Latest News
• Add My News • Search Old News
Seminar on value of small business networkingUseful advice on effective business networking will be provided at a seminar to be conducted by Latrobe City on 2 November. By Latrobe City Council - 30th October 2006 - Back to News Mainly geared towards home-based and established small businesses, the seminar will help people make smart business decisions with tips on effective networking, the art of self-promotion and how to build profitable business contacts.
According to Latrobe City’s senior economic development officer, Leo Billington, all business operators should develop an effective network of people to help bring more customers.
"The more people who know about someone’s business, the greater are the chances that new customers will be attracted. This seminar will teach the power of effective networking utilising professional contacts, social and sporting contacts, various associations and conferences. Gaining exposure is extremely valuable.
"Now that home-based businesses represent about 65% of small businesses in Victoria, and growing at almost 4% a year, seminars such as this become an important marketing tool which provides a great opportunity for business operators to network," Mr Billington explained.
Felicity Pearce runs her business, an internet home-based gift pack concept business specialising in luxury gifts called The Soap and Candle at www.soapandcandle.com.au. Ms Pearce emphasises the need to network widely.
"Word of mouth endorsement is far more cost effective, so I would aim to network with those who are also in small business as well with community groups and acquaintances," Ms Pearce explained.
"When I started, there was a need to meet others because I am based at home, so to help guarantee that people knew about my business, networking had to be quite strategic. I know I am able to provide a service to those who in turn, could provide a service to me," Ms Pearce said.
"Networking is self-promotion and I believe it has to be ongoing. One person will talk to another, and to another and it rolls on from there. I think networking is informal but you must pick the right time to network. All home-based businesses would benefit from the seminar because they do not operate necessarily from retail or commercial areas.
"Being in the right place at the right time certainly helps and workshops, seminars and professional contacts give these opportunities. To network effectively, be yourself, do not boast and service the relationship long after the first meeting," Ms Pearce advised.
The networking seminar is developed and funded by the Minister for Consumer Affairs from the Victorian Property Fund. The 2-hour seminar will be held on Thursday 2 November in the function room, civic centre, Kay Street, Traralgon commencing at 5.30pm and costs $10 per person. Bookings are essential. Please contact Leo Billington on 0407 541 258.
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
Related Articles- East Gippsland Business Support Voucher Program boosts small businesses through tailored mentoring and strategic growth guidance
Orbost Snowy River Cycling benefited from East Gippsland Council Business Support Voucher Program, receiving tailored mentoring that strengthened business planning, resilience, and growth, enabling expansion and long-term success in the region. - Wellington Shire Council invites local businesses to free Defence 101 networking event in Port of Sale on 25 March 2026
Wellington Shire Council and ODIS invite local businesses to a free Defence 101 event on 25 March, helping them explore opportunities to supply large organisations locally. - Entries open for 2026 Bass Coast Business Awards celebrating innovation, excellence and community success
Entries are open for the 2026 Bass Coast Business Awards, celebrating local business excellence across judged and People’s Choice categories, with applications closing 8 May and community voting closing 29 May 2026. - South Gippsland autumn 2026 update with business breakfast, grants, events, opportunities and jobs expo on 19 March 2026
South Gippsland Jobs Expo on 19 March in Leongatha offers job opportunities, career advice and training pathways, alongside a business breakfast, community events, grants, road safety upgrades, skatepark opening and council updates. - Darren Chester urges Gippslanders to support local businesses this Christmas, boosting jobs and celebrating regional products
Federal Member Darren Chester urges Gippslanders to support local businesses this Christmas, boosting jobs, celebrating regional produce, and helping small enterprises like Sale’s "Love in a Jar" thrive across the community. - Orbost Snowy River cycling thrives with East Gippsland Council Business Support Voucher Program and tailored mentoring
Orbost business Snowy River Cycling leveraged Council’s Business Support Voucher Program, receiving tailored mentoring that boosted growth, strategic planning, and access to the Forestry Transition Fund, enabling sustainable business expansion. - Darren Chester urges Gippslanders to support local artisans, makers, and small businesses this holiday season
Federal Member Darren Chester encourages Gippslanders to shop local this Christmas, supporting artisans, makers, and small businesses like Emporium 3844, boosting the regional economy and celebrating community talent. - Community invited to join Walhalla project working groups shaping tourism and business opportunities for World Heritage future
Baw Baw Shire Council invites community members to join Tourism, Infrastructure, or Business Support Project Working Groups for Walhalla, helping shape sustainable development linked to the Victorian Goldfields World Heritage Bid. - Latrobe City Council opens applications for free 12-week industry growth program supporting business expansion until 16 January 2026
Latrobe City Council’s Industry Growth Program offers 12 weeks of business education, coaching, and mentoring, helping 15 eligible business leaders develop growth strategies and expand their businesses, free of charge. - Martin Cameron urges Labor government to enforce tobacco licensing, protect Latrobe Valley businesses from organised crime threats
Martin Cameron urges Allan Labor Government to increase tobacco inspector numbers, enforce licensing, and protect Latrobe Valley businesses from organised crime threatening local shops and operators. - Martin Cameron says new emergency services tax replaces fire levy, adding enormous pressure to struggling small businesses
Latrobe Valley small businesses face soaring costs as Labor's new Emergency Services Tax replaces the Fire Services Levy, with Nationals warning it punishes regional communities and fuels insolvencies amid financial mismanagement. - Melina Bath condemns Labor for blocking protest bill and failing to protect police, businesses, and public safety
Labor, backed by the Greens and minor parties, blocked Nationals and Liberals legislation to ban protest face coverings, which Melina Bath said betrayed police, small businesses, and public safety across Victoria. - Baw Baw Employment Expo returns October 2025, showcasing local jobs, training, networking and career opportunities
The Baw Baw Employment Expo returns 16 October 2025, offering free access to local job opportunities, training, networking, resume support, and career advice for job seekers and businesses. - Darren Chester congratulates Hillywood Tree Nursery on expanding Gippsland-grown business with new online store
Hillywood Tree Nursery in Briagolong has launched an online store, expanding access to Gippsland-grown plants. Darren Chester praised owner Ed Mosley for fostering innovation, sustainability, and local job growth in horticulture. - Bass Coast wins National Award for Circular Economy Program driving sustainable local business innovation
Bass Coast Shire Council won the 2025 National Economic Development Award for its Circular Economy Business Accelerator Program, supporting local businesses to reduce waste, innovate sustainably, and embrace circular economy practices. - Latrobe City Council launches Action Plan to simplify fees, processes, and communications for easier local businesses to grow
Latrobe City Council’s new Action Plan simplifies fees, processes, and communications, making it easier for local businesses to operate, improve coordination, and support small businesses while driving economic growth. - Committee for Gippsland welcomed Hon David Davis MP to meet local stakeholders and business leaders
Danny O’Brien met residents across nine Gippsland South towns, discussing cost-of-living pressures, infrastructure, farming challenges, and local priorities, committing to ongoing advocacy and future mobile office visits.
|
|
