1 October Blacktown City Networking (BCBN) - Building Better Business Relationships

Welcome to this special NSW Small Business Month edition of the Blacktown City Business Network (BCBN), part of the Local Area Marketing & Networking Group. Our network is dedicated to building meaningful business connections and creating opportunities where every voice is heard.

This month’s meeting is proudly sponsored by Jeffrey Fazel and his company, Creativus Design. Thanks to their support, members enjoy a reduced meeting fee, while non-members are invited to attend free of charge to experience the benefits of live business networking.

Guest Host for October's meeting is Preeti Sharma, Director, Sharma & Co Accountants & Financial Planners.

Joe Kowalewski, Chief Marketing Officer of the Local Area Marketing & Networking Group, will share insights into the true value of business networking. He will challenge common myths, highlight the different styles of networking groups, and explain why choosing one that aligns with your personality and business goals is essential for long-term success.
E: joe@localareamktg.com.au | M: 0404 767 482 | LinkedIn |

BUSINESS INSIGHT 1
Finance - How to Avoid self-sabotage in finance applications.
Why it pays to be 'honest' with an application and overcoming concerns that a refusal will impact your credit rating into the future.

SPEAKER: Sanjay Bhargava | Proprietor | Reya Business Services | M: 0430 290 657 | E: sanjay@reya.com.au |

BUSINESS INSIGHT 2
From Spark to Studio: A Journey of Passion and Purpose.
In Australia, around 20 per cent of new businesses close within their first year, and nearly 60 per cent within the first three. Ashween Lakhan will unpack why this happens and share practical guidance to help you avoid the pitfalls, build resilience, and grow a sustainable, successful business.

Ashween began his business some nine years ago. A simple idea fuelled by passion grew into a start-up, and today stands as a thriving business: The Car Care Studio in Rooty Hill.

He will explain the forces that drive business and life, including wisdom, desire, strength, effort, patience, resilience, and the subtle intelligence of emotions, as well as the importance of giving back and fostering a true sense of belonging.

SPEAKER: Ashween Lakhan | Director, C-Suite & Technician | The Car Care Studio | ashweenlakhan@gmail.com | M: 0405 396 207 | www.thecarcarestudio.com | https://www.linkedin.com/company/thecarcarestudio/

ATTENDING FOR THE FIRST TIME? TALK TO OUR MEMBERS: If you are joining us for the first time, our members are ready to share their networking experiences and answer your questions. Midway through the meeting, we’ll break for refreshments - providing another excellent opportunity to connect and engage.

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Check out our 25th Anniversary post-event wrap-up and story's currently only on Blacktown City's Facebook page. You will see our new branding, read about Blacktown group's first Life Membership presented to Robyn Atkins, a message from the Federal Minister for Communications and much more.
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ABOUT US 
Blacktown Business Network (BBN) is part of the Local Area Marketing & Networking Group (LAMNG). The Greater Western Sydney group also operates in the Hills district, Parramatta, Penrith and the Lower Blue Mountains.
All groups meet monthly in alternating weeks. You can attend the group of your choice or move around our network to expand your business network in a familiar environment.

Each Group has its own Facebook page where you can advertise your business, keep up to date with group promotional posts and keep in contact with other members. (You must be a regular group attendee to receive access. Behavioural standards apply to all groups).  Blacktown | Hills District | Parramatta | Penrith & Lower Mountains. 

OUR MEETINGS
All attendees have the opportunity to introduce themselves and their business. Depending on numbers, introductions are between 30-60 seconds - so it would be a good idea to make a note of the key points you want to make!

You get to meet like-minded people, exchange ideas, learn, socialise, collaborate, gain knowledge, form new relationships, get fresh business ideas and tips and, of course, expand your introduction-based business network.

Whether your business is shop, office, industry, home-based or in a shared space, you will meet motivated owners and entrepreneurs to share your passion and grow your business with.

WHAT WE DO
Our online and face-to-face meetings are identical for all groups. They begin with:
1. Opening welcome.
2. 60-second Business Primers (all attendees).
3. Member Business INSIGHT* (up to 10 minutes when pre-booked).
4. Group photo.
5. Business Card Exchange (We do that online too!)
6. Five-minute break
7. Member Business INSIGHT* (up to 10 minutes when pre-booked).
8. Member Keynote* (up to 20 minutes when pre-booked).
9. Five-minute 1-1 Collaboration Discussion rotations. (Online – members auto rotate via private virtual meeting rooms.) Additional 1-1 meeting time is always available at the end of meetings.
10. Meeting ends.

(Nervous about presenting? Don't worry - we will coach you through it.)

MEMBERSHIP FEES
Unlike many groups, we do not charge a membership or joining fee. Instead we charge attendance fees for all online and in-person meetings to cover costs and ensure small business owners are not dissuaded away from business networking by cost.

Every meeting has an attendance fee contribution to catering costs. Group sponsorship opportunities are also open to significantly boost your business profile.

Online meeting fees are set at $7.50 per attendee (Booking fee and GST inclusive). Face-to-face meeting fees (Inclusive of breakfast, morning tea or evening snacks - depending on the Group) $30 per attendee. Blacktown Group (BBN) $20 thanks to the generous sponsorship of Workers Blacktown. (Booking fee and GST inclusive).

Email networking@localareamktg.com.au for details or call 0404 767 482.

Group inquiries to:
Joe Kowalewski
Group Facilitator, Chief Marketing Officer, Local Area Marketing & Networking Group E: networking@localareamktg.com.au Ph: 0404 767 482