Frequently Asked Questions
What is Connect2Business Network?
Successful networking is behind so many business success stories. It is universally accepted that word of mouth recommendation is one of the best and most effective ways of smart networking.
To help you grow your business, Connect2Business Network is taking this one step further by combining this accepted marketing methodology with a structured and regular meeting environment to ensure that those who refer business to others will receive qualified and high quality referral business in return.
The idea of members from a variety of different but non-competing businesses networking for mutual benefit is an exciting one that provides real business advantages.
But Connect2Business is so much more! Our Ultimate Networking Events, held three times a year in March, July and October, bring together everyone from all Member Groups plus many non-member professionals thereby giving our members plenty of new contacts with whom to network throughout the year. There are also plenty of other opportunities to network outside of Member Groups through our other events such as seminars, trainings and social gatherings.
Why is Connect2Business Different?
Connect2Business is a referral network but with a simultaneous focus on building relationships between members and developing business skills. In addition to the regular fortnightly group meetings, members will have access to other Connect2Business events including business and social networking meetings, trainings and of course our Ultimate Networking events. In particular we always strive to ensure that our networking meetings are networking meetings! No sitting around listening to a key-note speaker talking for an hour and a half on his chosen subject meaning you don’t get to talk to the people you want to talk to . . . No! . . . the majority of our meeting time is devoted to you and your business and to helping you connect with others!
Why should you join a Connect2Business Member Group?
Joining Connect2Business Network will help your business achieve its potential by developing new long-lasting relationships and giving you access to a constant stream of high quality referrals for your business.
It is like working with an extended public relations team that recommends your products and services to each other as well as to their own contacts. In this way, we find that when members work consistently to recommend new business to their fellow members’ businesses they will in return receive a stream of leads and referrals for their own business.
Whether you are working in your own business or in a corporate environment and need to expand your professional network, then Connect2Business Network is for you.
What are the benefits of becoming a member?
The benefits of both Individual and corporate membership are detailed on our website under “Benefits of Membership”. There you can compare all of the benefits and pricing of each type of membership. In short, however, once you become a member you will have access to the fortnightly meetings of your Member Group as well as free and heavily-discounted entry to various Connect2Business events including our celebrated Ultimate Networking Events held three times a year.
Who is eligible to join a Connect2Business Member Group?
Persons running their own business as well as those employed by a company can join as individual members, provided they are in positions where they are responsible for generating new business.
Within each group, only one member from each occupation listed in the occupation category list can join. This is to ensure that there is no conflict between allocation of referrals and means that anyone joining a group benefits from occupational exclusivity in that group.
If a prospective member’s chosen occupation category is already allocated in a group, he/she will be invited to join an alternative C2B group in a convenient nearby location.
A company may choose to join as a corporate member. This provides additional entitlements including being able to secure their chosen business category in two different Member Groups and to have up to two of their company representatives attend the meetings of each of those groups.
What support is available?
Whether you are working for yourself or part of a large organization, Connect2Business can offer you more than just networking.
You will quickly get to know the other members of your group where you will often be able to find that extra piece of advice or perspective that someone separate from your own business might be uniquely qualified to provide. In addition, at Connect2Business you will find a whole support network in the form of business and social networking, seminars and of course our Ultimate Networking Events as well as trainings presented by a variety of independent and experienced business people.
The intention is that fellow members not only refer business to each other but also look out for each other, thereby providing real practical help from people that are well placed to understand your own unique situation.
As part of Connect2Business Network’s on-going support and training, each new member is encouraged to attend a free networking and business building training within 2 months of becoming a member.
Where are the fortnightly Member Group meetings held?
Each group holds its fortnightly meeting over breakfast in a local venue convenient for group members. This may be a café, business centre or similar venue with an appropriate meeting room. Meetings generally start at 8.00am with meetings lasting around 90 minutes so as not to impact upon a member’s normal busy working schedule.
At present there are three Member Groups. Their meeting times and venues are as follows:
Mentone:
Fortnightly commencing Tuesday 19 February 2019 (8.00am)
Venue: The Corner Store, 1 Swanston Street, Mentone, Vic 3194
Mulgrave:
Fortnightly commencing Tuesday 26 February 2019 (8.00am)
Venue: The Last Piece, 7/2 Stadium Circuit, Mulgrave, Vic 3170
Dandenong:
Fortnightly commencing Wednesday 6 March 2019
Venue: Beletti Restaurant & Cafe, 159-161 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong, Vic 3175
New venues will be opening up during the course of the year wherever there is sufficient demand.
