Camberwell Networking

1. Camberwell Networking 4 February 2013 Camberwell Business Club with Sue Ellson BBus AIMM MAHRI CAR (REIV)

2. Sue Ellson

3. history • started at O’Donoghues First National in Camberwell Jul 2011 • reviewed all local Camberwell networks • joined Camberwell Centre Association Sep 2011 and semi-regular attendee at Camberwell Centre Association Friday morning meetings • launched Camberwell Professionals Association Oct 2011 • started Camberwell Business Functions from Apr 2012 • facilitator for functions in Apr, Jun, Aug, Oct 2012 • supported development of St John’s Business Roundtable Breakfasts Program since 2011 • promoted various Camberwell initiatives through my networks • started monthly After Work Drinks for Camberwellians Oct 2012 • launched www.camberwellnetwork.com 20 November 2012 • see LinkedIn for the rest! http://au.linkedin.com/in/sueellson

4. purpose To be a portal of information, networking and events for people who live, work and network in Camberwell, Victoria, Australia. To support existing initiatives and share them with a wider audience. To build upon the business and social capital that has already been created both face to face and online.

5. information Information sharing has changed • we need to think about keywords all the time • we need to find our ideal customer/client and where they are circulating • we still need to create an emotional connection to encourage ongoing involvement • more information is available but it is not always accessed or used

6. networking Networking has changed • more is done online after hours via online methods • face to face is occurring less • establishing a committed network takes more effort • value propositions are more important • personal and business brand management is essential • authenticity and social proof are vital • need to be connected locally and internationally now

7. events Events are changing • remember printed invitations and RSVPs? Almost nil now • no shows are increasing, late bookings are common • time poor people are seeking direct benefit • long term commitment is waning • home based workers are seeking a social component • some people do not attend any live events • webinars and recordings/podcasts are becoming more popular

8. what do we have in Camberwell? Information • mostly out of date records of local businesses (no central repository despite multiple efforts) • few representations on Google+, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn – and mostly real estate only (no engagement) • spasmodic and inconsistent interest and support from local traders, businesses and government • sparse quantifiable information on the Camberwell Business Proposition (proposal being developed)

9. what do we have in Camberwell? Networking • very little online but have started with websites, Google+, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn • various events run by networks and individual organisations but usually not promoted across the Camberwell precinct • plenty of coffee shops for direct business meetings but not many venues for business networking functions • issues with head office versus staff and owners – connecting with the decision makers

10. what do we have in Camberwell? Events - Regular Camberwell Business Club, Mondays 1pm - 2pm Bistro Deco $20 includes lunch and speaker http://www.camberwellbusinessclub.com.au After Work Drinks for Camberwellians and Networkers, 3rd Wednesday Monthly 5:30pm - 7:00pm Palace Hotel $0 purchase own refreshments, donation to Foundation Boroondara http://www.camberwellnetwork.com Camberwell Business Forums, Tuesday Evenings, five this year, 5pm - 7pm St John's Anglican Church $20 or free for Camberwell Centre Association Members http://www.camberwellbusiness.com.au Breakfast Roundtable at St John’s Anglican, Thursday morning 8:30am - 9:30am, about four events per year $15 breakfast provided http://stjohnscamberwell.org.au/content/business-roundtable Business Boroondara Express, First Wednesday Monthly 6pm – 7pm at the City of Boroondara offices in Camberwell Free with refreshments provided http://www.businessboroondara.com.au/ Smart Networking Forum Camberwell, 1st Friday of the Month 12:30pm – 2pm at the Tower Hotel Membership Fee http://smartnetworkingforums.com.au/camberwell/ BNI Boroondara, Tuesday mornings 7:00am - 8:30am at the Camberwell Bowling Club Membership Fee http://www.bni.com.au/chapter_details.asp?chap_id=4849 Rotary Club of Camberwell, Wednesdays 6:15pm - 7:45pm, Canterbury Centre Membership Fee http://camberwellrotary.org.au Heartlink Network (Women Only) Various times, usually mid morning in Camberwell Area $20 http://www.theheartlinknetwork.com/user_info/2630

11. what do we have in Camberwell? Events - Irregular • Dymocks Author Events – no regular time but very frequent • Westpac Seminars – Nicholas Nathan • Institute of Management Consultant lunches – Peter Buckingham • City of Boroondara Workshops – only going to people on the mailing list and sometimes in local publications • Others no-one has heard of apart from the clients of that business and their friends and family

12. what does Camberwell need? • champions who share (with authenticity) and coordinate on an ongoing basis • education to bring businesses up to speed with presence, branding and engagement, locally and internationally • workers who accept responsibility for their part in the collective good (arts project example) • take steps towards critical mass – every step in the right strategic direction is a step forward • create a community model that we can share – Return on Investment and Return on Engagement can be measured Any questions?