of ages and job roles - over 100 women in attendance.
Lots of really great door prizes and great gift bags!
Regards,
Beth Thomson
Communications Manager
B.A. Dip. Ed, Grad Cert Appl. Bus
Networking World Pty Ltd
A: PO Box 184, Mitcham, Victoria, 3132
P: 1300 790 997
F: (03) 8456 5945
E: beth@networkingworld.net.au
W: www.networkingworld.net.au
A lot of corporate women attend this event who are working in industry, great mix of ages and job roles - over 100 women in attendance.
Lots of really great door prizes and great gift bags!
Regards,
Beth Thomson
Communications Manager
B.A. Dip. Ed, Grad Cert Appl. Bus
Networking World Pty Ltd
A: PO Box 184, Mitcham, Victoria, 3132
P: 1300 790 997
F: (03) 8456 5945
E: beth@networkingworld.net.au
W: www.networkingworld.net.au
Mums In Business Networking Event
On Wednesday morning I attended the Mums in Business 'Melbourne Business Building Session' at the Matthew Flinders Hotel in Chadstone. At a 9:30am time lot, that would most certainluy suit 'mums' (after dropping kids off at school), we grabbed a coffee, introduced ourselves to each other and found out seats. Lorraine Pirihi, Australia's No. 1 Productivity Coach gave us some really useful strategies and tips on how to 'organise' both our professional and personal lives better. We then took a 'networking' break, and finished the session off with feedback and questions. A great event to make new connections and learn something at the same time.
So, Mums in Business networking sessions not only allow you to see what Mums in Business is all about, but also you are able to take time to talk to other mums in business, network with women, listen to a fantastic and inspirational speaker who shares their business knowledge with you...and you have the opportunity to win some prizes!
To find out more about Mums in Business visit their website or check them out in an upcoming Networking World Where in the World is Networking World Networking Group Review.
Posted by Beth Thomson
Communications Manager
B.A. Dip. Ed, Grad Cert Appl. Bus
Networking World Pty Ltd
A: PO Box 184, Mitcham, Victoria, 3132
P: 1300 790 997
F: (03) 8456 5945
E: beth@networkingworld.net.au
W: http://www.networkingworld.net.au/
So, Mums in Business networking sessions not only allow you to see what Mums in Business is all about, but also you are able to take time to talk to other mums in business, network with women, listen to a fantastic and inspirational speaker who shares their business knowledge with you...and you have the opportunity to win some prizes!
To find out more about Mums in Business visit their website or check them out in an upcoming Networking World Where in the World is Networking World Networking Group Review.
Posted by Beth Thomson
Communications Manager
B.A. Dip. Ed, Grad Cert Appl. Bus
Networking World Pty Ltd
A: PO Box 184, Mitcham, Victoria, 3132
P: 1300 790 997
F: (03) 8456 5945
E: beth@networkingworld.net.au
W: http://www.networkingworld.net.au/
Pitch Club - Tuesday 26th February
Described in the advertising blurb as "an evening of fun, action, participation and networking ", in my view this event certainly lived up to expectations.
We were thrilled to see our very own Networking World Alliance Partner Peter Djurovich extremely well represented in the Pitching Ring by his son Ryan. Ryan was a late entry in the pitch so was completely unprepared but despite that ended up in the top 4. Well done Ryan!. To find out more about what Ryan and Peter were pitching visit http://www.globaltravelproducts.com.au/ .
So what is Pitch Club?
Basically 10 selected ventures get 90 seconds to pitch and impress the audience on their business venture. Typically with a view to attracting the interest of investors. The crowd is then invited to vote and comment in syndicates.
Here's where the networking opportunities arise. Very cleverly we were made to move in order to form new groups so that we could have our say in the vote.
After the scores were tallied the top 4 entrepreneurs were invited back for 4 more minutes of fame. Then a final winner was selected.
The evening was MC'd by James Tuckerman, Editor-in-Chief Australian Anthill Magazine.
Only one complaint Pitch Club Team Where were the women pitchers?????
