Located within the original Hotel Acton building, this historical and heritage listed site has been transformed into the NewActon Pavilion creating Canberra’s first luxury boutique hotel. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience this stunning property.

Join us for informal networking, with a welcoming and diverse group of communication, marketing, arts, consulting and design professionals.

This event is presented in association with the Diamant Hotel, De Jour Restaurant and Adlab

Phillip is also a communication strategist and advisor, specialising in short-term projects including stakeholder consultation, web design, strategic reviews and training for interpersonal business and communication skills. He also serves on the Capital Arts Patrons Organisation (CAPO) and the Canberra Arts Marketing boards and has been a guest speaker for a range of professional associations and events like the Canberra Writers Festival.

Networking is a powerful and cost effective way to drive your career forward, gain information, access and promote your expertise, but too often it's a hit and miss affair.  The ability to cultivate a professional relationship is a skill anyone can learn- but many find it challenging and are often thrown in the deep end without sufficient preparation or support.

Phillip Jones, the founder of the Schmooze Network will share his expert insights into how to be an effective networker, develop a networking strategy and ensure your networking investment of time and money is targeted, rewarding and aligned to your career and business goals.

To register to attend this event click here! Be sure not to miss out on this fantastic opportunity as numbers are strictly limited. Registration is essential in order to attend the event.

The evening will feature an exclusive preview of the upcoming Canberra Short Film Festival which will take place in October, plus the world premier of the new Schmooze cinema ad which has been produced in stunning high definition animation by Canberra's own Silver Sun Pictures!

As usual, we'll offer Canberra's most welcoming and sophisticated atmosphere for networking.

RSVP: Places will be limited to 80 members and their guests, so reserve your place to avoid disappointment. You must be a member or an accompanied guest of one to attend this evening. However, a limited number of Guest Passes are available for prospective members- to request one please email Schmooze.

The event will conclude promptly at 7.30pm and the cinema previews will start at 6pm and then at 615pm, so please be punctual!

Please note the Members-only Networking Dinner will take place following the event at Flint Restaurant in the new Acton complex (next to the Diamant Hotel) at 8pm

This month we are staging the last professional networking event of 2008 at one of our member venues. This event will be graciously hosted by Iken Commercial Interiors in their stunning showroom amidst the latest in designer furniture.

The Monthly Schmooze's are the perfect environment to make new contacts in a relaxed and welcoming setting. We bring together Canberra's most diverse range of professions and industry sectors,and these events attract over 100 members and guests.

Entry is free and all drinks and canapes is included,and some smooth jazz will round out the atmosphere.

Not a member yet? You have to a member or a guest of a member of Schmooze to attend our events and we have a limited number of Guest Passes for prospective members to come to this event, so please contact us to request a Guest Pass.

RSVP: Don't miss the last Schmooze event for 2008- please RSVP by Friday 21 November via email

There is parking at rear of the building.

About Iken

Iken is a 100% Australian owned company whose directors have over 30 years of experience in the design/manufacture and supply and installations for all forms of commercial fit outs. Having prominent presence within the workplace environment since 1985, Iken continues to grow with the full support of a dedicated and experience team, and recently became a member of the Green Building Council of Australia.

The Iken design range includes innovative and unique designs from local and international manufacturers including Gispen and Casala, from The Netherlands and Okamura from Japan. Other Australian designs represented include commercial seating from STEM and most recently the new STAN workstation designed by local architect Anthony Kotarac providing “a genuine new design stimulus for the merging of everyday living and work”.

Iken strives to achieve environmental excellence by selecting products that have minimal impact on the environment through its ‘priority green’ objective. This is further reflected through the choices made in regard to quality, manufacturing technologies, design and sustainability. Our products are selected for their long life cycle, enabling recyclability and re-usability options.

For more info please see www.iken.com.au

At this event we will highlight the new events and programs Schmooze will be rolling out this year which will be a considerable expansion of our activities and enhance the opportunities for our members to promote your expertise. This event is presented in association with the National Press Club, who are a major supporter of Schmooze in 2009.

The monthly Schmoozes are the showcase event the network stages, and are a perfect way to cultivate new contacts in a relaxed setting.

You must be a member or a guest of one to attend our events, but if you are interested in joining and want to experience the unique Schmooze environment first, there is a limited number of Guest Passes available upon request.

About the National Press Club

For people who shape Australian society, the National Press Club is Australia’s most recognised vehicle, an icon chosen for major statements and for initiating change.

The National Press Club is an iconic institution with membership made up of the influencers and decision makers of Australia; be they Federal or State Parliamentarians, political advisors, Government Heads of Departments, diplomatic community, academia, legal and other professions, and, quite clearly, the foundation members - journalists - including the Federal Parliamentary Press Gallery plus everyday thinking Australians - many of whom are leaders in their own communities.

The new first floor layout offers an extended array of comfortable and discreet lounge settings for groups of various sizes to meet, drink, dine and talk. 

If you wish to do business, catch up on the latest news, enjoy a glass of fine wine, a cocktail, dine on award-winning food, engage in robust debate or simply relax with friends, then join us at the Club Lounge at the National Press Club of Australia.

New features of the Club Lounge include:

• A sophisticated décor that is welcoming and relaxed and conducive to both business and social interaction
• Improved beverage selection from imported ales to international cocktails along with our affordable tap beer and house wines
• The introduction of a tapas-influenced menu

On the first Friday of the month members and their guests are invited to foster new professional relationships at our networking lunches.

Lunch will include two courses, coffee and wine, and please indicate if you have any dietary requirements when you RSVP.

These events will also often feature a presentation to share expert insights on topical subjects in an informal setting and to generate questions and discussion.

Non-members and guests are very welcome to these events.

RSVP: Please confirm your place by emailing rsvp@schmooze.net.au by Tuesday 3rd February. The event is limited to 20 persons.

About The Presentation

Join us in the award-winning Ginger Room's Private Dining Room to hear Andrew McKie, Managing Director, Elston Partners discuss the following:

• A turbulent year – in review
• The economy – where are we going?
• Investment Markets – ideas for the year ahead
• Elston Partners – our approach, process and services

About the speaker Andrew McKie

Andrew has worked as an authorised representative, stockbroker and investment manager for the past 10 years. Andrew has a Bachelor of Economics, Graduate Diploma Applied Finance & Investment, Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning and is an Accredited Derivatives Adviser Level 1 & 2.

Andrew is Managing Director, authorised investment manager and part of the investment committee at Elston Partners.

About Elston Partners

Elston Partner is a privately owned investment advisory and portfolio management firm providing highly personalised investment advice to private investors.

We have several branches located throughout QLD, NSW and the ACT, our clients are typically self-employed, business owners, professionals, executive and self funded retirees.

We offer an integrated service for clients, combining investment strategy advice with a conservative investment management approach to build and preserve wealth. We specialise in the management of direct portfolios, invested in Australian shares, property, fixed interest and international equities. Direct ownership enables us to manage after tax cash flow, capital gains tax requirements and ensures complete transparency for clients.

]]> http://www.schmooze.net.au/site/oneevent.php?id=125 Join young professionals from around the ACT and learn new communication skills in this relaxed and fun networking event.

Are you new to Canberra and want to make some new friends, or perhaps you want to enhance your contacts and career prospects? The monthly Schmooze Young Professional Group Schmooze's have a welcoming atmosphere that bring together young professionals from a wide range of organisations, government departments and professions.

We mix in a speed networking, interactive communication skills session, some cool tunes and free drinks and canapes to make one great networking comfort zone!

Please note, you must be under 30 to attend SYPG events.

RSVP: Please RSVP by Friday 13 February via email.

Cost: Schmooze Members are free, One Member Pass each. You don't have to be a member of Schmooze to come, tickets for non-members are available at the door for $20 cash, or you can pre-pay here.

Members Please Note: You can use your Member Passes to send young professionals from your organisation to SYPG events as your guest.

About the SYPG

The SYPG is the young professional branch of Schmooze and welcomes anyone in their 20's who wants to polish their networking skills and meet the most diverse range of young professionals in a relaxed atmosphere. Read more about the SYPG here.

About WISDOM

WISDOMis Schmooze's learning and development partner for 2009. It is a registered training organisation (RTO) and provides a range of services in areas such as training/education, business planning and consulting. We work with leading organisations from the public and private sectors including business services, real estate, retail, regulatory, health, education, enforcement, and tourism/hospitality.

WISDOM’s vision is to help people and organisations reach their full potential, and their mission is to make a positive difference to people and organisations by providing learning, facilitation and consulting services that are focused on achieving their clients' outcom

This event is presented in partnership with our learning and development partner, WISDOM, and you can read more about them here.

The presentations are held over a light lunch in the National Press Club's boardroom and there is a limit of 20 participants for each event, so you must RSVP and pre-pay to reserve your place.

Non-members and guests of members are very welcome to attend these workshops.

Please RSVP by Monday 16th February by email

Managing HR Performance for Business Success in 2009

2009 is shaping up to be a challenge for business, especially SMEs.

This is not the time to lose sight of your goals, in fact it is more important than ever that you have your eye on the prize and that goes for your team as well.

This session will detail the process of putting together a performance appraisal system and how to link this to your business values, mission and strategic goals for the best possible outcomes for your business.

There will also be opportunity for questions and discussions.

About the Presenter

Sarah holds a Professional Diploma of Human Resources from Deakin University and has 8 years experience in Human Resources, working for Deutsche Bank, Raytheon and KAZ Group in various generalist HR roles.

Sarah also has specialist experience in policy and programme development; and training and development.

Sarah is committed to getting the best out of people at work and believes that the single biggest factor that influences the success of a business is the quality of its people, if you have the right people in your business, doing the right job you can take it anywhere.

Join Schmooze members and their guests for an evening of networking in the evocative atmosphere of this famous bar used for generations of politicians, journalists and lobbyists.

The monthly Schmooze's are fast becoming famous as being THE networking event in the Canberra region. No other event has the welcoming and sophisticated atmosphere that these events offer.

Low on formality, with the focus on creating a networking comfort zone for professionals representing the full spectrum of business,  government and cultural sector.

Prospective members of Schmooze can request a Guest Pass to experience these events first before joining. A limited number is available, so please contact us.

You can watch previous monthly Schmooze's on SchmoozeTV.

RSVPs are essential.

The presentations are held over a light lunch in the National Press Club's boardroom and there is a limit of 20 participants for each event, so you must RSVP and pre-pay to reserve your place.

Non-members and guests of members are very welcome to attend these workshops.

Presentation: The Perfect Pitch- presenting the ideal sales proposition

Have you ever wondered when, where and how and in what order to provide pieces of information about what you do when presenting a proposal to a client?

How would you like to build a clear, concise and well-structured presentation of your sales offering?

In this highly interactive, hands-on presentation you will build your sales presentation in a format that:

• People will understand and never be overwhelmed by
• Reduces objections
• Increases presentation-to-sale conversion rates

In addition, you’ll be learning a process that you can apply to:

• Selling ideas, products and services
• Enhancing information retention in training sessions
• Writing website or advertising copy

All you need to bring is your knowledge of what you sell and we will work through the rest. Be prepared to have some fun, learn some new things and share with your peers.

About the Presenter
Sean Steele is a Master Sales Coach and Mentor to small-to-medium businesses in Canberra. After a successful 16 year career in sales, sales training and senior sales leadership roles in ASX 100 companies he plenty to offer.

He has a natural, engaging style that is authentic, hands-on, relevant and practical. Sean spends his spare time hanging out with his wife Anna and two young sons Lachlan and Sebastian outdoors.

This month's event is presented in association with the magnificent National Portrait Gallery- so glam up and get ready to Schmooze!

No two Schmooze's are ever the same with a changing mix of faces, and great venues - however one thing that doesn't change is the welcoming vibe- more like a cocktail party with lots of interesting people to meet rather than a staid networking function.

Add some smooth jazz, great drinks and canapes and you have a memorable networking event not to be missed- so ensure you RSVP as places for members and their guests will be limited.

The Members Networking Dinner will follow this event at Flint Restaurant- reservations essential.

Not a Member? Then take advantage of this special opportunity: Normally our events are open only to our Members and their guests, but this month you are invited to join us with tickets available for purchase either before the event online (below) at the door for $20 each cash. Please email rsvp@schmooze.net.au to reserve your place.

Note: all our complimentary guest passes for this event are now spoken for, but you can still buy tickets however if you want to experience a Schmooze.

About The National Portrait Gallery

The National Portrait Gallery aims to increase the understanding of the Australian people – their identity, history, creativity and culture – through portraiture.

The new National Portrait Gallery building, situated on King Edward Terrace, Parkes, Canberra, bounded by the High Court of Australia and the National Gallery of Australia, displays some 400 portraits of people who have shaped Australia and who continue to shape our nation.

Home to the nation's portrait collection the National Portrait Gallery comprises gallery spaces for the collection and temporary exhibitions, public areas including a café, shop, function room, theatrette, education and school group areas, and basement car parking.

The most significant building to be constructed in the Parliamentary precinct for over twenty years, the new National Portrait Gallery is 7 days (except Christmas Day) 10am - 5pm and offers a series of vibrant exhibitions, lectures, education programs and events.

PREPAY YOUR TICKETS

This event is one of the few events this year we open our doors to casual guests. You can prepay your ticket(s) with Visa or Master Card by clicking on the buttom below for a secure paypal transaction.  Tickets are also available at the door (cash) but you must RSVP.

This month we enjoy the brand new environment of Senso- an exciting culinary destination, which will be the venue of many future events for Schmooze food and wine appreciation events.  Add some live music, superb food and wine and this will be an evening not to be missed. A limit of 90 persons applies to this event so ensure you RSVP to avoid disappointment.

We also offer a limited number of guest Passes to potential members who want to experience Schmooze before joining- please contact us to request a Pass.

The Members Networking Dinner will follow this event at the new Senso. This will feature a personalised menu with specially chosen wines for members and their guests to complete this special evening. The cost per person in $70.00 all inclusive. Please advise of any dietary requirements when reserving your place. Places are limited to 12 participants.

About Flavours - The Culinary Centre

It is with great pleasure that we announce the new and exciting premises of the flavours Culinary Centre, due to open in March 2009. Not only are we moving, but we are also expanding.

Based on the current redevelopment of the Fyshwick Fresh Food Markets and flavours success over the past five years, we have realised the need for more space, which may create a vibrant environment for your business events. With more functional space, comes more multiplicity. Along the way, the move has encouraged a new name – senso. restaurant|culinary studio.

Senso is about taking today’s freshest market ingredients to produce innovative and contemporary food that is sophisticated yet simple. It is about food that stimulates our senses - taste, smell, touch, sight.

Michelin Master Chef Jan Gundlach has gathered together a fine culinary brigade to create a new food experience for Canberra.

Jan brings to Senso the knowledge and repertoire developed over an extraordinary career in the culinary arts. Both gold medal winner and jury member at the Culinary Olympics, Jan was Executive Chef for the Mandarin Hotel in Singapore, the Peninsula Hotel in Hong Kong and Raffles Hotel in Singapore.

His philosophy is to present food that is perfectly simple.

"Each ingredient must be the best available, cooked and served so that it maintains its natural taste and goodness. It is the artful combination of flavours on a plate that elevates a dish to a different dimension."

The Restaurant

Dinner is a sensual and elegant culinary experience called Jaan’s Table. Jan and his team craft a degustation menu that changes every day, reflecting the best in-season produce available from the market on that day.

The open kitchen allows guests at Jan’s Table to more fully participate in the culinary experience as the kitchen brigade are seen at work.

The menu is complemented by a wine list of extensive breath and depth, featuring selections from throughout Australia and Europe of wines of exceptional quality and value, as well as the rare and the unusual.

Cook & Eat is unique to Saturday night where up to 20 guests can choose to assist in the preparation and cooking of their food before sitting down to be served the fruits of their labour. Its fun, interactive and you choose the level of participation.

At lunchtime on market days Senso introduces the Flying Buffet. The freshest and best produce available from the markets on that day are brought together for a light, multi-course tasting lunch that will stimulate your senses but is quick and inexpensive.

On the first Wednesday of every month, MIX brings together food lovers from throughout the region for an evening of exceptional food and wine and good company.

Culinary studio

In the tradition of Jan’s culinary centre flavours, Senso is also a culinary studio.

Senso is an innovative and stimulating environment for corporate events from breakfasts to cocktail parties and dinners, where guests can interact with the kitchen activities. The menu and wines are carefully chosen to match your event.

Senso’s team building events in the kitchen provide a fun, rewarding, and unique way for your team to get motivated and learn to work together to produce a memorable meal that is shared by the group.

Each week Senso presents food and wine events including cooking classes and master classes, wine and coffee appreciation, wine maker dinners and market tours.

The Senso Culinary Diploma takes both beginners and experienced cooks through a series of five hands-on practical cookery sessions incorporating the most important culinary principals. Visitors can use the extensive Senso culinary library and purchase from the Senso range of fine foods and spices.

For a complete list of flavours (senso) activities visit the website at www.flavours.com.au

 About our Sponsors for the May SYPG Schmooze

Did you know that only fifteen minutes from the centre of Canberra along Majura road lies Mount Majura Vineyard? A small boutique operation, the winemaker at Mount Majura Vineyard, Frank van de Loo focuses on expressing the character of the vineyard in the quality of his wines. The Mount Majura Vineyard site was selected especially for it’s unique combination of soil, aspect and climate. As a result only handpicked fruit grown on site are used in the range of Mount Majura Vineyard wines.

So what varieties of wines to Mount Majura Vineyard produce? Well quite a range, in the whites there is Riesling, Pinot Gris and Chardonnay. If you’re a fan of a cool climate red, take a look at the Pinot Noir, Merlot, Dinny’s Block blend, Shiraz, Graciano and Tempranillo.

Raise a glass to the fantastic local wines from Mount Majura Vineyard at the Schmooze Young Professionals Group on Wednesday 20th of May.

Kingston Supper Club is the most recent stylish and sophisticated venue to cater to patrons in Canberra’s up market night scene. Tucked away above Green Square, the intimate and trendy setting provides an ideal atmosphere for work and social functions.

Set upon two levels, you can spoil yourself with a signature cocktail at the bar, or escape upstairs to the private and spacious second floor lounge, which provides the perfect setting to indulge in an evening full of revelry and decadence.

A well balanced wine list showcases a fantastic range of Canberra region wines, as well as a great national and international selection. The quality liquor temptations continue with fine spirits, liqueurs and a range of local and imported beers.

Constantly evolving, the cocktail list takes advantage of seasonal ingredients and is tailored in line with the enticing food offerings. The list explores a unique assortment of flavors and textures whilst keeping options available for lovers of the true classics.

The late night menu comprises savory and sweet dishes showcasing cuisine from a number of leading local restaurants. Kingston Supper Club in conjunction with chefs from Pangaea, Sage, Parlour Wine Room and more, will work to create a menu tailored specifically for you.  The owners bring in experience from some of Australia’s top venues including Tetsuya’s, Aria, Level Forty-One, Pangaea, Bambu Lounge, St Kilda Pelican, Waterfront Station pier and many more.

No two events are ever the same, except the great welcoming buzz of making new contacts and catching up with your networking pals!  This month we are getting a little physical and the event is being staged in a state of the art fitness studio.

The May Schmooze is hosted by the Body to Burn Studio and we also welcome members of the International Coach Federation (ICF) who will be celebrating International Coach Week in the last week of May.

The Members Networking Dinner will follow this event at Flint Restaurant from 8pm.

Not  a Member? If you are interested  in joining Schmooze but want to try us first, you are welcome to request a Guest Pass- we offer a limited number of those each month. Please contact us.

About Body to Burn

Body to Burn Personal Fitness is a Canberra based personal training business offering one-on-one and small group training. Body to Burn Personal Fitness are specialists in outdoor training and indoor training and have a state of the art personal training studio unlike anything seen in Canberra, located on London Circuit in the City.

We specialise in the provision of a premier personal service. Body to Burn training is created to suit all lifestyles. We work within your schedule so that you can meet your fitness objectives.

About the International Coach Federation

The ICF Australasia currently represents more than a 1100 members throughout Australia and New Zealand and is commited to encouraging high professional standards of ethics and conduct by its members by developing and promoting an industry wide CODE of PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS and a universally accepted Accreditation process which preserves the integrity of coaching through internationally credible and ethical self-regulation.

The mission of the International Coach Federation is to be the global forum for the art and science of coaching, where we inspire transformational conversations, advocate excellence, and expand awareness of the contribution coaching is to the future of humankind. The ICF’s internationally recognized standards of excellence, professionalism and code of ethics establish a strong foundation for self-governance of the coaching profession.

Please see their website for more info.

Add some jazz, great drinks, an unique venue and new faces and you have a memorable networking event not to be missed- so please ensure you RSVP as places for members and their guests will be limited.

At this event we'll also be announcing an exclusive special offer for members of Schmooze.

The Members Networking Dinner will follow this event at Cafe Barocca from 8pm- see here for more details.

RSVP: Please reserve your place by 22 June via email or members can register online below.

Not  a Member? If you are interested in joining Schmooze but want to try us first, you are welcome to request a Guest Pass- we offer a limited number of those each month. Please contact us.

About Servcorp

Servcorp offers the world’s finest serviced and virtual office solutions. Founded in Sydney in 1978, Servcorp now operates an international network of prime CBD locations throughout Australia, New Zealand, Japan, China, South-East Asia, India, Europe and the Middle East including the prestigious St George Centre Canberra and The Realm Barton.

Servcorp’s office and IT solutions enable companies of any size to operate with the corporate presence, IT, infrastructure and support of a multi-national organisation, without having the associated overheads normally required to do so. A Servcorp Smart Office® is fully-managed corporate office suite in a prime CBD building. It includes a dedicated, local receptionist; access to a worldwide network of meeting rooms; secretarial support on hand and exclusive access to an online portfolio of business services and tools. Services are available on a flexible month-by-month basis to ensure that client’s can control their time and costs more effectively.

With Servcorp Offices client’s get:

• A prestigious and recognised CBD business address
• Mail, faxes and courier management
• Fax number and dedicated email addresses
• Access to Servcorp worldwide executive business lounges
• Multilingual administrative support
• Secure data storage facilities
• Booking online services through Servcorp Online - Hottdesk®
• Download detailed invoices online via Servcorp Online - Hottdesk®
• Access to a scalable Smart Office® broadband internet
• Print to any Servcorp location in the world

A Servcorp Virtual Office® gives clients all the benefits, presence, facilities and services of a Servcorp Smart Office®, whilst they work from home or another location.

Client’s can run their business effectively without the cost and commitment of a physical office space and choose from a range of packages offering benefits such as telephone answering, access to corporate meeting rooms, use of a CBD address or a complete business package.

Our complete Servcorp Online platform let’s client’s manage their services in real time no matter where their work takes them. Sign up online and be operational in minutes.

Everyone is welcome and you don't have to be a member of Schmooze to attend, you can just pay our $20 casual ticket fee at the door or pre-paid- but RSVPs are essential as they events book out quickly.

