Your Time Matters- Key Benefits of Networking
The stage was set. We were ready, and waiting for our members and guests to arrive. I had the video ready that showed some of our YTM history and we would soon reflect on how far YTM had come since our initial “Speed Networking with a Twist” event in 2013.
Many of the attendees at our final dinner for 2019 would be reminded of occasions where they had contributed and connected over the years.
The evening finished, we were happy and able to tick off the final event for the 2019 year. It had been fun and once again had provided our community with opportunity to connect, contribute and belong.
The year that is nearly drawing to a close, has been a full and successful year and looking back on the highlights, it was clear to me , why I love what I do.
Three YTM Formats Help to Create Conversations
For those of you who have not yet attended a YTM event- we have been running three formats that help to create conversations and attract business owners and professionals to focus on relationship building, rather than transactions. We are delighted that this approach still sees real outcomes and business being written without pressure to conform whilst only attending one event per month as we recognise how precious time is. Our final dinner event in November brought business professionals together to relax over a meal, allowing them to connect, learn from the insights and witness a range of presentation styles while hearing a variety of stories. It is common for our insights to blend personal and professional development encouraging all present to reflect and review their beliefs and values., as well as systems and processes.
Connections and Authentic Relationships
The YTM Awards Dinner was held in April with the theme WHY CHOOSE ME . This fun competition saw 7 competitors delivering a five-minute pre-prepared pitch to the room around ‘why choose me’. Our dinners provide a different type of networking event focused on making connections and building authentic relationships that help you and your business grow and flourish.
We would like to thank all the Speakers who participated. It can be daunting to stand up infront of your peers and being judged by a panel adds another layer, however this event definitely increases confidence, leverages profile and provides an opportunity for our competitors to step out of their comfort zone and stretch themselves. This year our speakers were -
Tim Smith, Tim’s Network - (Foreign Exchange)
Natalie Van Wetering, Lifes Not Black and white (Marketing & Communications)
Harriet Lammin- JDA Architects
Saulo Bilboa Canny - Canny Electrics (Electrical Contactors)
Sarah Bruce- Drive Skills 4 Life (Driver Education)
Priscilla Pettengell- Business Writing Done Right
Andrew Mellody- Co Ground (Social Enterprise)
Different Stories to Share
With very different stories to share. the judging panel based their decision on meeting the criteria as to how well the competitors
Set the scene and outcome early
Provided Some Context
Resolved the Situation
Explained ow the speaker was able to make a difference
Shared the Results
And of course presentation style - pace, tone, volume, stance etc….
The competition was tight, and the judges declared Sarah Bruce from Drive Skills4Life the winner of the YTM 2019 Award. People’s Choice Award went to Priscilla Pettengell from Business Writing Done Right.
In our eyes ….every competitior was a winner for taking up the challenge… some had never spoken in public prior!
(The 2020 Award Dinner will be held on Tuesday, 28 April and the theme Why Influence. More details on the website HERE).
As the year continued so did the range of events and the rotation of the three structured, facilitate formats continued and kept networking fresh.
Teamwork and Collaboration
The July Dinner was a real highlight and opportunity to showcase the START foundation. I and had worked with Michelle Jelleff , Chair and founding director of START foundation to arrange an in person interview with Sara Sham, a grant recipient from START and Serpil Senelmis, from Written and Recorded who with the help of her partner, James Brandis, created a podcast entitled ‘Teamwork and Collaboration’. The end result is in its self a fine example of the power and value of teamwork and collaboration.
The final dinner for the year was held in November and combined our 6th year celebration with insight from Paula Hanson , Luscious Choirs, encouraging us to Speak Up and Stand Out .
Whether it’s face to face or on the phone, presenting with clarity and confidence is an essential skill all business owners require.
Paula’s presentation reminded us that people in business regularly have to present, whether that’s face to face with clients, in larger groups, networking or in video on Facebook presentations and on websites. Often we underestimate how important our own voice is in delivering our message, which helps differentiate a business operator from the crowd while conveying trust and authority and finding true resonance with our target market.
Little did participants know on arrival that Paula Hanson, an internationally trained opera singer, vocal coach and choral conductor. would have them singing… and we would have to say, enjoying the experience. …maybe the YTM choir ws born?
YTM will continue to provide business networking opportunities in 2020 that provide support and knowledge and allow individuals to learn grow and achieve. We will continue to make every conversation count, and help build relationships, trust and business.
Connect, Contribute and belong to a Community
We have seen how our platform boosts confidence, raises profiles and allows business owners and professionals to connect, contribute and belong to a community where networking is an enjoyable, enriching and often transforming experience -not a chore that has to be endured for the sake of generating business. We are so proud to see business owners growing, personally and professionally.
On behalf of Leigh and I, I would like to thank our Partners, Webby Web Design, Blueton Studio and StudioHawk for their support. Without our Partners, we could not operate our events. We are also grateful to our Members, many whom have been attending since day one back in 2013.
If you have attended YTM this year, we would be keen to know your highlight.
Have a safe and happy end to this year, and we will be back bigger and even better in 2020. If you are Interested in details of our future events or are in becoming a member, please contact us HERE
See you next year,
Kerryn (and of course Leigh)