We suggest you watch out for more Pitch Club events. How can you be sure to find out about them? The Networking World calendar of events provides a list of hundreds of business networking events around Australia. To sign up for the calendar and regular event update visit http://www.networkingworld.net.au/
We were thrilled to see our very own Networking World Alliance Partner Peter Djurovich extremely well represented in the Pitching Ring by his son Ryan. Ryan was a late entry in the pitch so was completely unprepared but despite that ended up in the top 4. Well done Ryan!. To find out more about what Ryan and Peter were pitching visit http://www.globaltravelproducts.com.au/ .
So what is Pitch Club?
Basically 10 selected ventures get 90 seconds to pitch and impress the audience on their business venture. Typically with a view to attracting the interest of investors. The crowd is then invited to vote and comment in syndicates.
Here's where the networking opportunities arise. Very cleverly we were made to move in order to form new groups so that we could have our say in the vote.
After the scores were tallied the top 4 entrepreneurs were invited back for 4 more minutes of fame. Then a final winner was selected.
The evening was MC'd by James Tuckerman, Editor-in-Chief Australian Anthill Magazine.
Only one complaint Pitch Club Team Where were the women pitchers?????
We suggest you watch out for more Pitch Club events. How can you be sure to find out about them? The Networking World calendar of events provides a list of hundreds of business networking events around Australia. To sign up for the calendar and regular event update visit http://www.networkingworld.net.au/
Monday, February 25, 2008
Business Mum's Network
This morning I presented a seminar on networking at a Business Mum's Workshop. The event was attended by about 15 business owners and half a dozen pre-school children. For those of you wondering the children were fantastically well behaved and certainly not a distraction from my presentation. For home based business owners struggling with the isolation of working from home and caring for small children Business Mums Network a unique and invaluable resource to enable you to get out, meet other business owners in the same situation as yourself and get valuable information at the same time. To find out more about Business Mums Network visit their website or check them out in the next Networking World Where in the World is Networking World Networking Group Review.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
BSI - Business Strategies International
Last night I attended a seminar on How to Access Government Grants presented by BSI. This was a free seminar and I found out things I certainly never knew about Government grants.
Emphasis was on Research and Development and Export Grants. Most of the people in the room where there because they had some sort of interest in accessing Government funds - coming from a wide variety of businesses and industry.
How frustrating for the people in the room who realised they may have missed out on thousands of dollars because they didn't have the facts before they made critical business decisions. It definitely pays to get the right advice.
Not strictly speaking a "Networking" event but certainly a valuable networking opportunity. Also a great place to pick up useful information. A venue to watch out for.
I'll give a full report on BSI networking events in next week's Where in the World is Networking World (WITWIN).
For information about networking groups and events around Melbourne visit www.networkingworld.net.au helping small business owners network smarter not harder.
Emphasis was on Research and Development and Export Grants. Most of the people in the room where there because they had some sort of interest in accessing Government funds - coming from a wide variety of businesses and industry.
How frustrating for the people in the room who realised they may have missed out on thousands of dollars because they didn't have the facts before they made critical business decisions. It definitely pays to get the right advice.
Not strictly speaking a "Networking" event but certainly a valuable networking opportunity. Also a great place to pick up useful information. A venue to watch out for.
I'll give a full report on BSI networking events in next week's Where in the World is Networking World (WITWIN).
For information about networking groups and events around Melbourne visit www.networkingworld.net.au helping small business owners network smarter not harder.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Eqwik Seminar
Last night I was delighed to have been invited to speak on my favourite topic - Strategic Networking - at a new networking and business development opportunity.
Presented by Yvonne Forsyth of Eqwik these monthly seminars are intended primarily to provide a value add to Eqwik clients. However other small business owners are welcome.
Yvonne, a fabulous strategic networker and a Networking World Alliance Partner, has maximised the use of her network to line up a range of speakers all of whom have something of value to pass on to small business owners.
Events are being held at The Hub in the Docklands once a month from 6pm to 8pm. Central, easy to find and parking no problems.
Presented by Yvonne Forsyth of Eqwik these monthly seminars are intended primarily to provide a value add to Eqwik clients. However other small business owners are welcome.
Yvonne, a fabulous strategic networker and a Networking World Alliance Partner, has maximised the use of her network to line up a range of speakers all of whom have something of value to pass on to small business owners.