RSVP: Reservations will be essential as these events sell out quickly!  RSVP by June 24 via email.

BUY YOUR TICKETS PAYMENT:  You can prepay and reserve your place by requesting EFT details via email when you RSVP, or via PayPal below 

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Take the SYPG/Live in Canberra Quiz 

Are you:
a) so brand new to Canberra that you still feel dizzy with all the roundabouts;
b) settled in to the Nation's Capital but want to know what else Canberra has to offer; or
c) a born and bred local who wants meet new people and maybe even rediscover their hometown?

Then this is the event for you!

Come along to the Canberra institution that is the National Press Club for the joint SYPG - Live in Canberra event on 30th June.

Upon entry you will receive a show bag which contains lots of goodies including:

• A short term Privileges card, courtesy of RoomRates.com.au, a Canberra owned and operated business that allows you to access great deals on accommodation when you travel to Sydney (or elsewhere) to use your Privileges card! The Privileges card will give you discounted entry to many of Canberra’s great attractions so you can go out and see it all!
• A NewActon passport which offers some stunning deals from the businesses within the NewActon precinct. The passport allows you to check out the events in the precinct and to dine, drink and pamper yourself.

Canapés and drinks will be provided courtesy of the National Press Club and there will be music to put you in the mood to mingle! 

 About Live in Canberra

The ACT Government’s bi-monthly welcome events are an opportunity to showcase the strong sense of community that exists in Canberra,In addition to giving new Canberran's a warm welcome they also introduce residents to Canberra’s finest attractions.

New Canberrans who arrive without family and friends can use the welcome events to meet people and develop support networks. The Live in Canberra program is a key part of the ACT Government’s $51 million long-term strategy to address the local effects of the national skills shortage.

For more info:http://www.liveincanberra.com.au/index.html   

 About the National Press Club

For people who shape Australian society, the National Press Club is Australia’s most recognised vehicle, an icon chosen for major statements and for initiating change.

The National Press Club is an iconic institution with membership made up of the influencers and decision makers of Australia; be they Federal or State Parliamentarians, political advisors, Government Heads of Departments, diplomatic community, academia, legal and other professions, and, quite clearly, the foundation members - journalists - including the Federal Parliamentary Press Gallery plus everyday thinking Australians - many of whom are leaders in their own communities.

The new first floor layout offers an extended array of comfortable and discreet lounge settings for groups of various sizes to meet, drink, dine and talk.  If you wish to do business, catch up on the latest news, enjoy a glass of fine wine, a cocktail, dine on award-winning food, engage in robust debate or simply relax with friends, then join us at the Club Lounge at the National Press Club of Australia.

The Club Lounge feautures a sophisticated décor that is welcoming and relaxed and conducive to both business and social interaction and a beverage selection from imported ales to international cocktails along with our affordable tap beer and house wines.For more info: www.npc.org.au

About  Roomrates.com.au

This is a Canberra owned and operated business that allows you to access great deals on accommodation when you travel to Sydney (or elsewhere). RoomRates.com.au offers online hotel bookings at over 45,000 hotels world-wide and part of each booking is donated to a worthy charity. 

You will also receive a free main meal with every booking. Schmooze members enjoy additional benefits and discounts when booking via their page in the Members Lounge. For more info: see here

About New Acton

NewActon is a multi-faceted development incorporating The Apartments, NewActon Pavilion, NewActon East, landscaped gardens, art, retail and commercial spaces all linked by and inspired vision.   NewActon encompasses the sophisticated urban cool of Melbourne and views as breathtaking as Sydney Harbour in a sophisticated village community.

You'll experience organic produce, languid antipastos, tranquil spas, smooth cocktails, cool jazz, bohemian nights and the aroma of the day's first espresso. 

Located right by the lake at the end of Marcus Clarke Street you will find a world-class restaurant, a five star boutique hotel, vibrant cafes, a wine and tapas bar, offices, shops and other lifestyle amenities.  NewActon. Left of centre, right by the lake. For more info: www.newacton.com.au

About Blue Star Print Group

At Blue Star, we are constantly alert to smart ideas and innovative solutions in print-related communication. Everyone in the group is energised by initiative and achievement. We believe the best resource we can offer our customers is the powerful combination of fresh thinking and the intelligent use of experience.

We are proud to be able to offer your company a tailored solution across a broad range of services. You are only a phone call away from having access to the most comprehensive range of print and print-related services available in the market today.

Depending on your needs we can provide a stand-alone service, or harness the unique strengths of each Blue Star division in a seamless, end-to-end offering across sheet-fed, digital and web printing, print management, design services, direct mail and logistics. No other print specialist can provide all this under one roof and still give you localised customer service. For more info: http://www.bspga.com.au/

All young professionals under 30 are welcome and you don't have to be a member of Schmooze to attend. You can by tickets at the door or pre-pay below. If you want to enhance your contacts and career prospects or polish your networking or interpersonal skills then come along this month and join young professionals from around Canberra at these relaxed networking events.

NETWORKING DRINKS FUNCTION: Don't Stress…it's just the GFC"

This month the SYPG teams up with the Social Network of Graduates for a networking event that’s all about enjoying yourself amid the global financial crisis.  Let's face it, it's hard to ignore that the GFC puts us all under a little bit of extra stress.

But how do you stand out and push your career forward in these challenging times?

Come and enjoy great company, the opportunity to network with like minded young professionals and get some great tips on pushing through the financial crisis and creating some fun new opportunities for yourself. Also enjoy inspiring advise from a special guest speaker and some lively entertainment.

NETWORKING DINNER AND PRESENTATION: THRIVING PROFESSONALLY IN THE GFC

Following the networking drinks part of the evening the SYPG brings you a networking dinner at the elegant 'First Floor' Restaurant in Kingston. We are especially inviting members of the ACT Public Service Young Professionals Network.

Our guest speaker for the evening, Eugene Kalenjuk, will discuss how to gain professional development in the public and private sector during the financial crisis.  Eugene is the Partner- Growth Solutions for Deloitte in the ACT Region and is also responsible for Canberra Business Point.

Places are limited for the dinner, so book now and reserve your place.

You can come either event or both!

PAYMENT

Networking Drinks at Minque $20 per person

The cover charge for the networking drinks part of the evening is $20 for guests and non-members which gives you entry, two drinks and canapes. Tax Receipts provided

If you are a member of Schmooze the event is free- its just one Pass each. 

BUY YOUR TICKETS PAYMENT:  You can prepay and reserve your place by requesting EFT details via email when you RSVP, or via PayPal below 

Add some music, great drinks, an unique venue and new faces and you have a memorable networking event not to be missed- so ensure you RSVP as places for members and their guests will be limited.

Hosted by University House, the event will be bring together members and guests of Schmooze and Canberra Business Point- an annual coming together of our two organisations to double the networking possibilities! 

This will be the biggest Schmooze of the year (we think) - so don't miss out.

Not a Member Yet? We also offer a limited number of guest Passes to propsective members who want to experience Schmooze before joining- please contact us to request a Pass.

RSVP: via email by 27 July by registering below if a member, or via email: rsvp@schmooze.net.au

Location and Parking: The Cellar Bar is located downstairs within the University House complex, please look out for the Schmooze team who will offer directions from the University House reception. There is a range of on street parking near Uni House, as well as a car park at the rear of the building- please allow time to find a spot!

The Members Networking Dinner will follow this event at the award winning Ginger Room in Old Parliament House

About University House

Newly renovated, the Fellows Bar and Café with its sophisticated, yet relaxed surroundings, fresh and tasty food and a wide range of desserts, coffee and beverages is the perfect place to unwind.

Our 11 individual function venues all feature original art and natural light. 105 rooms and suites with all the standards one would expect ensure for a relaxed stay.  Boffins Restaurant offers old world charm, reflecting on an era of fine food and wine combined with friendly service.

University House is located within the Australian National University in the centre of Canberra. Surrounded by majestic trees and parkland, we are only a short stroll from attractions such as the National Museum and Lake Burley Griffin. 

About Canberra Business Point

Canberra BusinessPoint is an exciting new ACT Government Initiative which is proudly presented by Deloitte. It is a sophisticated business information mentoring and advisory service for business in the ACT region.

Canberra BusinessPoint is an innovative and free service designed to deliver end-to-end advisory services for start-up businesses, young businesses, entrepreneurs, exporters and established enterprises.

Specifically the program aims to assist businesses from a diverse cross-section of industries within the ACT, with particular respect to: growth plans, commercialisation of ideas and concepts and mentoring owners and operators in the effective running of their business operations. For more info please see their website.

All young professionals under 30 are invited to be inspired and gain essential interpersonal skills that will make you stand out and shine professionally at this special event presented in association with the SYPG's partner, Randstad.

This month we have three presentations by experts in fashion, recruitment and style from Randstad, The Darling Sisters and Inspired Model Management who together will share insights on how to make a Great First Impression! 

The monthly Schmooze Young Professional Group events have a welcoming and stylish vibe that brings together young professionals from a wide range of backgrounds to meet and be inspired.  

Entry includes two drinks and canapes, and you can pre-pay your tickets below, or pay at the door- but please RSVP as places will be limited to 60 participants to ensure personalised attention on the night.

We are also especially welcoming members of the University of Canberra's PR People, and Advertising and Marketing Societies and the CIT fashion and design students wth a special teritary student discount. Anyone aged 18-29 are welcome at SYPG events.

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Reserve your Place Today!

This event will be limited to about 60 people to ensure a personalised experience. RSVP: By Sunday 16 August via email

Prepay Tickets

You can pay via PayPal here, or via EFT, just contact us for our details. Or you can reserve your place when you RSVP and pay at the door.  Its $20 per person, or $15 for Uni / CIT Students (Student ID required)

 GUEST PASS $20.00

STUDENT PASS  $15.00 (STUDENT ID REQUIRED ON NIGHT)

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Our Presenters

 

BRIANNA BRAME, Executive Manager, Randstad

Ever wonder what seperates a good interview candidate from a great candidate? Brianne Brame will give her expert tips on body language including:

• the perfect handshake
• eye contact
• confidence- how to make a great first impression

The second largest HR and recruitment services company in the world, Randstad matches people with companies that will help them develop to their full potential; and companies with people that will take their business to the next level and beyond.

Seeking global leadership while focusing on local excellence, we provide specialist services across five distinctive service offerings - staffing, professionals, executive, HR solutions and Inhouse services - meaning our clients can trust us to meet and exceed their needs anywhere, anytime.

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THE DARLING SISTERS

The Darling Sisters conduct our Charm and Deportment Salons for ladies and gentelemen, focussing on everyday confidence and style with a vintage flavour. We also run the Canbera Sophisticates Society, bringing old-fashioned glamour and entertainment back into everyday life.

 

The Darlings believe in charm, good manners, tolerance, confidence and good body image.  The Darling Sisters, Darla and Blossom, separated at birth but now together and having a ball! The Darling sisters are dedicated to style, good manners and individuality.

The Darlings, together, have years of experience in fashion, etiquette, movement, public speaking, vintage styling, mixology, events and all those little niceties that turn meh into fwah, humph into verve and life into LIFE!

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Inspired Model Management

 

The Agency is the brain child of Ksenia and Robert who met on a Sunny day by chance in Canberra in January 2009. One a Model the other a Successful Business Man. From the first conversation Inspiration grew and idea’s flowed in how they could revolutionize not only the Modeling Industry but also how businesses use a modeling agency. So the Agency was formed. We will be presenting on "Being a Successful Young Leader"

• Difference between a Leader and a Manager
• How to be a Successful Leader
• How to be a Successful Team Member
• How to run a Successful Team
• Networking for Success

Ksenia Vorobyeva- Experienced Russian Model turned Business Woman. Ksenia has the experience in front of the camera that gets the best out of all our Inspired Models. When you meet Ksenia you will see passion and determination in her eyes. Ksenia loves to succeed and help others develop their potential.As a business owner her appreciation of what goes into displaying a professional image is one that will take a company to success and growth.

Robert Azdajic- Robert has had 27 years experience in the Fashion Industry including personal stylist to models, business people and individuals. He has successfully directed seasonal fashion shows in Europe preparing models for the catwalks of Switzerland, Italy, Germany & Sweden. His passion comes from creating a unique style in every individual's presentation. When you meet Robert you get a sense of fun and creativity from him. He is a successful businessman due to his inspirational demeanor.

The presentations are held over a light lunch in the National Press Club's boardroom and there is a limit of 16 participants for each event. 

Non-members and guests of members are very welcome to attend these events.

RSVP: By email by August 17

Networking – Networking Skills Fundamentals

Let’s face it, you either love it or you hate it.

Regardless, it is a common aspect of modern business and if you desire more success professional then you will want to develop some sophisticated networking skills. I use the descriptor, sophisticated, as I know that many people associate networking with the pushy sales person and having business cards thrust into your hands at professional events.

I would like to share with you some strategies that you can use to both manage your perceptions of networking and allow you to overcome any resistance you may feel about getting out there and doing it and build your confidence.

At the end of this session you will be shown:

• How to introduce yourself – engaging effectively (first impressions do count!)
• How to build rapport – artful questions (it’s about them not you!)
• How to move on – disengaging politely (you are there to circulate!)

You will also learn how to develop an effective ‘elevator pitch’

At the end of the session you will be provided with a handout on the do’s and don’ts of networking as well as the information covered in the session.

Our Presenter

Louise Carter – Director Performance Partnership

‘Born in the UK, Louise Carter made Australia her home in 1989. Her career, spanning 20 years, has been made up of providing successful performance development solutions for companies and individuals across a wide industry base. She has a proven track record in Leadership coaching, Leadership Development, Learning & Development, Organisational Development, Organisational Change, Human Resources, and Talent Management. She is passionate about delivering outcomes that are both strategic and business focussed.

Louise established Performance Partnership in 1994. It is a successful coaching, training and consultancy organisation specialising in working with both individuals and organisations to improve behavioural performance.

Louise holds a psychology degree (honors level), post-graduate degrees in instructional design (applied science) and Human Resources, is a qualified NLP practitioner, hold a Certificate IV in Workplace Training and Assessment and is a certified and practicing master business and life coach. She is a member of the International Coaching Federation.

For those attending for the first time, the Schmooze team will be happy to introduce them around through our exclusive Schmooze Concierge service to ensure they are made welcome.

These events are famous for their relaxed vibe and are as far as you can get from the usual staid networking event. We attract a wide range of professionals and our no name tag policy means there is a serendipty about who you may meet.

At this event will be officially introducing our latest principle sponsor, Bartercard Australia.

The Members Networking Dinner will follow this event at the superb Senso Culinary centre, so book now to reserve your place.

About Julep Lounge

The award winning Julep Lounge is a refined cocktail lounge located on the first floor above Abels Records in Franklin St, Manuka. Its silky ambience is suitably seductive accentuated by warm interior tones, dipped lighting and an inviting atmosphere.

The cocktail menu demands serious attention with over fifty artfully blended concoctions. On oasis of civility and great cocktails.

For more info please visit their website. 

About Bartercard

Bartercard is committed to helping Small to Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) grow and achieve financial success by facilitating a Trade Exchange network that offers dynamic and effective ways of conducting business.

Although the concept of barter is thousands of years old, bartering through Bartercard is the most innovative way of combining modern technology, a community of businesses, and indirect and direct marketing channels to increase your customer base, increase sales, increase profit and improve cashflow.

 Ever since the inception of Bartercard into the Australian economy in 1991, the way companies across the country conduct their day-to-day business has been revolutionised.  Bartercard’s world-leading innovative Trade Exchange system enables over 75,000 trading members in 9 countries to benefit from the cashless economy of barter.

For more info please visit their website or contact Colin McCulluch on 6280 8300.

Bartercard is the latest Principle Sponsor to join Schmooze- for details of their special offer to members, please log in and vist their page in the Members Lounge.

Each month, Schmooze members and guests can gain expert insights and practical advice on a range of topics. The workshops leverage of the knowledge and expertise of our members and generate discussion that assists the participants in a collaborative and informal setting.

The aim to provide 'plug and play' knowledge and tactics that can be applied immediately in your professional life.

The presentations are held over a light lunch in the National Press Club's boardroom and there is a limit of 18 participants for each event, so you must RSVP and pre-pay to reserve your place. The event includes a light lunch and non-members and guests of members are very welcome to attend these workshops.

Please RSVP by 11 September.

THIS MONTH'S TOPIC

A 45 minute strategy session for business owners who want more clients.

If you only had 90 days to book out your business, what would you do differently?

In this active presentation I would like to share with you why traditional advertising may not get the best results for your small and medium businesses and how to get your target clients for low or no-cost.

During our time together I will give you real-life strategies I have used to completely book out a fresh university graduate Psychologist in three months, how I sold a $15,000 marketing consulting package on my first day selling door to door… and how last month (end of August 2009) I got a building client worth $12,000 a year only four days after starting an new architectural practice.

So if you are a business owner who has capacity to take on more top clients in the next 90 days, then this is for you. If you don’t have space for more clients, then come and I’ll share with you how I increased a client’s fees by 19% in three weeks.

OUR PRESENTER

String Nikolic has dedicated the last eight years of his business life to finding the best information on direct response marketing and sales strategies and now works with business owners to help them get more of the right clients in 90 days or less… and strategically increase fees.

Participants will be formed into small groups and then enjoy a 10 -15 minute presentation from each guest speaker, moving from guest speaker onto the next. There will be a limit of 75 participants for this event to ensure personalised attention and there will be plenty of opportunities for networking and questions following the presentations.

Anyone under 30 is welcome to the SYPG events and you don't have to be a member of Schmooze to attend- casual tickets are available at the door (cash only) or you can prepay via PayPal below or request our EFT details when you RSVP.

We are also making especially welcome members of the ANU Management, Marketing and International Business (MMIB) Student's Society ,along with all the young professional groups the SYPG has worked with this year.

RSVP by Friday 18 September: rsvp@schmooze.net.au

Prepay Tickets

You can pay via PayPal here, or via EFT, just contact us for our details. Or you can reserve your place when you RSVP and pay at the door.  Its $20 per person, or $15 for Uni / CIT Students (Student ID required)

 GUEST PASS $20.00

STUDENT PASS  $15.00 (STUDENT ID REQUIRED ON NIGHT)

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Our Presenters 

SOUND TECHNIQUE

Ashley Feraude established Sound Technique in 2003, a marketing consultancy, graphic and sound design business, which includes an impressive number and variety of clients. Ashley produces niche market and highly targeted graphic design and sound design products including corporate identity material, advertising campaigns, printed materials, websites and web campaigns and original compositions including themes, web/multimedia soundtracks, video scores and song production.

The sole trader business expanded from one to 15 clients within the first year of operation purely through word of mouth and on the reputation of delivering, creative, cost effective and timely projects. In 2008, though his work, Ashley assisted Hippo in winning an AHA award as best marketed venue.

The client list includes Friction Events Management, Canberra Arts Marketing, Chinese Laundry, Slipp Inn & Tank (Merivale Group), Academy Nightclub, Lexington Music, Trinity, Hippo, Canberra Arts Marketing, Ginger Catering, Schmooze Network, Research One, Canberra Jazz Festival, Red Hot Recruitment, Australian International Education Academy, LiveIn Real Estate, Cataldo’s Hair Salon, Franco of Canberra, Redpath Shoes, Skin Synergy, Caffe Della Piazza, Knightsbridge Penthouse, Lot 33, Dreamfarm and Sandy Spiers Photography.

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Content Group

David Pembroke is a highly regarded communication professional with a strong reputation for creativity and getting things done. In 1997 David identified an opportunity to blend his business, marketing and communication skills to offer a service to the public and private sectors, this is where he established Contentgroup.   Contentgroup’s mission is to achieve outstanding results for their clients. Contentgroup does this by understanding the unique challenges of each of their clients before applying their knowledge, skills, behaviour and attitude to achieve the best result.

 

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IQ MUTLIMEDIA

Sam Marciano has over 10 years experience in graphic and web design and is now utilizing his expertise as the Director of IQmultimedia. iQmultimedia is a small, vibrant graphic design and web design and development organisation with studios based in Wollongong, NSW and Canberra.

iQmultimedia deliver unique and high quality web, branding, print, motion and custom application development solutions for businesses of all sizes. They excel at creating fresh, inspiring experiences through intuitive, user-focused design that set their client’s business apart from every competitor.

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RANDSTAD

The second largest HR and recruitment services company in the world, Randstad matches people with companies that will help them develop to their full potential; and companies with people that will take their business to the next level and beyond. Seeking global leadership while focusing on local excellence, we provide specilaist services across five distinctive service offerings - staffing, professionals, executive, HR solutions and Inhouse services - meaning our clients can trust us to meet and exceed their needs anywhere, anytime.

With a network of offices across Australia, Singapore, New Zealand and around the globe, and a specilaist division focused solely on recruitment for the PR, Communications and creative industries, we offer our clients and candidates a dedicated service that is second to none. We know the communications industry inside and out and will work with you to find the perfect career path or employee.

Look out for our unique direct e-mail network reaching more than 8000 PR and marketing professionals. This vast network provides clients with immediate and direct access to the widest possible range of potential candidates for any industry related position – covering all relevant disciplines, and salary levels from $40K to $200K+.

 

 

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About the National Press Club

For people who shape Australian society, the National Press Club is Australia’s most recognised vehicle, an icon chosen for major statements and for initiating change.

The National Press Club is an iconic institution with membership made up of the influencers and decision makers of Australia; be they Federal or State Parliamentarians, political advisors, Government Heads of Departments, diplomatic community, academia, legal and other professions, and, quite clearly, the foundation members - journalists - including the Federal Parliamentary Press Gallery plus everyday thinking Australians - many of whom are leaders in their own communities.

The new first floor layout offers an extended array of comfortable and discreet lounge settings for groups of various sizes to meet, drink, dine and talk.  If you wish to do business, catch up on the latest news, enjoy a glass of fine wine, a cocktail, dine on award-winning food, engage in robust debate or simply relax with friends, then join us at the Club Lounge at the National Press Club of Australia.

 

The Club Lounge feautures a sophisticated décor that is welcoming and relaxed and conducive to both business and social interaction and a beverage selection from imported ales to international cocktails along with our affordable tap beer and house wines.For more info: www.npc.org.au

Add some live music and great wine and you'll experience a memorable networking event not to be missed- so please ensure you RSVP as places for members and their guests will be limited, so please contact Schmooze by Friday 25 September.

Please note this event is taking place on a Tuesday, rather than the usual Wednesday evening. The September Schmooze will also introduce the Canberra Business Blitz competitors on the eve of voting to see which company will win the challenge.

Entertainment

The evening will feature music performed by Hum&Ahh  which began when Natalya & Liena combined elements from their differing musical backgrounds, putting together an innovative and elegant duo that draws on Jazz, Early Spanish, and Folk idioms. Natalya studied Jazz at the Canberra School of Music, and Liena studied classical Harp at the Conservatorium in Melbourne, and is currently the managing Director of Harp Center Australia.

The two have also combined talents in other musical matters, including working on the Fourwinds Festival, and most recently winning $10,000 through the InnovationsACT 'Excellence in Business Planning & Commercialisation' competition for the Harp Center Australia.

