Ever stood around at a networking event, awkwardly clutching your drink and hoping you'll randomly chat to the right person and land your pitch? Networking is a participation sport - and we'd love to show you how to make networking work for YOU!

'How to make networking work for you' is an interactive fun event where you hear from BIO founder, Jon Sermon, about his thinking, curiosity about people, and techniques to open conversation and uncover opportunities.

This masterclass is for anyone who already enjoys connecting, wants to learn how to take their networking game to the next level.

For anyone who finds traditional networking or meetups hard or awkward - this will shift your thinking to how to create a relationship and ask the right questions: not just for possible business now, but to set up business in the future.

For

small businesses, solontrepreneurs, SMES, startups, sole traders or business leaders
anyone looking for a new career or job and doesn't want to just rely on LinkedIn/Seek

Never been to a BIO event before? Don’t worry. You’ll be made to feel welcome from the moment you step in the door. Come along, get stuck in, meet new people, and have a genuinely fun evening of learning and connecting.

What is this and who should attend?

This networking masterclass is for anyone who already enjoys connecting, wants to learn how to take their networking game to the next level. For anyone who finds traditional networking hard or awkward - this will shift your thinking to how to create a relationship and ask the right questions: not just for possible business now, but to set up business in the future.

For small businesses, solontrepreneurs, SMES, startups, sole traders or business leaders.

Why it’s a little different...

Traditional networking can feel intimidating and forced. This is the opposite, relaxed, structured just enough to guide you, and focused on authentic connection.
Instead of relying on the handful of people you manage to chat with, you’ll leave with access to the entire room’s “offerings and asks.”
You’ll be guided by your hosts through each step, so you can relax, enjoy, and actually get something meaningful out of the evening.
It's like a fun dinner party vibe where everyone leaves with new insights, fresh perspectives, and maybe even a new friend.

What to Expect

A warm welcome & guided intro: We’ll greet you, get you settled, and run through how the workshop works. No awkward “what now?” moments.
Food & drinks: Sip something tasty (sparkling water, juice, white & red wine, or beer) and grab a bite to keep the ideas flowing.
Lasting connections: After the workshop, we’ll help connect people whose Give & Takes match so you can continue the conversation, maybe over coffee.
A room buzzing with possibility: Expect laughter, fresh ideas, and plenty of lightbulb moments.

Who should attend?

Entrepreneurs, start-ups, scale-ups, SMEs, and corporates.
Anyone curious, growth-minded, and ready to share their knowledge while tapping into the collective wisdom of the room.
Whether you’ve been in business for years or are just starting out, you’ll walk away with fresh connections and ideas.
Someone looking for a lil' human connection!

Meet the hosts who will be steering the session and joining in on the Give & Take magic. Each brings a wealth of experience, plenty of energy, and a genuine passion for helping people connect.

As co-founder of BIO, Jon has always been driven by a fascination with people and the power of connection. With over 18 years’ experience in Sales and Partnerships, much of it in the payments industry, he’s worked across industries and continents, helping businesses with everything from importing muscle cars to managing overseas suppliers.

Today, Jon heads up the Partnerships & Alliances team at Your Empire Buyers Agents, where he helps clients save money and navigate the complex world of property buying. Known for his communication skills, sharp eye for detail, and knack for making clients feel genuinely valued, Jon is as comfortable negotiating a property deal as he is pairing a great wine with a perfectly folded pocket square. Whether it’s investors, CEOs, first-time buyers, or family offices, Jon thrives on building trust, forging connections, and guiding people towards their goals.

Strategic Partnerships Manager | B2B Growth & Community Builder | BIO Co-Host

Nick is a connector at heart. With a decade in B2B growth and over six years driving strategic partnerships in global payments and fintech, he specialises in building ecosystems where businesses can thrive together. At BIO, Nick founded the Victorian community, bringing executives, founders, and sales leaders into the same space to share knowledge and spark collaboration.

His passion lies in creating opportunities where complementary businesses and people find common ground – and grow stronger because of it.

What to bring
Just yourself!

What to wear
Business casual. You do you

A little more...
From the people you meet to the nibbles you nibble, at BIO we’re big into the little details. We are fanatical about all the facets that come together to make a brilliant meet up, because if you feel at home - you’re more likely to be yourself.

What does this mean?

- Be yourself, you’re you - not your Company
- Keep the chat interesting
- We don’t use name tags, because, well… just ask!

We can't wait to see you there.

A little more about BIO:

Here at BIO, we do networking a little differently.

You don't have to own your own business (but it’s cool if you do) or be an entrepreneur, you just need to be open to meeting new people, listening to their tales, connecting differently and sharing ideas.

We’re not leeches… so our members are not about sucking the business (or life) out of you. We work together to help our members solve problems, build their businesses, further their careers or develop themselves. We give people a platform to tell their story and make valuable connections.

We hold monthly events for our members, and if you would like to come along - meet new people and give us a whirl then come along and join us to see what all the fuss is about.

Talking’s great, but sometimes so is listening.

To make sure each BIO event is interesting, we introduce you to our host for the night. This person will take us on a journey throughout the meet-up and talk briefly on a trending subject that sparks interest. From wine-makers to corporate giants we’ve cherry picked topics that are relevant to all businesses - from retaining your talent to the ever looming robots and AI tech, there’s a little something for everyone.