Events are being held at The Hub in the Docklands once a month from 6pm to 8pm. Central, easy to find and parking no problems.
- Get some useful business information.
- Network with other small business owners.
- Cost - less than $30 and the proceeds go to Opportunity International.
- Still be home in time for a late dinner.
Find hundreds of networking and business development opportunities at NetworkingWorld, Australia's most comprehensive business networking resource.
Friday, February 15, 2008
Whitehorse Business Group Speed Networking
Had a fabulous networking experience on Thursday night at the Whitehorse Business Group Speed Networking Event. If you haven't experienced Speed Networking yet I strongly recommend you give it a try. High energy, lots of fun and an opportunity to meet a lot of people in a short time.
Three problems people tell me they experience with more traditional networking - all overcome with speed networking.
1. How do I break into a group when I don't know anyone - you don't have to each new conversation comes to you.
2. Don't like doing my sales pitch !- forget that one - everyone is doing it and as fast as they can -just ask questions and listen and you will hardly have to talk at all. Meet someone you want to follow up with? Just get their card and give them a call afterwards to reminisce on the experience.
3. How do you get out of a conversation when it is going nowhere? - Definitely NOT a problem at speed networking. Time is at a premium and before you know it the boring person has moved on and you are talking to someone new.
Many councils and other business support organsations run speed networking events. Watch out for the next one and give it a try.
Looking for networking events and groups? Remember to check out www.networkingworld.net.au with over 1500 groups currently listed around Australia
Three problems people tell me they experience with more traditional networking - all overcome with speed networking.
1. How do I break into a group when I don't know anyone - you don't have to each new conversation comes to you.
2. Don't like doing my sales pitch !- forget that one - everyone is doing it and as fast as they can -just ask questions and listen and you will hardly have to talk at all. Meet someone you want to follow up with? Just get their card and give them a call afterwards to reminisce on the experience.
3. How do you get out of a conversation when it is going nowhere? - Definitely NOT a problem at speed networking. Time is at a premium and before you know it the boring person has moved on and you are talking to someone new.
Many councils and other business support organsations run speed networking events. Watch out for the next one and give it a try.
Looking for networking events and groups? Remember to check out www.networkingworld.net.au with over 1500 groups currently listed around Australia
Monday, February 11, 2008
11 February 2008 MCEI Chinese New Year
Last night I celebrated Chinese New Year at the Formosa restaurant in Nunawading with MCEI (Marketing and Communication Executives International). The speaker was Bev Ryan founder and editor of "Honestly Woman" who was the winner of last year's MCEI Women in Business award. It was facinating to hear the story of how Bev gathered a team of women - many of whom had never sailed before - and took part in the 2007 Brisbane to Gladstone yacht race. AND won their division.
Why did they do it? Networking at its best - a real WIN-WIN-WIN, and those of you who know me will know how obsessive I am about the 3 WINs triangle. The plan was to raise publicity for the launch of Bev's new magazine, and raise awareness for Redkite, the charity for children with cancer. The third WIN - definitely a WIN for clients of both Redkite, some of the children and their families got involved with the race, and clients of Honestly Woman a number of whom sponsored the race. Two of them actually got to go along for the ride!.
Want to know more about MCEI? You can visit their website at http://www.mcei.org.au/ or check out the Where in the World is Networking World review on Thursday at http://www.networkingworld.net.au/ . NetworkingWorld provides a review of different networking groups each week.
Why did they do it? Networking at its best - a real WIN-WIN-WIN, and those of you who know me will know how obsessive I am about the 3 WINs triangle. The plan was to raise publicity for the launch of Bev's new magazine, and raise awareness for Redkite, the charity for children with cancer. The third WIN - definitely a WIN for clients of both Redkite, some of the children and their families got involved with the race, and clients of Honestly Woman a number of whom sponsored the race. Two of them actually got to go along for the ride!.
Want to know more about MCEI? You can visit their website at http://www.mcei.org.au/ or check out the Where in the World is Networking World review on Thursday at http://www.networkingworld.net.au/ . NetworkingWorld provides a review of different networking groups each week.
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