About OUR HOSTS

 

BMW is a symbol of success, style and luxury and the recently renovated and extended Rolfe Classic BMW showroom reflects this in every aspect.

With these impressive facilities along with a team that has extensive knowledge and experience, Rolfe Classic BMW sets the standard for luxury car dealerships in the ACT.

Whilst BMW leads to world in luxury cars, more recently technologies are being developed to ensure BMW leads the way in environmental motoring through our Efficient Dynamics program. In essence, BMW Efficient Dynamics is about less fuel consumption, but more performance; delivering fewer emissions, with more driving pleasure.

With these technologies and the experienced staff at Rolfe Classic, there is no better place to experience the Joy of The Ultimate Driving Machine.

Along with BMW, Rolfe Classic is also home to MINI, BMW Used Vehicles and BMW Motorcycles. For more information on any of Rolfe Classic BMW’s services please visit their website.

Enviro Schmooze features a superb line up of acts and local talent that will be a new experience for all that will be totally immersive. Schmooze’s collaborative project shows its green conscience, harnessing local talent to communicate an environmental message.

A ground breaking, entertaining, amalgamation of young local Canberra artists and performers are binding together to present their message of sustainability!

Schmooze will also be reducing our carbon footprint by combining for this month the Young Professional and Professional branch's events making for a unique evening to be inspired and foster new connections.

The event will include special performances by artists, dancers and musicians inspired by the setting, twilight tours by the ANBG staff and more, all set in the stunning environment of the Gardens.

RSVP: By Friday 16 via email

Tickets for Schmooze Non-members: please contact Schmooze for EFT details when you RSVP or you can pay via Paypal here.

 About our Hosts

The Australian National Botanic Gardens offers a unique opportunity to discover the beauty and diversity of Australia’s rich plant life among the world’s largest collection of Australian native plants.

There is nowhere else in the world you can discover the unique biodiversity of Australian plants from the inland to the coast.

Escape from the everyday and immerse yourself in the colours, scents and textures of Australia’s landscapes. Reconnect with nature, family and friends while relaxing in Canberra’s most popular Garden café or browse through the Botanical Bookshop.

Growing the largest collection of Australian plants at the one location, the Australian National Botanic Gardens is in a unique position to educate the community about Australia’s flora and fauna and the challenges facing our Australian environment.
 

About the Performers and Artists

DJ Andrew is a student of the software engineering program at the University of Canberra and creates and plays his beats in the local Canberra district. He will be composing an environmental soundscape to perform throughout the night.

Dani K is an incredibly talented 1st year CIT music performance student that writes and composes her own music. She lives and works in Canberra and will perform her work that reflects the environmental theme. Be prepared to be whisked away by the soothing sounds of Dani K.

Kokoloco is Canberra’s most prestigious Latin dance studio and the home to latin dance in the ACT. Brilliant professional dancers will take to the floor in a demonstration of style and technique, showcasing an organic style of dance named Afro Brazilian.

The performers, featuring teachers and students from the school, have had years of training and development on their artform.

This is showcase is going to be hot, hot, hot – not an event to be missed!

Local Artists from the ANU Sculpture School of Art will be displaying their response to the environmentally sustainable theme. The artists who will be presenting range from 2nd to 4th year honour students.

The featured ANU Sculpture artist is Heather Brenchley. A second year art student that will embark on an exchange to a prestigious Parisian art school next academic semester. She is currently majoring in assemblage and will be creating a work which will intrigue you all.

Local Artist, Yvonna de Jong from Natures canvas will display her masterpieces at the event. She produces original stretched canvas photographic artwork which is absolutely captivating.

She invites you through her artworks to remember the feeling of strolling along a beach or wandering through a rainforest as she captures the essence of environmental experiences!

This evening will be introducing two guest speakers to leave you inspired and excited about the future. 

Our first guest speaker, Zoe Lamont, is an adventurer and has lived, worked, travelled and volunteered in 47 countries.  She'll be sharing her insights into how she has turned a passionate idea into a range of social and business ventures that are making the world a better place both locally and internationally.  It's one thing to have a great idea or want to change your life, but how do you actually do it? Come along and find out.

This special SYPG event is proudly presented in association with the Crawford School of Economics and Government, one of the world's leading post-graduate policy schools and we'll also hear about some of the exciting opportunities that exist in their upcoming programs.

Our second Guest speaker will be Sam Engele currently manages the Regulation Policy Unit of the ACT Department of Treasury; he has also worked extensively in intergovernmental financial relations.

He undertook his Masters in Public Policy (specialising in Economic Policy) at the Crawford School in 2007-2008.

Sam also holds an Economics degree and a Commerce degree from ANU.

As this will be last SYPG and SYEG Schmooze for 2009 we especially welcome all young professionals in the ACT as well as members from the young professional groups we've worked with this year including the Kokoda Foundation Young Leaders Forum, ACT Young Lawyers Committee, Social Network of Graduates, ACT Public Service Young Professionals, ANU's MMIB Society and the University of Canberra's Advertising and Marketing Society and PR People.

Set in the beautiful environment of University House, join us for a relaxed and welcoming evening with tunes from our resident DJ, great food and drinks and make some new contacts and friends.

RSVP: RSVP to rsvp@schmooze.net.au 

PAYMENT: via PayPal here, or cash at the dooruni students $15, or young professionals $20 includes all drinks etc

About the Crawford School of ECONOMICS AND GOVERNMENT

The Crawford School of Economics and Government is a large and powerful professional policy school within the ANU. Our reputation rests on first class research capacities and highly successful graduate professional training programs. Our mission embodies the spirit of Sir John Crawford, a pioneering policy-maker and former Chancellor of the ANU, who helped steer the economic renewal of Australia in the second half of the twentieth century and international engagement across the Asia-Pacific region.

In addition to academic coursework programs, we also offer short, tailored executive programs for individual and corporate clients in the public and private sectors. For students interested in pursuing careers in advanced research, we offer specialised PhD training in our core disciplinary and professional areas.

What makes our School such a distinctive and exciting organisation is its vibrant research culture. Our faculty members are constantly generating ideas and empirical findings that play a leading role in pushing scholarly debates forward and informing wider public policy discussion in Australia, Asia and the Pacific.

For more information, see this video (external site)

About Zoe

Co-founder, the fuelthinking group, recently described in an interview as an 'inspiring young Australian', this young woman runs and is involved in numerous social business ventures and for those who know her, would agree she has a resilience and positivity that inspires many in her daily life.

Since late 2006, Zoe Lamont has run and currently runs a number of projects under the fuelthinking organisation banner.

A country girl, she grew up on a farm near Wagga Wagga in regional NSW, Australia, and willing to do anything to get to where she wants.. made her first $20k working driving trucks and at the local abattoir.. before heading off as an international volunteer.

She is an adventurer and has lived, worked, travelled and volunteered in 47 countries.

After returning to OZ, along with helping to set up two social and environmental business ventures, now leading national organisations, she was part of initiating a world first internet based democratic political party and at 24 ran for the Senate in the 2007 Australian Federal Elections, the party gaining a masse of global media attention and having brought together a group of specialists and academics across the fields of participatory and e-democracy around the world to work on the party concept in Australia as it stands today, the party is currently gearing up to be ready for the next elections, come 2010/11.

With some others in the fuelthinking group, she is currently setting up an e-learning platform and micro business model to assist Burmese illegal migrant children along the Thai Myanmar border to be able to continue their education. They’re after old laptops and always looking for people wanting an adventure and some interesting and rewarding volunteer work if you or anyone you know is interested!!

In her daily life and as a business coach and social enthusiast, Zoe coaches, guides, trains, mentors, facilitates and gently inspires and empowers individuals, businesses, teams and organisations in moving forward.

The November Schmooze marks the 75th Monthly Schmooze since we were founded at the National Press Club in 2003!

We return to where the network started way back then for a vibrant evening of great contacts, food, wine and music in the style that has made the Schmooze the most innovative and welcoming network in the ACT region.

Schmooze started at the National Press Club with a few pals over drinks - and that quickly grew into one of Canberra's most innovative professional networks.

Following the November Schmooze members and guests are welcome to dine in style in the Boardroom, enjoying a specially designed menu from the award winning Press Club's culinary team.

A maximum of 20 people can attend this exclusive and special evening!

RSVP by Friday 20 November and please advise of any dietary requirements when reserving your place.

With its unique blend of style, live music, great atmosphere and welcoming atmosphere the January Schmooze will set your year up with new contacts and friends.

We start this program of our monthly flagship events in the wonderful setting of the Australian National Botanic Gardens. The deck, summer twilight and gardens will provide the perfect setting for mingling and making new acquaintances.

Join fellow professionals for an relaxed and welcoming evening and foster new connections in the summer twilight.

Reserve Your Place

Everyone is welcome and non-members can attend on a casual basis and can reserve their place in advance by emailing us, and either pre-paying their tickets online here or purchasing them at the door (cash). Tax invoices are available upon request when you RSVP

Please confirm your place via email by COB Monday 25 January: rsvp@schmooze.net.au

Each month a different presenter will explore a key aspect of running your own small business, and the workshops also provide the opportunity to network with other small business owners. The workshops are also ideal for those thinking about starting a business or just starting out.

There are opportunities for questions and discussion following the presentations and refreshments are included. There is a limit of 20 participants for these workshops to ensure a personalised experience.

Your Own Worst Enemy – How Not to Be!

Setting Goals and Staying Motivated

Start 2010 on the right foot and ensure your plans are realised.

Have you ever set yourself a goal or perhaps committed to stopping or starting something, such as a business or marketing plan, and not managed to follow through? 

Have you ever set a goal only to be disappointed when you didn't achieve it? Have you sometimes lack motivation and it stopped you achieving your goals?

Well, you are not alone!

Learning Outcomes

This interactive workshop will give you THE 3 KEY success strategies for goal setting and staying motivated.

Based on research on what makes successful people successful, Louise will share with you some simple strategies for helping you achieve your goals - every time!

Our Presenter

Louise Carter – Director Performance Partnership

Born in the UK, Louise Carter made Australia her home in 1989. Her career, spanning 20 years, has been made up of providing successful performance development solutions for companies and individuals across a wide industry base.

She has a proven track record in Leadership coaching, Leadership Development, Learning & Development, Organisational Development, Organisational Change, Human Resources, and Talent Management. She is passionate about delivering outcomes that are both strategic and business focussed.

Louise established Performance Partnership in 1994. It is a successful coaching, training and consultancy organisation specialising in working with both individuals and organisations to improve behavioural performance.

Louise holds a psychology degree (honors level), post-graduate degrees in instructional design (applied science) and Human Resources, is a qualified NLP practitioner, hold a Certificate IV in Workplace Training and Assessment and is a certified and practicing master business and life coach. She is a member of the International Coaching Federation.

RSVP and Payment

• You must RSVP with Schmooze before the event to reserve your place as there is a maximum of 20 participants for each workshop
• If you are a Schmooze Social member, or non-member, you must pre-pay before the event, please request a tax invoice when you RSVP.
• RSVP to rsvp@schmooze.net.au by 29 January (payment is due before the event)

This special event will be jointly hosted with the Australian Institute of Training and Development. Join members and guests from both our organisations and get ready to talk to the animals as we get up close to the big cats.

The February Schmooze continues our tradition of superb events that make it easy to foster new connections and synergies.

We'll also have fabulous lucky door prizes on offer, and there will be special presentation by the Zoo team during the evening and you'll have the opportunity to get up close on with the four legged (and other!) inhabitants.

Note: The event will book-out quickly (a maximum of 60 members and guests from each organisation are being accepted ) so please confirm your place soon to avoid disappointment, a wait list will be taken also.

We also have a very limited number of Guest Passes for prospective members that are available on a first come basis- so if you are interested in joining Schmooze but want to experience us first (naturally) then please request one via email contact Schmooze.

About the Australian Institute of Training and Development

Founded in 1971, the Australian Institute of Training and Development (AITD) is the association of choice for professionals in training, learning and development. Our mission is to be a leader in fostering excellence, innovation and professional integrity in training, learning and development for the workplace.

The three strands of the value of AITD membership are summed up in our motto: Innovate | Learn | Connect

Innovate. Build your knowledge of the latest approaches to developing the capabilities of people and successful organisations.

Learn. By joining AITD you demonstrate your commitment to the profession and gain access to a range of professional development activities. Membership entitles you to apply for AITDs Accredited Practitioner status.

Connect. Joining AITD will enable you to establish a network of professional peers and contacts. Attend local and national events, become involved in special interest groups, and become listed in the AITD Trainers Database, the listing of who’s who in the field of training, learning and development.

The AITD is a not-for profit association and is fully owned by members. For more information please visit their website.

RSVP

• This event will book out quickly and places will be strictly limited due to the capacity of the location.
• Regular members please note: No walk-ins will be accepted- sorry! You must confirm your place before the event.
• Please reserve your place via email: rsvp@schmooze.net.au
• A wait list will also available for places that become available getting closer to the event.
• For non-members, payment will be required before the event and tax invoices are available on request when you RSVP.

Our series of Professional Development Workshops are open to anyone interested in gaining practical skills and expert insights for small business. 

Each month a different presenter will explore a key aspect of running your own business, and the events will provide the opportunity to network with other small business owners, or those thinking about starting a business.

There will opportunities for questions and discussion following the presentation and refreshments are included. 

The Secret of Selling to Government: FULLY BOOKED

This year, the federal government will spend BILLIONS of dollars on products and services from the private sector. Do you want a piece of the pie?

While the Federal government market can be pretty imposing, if a company perseveres and succeeds, it can result in significant, long-term, and reliable revenue streams.

Learning Outcomes
This session will provide an overview of the key factors in driving successful government sales such as understanding the sales cycle, developing an awareness of the ins and outs of government procurement processes, the importance of managing and nurturing networks, and pitching benefits based on the business driver of ‘risk’.

Presenter

Rick Bushell – Owner of Four Streams Consulting and TenderBytes.

Rick is an experienced Business Development Manager and has helped companies large and small improve their approach to sales and ultimately grow their business. Rick is a firm believer that sales success is based on fundamentals that should underpin any career – process, passion, creative thinking and flair.

Four Streams Consulting is a collective of Senior Business Development professionals that provide the full range of sales execution and sales strategy service needs (from low level sales activity through to high level sales strategy and mentoring). While we work with clients in markets outside of Canberra, our speciality is in Business Development for organisations wanting to deal with the Australian Federal Government.

TenderBytes is a successful tender notification newsletter that focuses on technology tenders in Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore. TenderBytes has developed a subscriber base of over 5000 Business Owners and Sales Executives with a common interest in finding business opportunities through technology-based tenders.

TenderBytes also operates a ‘Tender Response Unit’ that assists organisations with bid management and tender writing.

For more information about his companies, please visit: www.fourstreams.com.au and www.tenderbytes.com.au

RSVP and Payment

• You must RSVP with Schmooze before the event to reserve your place as there is a maximum of 20 participants for each workshop by March 5
• If you are a Social member or non-member you must pre-pay before the event, please request a tax invoice when you RSVP. You can also pay via PayPal here.
• RSVP to rsvp@schmooze.net.au

We'll also be outlining the SYPG's program for the year that will present several events on the theme Inspiration to Reality that each focus on a key insight that takes an idea through its branding, communication and all the way to 'the pitch' and making it happen in the 'real world'.

The events are not only great professional development opportunities for under 30s but provide a perfect environment to foster new connections and friends.

The SYPG team have been working hard preparing their events and will ensure everyone who comes is made to feel welcome and included. We'll also be entertained by performers from the upcoming National Folk Festival who will also provide some fabulous lucky door prizes.

Entry includes all drinks and canapes and all under 30's are welcome. 

 About Dr Sam Prince 

Sam Prince is a true entrepreneur, excelling in Business, Philanthropy and Medicine. He has excelled throughout his academic career starting a university course in Medicine while still completing years 11 and 12 of High school. Graduating with a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery from Monash University in 2006 he has been a practising Doctor at the Canberra Hospital ever since.

He is the founder and Director of a national restaurant chain called Zambrero Fresh Mex Grill, which prides itself on being the best in the industry. He has received numerous awards in recognition of his hard work and dedication to business including Best Young Gun in business and a Business Excellence Award. He is also the founder and director of Live Design Group, a dynamic graphic design company.

He is the founder and director of the Emagine foundation, a humanitarian foundation aimed at providing education to underprivileged areas throughout the world. Through the Emagine foundation he has already seen to the construction of 15 schools and has received the Sir Edward Weary Dunlop Fellowship for his humanitarian efforts.

About Lighthouse Innovation Cente

Lighthouse Business Innovation Centre provides one-on-one support for small business owners at each stage of the business lifecycle.

Personal case managers help individuals and businesses from the very beginning of their business planning all the way through to building the executive team and developing exit strategies.

The Lighthouse model works by tapping into Canberra’s innovation ecosystem, accessing experts in areas relevant to each individual business and securing the best advice for each client.

This highly flexible and adaptive business model reflects the innovative nature of the organisation’s target market. Lighthouse operates as a ‘not-for-profit entity’ offering free and at-cost events, seminars and workshops and referral to existing programs as well as fee-for-service activities and longer-term service contracts by mutual agreement. Lighthouse's founding Sponsors include the ACT Government and Epicorp Limited.

For more information please vist their website.

About the National Folk Festival

Canberra’s best kept secret is out – The National Folk Festival is Australia’s favourite festival and it’s coming soon! If you’re one of the far-too-many Canberrans who have never been to the National Folk Festival, you might be surprised by what you’ll find.

Just announced as the winner of the Festivals and Events category of the national Qantas Australian Tourism Awards, it seems the rest of Australia is starting to catch on to one of our best kept secrets.

This Easter weekend (1–5 April) Exhibition Park in Canberra will be transformed with a celebration of music, dance, and culture from all over the world.

The National Folk Festival is a tremendously fun and unique experience for the young and the young at heart.

With over 50 hours of performance from more than 200 stellar local and international artists in 23 separate venues, it’s one of Australia’s biggest and best outdoor events and offers great value for money. In between gigs, you can replenish your energy with gourmet food from around the world, perhaps washed down with a boutique beer, mulled wine, or the famous cider.

Catch one of dozens of street theatre performance as you wander through the 90 or so market stalls, looking at handcrafted and Australian-made jewellery, home wares, clothing, instruments and other collectibles. And when you’re ready for more fun, brand new Fringe Festival ‘The Majestic’ will delight you with an extravaganza of circus, cabaret, vaudeville, slapstick, lunacy and general tomfoolery!

Come for a day or spend the whole weekend at the National Folk Festival and you’ll soon see – there’s more to folk than you think!
Early bird tickets and camping are only available for purchase prior to 6 March.

For more information including ticket prices visit www.folkfestival.asn.au, or contact (02) 6262 4792.

RSVP and Payment

• To confirm your place please RSVP by Friday 12 March via email- rsvp@schmooze.net.au
• You can prepay for your place via PayPal here, or request EFT details when you RSVP
• You can also pay cash at the door. 

Participants will be able to meet their prospective mentoring partners in an informal setting and get acquainted before committing to theor project which will run through April.

The event will be facilitated by Schmooze and its a great way to break the ice and participants will be provided with a short list of potential partners prior to the evening.

Presented in Partnership with Canberra Business Point, this will be a special feature prior to the March Schmooze.

Are you in the public sector but dream of your own business?  Then use some of your flex time and come along to this Q&A style panel discussion held from 4.15pm to 5.15pm.

The Panel will feature several small business owners who have made the transition from public service to starting their own successful small business.

They will share insights on how they did this, and how skills learnt working in the Government sector translate into the private world. There will plenty of chances to ask questions of the panel and gain insights from those who've made the successful transition.

Places are limited so please reserve your place right away!

Please note, you'll need to register seperately if you are coming to the March Schmooze afterwards.

The Panel

 

Emila Rossi

Emilia Rossi is the Director of Carmen Steffens Canberra and Carmen Steffens online, resigned from the public service along with her mother and business partner in 2007 to pursue the dream of importing a high end Brazilian fashion brand to Australia.

Carmen Steffens Canberra opened in April 2008 followed by the launch of the online boutique and the men’s collection in 2009. Current plans include the opening of another boutique in Melbourne.

Emilia travels to Brazil twice a year to attend a fashion show to carefully hand pick each season’s collection, sponsors several charity and fashion events, and holds an annual fashion show titled Cor da Moda (the colour of fashion).

Please see her website here.

Georgina Carberry

Georgina is an award-winning designer. Following studies in Art History and Philosophy at the Australian National University, she studied design at Billy Blue Creative & Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design, London. A former employee of the National Portrait Gallery, and retailing giant Westfield,

Georgina is the President of the ACT branch of the Australian Graphic Design Association, and a member of the National Council of AGDA. She founded Spice & Co. Design in 2004, and oversees our range of international contacts including copywriters, photographers, illustrators and art directors.

She works across print, online, motion graphics and copywriting.

You can view her website here.

Kylie Watson

After rising through the ranks of the public service and reaching the senior executive level, Kylie left to enjoy the consulting world, but realised after a few years that it didn’t balance well with her family commitments.

She went back to the public service part-time but sought a creative escape that would enable her to be her own boss and be even more flexible with her time than ever before. The perfect solution presented itself when Kylie’s young children kept breaking her necklaces and she found herself picking beads up off the floor at the most unusual times in the strangest places.

A search for baby tug proof jewellery highlighted the need in the marketplace and La Bella’s strong and sassy jewellery was born.

La Bella is an online store that is now almost 12 months old, has won a best new business award and is achieving high growth rates. Kylie is on track with her goals for the business and has just opened up an export market to New Zealand.  Please see her website here.

Photo by Exclusive Images

Phillip Jones

Following a 12 year international career as a restauranteur, Phillip worked for 6 years in several government departments and agencies including the ATO, DAFF, Arts, and the Murray Darling Basin Commission in a variety of policy and program management at the EL1 level, he realised he missed the cut and thrust and creativity of the private sector.

Leaving the security of the APS he took the first job that came along and at the same time conceived Schmooze as initially a support network to assist his transition back to the private sector. 

Now after six years, Schmooze is a major professional community in the ACT region and Phillip consults back to government focusing on communication issues and is a guest speaker on networking and professional inter-personal skills topics.

You can see his website here.

For the third year in a row, Schmooze and Canberra Business Point will join forces to present a fabulous evening of opportunity with a strong ACT Region theme.

We will be honoured with to have the ACT Chief Minister, Mr John Stanhope as our guest on the night, and we'll also be entertained with a preview from upcoming National Folk Festival that starts on 1 April. The Festival will also be providing some fabulous lucky door prizes on the night!

A free professional development panel discussion will take place before the networking function details are here that will feature several successful small business owners who have made the transition from working in the public to private sectors.  Note, you must register seperately for this event.

Join us for a lively evening that will inspire you with new contacts, insights and opportunities among fellow ACT region business owners and creative professionals. 

About Canberra BusinessPoint

Canberra BusinessPoint is an ACT Government Initiative which is proudly presented by Deloitte. It is a sophisticated business information mentoring and advisory service for business in the ACT region.

