As a business operator, networking is an important means by which to promote your business, gain some useful contacts, generate referrals, keep abreast of industry, training and local business information and get some handy tips in the process (eg best suppliers, new competitors, etc). It can also provide a valuable support mechanism for you, as well as keeping your motivations high and stimulating your creativity.
Business Advisory Services (BASI) Incorporated - Western SydneyBASI holds regional network breakfast meetings in Western Sydney (Blacktown) on the first Wednesday of every month from 7.00am to 8.45am. The meeting provides participants with opportunities to network with prospective customers; meet with competitors to ensure sound marketing positioning; be kept up-to-date with legislative changes; be kept up-to-date with local council and town planning developments; and be a voice in the development of the business community. For more information refer to the BASI website at www.basi.com.au, phone 9687 6944, email info@basi.com.au or fax 9687 6955.
Botany Bay Home-Based Business NetworkThe Botany Bay Home-Based Business Network has been established as part of the Botany Bay Business Enterprise Centre. The Network runs regular breakfast briefings, dinners, golf days and Street Smart Skills Development workshops. The website is www.homebasedbiz.com.au. There are articles and newsletters which may be downloaded freely from time to time.
Blue Mountains BIZNETBIZNET Blue Mountains is a regional chamber of commerce for the Blue Mountains, Lithgow and Oberon regions. A non-profit organisation, BIZNET aims to support existing and proposed businesses in the Blue Mountains and Lithgow areas by facilitating networking and providing information, advice and services. BIZNET also provides a vehicle for representing the interests of businesses and lobbying on their behalf to relevant authorities and organisations.
To join BIZNET, enabling participation in regular network meetings, contact BIZNET at its Katoomba office on 4782 5307 or email admin@biznetbm.com.au.
BIZNET maintains an active website at www.biznetbluemountains.com.au and online application is a simple process.
The Lake Macquarie Home-Based Business AssociationThis Association commenced in January, 2002 and currently has 30 members. The Association was formed to offer HBBs an opportunity to network and discuss issues pertinent to running a HBB with other HBB operators. Future initiatives of the Association include addressing the training needs of HBBs, investigation of mentoring opportunities, looking into group buying and tendering opportunities. For further information contact Julian Campbell on phone 0414 736 484 or email julian@innerbalance.com.au.
Penrith Valley Home-Based Business NetworkThis Network is a non-profit group that meets once a month, with a guest speaker or activity which covers a topic relevant to running a home-based or small business. We know that home-based business operators may face special problems, such as isolation and finding relevant mentors and support people. They may also find it difficult to access business information resources, including business planning and management advice. The Network helps overcome these challenges by providing an environment where local businesses can support each other through utilising services, forming business alliances or providing referrals. Everyone is welcome, so come along and meet like-minded business people who face the same business challenges on a daily basis. For further information please log on to the website at www.homebasedbusiness.org.au.
"Flying Solo" (www.flyingsolo.com.au) is an online resource for anyone going it alone in business. Visit the site to view over 200 articles, download free tips and tools and sign up for their popular weekly newsletter.
Business SwapBusiness Swap is an international network especially for professional people, business owners and the self-employed. Its purpose is to foster the professional and personal development of its members through education, motivation and experience. This is accomplished by regular meetings, networking and professional education group (mastermind) meetings. Visit their website at www.businessswap.com.au.
City of Canada Bay Council Home-Based and Micro Business NetworkThe City of Canada Bay Council's Home-Based and Micro Business Network aims to help grow members' businesses through networking and skills development. Each month the Council's Bayside Business Development Program runs network "Workshops, Peer Support and Discussion" around an issue or need shared by group members. Meetings are free and open to any home-based business operators in the City of Canada Bay Council area. In addition to the monthly meetings, Council runs a number of networking events. To join the Network or for more information, please contact Stella Coe, Marketing Assistant, Economic Development on phone 9911 6524 or email stella.coe@canadabay.nsw.gov.au.
Hawkesbury Home Based Business NetworkThe home-based business community within the Hawkesbury region is diverse, dynamic and growing as more and more business owners elect to base their operations at home. Despite the variations between industries, however, there are common issues and challenges that are unique to the home-based realm. Issues such as taxation, business development and finance all have their own "quirks" when applied to the home-based operation.
The Hawkesbury Home Based Business Network provides support and information to local home-based business operators in a social and relaxed environment. Members meet monthly to discuss relevant issues, learn from guest speakers and get to know other business owners.
New members and visitors are always welcome and a "scrumptious" light supper is provided.
To learn more about the Hawkesbury Home Based Business Network and how it can benefit your business, contact Sandy Childs on 0415 623 622 or Lola Conolan on 4573 1380.
Home Based Business Community of Blacktown and Surrounding Areas (HBC-BSA)This is a non-political, non-profit business support group. Its aim is to develop and nurture an active business community for all home-based and small business owners with up to five employees. The HBC-BSA has been founded by a group of lcoal home-based businesses. It seeks to encourage business amongst peers, to create support networks for owners as they start and grow their businesses and provide a more informal and social network of like-minded people, rather than just a place to exchange business cards. For further information, please log on to the website at www.hbc-bsa.org.au.
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