What is required of each member?
Whilst there are no strict guidelines in respect of the number of referrals to be provided, Members are encouraged to do their best to share referrals and leads with fellow members. This can only be achieved from a position of mutual trust and integrity between members. Once strong relationships and understanding have developed between members of a group, referrals will follow naturally.
Members must make every attempt to attend each fortnightly meeting but, in the event that they are ever unable to attend a meeting, may appoint a stand-in representative to take their place.
Members are also encouraged to bring guests and visitors from other businesses to group meetings. In this way the groups’ membership will increase and a wider variety of business categories will be represented, for the benefit of all members.
At the end of the day however, as with anything in business the return that a member derives from membership of Connect2Business will largely be a reflection of the amount of effort put in. We find that those members that embrace most fully the concept of “Giver’s Gain” and are most dedicated to working with and contributing to their Member Groups are the ones that will benefit the most in terms of the successful growth of their own businesses.
Is there competition for business within each Member Group?
You do not have to worry about competition for your business from within your own Connect2Business Member Group of referrers as only one representative from each defined business category is permitted. This means that all referrals from other members of your group intended for your category of business will be yours.
Being free of such competitive activities means that members of each group are able to network and build long term business relationships with each other.
What is an Ultimate Networking Event?
Ultimate Networking Events are held three time a year in March, July and October at suitably large venues across Melbourne. They are the flagship events of Connect2Business Network and cater for anywhere between 100 and 200 professionals meeting for an exciting morning of networking as well as a great breakfast!
These are where all the Member Groups come together to meet not just other members but many new professionals unconnected with Connect2Business. Because of this you can be sure that you will make plenty of new connections. We have members and guests returning time and again because there is nowhere that you can make more new contacts in just three short hours.
Attending one of these events, you will experience the unique Connect2Business approach to structured networking in a fun and exciting but relaxed atmosphere. You will also be part of a business expo where corporate members (and others) have the opportunity to promote their business through their own dedicated exhibition stand as well as to make a short on-stage presentation to the assembled audience.
Is there an induction training held for new members?
Yes, each new member is encouraged to attend a free networking and business building training within 2 months of becoming a member. These are run by the directors of Connect2Business Network and serve to provide an insight as to how best your business can obtain maximum benefit from your membership and to ensure the greatest number of new business leads and referrals.
Who is responsible for running the Member Group meetings?
One member of each Member Group will become a “C2B Ambassador” for the group. In association with the directors of Connect2Business Network they will work in the growth and planning of the group whilst their fortnightly meeting role will be to act as co-ordinator of the group meetings and to ensure that they run according to schedule and on-topic. As groups grow, it is hoped that other members will wish to assume associated leadership roles to help in the smooth and successful running of their group.
How do I become a member of Connect2Business Network?
You will need to complete the membership application form (via our website) and choose your desired Member Group location and business category. Your application will then be reviewed by Connect2Business Network and the membership team in your chosen group.
Once your application has been approved your membership will commence upon payment of the registration and annual membership fees. If the business category you require is not allocated you will be free to join the group. If your required category is already filled by another member in the group you will be offered membership in an alternative group located nearby.
How much does it cost to join?
However, there is currently a New Year Special discount valid until 12 February 2019 that offers a 20% DISCOUNT off the combined registration and annual membership fees.
INDIVIDUAL MEMBERSHIP
Registration: $99.00 Annual Membership: $ 595.00 Total: $694.00
With 20% New Year special discount: Total: $555.20
CORPORATE MEMBERSHIP
Registration: $99.00 Annual Membership: $1,850.00 Total: $1,949.00
With 20% New Year special discount: Total: $1,559.20
Is there a code of ethics & behaviour?
The ethical behaviour of members is central to the core principles of Connect2Business. Members are expected to act honestly and with integrity as members of Connect2Business Network and to treat all other members with respect and courtesy. Members should at all times uphold the values and good reputation of Connect2Business Network.
Is there a business directory for Connect2Business members?
Effective use of the internet and social media as a business marketing tool is vital in business today and Connect2Business encourages all its members to gain maximum benefit from digital marketing. Our website incorporates a business directory in which all members will have their own listing including their name, business category, contact telephone number, website link and photograph. There will also shortly be the option for members to upload their own business promotion video to the website
Members also have access to the Connect2Business members-only private Facebook group. Through this all members can communicate, exchange ideas and discuss issues relevant to the network and/or any other business related topics that they wish to discuss or share with other members.