Canberra BusinessPoint is an innovative and free service designed to deliver end-to-end advisory services for start-up businesses, young businesses, entrepreneurs, exporters and established enterprises.

Specifically the program aims to assist businesses from a diverse cross-section of industries within the ACT, with particular respect to: growth plans, commercialisation of ideas and concepts and mentoring owners and operators in the effective running of their business operations.

For more info please see their website.

about the National Folk Festival

Canberra’s best kept secret is out – The National Folk Festival is Australia’s favourite festival and it’s coming soon!  If you’re one of the far-too-many Canberrans who have never been to the National Folk Festival, you might be surprised by what you’ll find.

Just announced as the winner of the Festivals and Events category of the national Qantas Australian Tourism Awards, it seems the rest of Australia is starting to catch on to one of our best kept secrets.

This Easter weekend (1–5 April) Exhibition Park in Canberra will be transformed with a celebration of music, dance, and culture from all over the world.

The National Folk Festival is a tremendously fun and unique experience for the young and the young at heart.

With over 50 hours of performance from more than 200 stellar local and international artists in 23 separate venues, it’s one of Australia’s biggest and best outdoor events and offers great value for money. In between gigs, you can replenish your energy with gourmet food from around the world, perhaps washed down with a boutique beer, mulled wine, or the famous cider.

Catch one of dozens of street theatre performance as you wander through the 90 or so  market stalls, looking at handcrafted and Australian-made jewellery, home wares, clothing, instruments and other collectibles. And when you’re ready for more fun, brand new Fringe Festival ‘The Majestic’ will delight you with an extravaganza of circus, cabaret, vaudeville, slapstick, lunacy and general tomfoolery!

Come for a day or spend the whole weekend at the National Folk Festival and you’ll soon see – there’s more to folk than you think!
Early bird tickets and camping are only available for purchase prior to 6 March.

For more information including ticket prices visit www.folkfestival.asn.au, or contact (02) 6262 4792.

RSVP

• Please confirm your place by Friday 26 March via email.
• If you aren't a member of Schmooze or guest of Canberra Business Point you can pre-pay your place via PayPal here, or request EFT details when your RSVP- tax invoices are provided on request.

The events are limited to 20 participants, and provide the opportunity to network as well as discussion following the presentations and all refreshments are included. 

Emotional Intelligence

Emotional Intelligence (EI) has been a buzz phrase for a while now, but exactly what is it?  Do you have it? Can you improve it, and if so, what is the benefit?

There has also been a lot of discussion about the connection between Emotional intelligence and success. How many of us know really smart people that make not so smart choices, in their lives?

Emotional Intelligence allows us to understand what drives us emotionally.

This interactive workshop will provide participants with some exercises to directly experience what EI is and how relevant it is in their lives, These exercises will be non-confrontational with participants volunteering sharing as little or much as they choose.

This will not be a therapy session, just an enjoyable and fun opportunity to experience the relevance of EI.

If you would like to find ways to improve your ability to relate with others, to have others understand what you want. If you are wanting to improve your ability to be heard and understand others, then this interactive discussion is for you

Some of the discussion points will be: 

• What is EI, a simple explanation
• Understanding the impact of Emotional Intelligence
• Can you improve your EI ?
• Practical uses EI in the home and the workplace
• What is success?

Our Presenter

Martin Male BSc has been supporting people to realise their potentials for over 30 years. Martin specialises in supporting people to fully appreciate the power of their emotions and how to direct these constructively. With a healthy appreciation of your emotions you create your life from a place of clarity and power.

Martin has a BSc in Psychology and Human Sciences. Martin has explored many different modalities to ensure a diversity of choices for clients. Martin has been in private practice since 1994.

For more info, please visit his website here.

RSVP and Payment

• You must RSVP with Schmooze before the event to reserve your place as there is a maximum of 20 participants for each workshop
• If you are a Social member or non-member you must pre-pay before the event, please request a tax invoice when you RSVP.
• RSVP to rsvp@schmooze.net.au by Monday 5 April

No two monthly Schmooze's are ever the same as we aim to provide great new venues, and the environment perfect for meeting new friends and contacts.  This event will be especially relevant to those in the private sector as we make welcome the many business owners who are part of the bartercard network.

Please join us for a welcoming evening with a distinctive spanish flavour!

Interested in Joining Schmooze?

If you are keen to join us and enjoy the wide range of benefits and opportunities Schmooze offers, you are invited to request a Guest Pass to this event to experience an event before committing.  We offer a limited number of these Passes (value $55) each month, so to request one please email us.

RSVP: please RSVP by Friday 23 April via email: rsvp@schmooze.net.au  Tax invoices are available upon request.

About Bartercard

Bartercard is the world’s largest trade exchange that assists businesses to trade their goods and services.

It is especially beneficial during this tough economic times where we are all trying to save cash. Why not use what you current have to get what you currently want!

Just imagine… you would be paying for goods and services for your business without using cash and having the added benefits of increasing your business’s customer base, increasing your sales and improving your cashflow!

Please visit www.bartercard.com.au to learn how Bartercard could work for your business or watch this video on our website here.

Bartercard is the premier business transaction card for business owners and decision makers to boost their business and lifestyle. New customers and sales are guaranteed to be received from the membership community of over 75,000 trading members in 9 countries who seek to do business with other Bartercard members. Purchases can be made immediately using interest-free credit and paid for later with your goods and services…NOT CASH!

There will opportunities for questions, networking and discussion following the presentations and refreshments and snacks are included. 

Professional Networking

We all do it, but do we do it well?  You're out there, but are you getting results you seek?

It is all a hit or miss affair, or are you meeting lots of people, collecting lots of business cards, but then what?

For most of us, networking and fostering professional relationships is not an activity which comes naturally. You may be new in a role that requires cultivating contacts and business opportunities, or perhaps you are new to town and don't know the right place to gain access to decision makers. 

Or perhaps you are a manager and want to ensure all your team are confident when representing your organisation, and can identify and exploit opportunities when they arise.

This interactive Workshop will explore both the fundamental ways you can be confident that your investment of time and energy is targeted and systematic, and how to develop a strategy that ensures your networking is aligned to your career or business goals.

Some of the learning outcomes will be:

• how to develop a networking strategy
• how to be systematic in cultivating, meeting and maintaining your professional relationships
• how to identify the networking opportunities around you that suit your professional goals.

Note: Participants are also invited to nominate (in confidence) two key issues in their networking they want Phillip to address in the workshop when they RSVP.

About the Presenter

When he's not running Schmooze, Phillip is a social entrepreneur and also provides consulting services to the public and private sector on a range of communication areas.

Phillip Jones is a Canberra-based consultant and social entrepreneur who specialises in short-term projects including strategic reviews and advice across a range of communication issues for organisations both public and private.

He also provides advice and strategies for the design, development and management of professional and social networks to both individuals and organisations. His clients have included a wide range of government departments and agencies as well as SMEs. Government clients have included Austrade, ATO, Attorney-General’s Department, Office of the Federal Safety Commissioner and AusAID.
He is also the founder of Canberra's most innovative professional and social networking community, Schmooze established in 2003.

The organisation offers a comprehensive range of events and opportunities for its members and guests including mentoring, online resources through several branches including special interest groups, professional development workshops and a social program.

He also publishes regular articles on aspects of networking, professional relationships and social media and is often invited to deliver workshops and presentations on a range networking and professional interpersonal/communication issues.

Phillip also has experience serving on boards in the cultural and arts sector, and currently serves as an industry representative on the Canberra Business Point Executive Committee.

For more information about his expertise please see his website: www.phillipajones.com 

RSVP and Payment

• RSVP Date: Wednesday 5 May
• You must RSVP with Schmooze before the event to reserve your place as there is a maximum of 20 participants for each workshop
• If you are a Social member or non-member you must pre-pay before the event, please request a tax invoice when you RSVP.
• RSVP to rsvp@schmooze.net.au

In the second event for the SYPG's program in 2010, please join us for an interactive and personalised exploration of what branding means from several perspectives.

Presentations start at 6pm so please arrive from 530pm!

The SYPG welcomes young professionals under 30, uni students and entrepreneurs who are looking to enhance their knowledge of self-branding in the workplace or what branding means for their business, product, service or idea.

In short presentations, our presenters will each explore what branding means to them from a variety of perspectives. Then the audience will meet with each presenter in small groups for an interactive discussion about what branding means.

This will be followed by networking in a relaxed environment with the SYPG team on hand to ensure everyone is made to feel welcome and included.

Our Presenters

Chris Christis

Chris is the senior account manager for the Canberra office of Visual Jazz is one of Australia’s leading Digital creative agencies with offices in Melbourne, Canberra and Sydney. Its part of the Mitchell Communication Group.
Visual Jazz is a strategic, creative and development based business that offers clients a full interactive campaign solution across new media platforms. Services include Strategy, Design and development in 5 major work silos …Web Sites, Digital Marketing, Multimedia, Games and Print.

Danielle Dal Cortivo

Danielle Dal Cortivo is the Director and Co-founder of local, Canberra charity raize the roof. As Director of raize the roof, Danielle is responsible for overseeing the day to day running of the charity, strategic consultation and negotiation, stakeholder management, event management. managing volunteers and strategic communication activities.

Outside of her volunteering, Danielle works full time as a Project Officer in the Mental Health Branch in the Department of Health and Ageing. Danielle is also a qualified Counsellor. Whilst completing a Bachelor in Communications, specialising in Public Relations, Danielle has also completed an internship with Amnesty International in Canada, Relationships Australia and Marymead and has volunteered in professional and humanitarian capacities in both Botswana and Tanzania.

Danielle is passionate about creating opportunities and possibilities for young and empowering young people to contribute to those a little less lucky.

Rodney Payne, Creative Director, Zoo Communications

As a creative, Rodney puts the emphasis on strategy first – looking in-depth at who you’re talking to, and what your brand can offer them. Once you know that, he believes that the right creative solution is never far away.

This disciplined approach has helped Rodney produce highly effective and award-winning work for an enormous list of industries and clients, including telecommunications (3), hospitality (the InterContinental Hotels Group), the arts (Bell Shakespeare), retail (Harvey Norman), not-for-profit (the Australian Red Cross), fashion (Sunglass Hut) and finance (Commonwealth Private Bank) – as well as the Sci Fi channel, Westfield, Delfiin Lend Lease, PayPal and dozens more.

Rodney has a love of advertising that might be called obsessive. He also gets a buzz out of playing the guitar, although unfortunately for anyone listening he’s a much better creative than he is a musician.

RSVP

• Please confirm your place via email: rsvp@schmooze.net.au
• You can pay for your tickets at the door (cash) or via PayPal here- select SYPG Guest Pass option
• Entry includes all drinks etc etc
• Dress is smart casual

LOCATION

• We'll be in the Member Dining Room located at the rear of Old Parliament House (the Parliament House side) on the upper level of the building
• There is plenty of free parking all about
• Presentations will start at 6pm - please arrive no later than 545pm

The SYPG Program 2010

In its third year, the SYPG presents six events for young professionals to be inspired, learn and make great connections.  With the theme of 'Inspiration to Reality' the program focuses on the key aspects of taking an idea or a goal and making it a reality with experts, leading young professionals and entrepreneurs offering their insights and advice. 

The events all include informal networking and presentations, and you can choose just the ones that interest you.  The SYPG team will ensure you are made to feel welcome and look forward to seeing you at one of these great events.

UPCOMING EVENTS

* The Message: Tuesday July 20, 5.30pm to 7.30pm
How do you communicate effectively, and what’s the right way to reach your audience? What works and what doesn’t and what gives you the best return on your investment?

* The Look: Tuesday September 21, 5.30pm to 7.30pm
This event is all about visuals, how we respond to images and how to use them to persuade and engage your target audience and what is going to work best for you!

* The Image: Tuesday October 19, 5.30pm to 7.30pm
The month’s event is about your own style, personal image and how to use fashion, and first impressions to work for you to open doors and opportunities.

* The Pitch: Tuesday November 16, 5.30pm to 7.30pm, Crawford School of Government and Economics, ANU
Bring it all together with this special event where you can compete for great prizes and mentoring opportunities by making a pitch to a panel of entrepreneurs and leading business personalities. Or just cheer along and choose who gets to win! A fun action packed night.

Presented in partnership with the Australian Marketing Institute and the Public Relations Institute of Australia, Schmooze is proud to co-host this special event to be held on Thursday May 20.

The full day program covers a wide spectrum of expert insights on a range of facets of Online and Social Media and Government Marketing and Communication.

Members of Schmooze are able to attend this event for a special rate and for full details please see the attached PDF below.

Our tradition of the most stylish and vibrant events in town continues with the May Schmooze hosted by one of our longest serving members, SilverSun Pictures at their new film and recording studio. Join us for a great night out and make lots of new contacts in a welcoming and lively atmosphere that is the Monthly Schmooze.

We'll also have a film noir inspired lucky door prize courtesy of the Darling Sisters.

You can view a sample of SilverSun's work with our Schmooze Cinema ad produced for us a couple of years back!

About SilverSun Pictures

With roots spanning back to 1995, SilverSun Pictures evolved out of the merger of three of the local film industry’s finest talents: Andrew Marriot, Greg Evans and Rohan Taylor.

Their complementing technical, production and creative skills and a passion for film-making led to the establishment of a one-stop production facility that could offer clients tailored high quality solutions to their visual communication needs.

Since that time, SilverSun has grown exponentially, based on a philosophy of working in partnership with our clients to help them achieve their communication objectives.

The fact that so much of our work is gained through repeat business or referrals is testament of our friendly service and ability to deliver excellent results every time. In other words: clients love working with us and love what we produce.

What We Offer
We believe in using the moving image to tell stories that engage, influence and inspire. We also believe that the future belongs to those who can connect with an audience in lots of different ways. Which is why SilverSun Pictures has evolved into a multi-disciplinary integrated media company.

We make commercials for clients and agencies, promotional and training videos for government departments and corporations, television shows for networks, feature films and documentaries, music videos, design animation, content for digital distribution, motion graphics, games, and interactive media.

We connect brands with content, channels with talent, and everyone with an audience that appreciates what we make.
By investing in the latest technologies, software applications and industry alliances we remain at the forefront of our industry so that we can provide you with a complete range of multi-media digital broadcast standard production services including: creative concepts, scriptwriting, location film crews, talent sourcing, post production, broadcast design, audio engineering and duplication.

Our Facilities
Our purpose built studios in Kingston, Canberra guarantee you the best quality assured outcomes by putting more of your budget on-screen. With three broadcast-standard edit suites, an integrated audio studio, an in-house, comprehensive multi-format duplication facility and a skilled and experienced team who can bring your communication goals to life, we can provide you with a complete one-stop production service.  We also make fantastic coffee.

About Our Special Door Prize

Ever wanted to be a star in a film noir movie?

Well this fabulous prize will give you a taste of stardom. Come along and be in the draw for this great prize courtesy of the Darling Sisters and ShutterBug Baby.

Working with a lovely photographer, Lisa from Shuttlebug Baby, doing styling and photography for lovely vintage-style portraiture.

The package consists of:

• One hour of styling by The Darling Sisters (hair, makeup, wardrobe assistance)
• One hour of photography by ShutterBug Baby, most likely in the gorgeous retro Fireplace Room at Gorman House, but we can also come to their home or to a free public venue of their choice
• The shoot can incorporate up to three costume changes if desired
• Ten selected photographs provided in high resolution on a disc

Special Guest Appearance!

In an entertaining and contemporary take on traditional cabaret, songs will be interwoven with comedic skits, interpretive movement, creative dance (including belly dancing), spoken word monologue and fabulous costumes, directed by Adam Hadley.

The main act consists of Rafe Morris (songwriter, vocals, guitar, arrangements), along with Bec Taylor (piano, backing vocals), Zach Raffan (trumpet), Nicola Menser Hearn (bass clarinet), Catherine Keely (double bass) and Nick Peddle (drums).

Rafe and The Well-Dressed will perform A Show To Make You Smile at the Tuggeranong Arts Centre (Cowlishaw Street) from 8pm on 27, 28 and 29 May 2010.

Tickets are $25, $15 concession, and are available at the door or by phoning 6293 1443.

How to Rank no.1 on Google and other search engines

Are you frustrated by the lack of business that your website brings in? Not currently appearing in the top ten results in Google - but your major competitor is?

It's absolutely imperative that your business secures a prominent place in the search engine results pages. Why? Statistics show that:

• 93% of consumers’ worldwide use search engines to locate web sites. (Forrester Research)
• 85% of qualified web traffic is driven through search engines. (WWW User Survey)
• 75% of search engine traffic never scroll past the first page of results. (WWW User Survey)

You could have the best looking website in the world - but it may never be seen by anyone...unless it is optimised for the search engines.

This practical session will teach you how to 'fine tune' your website in order to boost its visibility in the major search engines - Google, Yahoo! and Bing - so that your business can make more money.

About the Presenter

Clayton Wehner is the Managing Director of two online businesses, Canberra job board CapitalJobs.com.au and online bookstore Boomerang Books, both of which figure prominently in search engine results for key terms.

Clayton launched his first website in 1999 and has been tinkering with the web ever since. In addition to running his own brands, Clayton also likes to assist other businesses with their web strategy and he gets a kick out of sharing the knowledge and experience that he has gained on the web over the past ten years.

RSVP and Payment

• RSVPs and payment are due by Wednesday 2 June
• You must RSVP with Schmooze before the event to reserve your place as there is a maximum of 20 participants for each workshop
• If you are a Social member or Non-member you must pre-pay before the event, please request a tax invoice when you RSVP.
• RSVP to rsvp@schmooze.net.au

At each meeting the Group focuses on a particular topic suggested in advance by a member and provides a collaborative environment to workshop ideas, issues and business opportunities.

The topic this month is: Tactics and Tips for using Facebook and Facebook as a promotional or marketing tool- so bring some tips of your own and pick up some new ones!

RSVP

Please RSVP by the Monday before each event to rsvp@schmooze.net.au

With a vibe more like a great cocktail party, each event we host offers a distinct theme, but the key elements are always the same: great people, personalised introductions, some live music and a great setting perfect for schmoozing!

This month we return to the place where Schmooze started over six years ago and the event is presented by Manpower Professional.

The June Schmooze will also feature music from the Canberra's leading DJ Ashley Feraude, A true gentleman DJ and producer who skilfully layers house, disco, funk & soul with his trademark soulful touch.

Sorry- no more complimentary Guest Passes for prospective members are available for this event- but you can still purchase tickets to attend in advance.

About Manpower

The world leader in the employment services industry; creating and delivering services that enable its clients to win in the changing world of work.

We offer clients a range of services for the entire employment and business cycle including permanent, temporary and contract recruitment; employee assessment and selection; training; outplacement; outsourcing and consulting.

Manpower and Manpower Professional collectively have 4,000 offices across our network. Manpower has offices in 82 countries and Manpower Professional has offices in 34 countries.

About the National Press Club

A principle sponsor for Schmooze since it was founded in 2003, the National Press Club is the perfect venue to meet.

For people who shape Australian society, the National Press Club is Australia’s most recognised vehicle, an icon chosen for major statements and for initiating change.

The National Press Club is an iconic institution with membership made up of the influencers and decision makers of Australia; be they Federal or State Parliamentarians, political advisors, Government Heads of Departments, diplomatic community, academia, legal and other professions, and, quite clearly, the foundation members - journalists - including the Federal Parliamentary Press Gallery plus everyday thinking Australians - many of whom are leaders in their own communities.

The new first floor layout offers an extended array of comfortable and discreet lounge settings for groups of various sizes to meet, drink, dine and talk.  If you wish to do business, catch up on the latest news, enjoy a glass of fine wine, a cocktail, dine on award-winning food, engage in robust debate or simply relax with friends, then join us at the Club Lounge at the National Press Club of Australia.

The Club Lounge feautures a sophisticated décor that is welcoming and relaxed and conducive to both business and social interaction and a beverage selection from imported ales to international cocktails along with our affordable tap beer and house wines.

For more info: www.npc.org.au

• RSVPs are due by 23 June via email.
• Non Members are welcome and you can pre-book your ticket and be invoiced when you RSVP.

The events include ample opportunities for questions and discussion and all refreshments are included. A maximum number of 20 participants can attend each event.

Personal Branding and Presentation for Professionals

What Messages are you sending?

Gaining confidence in your appearance will eliminate concerns and improve your body language. If you know you look good and feel good. It shows… and others feel more at ease in your presence. That is a fact whether you have years of experience or not.

You are your are your own walking talking business card. You can work for the best firm in your industry, but at the end of the day you are selling yourself.

Learning Outcomes

• Understand the power of Personal Branding
• Secrets of attractive body language
• Credibility Killers
• Networking tips

our Presenter

Through a career spanning over 28 years, Ondina has developed her position amongst Australia’s leading business women in the fashion, skin care and personal image industries. Ondina opened her first business at the age of 21 and within 6 years developed the Ondina Brand, which at inception offered a platform of 3 Cosmetic and Beauty Clinics, employing 15 staff and turning over in excess of $1 million annually.

Developing the ‘Ondina’ Brand and building on the exposure from both cosmetics and fashion, Ondina branched out into one-on-one professional workshops and opened Canberra’s first appointment only Fashion-for-Women Studio targeting executive women and high end corporate clients.

Ondina provides her clients with advice and guidance, where personal success is delivered through professional image, style and presentation.

Ondina counts amongst her clients the leaders of many major national companies and Industry Associations, Canberra’s senior civil servants and politicians.

She has developed a keen sense of how to build a personal brand for the individual, where the emphasis is on presentation, image, influence and leadership, taking on the challenge of perception with reality!

RSVP and Payment

• RSVPs are due COB Monday TODAY
• You must RSVP with Schmooze before the event to reserve your place as there is a maximum of 20 participants for each workshop
• If you are a Social member or non-member you must pre-pay before the event, please request a tax invoice when you RSVP.
• RSVP to rsvp@schmooze.net.au

The July SYPG Schmooze

The SYPG welcomes all young professionals and students under 30, and provides the environment for them to develop the essential skills and contacts vital to succeed in their careers.

This month we continue our series of events (having covered The Idea, and The Brand so far this year) with The Message. How do you communicate effectively, and what’s the right way to reach your audience? What works and what doesn’t, and what gives you the best return on your investment?

The evening includes presentations from three expert perspectives, followed by discussions and questions with each of the presenters in small groups facilitated by the SYPG Council, followed by informal networking. All drinks and snacks are included and our venue is the private wine room at La Scala restaurant, making for a perfect setting for discussion and making new friends.

OUR PRESENTERS

• Claudia Vannithone, Communication Coordinator, Contentgroup, and 2010 Miss World ACT Finalist
• Fergus McGhie, Marketing Manager Mount Majura Vineyard and professional wine writer and judge
• Stephanie Hawkins, PR Coordinator, St Vincent de Paul Society Canberra

Claudia Vannithone

Claudia graduated from the University of Canberra with a Bachelor of Communications (Public Relations) with a minor in Politics.She is a communication coordinator for contentgroup and works for a range of clients across the public, private and not for profit sectors.

