What Our Members Say

 
Schmooze is a professional community that uses the process of networking to foster rewarding connections. We aim for a collaborative and welcoming atmosphere for our members to thrive in. The following are some comments received from happy members!

Being a Schmooze member has helped us grow our business in the ACT. The networking events are well run and attended by professionals from the public and private sectors who we want to talk to about the branding and visual communications services we offer. I would recommend Schmooze to anyone who is serious about expanding their business network.  Brian Hutchinson, Director, Equation Corporate Design, Sydney

An outstanding feature of a Schmooze gathering is the openness of the Schmoozers. Approach a small circle of people at a function and it will open up to welcome me in. It is the easiest place in Canberra to network. Paul Stapleton, Business Development Manager, NICTA 

What I have valued most from becoming a Schmooze (SYPG) Council member are the contacts that I have made over the past few months. When I first came to Canberra a year ago, I knew few people, now I have a circle of friends and contacts. Schmooze has opened doors for me and good friendships have developed between the council members.

Schmooze is a fun way to get linked into what’s going on for young professionals in the Capital. I would recommend Council membership to anyone who is trying to increase their social network and CV at the same time. Lisa Murray, Communication and Media Branch & Media Branch, FAHCSIA

Kelly Services fist joined Schmooze 12 months ago as an exercise to not only promote our business name but also as a training tool for my staff to understand the benefits of Networking and to become for confident in the art of networking - to understand the structure surrounding being a successful networker and Schmooze was a great platform for this.

The benefits that I have observed were not only for our initial purpose but introduced my staff and I to a range of services available in Canberra that not only were we able to refer our clients and candidates on to but also utilise ourselves. Kelly Services had also used the service of offering presentations to Schmooze members on HR and Recruitment hot topics and Phil was instrumental in assisting us in the organisation and negotiation of venues and attendees. Catherine Harman, Branch Manager – ACT,  Kelly Services Australia

Many colleagues and clients have advised and encouraged me to join Schmooze not only for the great opportunities to mingle amongst like minded professionals from the Canberra region, but also to engage with and learn from experienced business people in my own industry.  Additionally, as an advocate and volunteer of not for profit organisations such as The Oaktree Foundation and Oxfam, I’ve found it rewarding to make contact and exchange views with Schmooze members from a colourful spectrum of professions and walks of life.

As my colleagues and clients have done, I too would recommend joining Schmooze to anyone open to meeting and connecting with other professionals and business people in the warm and friendly atmosphere that the Schmooze team provides.  Caterina Giugovaz, Marketing Manager

It’s not what you know, it’s who you know is an adage we’ve certainly learnt the truth of since joining Schmooze.  ‘Networking’ was on our list of things to do when we decided it was time to promote Linking-Hands, our not-for-profit Wellness Initiative.  We thought we should go tell people about us. 

Well, maybe – and isn’t it humbling to realize you’ve turned things on their head? Of course people were interested, but very quickly we learned we loved listening, because many Schmooze members have a wealth of knowledge and fascinating stories to tell!  We heard of their valuable experiences, their amazing achievements,  and their aspirations - and we were inspired!  

So, if you’re feeling pressured or stuck in a rut; if you want inspiration, or simply more fun; do something enjoyable:  come along, meet and listen to folk.  Schmooze will quickly become the highlight of your month.  Viv Lambert, Co-founder, Linking-Hands Wellness Initiative

The thing that I have enjoyed most about my time on the SYPG Council is definitely working with the rest of the SYPG team! We have collected a bunch of wonderful, confident, intelligent and fun young minds and have formed a team that enjoys the work we do and each other. I look forward to our brain storming sessions and events and I feel very privileged to have met these councillors through Schmooze as I might not have met them otherwise and they have become my closest friends.

The people that I have met through Schmooze and the projects we have embarked on together have taken my career on a path I never expected…and I LOVE it!

There is so much opportunity in Canberra and Schmooze allows you to tap into what is out there and connects you with the people who can help you make it happen!

I think I have benefited greatly from Schmooze’s reputation for running exciting events professionally as it has resulted in me being asked to organise events for Schmooze members. I have also met many mentors who have provided me with priceless industry contacts and career advice. My involvement in Schmooze has also demonstrated to potential employers my involvement in the community and has helped get the edge on other Gen Y’s competing for jobs!  Casey Hamilton, Australian Medical Council