Welcome to the Parramatta District Online Business Network - building better relationships.

This week's meeting includes a Member INSIGHT on mental health first aid. We do a live demonstration of the Ai (Artificial Intelligence) ChatGPT software and guide you in its use.

Plus there's news about the Parramatta Business Awards and how to market your business with it. We also release our Small Business Knowledge program for 2023 and reveal what our Parramatta Group is hosting.

Our networking group is designed to help you on your business journey by introducing you to like-minded business owners. We provide a welcoming and friendly environment for you to showcase your business and build good, solid and profitable relationships.

Potential clients/customers will always buy or refer others to those people and businesses they have a good relationship with.

We facilitate those relationships in a friendly environment where everyone has a voice and opportunities.

In addition, we run Small Business Knowledge programs, provide individual business research programs and mentoring. We also proactively market your business via our Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter social media platforms to help you achieve maximum success.

AGENDA

Business INSIGHT 1 - Mental Health First Aid for Small Business Owners.

Being self-employed can have its advantages but there are also daily stressors and challenges to deal with like working in isolation; financial stress (mortgage rates, increasing utility charges, slow payers and more); difficult conversations with employees and clients; competing priorities and family responsibilities, the list can be endless.

Why is this an issue?

Self-employed people can sacrifice physical self-care (sleep, diet, exercise) and their mental health, which can lead to strained personal and working relationship, and increased financial difficulties, amongst other things.

In this INSIGHT, Tania explains how mental health training such as Mental Health First Aid can help self-employed people with small realistic improvements, with language to have peer-to-peer conversations and with easy-to-learn strategies to help yourself and others such as family or anyone working with you.

SPEAKER: Tania Gutierrez | Founder | Mental Health Training Essentials.
E: taniathetrainer@outlook.com Website: https://mentalhealthtrainingessentials.com.au/

Live Demonstration

Ai (artificial Intelligence) is often talked about, so let us see how it works. Our meeting will feature a live demonstration of ChatGPT from how to access it, to making it work for us and assessing the outcome.

This is a great opportunity to see what all the fuss is about and try it for yourself.

THE EXTRAS
Time to fill up our 2023 presentation schedule. 2023 Knowledge Program released. Plus - a guide to entering the Parramatta Business Awards.

SPEAKER\ Demonstration Facilitator
Joe Kowalewski | Founder | Local Area Marketing & Networking Group
E: networking@localareamktg.com.au | Everything else: https://localareamktg.link/See

ABOUT US

Parramatta District Online networking is part of the Local Area Marketing & Networking Group (LAMNG). The Greater Western Sydney group operates in the Hills district, Parramatta, Blacktown, 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. Our Blacktown group meets on a Wednesday evening from 6.30pm; Baulkham Hills from 9.30am; Parramatta group from 9.30am and is currently online; Penrith and the Lower Blue Mountains from 9.30am.

You can see all group meeting dates, information and bookings here. (This page is under construction and will launch in a few days time).

Each Group has it's 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) $25 per attendee. Blacktown Group (BBN) $17 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