In May 2010, she won the Miss World ACT Finals to become the first ever Miss World ACT.

She says the change of roles has taught her a lot about messaging and what it is like on the other side of the camera!

Fergus McGhee

Fergus is a professional wine writer and judge and is also the Marketing Manager at Mount Majura Vineyard. This is a small award winning vineyard and winery close to Canberra. The vineyard is on the eastern slopes of Mount Majura is characterised by red volcanic soils also containing limestone. It is a unique site producing single-vineyard wines of real character.

Fergus has contributed articles for the Canberra Times and many other wine journals and magazines and is a passionate communicator on the subject of wine.

Stephanie Hawkins

Stephanie Hawkins recently graduated with degrees in Communications (Public Relations) and International Studies from the University of Canberra. During her studies, she completed different PR internships, including a summer internship with Pulse Communications (a consumer PR agency that is part of the international PR company, Ogilvy).

Currently, Stephanie is the Communications Officer for the St Vincent de Paul Society, in which she carries out the external communications on behalf of the organisation

She recently worked on the highly successful CEO Sleepout in June 2010 which raised over $340,000 in the ACT alone. She recently worked on the highly successful CEO Sleepout which raised over $340,000 in the ACT alone.

Vinnies offers people in our community a complete range of services that provide specific assistance, and focus on ensuring that the social, economic, and political pressures placed on the disadvantage in our community are reduced. They offer homeless services, including supported accommodation, a drop-in-centre and night patrol van that provides food, clothing, and friendly conversation; tertiary education program with ACU; mental health program; and a youth program; as well as our retail centres which provide quality clothing and household items at an affordable price. 

RSVP

• There is a limit of 40 participants to this event to ensure a personalised experience
• To confirm your place please email us at rsvp@schmooze.net.au by July 19
• You can pay in advance here via PayPal or cash at the door.

The SYPG Program 2010

In its third year, the SYPG presents six events for young professionals to be inspired, learn and make great connections.  With the theme of 'Inspiration to Reality' the program focuses on the key aspects of taking an idea or a goal and making it a reality with experts, leading young professionals and entrepreneurs offering their insights and advice. 

Upcoming Events

* The Look: Tuesday September 21, 5.30pm to 7.30pm
This event is all about visuals, how we respond to images and how to use them to persuade and engage your target audience and what is going to work best for you!

* The Image: Tuesday October 19, 5.30pm to 7.30pm
The month’s event is about your own style, personal image and how to use fashion, and first impressions to work for you to open doors and opportunities.

* The Pitch: Tuesday November 16, 5.30pm to 7.30pm
Bring it all together with this special event where you can compete for great prizes and mentoring opportunities by making a pitch to a panel of entrepreneurs and leading business personalities. Or just cheer along and choose who gets to win! A fun action packed night.

This event is now fully booked thank you!

The Monthly Schmooze's are our flagship event each month, and provide a uniquely welcoming and vibrant environment to make new business and professional contacts.

Rating low on formality but high for great contacts, you're invited to meet some of Canberra's most interesting and outgoing professionals

With a vibe more like a great cocktail party, each event we host offers a distinct theme, but the key elements are always the same: great people, personalised introductions, some live music and a great setting perfect for schmoozing!

This month we'll gather at one of the region's best kept culinary secrets, the superb Senso.  We'll also enjoy some live music and a special surprise!

Non-members are also welcome and can attend on a casual basis (tickets are $55.00 incl GST) payable in advance, just request a tax invoice when you RSVP.

You can view footage of past events on Schmooze TV here.

About 10x

We work with entrepreneurial business owners in small to medium sized businesses who are looking for smarter and faster ways to produce results in the Canberra area.

How we do that is through a unique next generation of business coaching support to give clients the “X Factor” in their business.

What’s different about us is that unlike the older style coaching that seem to be very slow... this is a more structured approach to improve, increase and enhance business, financials, your performance and lifestyle.

rsvp

• RSVPs are due by Friday July 23 via email: rsvp@schmooze.net.au
• Non Members are welcome and you can pre-book your ticket and be invoiced when you RSVP.

Creative attention: convey your ideas effectively and inspire your audience

Of greatest value to an audience is a presentation that not only helps them to understand new ideas, but also gives them new ideas of their own. For presenters who need to impress, providing intellectual inspiration of this kind to your audience does so better than anything else.

This workshop will explain why presentation clarity enhances both your audience's understanding and their creativity, and simple methods for achieving this clarity will be described.

These methods can be applied to any content and are focused on spoken presentations that include visual aids (e.g. powerpoint).

The topics will include:

• Eliminating competition between the written and spoken word for your audience's attention.
• Using visual aids only when they actually help, and not when they hinder.
• Reducing complexity by 'focusing' presented sequences.
• Making the best use of metaphor and reducing reliance on literal explanation and jargon.
• How to identify non-essential content that can be removed to increase your presentation's impact.
• Speaking 'live' rather than rote learning or reading pre-written material.

This workshop is ideal for anyone who presents professionally, or needs to make a persuasive case in a pitch situation, or perhaps simply wants to be confident that the points they wish to make are compelling and memorable in their presentations.

Our Presenter

Dr Joshua Young is a Canberra-based innovator working in the area of human-computer interfaces for music. He was awarded a PhD in neuroscience in 2009 for research conducted at the University of Sydney and the Bernstein Centre for Computational Neuroscience in Berlin, Germany.

His experience as a presenter comes from communicating his research at international conferences and science award seminars, competitive grant pitches, public awareness campaign talks, and sitting through so many bad presentations he has vowed to save others from the same fate.

RSVP and Payment

• You must RSVP with Schmooze before the event to reserve your place as there is a maximum of 20 participants for each workshop
• If you are a Social member or non-member you must pre-pay before the event, please request a tax invoice when you RSVP.
• RSVP to rsvp@schmooze.net.au by Monday 2 August

This month we are hosted by the brand new M16 Artspace in Griffith. 

The evening will include live performances, art tours and some special surprises that will make this a Schmooze to remember!

M16 Artspace is a unique cultural destination - a place in which to make, share and experience art, and is the largest community-based visual arts facility in the ACT.

Providing visual arts infrastructure and development opportunities to artists, arts organisations and the community. M16 houses twenty-eight artist studios, three extraordinary galleries and four exhibition spaces.

ABOUT M16 ARTSPACE

A place to make, share and experience art, M16 at Griffith is the largest community-based visual arts facility in the ACT.

M16 has run an independent arts centre for 25-years.

From its former home in the cold depths of an old Fyshwick bus repair depot M16 has now taken up residence in the heart of Canberra’s south, and is set to become a significant and unique national visual arts hub.

The ground floor of the beautiful old Blaxland centre has been carefully and creatively refurbished, refitted, had its floors polished and walls prepared to create 28 artists’ studios, four spacious workshop spaces and three extraordinary galleries.

RSVP

• RSVPs are due by COB Monday 23
• Members-  no charge, all inclusive via rsvp@schmooze.net.au
• Non-Members: $55incl GST, includes all drinks etc, please request an invoice when you RSVP via rsvp@schmooze.net.au
• Buying a ticket: you can purchase via PayPal on our website, or contact Schmooze for EFT details.

TOPIC: EXPOSE YOUR MARKETING TO THE DANGER OF BEING EFFECTIVE

The session will be a feisty, fun and informative adventure into the great stew that makes up the world of marketing.

It will look at the courage that it takes to go into business and stay in business with special emphasis on the power of creativity and the opportunity it presents to make you stand out from the pack.

It’s about effective advertising, exciting branding and efficacious Marketing.

Frank’s seminars are a ‘back to basics’ approach but with insights and inspirations that can add a new enthooosiasm to the way you present your business, service or product.

"I appreciate it was not easy given the breadth of the subject to be covered in such a short time. However, the results of participants assessments of the course demonstrate that you did this admirably. It was a highly professional entertaining and informative presentation."  Simon Mitchell-Traverner, Director, Queanbeyan Business Enterprise Centre

Our Presenter

Frank Arnold is Managing Director of Quantum Ideas, a multidisciplined design studio which has been operating for 31 years providing services in Graphic Design, Architecture, Interior Design, Retail Design and Marketing Consultancy.

Originally trained as an Architect, Frank embraced the disciplines of Graphic Design, Interior Design and Marketing to establish a business which offered clients holistic solutions rather than disparate responses to individual requirements.

Regarded in the past as a “sheltered workshop for the creatively insane” Quantum has maintained it’s positioning in the market as THE destination for creative solutions that work.

Quantum’s work has covered the gamut from large scale corporate work, Government initiatives, cultural work, retail, community and small business.

Frank’s presentations are dynamic, pertinent and choc-a-block full of simple basic truths, that when presented in such an open and effusive way, strike a chord. They are never dull and are guaranteed to generate a few good laughs.

RSVP and Payment

• You must RSVP with Schmooze by Monday 6 September to reserve your place as there is a maximum of 20 participants for each workshop
• If you are a Social member or non-member you must pre-pay before the event, please request a tax invoice when you RSVP.
• RSVP to rsvp@schmooze.net.au

This event is all about how we respond to images. how to use them to persuade and engage your target audience, and what is going to work best for you! 

Our three experts will explore the theme, followed by conversation, questions and informal networking in the stunning new M16 Artspace gallery. 

Join us for a fasincating evening and make new friends in a welcoming atmosphere.

Our Presenters

Kelsey Padjen

Kelsey Padjen holds a degree in Fashion Design from RMIT, Melbourne and is The Lizzie Wagner Group’s head trend and lifestyle fashion stylist. She has worked internationally, including contributing to Vancouver Fashion Week and styling, events, and training with the Lizzie Wagner Group nationally.

Kelsey is not only Executive Assistant to the Managing Director, but has a large client base servicing all age groups with styling advice. She is also a key presenter, most recently speaking for The Chamber of Women in Business.

As well as managing personal styling sessions, fashion shows and other major events, she also teaches at the Lizzie Wagner Academy in modelling, grooming and deportment, wardrobe and image.

Tiffany Hart

Tiffany is a multi skilled, diapason people person. She is the National Communications Manager for a company named, Body Training Solutions Australia, a large health and fitness based firm. She works as a National Trainer for Body Training Solutions, instilling many individuals with valuable qualifications in the health and fitness industry. She is currently advising a UK fitness industry based music label called FP Music.

On a day to day basis, Tiffany also works as a group fitness instructor, dance teacher, massage therapist out of many health studios around Canberra. She is the Vice President for Advertising and Marketing Society for the University of Canberra, consults for a national innovation organisation, volunteers for UNIFEM Australia and consults for the Shining Light corporation, which provides exercise and nutrition advice for government employees.

She is currently in the final stages of launching a new creative business for a sunrise company in the Health and Wellbeing sector. Tiffany studies a full time Bachelor of Communications in Advertising and Marketing and a Bachelor of Media Arts at the University of Canberra and ANU.

Diana Derek, Boutique Owner - itrip iskip

itrip iskip is run by sisters Diana and Ana Derek. Located in Lonsdale Street Braddon, itrip iskip has become a fashion hub for the creative, supporting local Canberra designers, artists and housing a range of quirky unique fashion labels.

The perfect place for those seeking fashion inspiration. The sisters have worked hard to create a successful business from humble beginnings.

ABOUT M16 ARTSPACE

A place to make, share and experience art, M16 at Griffith is the largest community-based visual arts facility in the ACT.

M16 has run an independent arts centre for 25-years.

From its former home in the cold depths of an old Fyshwick bus repair depot M16 has now taken up residence in the heart of Canberra’s south, and is set to become a significant and unique national visual arts hub.

The ground floor of the beautiful old Blaxland centre has been carefully and creatively refurbished, refitted, had its floors polished and walls prepared to create 28 artists’ studios, four spacious workshop spaces and three extraordinary galleries.

RSVP

• There is a limit of 50 participants to this event to ensure a personalised experience
• To confirm your place please email us at rsvp@schmooze.net.au
• You can pay in advance via PayPal or cash at the door.

other UPCOMING sypg EVENTS

With the theme of 'Inspiration to Reality' the program focuses on the key aspects of taking an idea or a goal and making it a reality with experts, leading young professionals and entrepreneurs offering their insights and advice.

The events all include informal networking and presentations, and the SYPG team will ensure you are made to feel welcome.

* SYPG Life Skills Essentials: Financial Prosperity (a beginners guide to...), Thursday 7 October, 1800-2000, more info here.

* The Image: Tuesday October 19, 5.30pm to 7.30pm
The month’s event is about your own style, personal image and how to use fashion, and first impressions to work for you to open doors and opportunities.

Each month we attract over 100 members and guests from a wide range of professions and sectors in an welcoming and informal atmosphere.

No name tags, no one trying to sell you something on the spot, rather lots of outgoing, friendly people looking to expand their professional and business relationships. 

In short, they don't feel like your typical business function and you can see footage of past events here on Schmooze TV.

Non-members are always welcome and you buy a Guest Pass for $55 all inclusive (tax invoices on request when you RSVP)

If you attending a Schmooze for the first time, please let us know and our concierge team will introduce you to some of our regulars to make you feel at home.

This month, we'll be adding an interactive activity to the format to facilitate new introductions- so bring your best pitch and spiel!

To RSVP, please contact Schmooze at rsvp@schmooze.net.au, if you need to pay, then tax invoices will be issued when you RSVP.

Directions:  The Fellows Bar at University House is a great space, but a little tricky to find.

Once you've parked your car (there is parking all around Uni House) head in the garden courtyard and walk past the pond. The bar is located in the basement and we'll have staff as look outs!

Introducing a new regular series of events for young professionals that provides expert insights into a wide range of aspects of modern life.

Our Topic

Most of the good things in life are not the result of luck they are achieved by a combination of smart planning and hard work.  Life is too short to not enjoy, but with some smart planning and some good execution it can be a whole lot more fun.

For most of us, if we are to succeed at something, we need to set goals, plan and then execute. A CEO will determine a business’s goals, they will create an appropriate business plan, then they will work with their staff to take ownership of the goals and business plan and work alongside them to implement and execute.

• How many of us know what our life goals are?
• How many of us have sat down and worked out what success is for us?
• How many of us just keep doing what we are doing without giving much thought to what that means for our goals?

How good would life be:

• If we knew that we could take an annual holiday each year and still afford to save for the future?
• If we knew that we could buy and pay off a house that we want to live in and still have fun along the way?
• If we knew that we could have the financial freedom to live how we want to live?

What would it mean to you if you could tick all those boxes?

To achieve these things is not hard, but it starts with doing something. The sooner you start doing something, the more chance you have of doing anything.

Come along and find out how!

Our Presenter

Trevor Bransdon has been associated with Godfrey Pembroke since 2006. He is a Certified Financial Planner™ and is also a member of the Financial Planning Association of Australia.

Prior to entering the financial services industry Trevor was a teacher of senior mathematics as well as a small business owner.

Trevor holds an Honours degree in Exercise and Sport Science, and a teaching degree. Trevor’s aim is to assist his clients achieve their lifestyle and financial goals, providing them with a ‘Game Plan’ to take them from where they are to where they want to be.

Reserve your place

• To confirm your place please RSVP to rsvp@schmooze.net.au
• If you aren't a Schmooze member, you'll need to pre-pay. Payment details will be provided when you RSVP.
• Please RSVP asap to reserve your place!

TOPIC

This talk will cover the fundamentals in developing sustainable leadership as well as giving some practical hints and tips. Participants will receive a time usage chart and a WiCked daily planner to start their journey.

Authentic sustainable leadership is based on the WiCK Model of leadership. We start with the premise that to be an effective leader, one must first lead oneself. You need to know yourself, your values, your strengths, areas needing development, and any gaps in knowledge/capacity you may have.

We are all aware of some high profile leaders who are not able to sustain respect for their leadership; it is often because they have failed to attend to the basics. Our WiCK leadership model will not only sustain you, but will support your growth from a good to a great leader.

Having completed this workshop, participants will understand the importance of:

1. Knowing yourself, values, beliefs, behaviours and thinking styles
2. Building resilience and managing stress
3. Time management
4. Effective Communication
5. Health, wellbeing and emotional intelligence

OUR PRESENTER: Barbara Baikie

Barbara Baikie is one of five Principals of WiCK Consulting.

She has a passion to support people to grow to reach their full potential and be the best they can be. She has had a life journey where she had overcome and thrived through adversity.

She has extensive Government experience at the Senior Executive Level. Barbara has taught at Charles Sturt University for six years. She has extensive experience in delivering training and coaching at all levels, including career, life and work coaching.

This includes specialist training that focuses on the well-being on individuals and organisations.

Barbara is a past President of the Chamber of Women in Business and President Elect of Rotary Club of Hall.

RSVP and Payment

• You must RSVP with Schmooze before the event to reserve your place as there is a maximum of 20 participants for each workshop
• If you are a Social member or non-member you must pre-pay before the event, please request a tax invoice when you RSVP.
• RSVP to rsvp@schmooze.net.au

About Ninetofive Interiors

Ninetwofive Interiors is a dynamic commercial furniture company, looking after Government and corporate clients in Canberra for the past 35 years.

Come and explore our two levels of showroom, showcasing the best workspace solutions, to help you create a beautiful, productive and ergonomic working environment.

Ninetwofive Interiors has close to two decades of experience in creating offices and providing staff with productive work environments.

You can choose from our extensive list of reputable suppliers and will gain value from:

* environmentally sustainable options
* a comprehensive warranty
* strong and durable office solutions
* attentive service and satisfaction guaranteed

Ninetwofive Interiors has worked with public and private sector clients, large and small, in Canberra and nationally. We have handled thousands of fitouts.

Fully booked now- thank you!

After much preparation and patient waiting from our many members, ex-members, friends and interested professionals, we're delighted to announce that we'll be starting our Melbourne Chapter of Schmooze at this event!

In customary Schmooze style, the evening won't be a big pitch or spiel session from us. Rather you'll be welcomed personally by our team, including Schmooze's founder, Phillip Jones, and meet other outgoing professionals from a wide range of sectors in an stylish and informal setting.

Some of our team from Canberra will be there to answer any questions you may have, and you'll meet some of the new local team as well who will lead and develop the Melbourne program.

We'll also be offering exclusive Foundation Memberships for the first 50 Victorian members to come on board with a range of special privileges, but we'll save details of that for another time.

Contact

This will be an invitation only event for people interested in finding out more about Schmooze and hopefully joining our professional community.

To get in the loop about our Melbourne plans please email us at info@schmooze.net.au
 

Its also our 7th Birthday and we'll be sure to finish a memorable year on a high note.  Being a special event, we're leaving the production of the evening to the experts. Bill Quinn and his team at Overheard Productions.

The event will feature music by DJ Gosper and keyboards with their smooth, sultry jazz sounds.

Don't miss this evening which will have all the classic Schmooze ingredients: great music, vibe and people. Plus some cunningly-planned entertainment where the audience becomes the act!

And lots of lucky door prizes a-plenty (please see below for details of one of them!)

About Overheard Productions

Overheard Productions was forged in the fiery furnaces of event trivia quiz nights, but has gone on to be oh, so much more.

Bill Quinn is a Canberra lifer and knows Canberra, its venues, its people and its culture like the back of his... digit thing at the end of his arm. From trivia quizzes, Bill has taken Overheard Productions to encompass a variety of entertainment and public speaking roles, with a major focus on his skills as a Master of Ceremonies.

Bill is a Master of Ceremonies with a personality. (The two things are not always mutually exclusive, but they're grand when they converge.) Bill is a smart, quick-witted, gregarious host and MC and adds bucket-loads of value to corporate, community, musical, and basically ANY sort of function.

Overheard Productions was founded in 2003, but Bill Quinn has been treading the boards as a wedding MC, music MC, corporate host, trivia quiz host and presenter since 1992.

Much in demand at music festivals from South East Queensland to southern Victoria, Bill Quinn augments his talents with roles as various as radio presenter (Artsound FM, Canberra), writer (Trad and Now magazine), and sometime migrant English tutor.

If you want someone to add a bit of zip, pop and (most importantly) structure to your function, speak with Overheard Productions.

Lucky Door Prizes

Inspired-Connections

Two complimentary 45 min “Design Your Success” coaching session (valued at $190) by Anna Anderson at Inspired-Connections.
Inspired-Connections is a boutique coaching practice created by Anna Anderson. It is focused on helping people achieve amazing personal and professional success.

With her broad life experience, knowledge, intuition and insight, Anna helps people around the world realise their true potential and take their personal and professional life to the next level. Anna's coaching & mentoring programs are focused on self-empowerment and effective communication strategies designed to improve the clients' personal and professional outcomes.

As a Performance Coach & Mentor, Anna creates unique transformational experiences for her clients that work on many different levels. As their testimonials confirm, the results are often life changing.

You can find out more on Anna’s website – www.inspired-connections.com.au

Carmen Steffans

Are offering several $50 gift vouchers to some lucky winners.

Carmen Steffens appeals to fashion savvy, fun loving and confident women who embrace style, beauty and sensuality that is further enhanced by exclusive design and exotic mystique.

Carmen Steffens high quality handcrafted shoes, handbags and accessories meet the desires of the Carmen Steffens women by delivering a level of exclusivity, beauty and unique style which can not be found in any other brand.
It is one of the fastest growing international brands of high fashion women’s footwear, handbags and accessories.

Carmen Steffens provides pure class products and services and a unique fashion experience to Australian style conscious women. For more information, please see: http://au.carmensteffens.com/

]]> http://www.schmooze.net.au/site/oneevent.php?id=311 We welcome in the Schmooze year, our 7th, in style at the wonderful Senso Culinary Centre.

One of the finest dining establishments in the region, it’s the perfect place to start our program of great events for 2011.

If you’ve never experienced a Schmooze before, think more convivial cocktail function, than staid business networking event, with a room full of outgoing and friendly professionals from wide range of sectors.

No spiels, or shameless plugs, just a great night to make new contacts. If you’re coming for the first time, please let us know and our team can introduce you about to our regulars.

Our members can also request some tailored introductions via our unique Concierge Service as well.

This month we’ll be sharing some more information about our plans for the year, and also will be inviting a local charity to introduce themselves on the night as part of a new ongoing commitment to support good causes in the region by providing a platform for them to promote their activities each month. 

About Senso

Chef Jan Gundlach, its owner and creator, brings with him not only an impressive career but also a philosophy that guarantees a place of culinary excellence for the Nation's Capital.

From the moment you enter The Culinary Centre you sense you are in the presence of a man who understands what is important about food and its presentation. There is a timeless expression of purity; a feeling of spaciousness and lightness. The use of natural materials like wood and stone, the abundance of fresh produce quicken the senses and heighten the anticipation   For more information: http://www.flavours.com.au/home_about.htm

Our Performers

Having accidentally burned down their beloved venue The Blue Marquessa, renowned composer Claude d’Herber’t and darling of the Australian stage Harry Sherlock, The Rose Of Lightning Ridge, have struck out on their own. They are quickly becoming Canberra’s premier party entertainment band, having had one semi-successful gig so far, even though they spent most of it bickering and eating fine cheeses.

Claude d’Herber’t is a one man orchestra of small repute, renowned for his ground breaking work with the kazoo. Harry Sherlock, the Rose Of Lightning Ridge, is hoping to meet some theatre producers interesting in bank rolling his new production of King Lear, to be performed entirely by Shetland ponies.

RSVP

• Please assist us by RSVPing by Friday 21st January to rsvp@schmooze.net.au
• Schmooze members no charge free, all inclusive
• Non Members: $55 incl GST per person, all inclusive.
• Please email us to reserve your place and we’ll provide a tax invoice for you in reply. Payment is due before the event thank you. 
  
  Please note its been held on a Thursday rather than the usual Wednesday due to the public holiday.

RSVP and Payment Details

• Please RSVP to rsvp@schmooze.net.au by January Wednesday 26 with the names and organisation of those attending.
• Cost for members: free, includes two complimentary drinks and canapes
• Cost for Guests: $55.00 incl GST includes two complimentary drinks and canapes
• Only for this event: to celebrate the start of our 2011 program in Melbourne we are offering two Guest Passes for the price of one! Tax Invoices will be issued when you RSVP as required.

OUR PRESENTERS

Alistair Urquhart is Managing Director of Affairs of State, which operates in Melbourne, Canberra and beyond. He works with businesses large and small, professional associations and industry groups on a wide range of issues. He also publishes two monthly public policy digests, Letter From Melbourne and Letter From Canberra, and various state and federal government charts and directories.

Alistair graduated from the Australian National University in Canberra in Law, History and Politics and is a (non-practicing) member of the Law Institute. Before that, he graduated from high school in Washington DC. He turned to professional government relations after voluntarily lobbying for a variety of causes over many years. He is a fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and a member of the Australian Institute of Public Administration.

Affairs of State, established in 1993, is an independent Australian public affairs firm with contemporary international connections. It provides a suite of professional services to multinational businesses, professional and industry associations, government agencies, pressure groups, NGOs and community causes in Australia and abroad. Affairs of State understands public policy and its implementation. Affairs of State provides strategic and tactical advice, knowledge and intelligence, political and trend monitoring, contract experience and lobbying. See: http://www.affairs.com.au/

He will also be joined by the CEO of Aperium, Michael Holzer. Michael is currently the CEO of Aperium Pty Ltd, a consulting organisation he founded in 2001. Aperium supports a number of Federal and State Government clients from offices in Melbourne and Canberra.

He has over 18 years Business and IT industry experience in a variety of management, consulting and technical roles with a number of significant National and Global Organisations.  More recently he has started a number of innovative, agile organisations in the new media and converged information technology sector. No longer fit for corporate roles he is an entrepreneur servicing the Government and Corporate sectors.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Mr Urquhart will detail the main points of a campaign to influence governments and will as guided by the audiences, focus on any particular details and issues as the audience requires.

CONFIRM YOUR PLACE

Reservations directly with Schmooze are essential via email: rsvp@schmooze.net.au by Friday 4th February (Facebook RSVPs don't count)

COST

Includes snacks, a complimentary drink on arrival and presentation notes.

• Free for professional and young professional package members
• $35 for social members
• $55 for non-members,  Tax invoices and payment details will be provided when you RSVP.

NOW TAKING NAMES FOR ANOTHER SEMINAR IN MARCH DUE TO POPULAR DEMAND.

Presented by the founder of Schmooze and recognised networking guru, Phillip Jones, this seminar will give you all the insights you need to be confident in cultiviating your professional and business relationships.

Forget the old cliche of networking as the business card swap and someone hassling you for a deal, Phillip's philosophy revolves around being systematic, targeted and genuine in your deals with others with a mutually beneficial result for all.

Whether your starting your career, or want to brush up on some ideas and skills, this informative session will be invaluable.

Some of the topics covered will be:

• how to be confident when introducing yourself
• how to manage your 'personal brand'
• how to be systematic in your follow-up processes and contacts management
• how to ensure you get value from your investment of time and money from your networking
• maintaining long term professional relationships
• developing a strategy that is aligned to your career, business and professional goals.

You are asked to include two challenges or questions you would like Phillip to cover in this session when you RSVP, and we keep the group to just 12 to ensure a personalised experience. 

Participants will also receive a short guide to professional networking

About Phillip

Phillip Jones is a Canberra-based social entrepreneur whose two companies, Two Degrees Group and Schmooze, are an expression of his insights into social and professional networks.

Two Degrees Group provides a range of consulting services including tailored on-demand professional development workshops, discrete professional intermediary services, and advice on the design, development and management of professional networks.

He also provides advice across a range of communication issues to both government and private sector as a consultant. His clients have included a wide range of government departments and agencies as well as small business.

He is regularly invited to speak on the subject of networking and also provides executive coaching and developed strategies for organisations looking to be effective in this activity.

 You can read what his clients say on his Linkedin profile here. 

RSVP AND PAYMENT

• Bookings essential: please assist us by RSVPing by Wednesday 16th February to rsvp@schmooze.net.au
• Schmooze members no charge free, all inclusive- includes a complimentary drink and guide.
• Non Members: $55 incl GST per person, all inclusive- - includes a complimentary drink and networking guide.
• Please email us to reserve your place and we’ll provide a tax invoice for you in reply. Payment is due before the event thank you.

Set amidst sculptural masterpieces and beautiful trees, this will be a very special Schmooze. Members and guests will enjoy an exclusive VIP area, drinks and canapes.

The February Schmooze is our flagship event for the month, and we acknowledge the support of one of our newest members, the National Gallery of Australia in making us so welcome.

Expand your professional horizon's in style this February.

This will be a very popular evening, so please reserve your place right away as we expect to book this event out promptly.

RESERVE YOUR PLACE TODAY

If you’re like most small business owners, you’re probably completely overwhelmed when it comes to taking your business online. It’s not uncommon to think that once you’ve launched your website, the sales and leads start flowing through the door but unfortunately, it’s not a case of build it and they will come… or convert!

In this Workshop, we’ll uncover the secrets to launching and maintaining a successful and hugely profitable website using new ways of marketing. From setting clear and specific goals, to determining clear calls to action, promotion, social media, and everything in between, you’ll walk away armed with the proven tools, techniques and tactics you can implement into your business immediately.

Topics covered: Setting clear and measurable website goals, knowing your ideal client, key points of difference, lead capture and conversion, why content is still King, direct email marketing and promotion techniques.

You’ll also receive a complimentary copy of our brand new ebook: 7 Secrets to a Hugely Profitable Website. So come along to this information packed workshop.

Stop wasting dollars on traditional advertising and learn how to effectively harness all the web has to offer.

OUR PRESENTER

Bianca Board, Director, Web Strategist and Chief Designer of www.web123.com.au is a self-confessed perfectionist with a wealth of design and strategy experience. She uses her creative gift for the greater good – delivering her many SME clients greater earning potential online

CONFIRM YOUR PLACE

Reservations directly with Schmooze are essential via email: rsvp@schmooze.net.au by Friday. Places are limited to 20 participants

COST

Includes snacks, a complimentary drink on arrival and presentation notes.

• Free for professional and young professional package members
• $35 for social members
• $55 for non-members,  Tax invoices and payment details will be provided when you RSVP.

Seminar for under young professionals under 30.

Presented by the founder of Schmooze and recognised networking guru, Phillip Jones, this seminar will give you all the insights you need to be confident in cultiviating your professional and business relationships.

Forget the old cliche of networking as the business card swap and someone hassling you for a deal, Phillip's philosophy revolves around being systematic, targeted and genuine in your deals with others with a mutually beneficial result for all.

Whether your starting your career, or want to brush up on some ideas and skills, this informative session will be invaluable.

Some of the topics covered will be:

• how to be confident when introducing yourself
• how to manage your 'personal brand'
• how to be systematic in your follow-up processes and contacts management
• how to ensure you get value from your investment of time and money from your networking
• maintaining long term professional relationships
• developing a strategy that is aligned to your career, business and professional goals.

You are asked to include two challenges or questions you would like Phillip to cover in this session when you RSVP, and we keep the group to just 12 to ensure a personalised experience. 

Participants will also receive a short guide to professional networking

About Phillip

Phillip Jones is a Canberra-based social entrepreneur whose two companies, Two Degrees Group and Schmooze, are an expression of his insights into social and professional networks.

Two Degrees Group provides a range of consulting services including tailored on-demand professional development workshops, discrete professional intermediary services, and advice on the design, development and management of professional networks.

He also provides advice across a range of communication issues to both government and private sector as a consultant. His clients have included a wide range of government departments and agencies as well as small business.

He is regularly invited to speak on the subject of networking and also provides executive coaching and developed strategies for organisations looking to be effective in this activity.

 You can read what his clients say on his Linkedin profile here.

RSVP AND PAYMENT

• Bookings essential: places are limited to 12 participants, please assist us by RSVPing by Wednesday 9 March to rsvp@schmooze.net.au
• Schmooze members no charge free, all inclusive- includes a complimentary drink and guide.
• Non Members: $55 incl GST per person, all inclusive- - includes a complimentary drink and networking guide.
• Please email us to reserve your place and we’ll provide a tax invoice for you in reply. Payment is due before the event thank you.

Please confirm your place by Wednesday 16 March and places are limited to 12 people to ensure a personalised experience.  Non-member guests will be issued with a tax invoice and payment details when they RSVP: rsvp@schmooze.net.au

Increase your chances of successfully applying for your next position – Application & Interview Techniques

Catherine is the Canberra Manager for Regent Recruitment & has over 11 years experience in the Recruitment industry, specialising in Office Support, Professional Services & Call Centre roles both the Private & Public Sectors.

Catherine and her teams are well entrenched in the Canberra market, supplying recruitment services to many major government departments and high profile corporations – they have the jobs you want and the advice you need.

Catherine has a reputation for her solid commitment to a personal recruitment service for not only her clients but candidates as well. She prides herself & her team, on treating each person they way they would want to be treated and providing advice on how you can best perform at interview is only part of the service that she and her team at Regent Recruitment can assist you with.

Catherine is a Certified Professional with the Australian Human Resources Institute as well as an Accredited Professional with the Australian Recruitment and Consulting Services Association.

Learning Outcomes
You've seen a job opportunity that you're interested in and want to apply, but where do you start? Catherine will give you information about:

• Understanding the position description
• Resume & Cover Letter Examples
• Responding to Key Selection Criteria
• Interview preparation
• How to perform your best at both Face to Face & Telephone Interviews
• Secrets on securing that Second Interview
• Interview closing techniques
• Reference Checks
• Negotiating the best salary for you

Held on the last Friday of the month, this new addition to our regular program will feature three guest speakers who will explore a particular topical issue or theme from their respective sectors viewpoints such as government, not for profit and private sector. 

They'll share their expert insights in a short talk (no powerpoint we promise!) and then we'll open up the discussion for a robust exchange of ideas, comments and debate over a great lunch.

The Business Lunch Club will be limited to 28 people to keep the vibe personalised and is perfect for executives, business owners and senior managers to meet their peers from a wide range of sectors in a relaxed setting.

This month we'll explore one of the key issues facing managers and owners in the region- the skills shortage.

Our Panelists this month  are:

Steve Jamieson, Manager, Capital Region Business Enterprise Centre.

The CRBEC is contracted with the Australian Government to deliver low cost business services through the Capital Region BEC.  They also have a contract to provide Free 'Business Advisory Services' with the NSW Department of Industry and Investment.

The Work Placement Coordinators in Queanbeyan, Goulburn and Young are funded by the Commonwealth Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) and NSW Department of Education and Training.  DEEWR funds the Partnership Brokers program in the region. Further funding and local support comes from the councils in the areas we cover - the Queanbeyan City Council provides some in-kind support. For more information, see their website.

Alex Robson, Director, Corporate Finance Deloitte Canberra

Deloitte, Australia provides a broad range of audit, tax, consulting, and financial advisory services to public and private clients. It has expertise that spans industry sectors including automotive; consumer business; energy & resources; financial services; government services; life sciences & health care; manufacturing; real estate; and technology, media & telecommunications. For more information please see their website.

Simon Kinsmore, Senior Manager, Communications and Engagement & International Relations, Live in Canberra

The Live in Canberra program promotes Canberra as a place to live and work to skilled workers throughout Australia and in targeted international audiences. The program is delivered in collaboration with the private, tertiary and Commonwealth sectors in the ACT and has been promoting Canberra since 2006.  For more informatio on their website: www.liveincanberra.com.au

Confirm Your Place

• Reservations are essential: rsvp@schmooze.net.au ASAP
• Tax invoices will be issued to Non-member Guests when you RSVP

We attract a wide range of outgoing and friendly professionals for conversation in an environment perfect for cultivating new professional relationships.

No name tags, no spiel from our sponsor and our team are on hard to introduce you about to ensure you feel welcome and connected and in short, a Schmooze is not like your typical business function!  You can see footage of past events here on Schmooze TV.

Please assist us by RSVPing soon to rsvp@schmooze.net.au

We'll be Schmoozing at their helicopter base and this event is a wonderful opportunity to network with peers, colleagues and make new professional connections.

Our guest speaker, Dr Kelvin Grove is the Director of the Capital Region Retrieval Service at The Canberra Hospital, is a specialist in Intensive Care Medicine and he crews on the Snowy Hydro SouthCare Rescue Helicopter.

Kelvin’s presentation will give us an insight into his experience working on the helicopter and describe the types of missions the Snowy Hydro SouthCare Rescue Helicopter performs everyday

In addition, we'll also have a guest performance from the National Folk Festival who will also offer some wonderful lucky door prizes on the night.

In short, this will be a highlight of the year- so reserve your place and book it in! Please RSVP by the 25th please to assist with our planning and catering etc.

We'll also have copies of the Schmooze Deluxe album on sale ($20) with proceeds going to Snowy Hydro Southcare!

About the National Folk Festival

For five days Exhibition Park in Canberra becomes a magic place, filled with colour and sound. Hundreds of the world’s best musicians perform daily, in a non-stop flow of entertainment across twenty two fabulous venues.

Every day is packed with workshops and sessions, where you can join in the dancing, singing and playing and become part of the celebration. It’s all there for you; once you’ve bought your ticket and come through the gates you won’t need to leave.

Visit the website and book your tickets here.

Read more about the program here (PDF) and here (PDF)!

This monthly series of seminars is designed for under 30's, that provide practical insights that participants can apply in their professional and personal lives.

Some past topics have included interview techniques, managing relationships with Minister's offices, the essence of great branding, emotional intelligence, strategic networking and measuring effective PR communications.Please see our 2011 program page for upcoming seminars and workshops.

Places are limited to 12 participants to ensure a personalised experience.

This Month's Topic

Too many businesses start the process of online marketing by choosing the sharpest tool in the shed without even having a game plan in place. In 30 mins this workshops will get attendees thinking about how their plan should look, what included and where to start.

• Where to start with your plan and what should considered
• Where does your website, social media and direct marketing fit in
• What comes now, next and later
• The get started online marketing plan

Our Presenter

This seminar is presenterd by Todd Wright, director of Threesides which is a Canberra based marketing, online and training company that works with clients to develop, implement and evaluate the marketing of their products and services. Specialising in digital marketing, Threesides helps clients to gain and maintain a competitive advantage for their business online.

CONFIRM YOUR PLACE

• Reservations are essential- please RSVP by Friday 8 April via rsvp@schmooze.net.au
• Non-member guests and social members will be invoiced when they RSVP.

This month, time to channel some Mad Men mojo and join us for an exclusive and intimate event.

Our hosts are The Push Agency in their stunning new offices in Kingston.

Push is Canberra’s newest and brightest digital agency. Founded by digital industry veteran, Jimi Bostock, and local marketing entrepreneur, Pawl Cubbin, Push is bringing a new level of digital thinking to the marketplace. Push will focus on creating engaging online content, social media, online marketing, and online video.

No name tags, no spiel from our sponsor, rather a vibe conducive to conversation amongst outgoing and interesting professionals.

Our staff are also on hand to introduce you about to ensure you feel welcome and connected and in short, they don't feel like your typical business function!

We'll also be linking up virtually with our Melbourne Chapter's Schmooze event being held on the same evening!

Please note: there is a strict limit of 60 members only for this event- and to ensure as many members have an opportunity to attend we request that only one person per organisation RSVP.

CONFIRM YOUR PLACE

• Please rsvp@schmooze.net.au midday Wednesday 27th
• No Walk ins!

We've been carefully choosing the creme de la creme of Melbourne's cocktail lounges for our events, and we've enjoyed the atmosphere at each event, in many cases our members and guests just don't want to leave!

Our staff are on hand to introduce you about to ensure you feel welcome and connected and in short, they don't feel like your typical business function. We like our events intimate, personalised and for everyone to feel at home.

We'll also be linking up virtually with our Canberra Chapter's Schmooze event being held on the same evening!

You can see footage of past events here on Schmooze TV.

Please reserve your place by RSVPing soon to rsvp@schmooze.net.au  and guests will be invoiced when they RSVP.

NewActon Nishi was conceived as a total response to the global groundswell for sustainable environmental change and will be Australia’s most sustainable residential development.

In addition, NewActon Nishi will be home to Palace Cinema’s flagship ‘new generation’ cinema boasting 8 digital screens, and the new headquarters for the Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency.

We also have Yve Dougall, National Policy Manager for the Australian Computer Society to outline their new sustainable policies and standards for the ICT Industry.

Confirm Your Place

• Reservations are essential: rsvp@schmooze.net.au
• Tax invoices will be issued to Non-member Guests when you RSVP

You can preview the topics coming up on this page.

Our Theme

So much has been written on what constitutes success and any visit to a bookshop or self-help website will uncover a plethora of self-help books and information on positive thinking, controlling your thoughts and emotions, living the life you want to live and being happy.

So even though we have better food, housing, more access to education, entertainment and greater career opportunities why is it that research shows that levels of vitality, well-being and happiness are lower that 50 years ago?

Does success and happiness go hand in hand?

This workshop explores the concept of happiness and debunks the happiness myth. You will be given the opportunity to explore what gives your work and life meaning, and what defines success for you. We will explore and practice easy and simple techniques that assist in maintaining feelings of well-being, vitality and engagement. We will learn and practice skills to handle our inner critic, thoughts, and feelings more effectively so that they have less impact and influence on you.

Topics covered:

• Defining success and happiness
• Debunking the happiness myth
• What does it mean to live a rich and meaningful life
• Techniques to deal with the inner critic
• Thoughts and feelings
• Paying attention with openness
• Curiosity and flexibility and taking effective action guided by values.

OUR PRESENTER

Agi De Simone is a Professional Certified Coach and trainer in the Leadership, Professional, and Personal Development space.

Agi says “I am passionate, energetic and enthusiastic. I love working with people and in all that I do I believe in the infinite capacity and capability of people to have careers and a life that is rich, full, meaningful and vital.”
\Agi has over 17 years experience in human resources. She is a credentialed Professional Certified Coach and an experienced trainer and facilitator. She believes that we all have the capacity, capability, and ability to achieve personally and professionally beyond what we ever thought possible. She specialises in working with individuals, teams and groups to unlock, enhance, and grow professional and personal excellence, to take value based action and to live and work in a strengths based framework.

Agi has been consulting since 2003 and as an experienced trainer, facilitator and coach works with individuals, senior leaders, and teams to develop leadership, communication and interpersonal skills in order to improve performance, to bring about transformational change and to maximise potential.

She brings to her training, facilitation and coaching a diverse career in the public and the private sector and a unique combination of experience and expertise as an accountant and auditor; as an educator in a Tertiary Institution, managing, developing and delivering training programs Australia wide; as a business owner developing and delivering training and facilitation programs Australia wide; as well as a Senior Leader in public and private sector organisations.

Agi is a highly qualified and experienced coach and trainer with an extensive track record and has proven results Australia wide at all levels including SES, EL and APS in a wide range of Australian Government Departments throughout Australia. She has far-reaching training and coaching experience in a wide range of national private sector organisations and has coached at all levels including CEO throughout Australia.

CONFIRM YOUR PLACE

• Please RSVP to rsvp@schmooze.net.au places are limited to 20 participants.
• Non-member guests will be invoiced when they RSVP

Please see our 2011 program page for upcoming seminars and workshops.

This month we explore the many forms of support and advice you can access from the team of Business.gov.au when starting or developing your business.

Our Presenter

Mr Simon Fisher works for the Department of Innovation. Simon's team is responsible for business.gov.au, the Australian Government's small business website.

business.gov.au offers simple and convenient access to a vast amount of government business information as well as highly beneficial business services.

business.gov.au provides free information and practical tools to help you start, run or grow your business.

Simon has extensive experience working with all three levels of government and encourages his team to engage with businesses directly as much as possible. A key challenge for Simon and his team is making businesses aware of the range of assistance available from governments across Australia.

Topics Covered
You'd like to start or grow your business but don't know where to start?  Simon will give you information about:

• How business and government interact
• Step by step guides and checklists to help set up your business
• Writing a business plan
• Grants available from government
• Where you can find help
• How to find training and events to attend
• How to stay informed about what's happening in government

CONFIRM YOUR PLACE

• Reservations are essential- please RSVP by Wednesday 11 May via rsvp@schmooze.net.au
• Non-member guests and social members will be invoiced when they RSVP.
• Places are limited to 12 participants to ensure a personalised experience

We'll enjoy special tastings, tours of the vineyard, some great music and lots of new people to meet!

Our staff are on hand to introduce you about to ensure you feel welcome and connected and in short, they don't feel like your typical business function!

You can see footage of past events here on Schmooze TV.

Confirm Your Place

• Please RSVP to rsvp@schmooze.net.au
• Non-member guests will be invoiced when they RSVP and are very welcome

Mount Majura Vineyard is a small vineyard and winery close to Canberra, in the ACT.

Our vineyard’s soils are unique among vineyards in the Canberra District due to its location on the slopes of Mount Majura which is of volcanic origin. They are red clay loam soils rich in iron and contain limestone as well as the volcanic rhyolite, some of which is is high enough in iron minerals (magnetite) that pebbles act as magnets. The clay content and limestone base mean that, for established vines, irrigation is used as a tool to maximise quality, not yield. Having this unique site, our winemaking philosophy is clearly centred on expressing this terroir.

Held on the last Friday of the month, this event is the third in the series of lunches with a guest panel who will explore a particular topical issue or theme from their respective sectors viewpoints. 

This month we'll do some myth-busting about the reality of Canberra and the business opportunities for those working in the creative sectors such as the arts, design and fashion. Our panel will share their expert insights in a short talk and then we'll open up the discussion for a robust exchange of ideas, comments and debate over a great lunch.

The events are limited to 20 people to keep the vibe intimate and personalised and is perfect for executives, business owners and senior managers to meet their peers from a wide range of sectors.

Our Panel

Caroline Stacey, Artistic Director/ CEO The Street Theatre

Caroline Stacey is the Artistic Director/CEO of Canberra's The Street Theatre. Before coming to Canberra to give a new life to this slightly tired and largely forgotten theatre venue ('like an old laundry, with white walls and grey carpet'), she was responsible for reinvigorating the Castlemaine State Festival in Victoria.

The Street Theatre's website is here.

Bea brickall, DIRECTOR act, australian business arts foundation

Bea has an extensive background in the performing and visual arts, heritage and education, both nationally and internationally. She has spent much of her professional life as a manager and board member of arts organisations in the Australia and Wales and has raised funds for organisations as varied as the John Curtin School of Medical Research, the Faculty of Arts, University of Melbourne, and the Melbourne Zoo. Prior to her role as ACT Director, AbaF, she was National Manager, Fundraising & Development for Australian Catholic University where she worked for almost four years.

The Australia Business Arts Foundation (AbaF) is a company of the Australian government funded through the Office for the Arts in the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet and supported to deliver its national programs and services in every state and territory by its business council. AbaF is a national organisation which connects the arts, business and donors.

We work with businesses large and small, arts organisations of all types, individual artists, trusts and foundations. We provide advice, professional development, volunteering and networking opportunities. Many of our services are free.

AbaF is governed by a board, and has a council of leading companies. All our councillors have relationships with the arts - they sponsor more than 700 arts companies and projects between them. Their role is to advocate to business the benefits of connecting with the arts. For more information, see their website.

Confirm Your Place

• Reservations are essential: rsvp@schmooze.net.au
• Tax invoices will be issued to Non-member Guests when you RSVP

You can see footage of past events here on Schmooze TV.

Guests are very welcome and we hope you can join us!

Lyndal will outline how companies can raise capital for their product and business development and market expansion, focussing on equity and government grant opportunities. She will be guided by the audience in terms of focus and details.

Lyndal is currently the CEO of Viria Pty Ltd, a business development company she founded in 1996. Lyndal has over 15 years experience in startup companies, capital raising, business development and strategy. Her previous company, Innovation Dynamics Pty Ltd, which operated under an Australian Financial Services Licence, advised on transactions totalling AU$500 million in value during the period 2004 – 2008.

Lyndal has been involved in commercialising a range of technologies including medical devices, therapeutics, agricultural products and telecommunications. She was ACT Telstra Businesswoman of the Year in 2004 and has sat on the judging panel for the ACT Telstra Businesswomen’s awards for the last 5 years.

Lyndal graduated from Sydney University with a degree in genetics and went on to further science studies in Canberra. She later graduated from Canberra University with a Grad Dip Legal Studies and has completed a Dip Accounting. Her PhD, from Macquarie University, studied the innovation networks of Australian biotechnology companies, in particular their capital raising. Prior to starting her first company, Lyndal worked for CSIRO in research administration.

She is a fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and has experience on the boards of not-for-profit organisations and both private and public unlisted companies. She is currently on the boards of two other companies.

Viria Pty Ltd was founded in 1996 (then called Advance Consulting & Evaluation). Viria has delivered dozens of studies, business plans, valuations, expert reports and market research reports, the majority of which have been for start-up companies or on establishment of new markets for existing companies. Viria has also delivered major industry policy research reports to government clients on issues such as industry cluster development, supply chains, exporting and innovation. Viria is an authorised sponsor for the Australian Small Scale Offerings Board (www.assob.com.au).

LEARNING OUTCOMES
The audience will gain an appreciation of the main business considerations when considering various ways of raising capital for business expansion, product development and innovation.

CONFIRM YOUR PLACE

Reservations directly with Schmooze are essential via email: rsvp@schmooze.net.au -places are limited to 20 participants

COST

Includes snacks, a complimentary drink on arrival and presentation notes.

• Free for professional and young professional package members
• $35 for social members
• $55 for non-members,  Tax invoices and payment details will be provided when you RSVP. 

Some past topics have included managing relationships with Minister's offices, the essence of great branding, emotional intelligence, personal organisation and effectiveness, how to develop a public affairs career and interview techniques and please see our 2011 program page for upcoming topics.

Networking Master Class

This event is being run again due to popular demand and is limited to 12 participants.

Presented by the founder of Schmooze and recognised networking guru, Phillip Jones, this seminar will give you all the insights you need to be confident in cultivating your professional and business relationships.

Forget the old cliche of networking as the business card swap and someone hassling you for a deal, Phillip's philosophy revolves around being systematic, targeted and genuine in your deals with others with a mutually beneficial result for all.

Whether your starting your career, or want to brush up on some ideas and skills, this informative session will be invaluable.

Note:Participants should nominate two challenges they face in their professional relationships and networking activity when they RSVP. These challenges will be addressed (anonymously) by Phillip during the seminar to ensure a personalised experience.

The format of this seminar will be conversation and participants will be invited to contribute their own experiences.

Some of the topics covered will be:

• how to be confident when introducing yourself
• how to manage your 'personal brand'
• how to be systematic in your follow-up processes and contacts management
• how to ensure you get value from your investment of time and money from your networking
• maintaining long term professional relationships
• developing a strategy that is aligned to your career, business and professional goals.

CONFIRM YOUR PLACE

• Email rsvp@schmooze.net.au
• Non-member guests and social members will be invoiced when they RSVP.

About Phillip

Phillip Jones is a Canberra-based social entrepreneur whose two companies Two Degrees Group and Schmooze are an expression of his insights into social and professional networks.

Two Degrees Group provides a range of consulting services including tailored on-demand professional development workshops, discrete professional intermediary services, and advice on the design, development and management of professional networks.

He also provides advice across a range of communication issues to both government and private sector as a consultant. His clients have included a wide range of government departments and agencies as well as small business.

He is regularly invited to speak on the subject of networking and professional relations and social media.

For several years, our ACT Chapter has worked with their Canberra colleagues to put on very successful joint events and so we continue this association at the June Schmooze to double your networking possiblities.

Guests are very welcome, and as always, our team are on hand to to ensure you feel welcome, and we'll enjoy some of the fabulous food and wine from the award winning Becco restaurant.

We'll also be having a special guest speaker, one of Melbourne Foundation Members, Dr Marc Bajcic. He has been studying human wellness for over 10 years. He has a Bachelor of Health Science, majoring in exercise physiology with a specialization in neurological adaptation, is a Doctor of Chiropractic, and holds a post-graduate certification in low force chiropractic care. Dr. Bajcic is an advocate of the The Eat Well - Move Well - Think Well Lifestyle Program. The program gives clients lifestyle implementation instructions for wellness and prevention to provide some expert insights to stimulate your professional lives.

So please book your place today- places are limited, and will fill fast we expect.

RSVP to rsvp@schmooze.net.au, Guests will be invoiced when they RSVP.

About the AITD 

Founded in 1971, the AITD is the association of choice for professionals in training, learning and development. Our mission is to be a leader in fostering excellence, innovation and professional integrity in training, learning and development for the workplace. By being a member you will belong to a professional body dedicated to the same goals.

The three strands of the value of AITD membership are summed up in our motto:

• Innovate. Build your knowledge of the latest approaches to developing people and successful organisations. Nowhere is it more important to stay in touch with trends than in training, learning and development.
• Learn. By joining AITD you demonstrate your commitment to the profession and gain access to a range of professional development activities. Membership entitles you to apply for AITDs Accredited Practitioner status.
• Connect. Joining AITD will enable you to establish a network of professional peers and contacts. Attend local and national events, become involved in special interest groups, and become listed in the AITD Find-a-Trainer database, the listing of "who's who" in the field of in training, learning and development.

The AITD is a not-for profit association and is fully owned by members. For more information see their website.

But thanks to our wonderful sponsors, the National Press Club we've been able to secure a venue for this event at very short notice.

This event will be intimate and the setting in their ownstairs lounge bar is ideal for Schmoozing.

As always, we keep the tone light with no speeches, no name tags, just great people to meet, excellent food and wine, and fabulous team are there to introduce you about.

Places are just about filled for this event, so please reserve your place right away.

RSVP: to rsvp@schmooze.net.au and non-member guests will be invoiced when they RSVP.

Many people don’t know the value of their business or have the wrong idea of what their business is worth. How do I work out the value of my business? While there are several valuation methods some are better than others. Do I really need to know anyway?

Wayne is the principal of Bolin Accountants, a local accounting firm looking after small to medium businesses with guidance in business issues from strategic taxation advice to business coaching.

Before setting up his business in 2000, Wayne gained 20 years of valuable experience working in banking and finance, as a CFO of a major club, National Accountant for a national not-for-profit organization and finally as Partner of an accounting firm. Wayne has chaired accounting body committees and represented peak bodies regarding legislative changes and education.

As well as being a fellow of CPA Australia and the Tax Institute, Wayne is an accredited Adviser with Family Business Australia and a specialist SMSF advisor.

Learning Outcomes

At the completion of this workshop, participants will understand:

• How issues such as - your concept of value - relate to valuation
• Why valuations can be important
• The different types of valuation methodologies
• How those methods work
• How to improve the value of your business.

CONFIRM YOUR PLACE

Reservations directly with Schmooze are essential via email: rsvp@schmooze.net.au -places are limited to 20 participants

COST

Includes snacks, a complimentary drink on arrival and presentation notes.

• Free for professional, associate and young professional package members
• $35 for social members
• $55 for non-members,  Tax invoices and payment details will be provided when you RSVP.

• When: Monday 25 July, from 1730-1930
• Where: Diamant Hotel, New Acton
• Cost: Free for professsional, associate and young professional members, social members $35, and non-member guests $55.00 incl GST
• RSVP by COB this Friday, rsvp@schmooze.net.au

            This special free event will be held at the National Press Club on Wednesday 27th July from 4.30pm to 7.30pm.

The Canberra Region Market Place combines an expo-style format with fabulous networking opportunities. Add a welcoming and informal vibe, and include displays from a wide range of companies and organisations, mix in some great music and company and you have something that is not your typical business expo!

The evening will also incorporate the July Schmooze, starting from 5.30pm, our famous monthly event, which will attract over 100 of the most diverse professionals in the region for great conversation and new contacts.

We'll also have a great range of special door prizes and exclusive offers for those who attend.

So if you've always been curious about Schmooze, and just wanted to try the waters first, or want to meet some of the great businesses on display, or simply want to do some Schmoozing of your own, then don't miss this unique event.

REGISTER NOW

We're capping the registrations at 300, and only have 50 places left.

We'll also have a range of fantastic door prizes to give away for those who attend, a lounge bar, live music and more. The event will be free to attend, but registrations are essential,

Email Schmooze at marketplace@schmooze.net.au to confirm your place by COB Tuesday 26 please.

STAY IN THE LOOP

To stay in the loop please make sure you subscribe to our weekly Schmooze Express and/or follow us on facebook and twitter @schmoozecbr ( #cbrmarket ) as well as our facebook page here.

OUR EXHIBITORS

We've a great selection of our Schmooze members you can meet and they are listed here.

Please join us from 5.30pm for an informal evening of great conversation, new contacts to meet and networking in style.

As always, the Schmooze team will make you feel welcome and introduce you about.

RSVPs are due by COB Tuesday please to rsvp@schmooze.net.au and guests will be invoiced when they reserve their place.

• Insights and practical strategies, tactics and tips on how to integrate networking into your business development, marketing and PR goals in a confident and cost effective manner
• How to leverage all the many opportunities Schmooze offers to promote your expertise, services and create business and professional opportunities
• How to  use social media to cultivate and maintain real world relationships.

The content will be comprehensive and participants will also receive a complimentary copy of the Schmooze Guide to Professional Networking and other resources.

Phillip Jones is a Canberra-based social entrepreneur who is a expert on social and professional networks.

He is the director of Two Degrees Group, which provides a range of discrete professional consulting services including advice on development and management of professional and social networks, stakeholder engagement, tailored professional development workshops and professional /business intermediary services.

He is often invited to deliver workshops on a range professional communication topics, as well as a guest speaker for a range of organisations and associations- in particular on professional relations.

This year he has presented on professional relations and networking for organsiations such as Deloitte, Canberra Business Point, Australian Business Arts Foundation and Innovation ACT,

Phillip also founded Schmooze in 2003 and  writes frequent articles on the topic, many of which can be found on our website here.

COST includes welcome drink on arrival and snacks

• free for Schmooze Professional/Associate/Young Professional members
• Social members $35
• Non Member Guests $55 incl GST (will be invoiced when they RSVP)

CONFIRM YOUR PLACE

• Please RSVP to rsvp@schmooze.net.au this week

Please see our 2011 program for other upcoming seminars and workshops.

 About Jessica 

Having had a successful career in recruitment and run her own HR consultancy between London and Dublin, Jessica has accumulated a wealth of experience working in large multinational companies through to specialist recruitment consulting for an award winning firm.

What has enabled Jess to work across multiple disciplines, countries and organisations has been no fear attitude, resourcefulness and a strong desire to achieve results.

The key to Jessica’s success in successfully matching candidates with employers is her ability to relax candidates in an interview context whilst using behavioural interviewing techniques to drill down understand their core drivers. “Finding out if someone is motivated by money versus someone who places more value on work/life balance is just scratching the surface” she says.“ By digging down and seeking to understand a candidate’s primary motivators we are best placed to understand their potential and steer them in the right direction.”

Jessica’s achievements in recruitment and HR are founded on her ability to very naturally build meaningful relationships with a broad range of people, and her aptitude for thriving in a fast-paced and challenging environment.

This was clear to the HorizonOne team when hiring Jess, but what really tipped them over the edge was the fact that Jessica has worked for one of Ireland’s prestige chocolate manufacturers. She’s has made good on her chocolate factory experience by baking some incredibly tasty treats that she regularly brings into the office to share with the team. 

For more information see HorizonOne's website

Why not come early and attend our strategic networking workshop - Schmooze School and enjoy two events for one!

CONFIRM YOUR PLACE

• Please email us at rsvp@schmooze.net.au
• Non-member guests will be invoiced when they RSVP. 

About Servcorp

Servcorp offers the world’s finest serviced and virtual office solutions. Founded in Sydney in 1978, Servcorp now operates an international network of prime CBD locations throughout Australia, New Zealand, Japan, China, South-East Asia, India, Europe and the Middle East including the prestigious St George Centre Canberra and The Realm Barton.

A Servcorp Smart Office® is fully-managed corporate office suite in a prime CBD building. It includes a dedicated, local receptionist; access to a worldwide network of meeting rooms; secretarial support on hand and exclusive access to an online portfolio of business services and tools. Services are available on a flexible month-by-month basis to ensure that client’s can control their time and costs more effectively.

With Servcorp Offices client’s get:

• A prestigious and recognised CBD business address
• Mail, faxes and courier management
• Fax number and dedicated email addresses
• Access to Servcorp worldwide executive business lounges
• Multilingual administrative support
• Secure data storage facilities
• Booking online services through Servcorp Online - Hottdesk®
• Download detailed invoices online via Servcorp Online - Hottdesk®
• Access to a scalable Smart Office® broadband internet
• Print to any Servcorp location in the world

A Servcorp Virtual Office® gives clients all the benefits, presence, facilities and services of a Servcorp Smart Office®, whilst they work from home or another location.

Client’s can run their business effectively without the cost and commitment of a physical office space and choose from a range of packages offering benefits such as telephone answering, access to corporate meeting rooms, use of a CBD address or a complete business package.

Each month we cover a different topic and the events also offer a great opportunity to network and share your own perspectives. This series of workshops is presented in association with Servcorp.

To start with we'll cover everything you wanted to know about the art of being strategic and effective in your networking and more!

Presented by Schmooze's founder, Phillip Jones and his team, this event will have three parts:

• Expert insights and practical strategies, tactics and tips on how to integrate networking into your professional, marketing and PR goals in a confident and cost effective manner;
• How to leverage all the many opportunities Schmooze offers to promote your expertise, services and create business and professional opportunities.
• Using social media to engage, attract and maintain useful contacts

The event will be fun, interactive, and participants will receive a complimentary copy of the Schmooze Guide to Professional Networking, and is suitable for all levels of experience.

This event is also perfect for newcomers to Schmooze, as well as members wanting to ensure they gain the most of their membership.

Note, we'll be off to the August Schmooze right after the event held at Servcorp's offices!

About Phillip

Phillip Jones is a Canberra-based social entrepreneur who is a expert on social and professional networks.

He is the director of Two Degrees Group, which provides a range of discrete professional consulting services including advice on development and management of professional and social networks, stakeholder engagement, tailored professional development workshops and professional /business intermediary services.

He is often invited to deliver workshops on a range professional communication topics, as well as a guest speaker for a range of organisations and associations- in particular on professional relations.

This year he has presented on professional relations and networking for organsiations such as Deloitte, Canberra Business Point, Australian Business Arts Foundation and Innovation ACT,

Phillip also founded Schmooze in 2003 and  writes frequent articles on the topic, many of which can be found on our website here.

CONFIRM YOUR PLACE

• Please RSVP to rsvp@schmooze.net.au
• Guests are welcome: $55 per person (invoices will be issued when you RSVP)

Originally the event was planned for June.... and we finish what we we had planned to do prior to the infamous fire at New Acton.

Happily the Diamant hotel and Bicicletta cafe were undamaged and we're delighted to present the August Schmooze there.

The atmosphere is informal and welcoming - perfect for cultivating new professional relationships.

No name tags, no spiel from a sponsor, just a vibe conducive to conversation amongst outgoing and interesting professionals.

As always, our staff are on hand to introduce you about to ensure you feel welcome and in short, they don't feel like your typical business networking function!

Note, there will be a limit of 70 people for this event -so please reserve your place now via email: rsvp@schmooze.net.au 

Please see our 2011 program page for other upcoming seminars and workshops.

This month we explore the fundamentals of a great website and online strategy.

You want to build a website to promote your business, but where do you start? Ash Morgan –Director, Client Service & Anthony Nankervis – Art Director, Web Designer, will give you information about:

• How to create a website that encapsulates the personality of your brand
• Design
• Navigation
• Alignment
• Content
• Colours & Imagery
• Your Corporate and your Personal Brand

aBOUT gOOSEBUMPS creative

Goosebumps Creative Pty Ltd (Goosebumps) formerly known as Art Direction Creative, We changed our name in September 2011.

Our services include design, brand strategy development, advertising and web design development services.

We love creating or evolving brands, and devising creative ways to target a message to a specific audience.

Our business is about the ability to sense, interpret; to put the heart beat of a business into visual reality. (the words of Leo Burnett) Great design is a given, but it has to do more than visually appeal, it has to communicate with relevance to the specific audience it is targeting. And that is what we do.....

our presenters

Ash Morgan –Director, Client Service

In 1998 Ash joined ZOO Advertising as a Partner where he was responsible for managing the Media and client service departments. He has extensive knowledge of the advertising, marketing and graphic design industry in Canberra.

Ash has managed integrated campaigns for clients such as The Canberra Times, Old Bus Depot Markets, The Infant Nutrition Council, Beyond Neutral, Riteway Curtains and Blinds, Chief Ministers Department, Department of Urban Services (waste campaign) Canberra Southern Cross Club, IA Group, Goodyear Autocare, Prime Minister and Cabinet - Pacific Islands Forum 2009 and the successful 2008 ACT Election campaign for the Australian Labor Party.

Ash has managed design and website projects, including DFAT, AusAID, Austrade, Prime Minister & Cabinet, Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security, Department of Defence, Department of Broadband, Australian National Audit Office, Department of Immigration, Australian Bureau of Statistics, Department of Finance and Deregulation and Defence Housing Australia.

Anthony Nankervis – Art Director, Web Designer

Before joining Goosebumps, Anthony worked locally in design agencies Couch Creative and ZOO. A couple of his notable projects include the rebranding of Old Parliament House to the Museum of Australian Democracy in early 2009 and the branding and event design for the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet’s Pacific Islands Forum held in Cairns in 2009.

Anthony has produced extensive work for the following clients: Lifeline Australia, Plant Health Australia, National Gallery of Australia, National Portrait Gallery, National Museum of Australia, Canberra Capitals, The Canberra Times, Canberra Airport, Canberra Grammar School, Canberra Theatre, Floriade through ACT Tourism, and Exhibition Park in Canberra.

Anthony is an award-winning designer whose work was awarded two Pacific Area Newspaper Publishers’ Association (PANPA) Awards in 2004, a Print And Graphic Excellence (PAGE) Award in 2008, a Museums Australia Multimedia & Publication Design (MAPDA) Award in 2010 and also had work nominated for an Australian Graphic Design Association (AGDA) Award in 2006. Anthony was also a finalist in the Noise Festival, a youth arts festival run nationally by the ABC in 2003.

CONFIRM YOUR PLACE

• Please RSVP to rsvp@schmooze.net.au
• Non-member guests will be invoiced when they RSVP

This month, Schmooze is partnering with the Lighthouse Business Innovation Centre, and CraftACT to present a special event as part of the ACT Government's Business in Focus Month.

The monthly Schmooze's are informal, welcoming and attract the most diverse range of creative professionals in the city for great conversation and networking.

The evening will featured the latest exhibition from CraftACT to inspire your creativity.

We'll also be featuring the award winning wines from members,Mount Majura Vineyard.

Schmooze members, please note the change of date from the usual last Wednesday of the month and places are limited to 50 members and guests, so please reserve your spot soon!

Special Guest Speaker

Catherine Prosser is a former stage and production manager for theatre with additional experience in designing & making props, costumes and puppets, festival and event management and venue operation.

A graduate of the Victorian College of the Arts, Catherine began developing software solutions for the professional theatre industry in 2006, when development on Production Genie® Theatre Software began.

She began working on StageBitz™ in 2010. In-between product development and professional practise, Catherine has also served on a number of panels and boards, including four years on the ABC Advisory Council, as a board member of The Street Theatre and Canberra Youth Theatre and a peer on the assessment panels for artsACT’s Theatre & Dance and Film & TV funds as well as the ACT Festival Fund.

Confirm your place

• RSVP: rsvp@schmooze.net.au
• Guests will be invoiced when they RSVP with payment options provided

About Craft ACT

Craft ACT: Craft and Design Centre is the peak organisation representing craft and design in Canberra and advocates for the sector at all levels of government. The Centre is membership based and delivers services that support sector sustainability, professional practice and micro-enterprises.

The Centre represents, promotes and fosters development of contemporary craft and design in the Australian Capital Territory and region through its retail outlet, innovative exhibition program, membership program and a diverse range of public programs and one-off projects.

Following the successful and great feedback we had from the June event, which we presented in partnership with the Australian Institute of Training and Development, we are joining forces again this month.

We'll also have some fabulous door prizes and special offers courtesy local design company- Hip Industries!

Join us for a welcoming and informal evening of great food and wine and conversation.

Reserve Your Place

• Please email us at rsvp@schmooze.net.au
• Non-member guests are very welcome and will be invoiced when they RSVP.

SPECIAL DOOR PRIZES COURTESY OF HIP INDUSTRIES

Guests will go into the draw to win one of two fabulous bags courtesy of Hip Industries! 

Everyone will also receive and exclusive offer of 20% off their range as well.

The idea for Hip Industries began when we were looking to purchase a simple, good looking bag for the daily commute. However, we found bags were either good looking and expensive or cheap and unattractive. Hip Industries comes in to fill that niche. We create great value, stylish bags that rest on the hip.

These days, both men and women cannot get by carrying everything in their pockets. In many cases, you carry around a lot of stuff, stuff like laptops, books and mobiles. You need a stylish and affordable solution be it for work, the gym, or if you are heading out over the weekend. That’s where our bags come in.

Designed in Australia, our bags are shaped from the best designs from across the world. Our current collection features a choice of three professional messenger and shoulder bags for modern, stylish man or woman. We have constructed our bags from the highest quality synthetic leathers and lined them with classical threading 

Founded in 1971, the AITD is the association of choice for professionals in training, learning and development.

Our mission is to be a leader in fostering excellence, innovation and professional integrity in training, learning and development for the workplace. By being a member you will belong to a professional body dedicated to the same goals.

The three strands of the value of AITD membership are summed up in our motto:

• Innovate. Build your knowledge of the latest approaches to developing people and successful organisations. Nowhere is it more important to stay in touch with trends than in training, learning and development.
• Learn. By joining AITD you demonstrate your commitment to the profession and gain access to a range of professional development activities. Membership entitles you to apply for AITDs Accredited Practitioner status.
• Connect. Joining AITD will enable you to establish a network of professional peers and contacts. Attend local and national events, become involved in special interest groups, and become listed in the AITD Find-a-Trainer database, the listing of "who's who" in the field of in training, learning and development.

The AITD is a not-for profit association and is fully owned by members. For more information see their website.

Held on the last Friday of the month, these events feature a topical theme to get the conversation juices flowing over an excellent lunch.

We often feature a panel who will share their expert insights in a short talk (no powerpoint we promise!) and then we'll open up the discussion for a robust exchange of ideas, comments and debate over a great lunch.

The Business Lunch Club will be limited to 20 people to keep the vibe intimate and personalised and is perfect for executives, business owners and senior managers to meet their peers from a wide range of sectors in a relaxed setting.

Canberra is seen in the tourism brochures, ads and on TV as the place of institutions, politicians and roundabouts. But that's not the Canberra we know and love. So why the disconnect between the image and the reality of Canberra in the way its portrayed. This month we'll break that issue down.

Our Guest Speaker

Miled Achi, Creative Director, The Canberra Times

Mils is a graduate of the UNSW College of Fine Arts. He joined The Canberra Times in July 2009 as a graphic designer.

Prior to this he worked for five and a half years in entertainment advertising in Sydney on a range of shows such as Cirque du Soleil, The Phantom of the Opera, Priscilla Queen of the Desert (the musical) and with clients such as Luna Park, The Sydney Opera House and NIDA.

In October 2011 Mils was appointed the Creative Director of The Canberra Times advertising department. He works closely with the creative services team, art directing and styling photo shoots, designing various publications such as In the City magazine along with internal marketing initiatives.

Through his work with the Canberra Times, particularly the In the City magazine, he has helped reveal the vibrant creative, professional and business life of Canberra

Confirm Your Place

• Reservations are essential: rsvp@schmooze.net.au
• Tax invoices will be issued to Non-member Guests when you RSVP

Each month we cover a different topic and the events also offer a great opportunity to network and share your own perspectives in an informal atmosphere. Places are limited to 20 participants

You can preview the topics coming up on this page. 

You’ve done your marketing, you’ve secured some leads. But leads don’t put bread on the table, sales do. 

In this session we will look at the sales process from a fresh perspective and answer these questions (and many more):

• Who closes the deal?
• How do I ‘disarm’ my customer?
• What exactly is ‘a sale’?

About our Presenter

As a Small Fish Business Coach, Richard Everson will provide you with the structure, resources, support and accountability to achieve your business goals and personal dreams.

Working together, we’ll use an 'audit, plan, action' approach to develop and implement a strategic plan that drives sustainable, positive change in you and your business.

His mission is to celebrate the freedom of entrepreneurship and reignite your passion for business and life!

Find out more about Richard here.

CONFIRM YOUR PLACE

• Please RSVP to rsvp@schmooze.net.au places are limited to 20 participants.
• Non-member guests will be invoiced when they RSVP

Some past topics have included managing relationships with Minister's offices, the essence of great branding, emotional intelligence, personal organisation and effectiveness, how to develop a public affairs career, issues management, interview techniques, online marketing plans strategic networking methods and measuring effective communications.

Please see our 2011 program page for upcoming seminars and workshops.

Places are limited to 12 participants to ensure a personalised experience- so please book now. Non-member guests will be invoiced when they RSVP.

Working with the Media

The media is a ferocious beast that is best given a very wide berth. If you can’t avoid dealing with the media, this course will teach you how to bend journalists to your every whim, guarantee you’ll get final say over what goes to air or print, and ensure everyone who encounters your organisation walks away so inspired, they’ll name their first born child after you ...

… Just kidding.

Working with the media can be intimidating if you don’t have the knowledge and tools to communicate about your organisation in a clear, confident and succinct manner. This short course will help you to understand the various types of media and their needs, as well as how to prepare media communication materials that will increase your chances of receiving accurate and positive coverage.

About Charismatic Communications

char*is*matic (kar’iz mat’ik) adj: 1. able to lead and influence large numbers of people; 2. elicits a positive emotional response; 3. Having a special quality of leadership that captures the popular imagination and inspires allegiance and devotion.

Charismatic Communications is a Canberra-based communication consultancy, established in 2007 to provide ad-hoc and long-term communications advice and support for government, private sector and non-profit organisations.

Current and past clients include the Canberra Symphony Orchestra, National Folk Festival, Social Ventures Australia, Defence Housing Australia, RSPCA ACT and the Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT).

Charismatic Communications is owned and operated by Jane Speechley, a qualified public relations practitioner with more than 11 years experience. A member of the Public Relations Institute of Australia ACT Council, Jane is also a published freelance writer and trained radio producer, and now teaches communication at CIT and the University of Canberra.

To find out more, visit www.charismaticcommunications.com.au

Our workshops provide practical expert insights in an informal setting for up to 12 participants to ensure a personalised experience.

Workshop TOPICS

• Integrating your website into your marketing mix
• How to get more traffic
• How to keep people coming back
• How to turn traffic into business
• How to make sure that business becomes repeat business

OUR PRESENTER

Our guest presenter this month is Kieran Morrissey - Director of Jack Marlow Web Design. We're Jack Marlow. We're your web guys. We do web design, web development, e-commerce, CMS and CRM systems, SEO (Search Engine Optimisation), mobile websites, and everything else to help Australian businesses win on the web.

Our professional development program in Melbourne is presented in partnership with Servcorp Melbourne

CONFIRM YOUR PLACE

• Please RSVP to rsvp@schmooze.net.au
• Guests are most welcome- guest passes are $55 incl GST - invoiced when you RSVP
• Schmooze members free, Social members $35 incl GST

About Servcorp

Servcorp offers the world’s finest serviced and virtual office solutions. Founded in Sydney in 1978, Servcorp now operates an international network of prime CBD locations throughout Australia, New Zealand, Japan, China, South-East Asia, India, Europe and the Middle East,  A Servcorp Smart Office® is fully-managed corporate office suite in a prime CBD building. It includes a dedicated, local receptionist; access to a worldwide network of meeting rooms; secretarial support on hand and exclusive access to an online portfolio of business services and tools. Services are available on a flexible month-by-month basis to ensure that client’s can control their time and costs more effectively.

With Servcorp Offices client’s get:

• A prestigious and recognised CBD business address
• Mail, faxes and courier management
• Fax number and dedicated email addresses
• Access to Servcorp worldwide executive business lounges
• Multilingual administrative support
• Secure data storage facilities
• Booking online services through Servcorp Online - Hottdesk®
• Download detailed invoices online via Servcorp Online - Hottdesk®
• Access to a scalable Smart Office® broadband internet
• Print to any Servcorp location in the world
• For more information please see their website.

So take the opportunity to expand your range of professional and social contacts in the welcoming atmosphere of Schmooze.

We attract a wide range of outgoing and friendly professionals for conversation in an environment perfect for cultivating new professional relationships.

We aim for an informal and personalised atmosophere and with no name tags, and no spiels-  Schmooze is not like your typical business function- but a great night out perfect for making new colleagues and catching up with professional pals.

Confirm Your Place

• Just email us at rsvp@schmooze.net.au
• Non-member guests will be invoiced when they RSVP.
• Pay for your Guest Pass here.

• RSVP to rsvp@schmooze.net.au
• Pay via PayPal here
• Or cash at the door $10, but you must register first via email please.

About Schmooze@Campus

Schmooze@Campus is a unique program designed to assist and encourage students to start shaping their careers now.

The program also offers tertiary students the opportunity to build a professional network of industry contacts and learn fundamental interpersonal skills needed to kick start their careers.

All this will be offered at a student-budget friendly price of $10 per event and at locations close to where they study, starting with our first events near the University of Canberra.

Schmooze@Campus is part of the wider Schmooze professional community established in 2003, offering a wide range of professional development and networking opportunities each month in Canberra and Melbourne.

Schmooze can also run these events in-house and on demand- just contact us for details

Non-member guests are most welcome and the friendly Schmooze team will introduce you about.

The atmosphere is light and welcoming and often features live performances and special venues, perfect for cultivating new professional relationships.

We'll be giving away a very special IronKey USB courtesy of Rainmaker Cloud Computing, and we'll also have a guest who will be telling our guests what 2012 has in store for their business fates!

Confirm Your Place

• Just email us at rsvp@schmooze.net.au
• Non-member guests will be invoiced when they RSVP.
• Pay for your Guest Pass here.

To celebrate our first year in Melbourne, we're celebrating!

We are are also offering our young professional guests the opportunity to come at a special rate just for this event. As always, our friendly Schmooze team are on hand to introduce you about to ensure you feel welcome.

If you haven't been to Schmooze for a while, or always wanted to come to see what its like, then this event will be just perfect way to dip your toe in the water!

Please join us at this special roof top venue to wrap the Schmooze year in style, and top up your networking mojo for the summer.

Door Prize courtesy of Your Brand Unleashed.

One lucky guest will receive a Wine & Stuff pack – which comes with accessories to open, store and identify your wines and a space for a wine bottle (not included). Very seasonally appropriate,

Confirm Your Place

• Just email us at rsvp@schmooze.net.au
• Non-member guests will be invoiced when they RSVP.
• Pay for your Guest Pass here.

FULLY BOOKED THANK YOU!

Our 8th Birthday, 99th Monthly Schmooze and the last Schmooze event for the year!

To celebrate we'll be hosting a party in the beautiful environment of the ANU's University House.

We'll enjoy the ultra smooth lounge ambiance created by leading Canberra DJ Ashley Feraude, a performance from our Artist in Residence, Fenella Edwards, plus hear a report from our interns who are wrapping up their projects with us, and more.

Mix in some fabulous door prizes from the National Sound and Film Archive and Web123, and other special treats and we'll cap the year in style.

So if you have never been to a Schmooze before, or haven't been for a while, this is one event you don't want to miss.

As this is a special event, we're also offering our young professional (under 30) guests the opportunity to come at a special rate of just $35 and full-time tertiary students guest passes for $15

We hope you can join us for what promises to be a memorable evening!

Lucky Door Prizes

National Sound and Film Archive Gift voucher Max pass $80

A 10-ticket pass that is fully transferable – bring a friend or nine! Max Pass also includes 10% off in the NFSA shop*, one free beverage per Max Pass at Teatro Fellini Bar/Café** and one free screening per month***.

*Current Max Pass must be presented at the time of purchase in the NFSA shop to redeem discount. Discount does not apply to already reduced stock.

**Current Max Pass must be presented to redeem free beverage at Teatro Fellini.

***Free film each month to be selected by the NFSA and will be noted in the Arc calendar, the Arc Cinema eNews and at the box office (patrons cannot swap a predetermined film for another). Current Max Pass must be presented at the time of booking to redeem your free ticket.

Web123 Facebook for Business eBook valued at $49 and a SEO Bundle valued at $97.

This includes 2 eBooks – ‘SEO for Beginners’ and ‘Improve your Google Rank in 30 Days’.

CONFIRM YOUR PLACE

• Reservations are essential, just email us at rsvp@schmooze.net.au
• Non-member guests are most welcome and will be invoiced when they RSVP.

COST  includes two drinks and canapes (happy hour prices thereafter)

• Free for Schmooze members, includes two drinks and canapes
• Young Professionals under 30's $35.00
• Full time Uni Students $15.00
• Other Non-member guests $55.00

CIT is offering short courses and full qualifications in communications. CIT offers flexible study options, industry trained teachers, project and work based assessment and strong articulation pathways to university.

Please see flyer attached with more information and enrolment details via the link below.

We will be accepting new member applications over that period and processing member events and notices added to the website.

Our e-News will resume on the 16th January,

Enquiries and bookings – phone 6248 2000 and visit the website.

Extra sessions of Archive Alive!
EVERYDAY from Monday 26 December to Monday 2 January 11am and 3pm
And every Saturday and Sunday 11am and 3pm (except Christmas Day)
Bookings not required
Archive Alive! is a FREE one hour family presentation in the Art Deco theatrette - a fabulous journey through Australia’s screen and sound history, highlighting some of our national audiovisual treasures.

Last chance to see The Tall Man
Saturday 31 December 2pm
End of exclusive Canberra premiere season
Tickets at NFSA Box Office or phone 6248 2000
The Tall Man (M, 2011) is the explosive story of Palm Island and the death of Cameron Doomadgee. Adapted from the book by Chloe Hooper, and nominated for the 2011 AFI Feature Documentary. Not to be missed!

FREE Australia Day screening
Thursday 26 January 2pm
Bookings essential – phone 6248 2000
Red Dog (PG, 2011) – Based on the legendary true story of the Red Dog who united a disparate local community while roaming the Australian outback in search of his long lost master. One of the most popular Australian films of recent years.

Creation Station – Back by Popular Demand
Monday 30 January to Friday 3 February
10am-12noon daily
Cost - $5 per child (includes materials), adults free. Children to be accompanied
Please book to avoid disappointment – phone 6248 2000
Sound exploration for budding musicians is back! Design, make and play your own collection of musical instruments, including an electric guitar, drum, bassoon, maracas and kazoos.

Summer Arc Outdoor screenings
Every Saturday night in January and February (and will continue into March)
Doors open at 7pm for Sunset start
Bookings essential – phone 6248 2000
Special ticket prices apply to all outdoor sessions

• 7 Jan The Thief of Baghdad (1940, G)
• 14 Jan An American Werewolf In London (1981, M)
• 21 Jan The Belles of St. Trinians (1954, G)
• 28 Jan Monty Python and The Holy Grail (1974, PG)
• 4 Feb The Wages of Fear (1953, PG)
• 11 Feb A Streetcar Named Desire (1951, M)
• 18 Feb This Is Spinal Tap… (1984, M)
• 25 Feb Taxi Driver (1976, R)

Arc Outdoors returns to the stunning 1930s art deco gardens and deckchairs of NFSA’s courtyard. Don’t forget: all films screen on real 35mm film - as they should be seen!

Well, he really wants to meet you. We're thinking about expanding to Tasmania, but we want to meet the locals first and ask them. 

So since he's on holidays there for a few weeks he thought it would be a great opportunity to meet informally over a fine Tassie beer or wine and get properly acqauinted. 

There's no pitch or presentation, simply come along and say hello, grab a drink and ask any questions you might have about Schmooze.

If you're coming, drop him a line at: phillip@schmooze.net.au

Assuming the Mayan Calendar is wrong (and we've got to December anyways), we've a great program lined up for you.

So no more dilly dallying.... if you've been thinking of join- do it now as part of your new year resolutions.

Our team are on deck in Melbourne and Canberra to answer any questions, and make sure you're on our eNews list to get all the latest info.

If you're a member better get cracking and start adding your own events and news onto this website- just log-into the Members Lounge, so we can start helping you promote your events.

We're looking forward to a brilliant year of Schmoozing with you!

Every Saturday night in January and February (and will continue into March)
Doors open at 7pm for Sunset start
Bookings essential – phone 6248 2000
Special ticket prices apply to all outdoor sessions

• 7 Jan The Thief of Baghdad (1940, G)
• 14 Jan An American Werewolf In London (1981, M)
• 21 Jan The Belles of St. Trinians (1954, G)
• 28 Jan Monty Python and The Holy Grail (1974, PG)
• 4 Feb The Wages of Fear (1953, PG)
• 11 Feb A Streetcar Named Desire (1951, M)
• 18 Feb This Is Spinal Tap… (1984, M)
• 25 Feb Taxi Driver (1976, R)

Arc Outdoors returns to the stunning 1930s art deco gardens and deckchairs of NFSA’s courtyard. Don’t forget: all films screen on real 35mm film - as they should be seen!

The events also provide a great networking opportunity and are suitable for businesses of all levels.

Some past topics have included personal branding, the essence of great branding, emotional intelligence, personal organisation and effectiveness, media management, and measuring effective social media communications.

Networking with Schmooze- Tips and Strategies

Building trusted relationships with potential clients and retaining current ones is the most powerful way of marketing and business development. 

Schmooze has designed its activities to create opportunities for its members and guests in several markets and media making for lots of targeted opportunities.

In the first workshop for 2012, Schmooze's founder, Phillip Jones, outlines the business opportunities within our program and services. The evening also includes networking opportunities (naturally) after the session, and plenty of scope for questions.

So if you're interested in getting involved with Schmooze, or an existing member wanting to brush on your networking game plan, this session will get you off on the right foot for the year.

This session won't be a pitch, but outline the strategies and tactics open to you to including how to:

• raise brand awareness
• introduce your expertise and services in a personalised and targeted way
• maintain and cultivate rewarding professional relationships
• how to break into new markets interstate
• foster strategic alliances.

Reserve Your Place

• RSVP via email to rsvp@schmooze.net.au
• Guests will be invoiced when they RSVP with payment options
• Please advise of any dietary requirements when you RSVP
• Places are limited to 12 people to ensure a personalised experience.

Read about our 2012 Program

• Preview the events and themes we'll be offering in 2012 here.

So start your 2012 networking year off in style and reserve your place today!

This is our monthly flagship networking evening which are well attended by a wide range of professionals and sectors.  We attract established and emerging professionals who are looking to build business and career opportunities over time, not the quick sale.

The Monthly Schmooze's are more like a welcoming cocktail party with lots of interesting and outgoing people to meet.Our staff will introduce you about to ensure you feel welcome and in short, they don't feel like your typical business function!.

Reserve Your Place

• RSVP via email to rsvp@schmooze.net.au
• Guests will be invoiced when they RSVP with payment options
• Guest Passes are $55 each, Schmooze members free, and entry includies 2 drinks and canapes.

Read about our 2012 Program

• Preview the events and themes we'll be offering in 2012 here.

Reserve Your Place

• RSVP via email to rsvp@schmooze.net.au
• Guests will be invoiced when they RSVP with payment options 

Read about our 2012 Program

• Preview the events and themes we'll be offering in 2012 here.

Did you make a New Year's resolution to create wealth in 2012? 

If so, come along to our workshop at Kambah to find out how we, at The Investors Club, can help you achieve your wealth through property investing in residential property.  

This workshop will help you understand the importance of investing for your future, and why we are choosing to create our wealth through property, taking advantage of the benefits available to you through The Investors Club. 

Let us help you to firstly find out if you are in a position financially to do this - you may be surprised at just what YOU can do.

Just fill out the attached Cashback form and bring it with you to receive a Free copy of Kevin Young's book - "Property, Prosper, Retire" valued at $29.95.

2012 is The Year of the Dragon which is a symbol of good fortune and a sign of intense power. Make this your year.

Friday Nights in February from 5.00-8.30 Friday 3rd, 10th, 17th and 24th

Come and join us Friday evenings in February - we're packing up our usual seated tastings to make room for a Riesling tasting paired with canapés from Grazing.

Every week we'll be opening four back vintages of our riesling each complimented by a canapé from Grazing:

• NORI AND DUCK EGG OMELETTE WITH TEA SMOKED TOFU, TEMPURA ZUCCHINI BLOSSOM AND SOY MIRIN DRESSING
• SUGAR-CURED OCEAN TROUT WITH WASABI MAYONNAISE ON TOASTED BRIOCHE
• SCALLOP BOUDIN AND CEVICHE WITH LEMON AND FENNEL, CRISP WONTON AND BABY CORIANDER
• CHINESE STYLE POACHED CHICKEN TARTLET WITH PICKLED CUCUMBER AND EGGPLANT ‘CAVIAR’

It's a set tasting bracket including canapés.

If Riesling's not your scene, all of our wines will be available for purchase by the glass or by the bottle. It's a great opportunity to escape the usual Friday night routine, embrace balmy summer evenings and enjoy the peaceful aspect of our verandah as the sun sets over the Majura Valley.

Bookings for the Riesling tasting flight matched to Grazing canapés are essential. Call the Cellar Door on (02) 6262 3070.

The cost is $25/person and bookings are required.

Some past topics have included, sales techqiues, personal branding, the essence of great branding, emotional intelligence, personal organisation and effectiveness, media management, and measuring effective social media communications. 

TOPIC: How to use Promotional Products in a competitive marketplace

This workshop will explore:

1. What is a Promotional Product?
2. How Cost Effective a Promotional Product is?
3. The best way to get the best results from a Promotional Product.
4. What to look for in a Promotional Products company?
5. What are the stats and results of Promotional Products Campaigns.

About our Presenter 

Robert Williams is the Director of Your Brand Unleashed which was established in 2000 (previously known as Clear Touch Solutions), to make a difference to the Printing & Promotional Products industries, by providing a high level of service, complimented by quality products, competitive pricing and quick turn-around.

Since the year 2000, we have established ourselves as a market leader in the supply of Printing (letterheads, envelopes, with comps slips) through to Promotional Products (mugs, hats, t-shirts and many more items), and supply a lot of Australia’s top 100 ASX traded companies and deal with large government departments, through to small and medium businesses.

We pride ourselves in being quick… Quotes within 24 hours, deliveries within a short period of time and of course, high quality customer service. We will attend to your every enquiry quickly and provide service and support before, during and after your orders with us.

We strongly believe in long term business relationships that ensure you are delivered with a product that performs and exceeds your targets.

We help promote your logo and product launch on the most suitable products…. Unleashing your brand is what we do…..

Reserve Your Place

• RSVP via email to rsvp@schmooze.net.au
• Guests will be invoiced when they RSVP with payment options

Read about our 2012 Program

• Preview the events and themes we'll be offering in 2012 here.

The Business Essentials Workshops are presented with the gracious support of Servcorp Melbourne

Professionalising your business writing - with clarity, conciseness and reader-focus!

Plain English business writing ensures our message gets across more effectively to a wider audience and increases the chance of achieving our outcomes. The business environment is typically time-poor so we must concentrate on efficiently expressing our message rather than attempting to impress our audience!

• Avoid the risk of relying on software grammar and spell-checks
• Write documents that are pitched to the right audience
• Convey your written message concisely and with clarity

The atmosphere is light and welcoming, and there's no name tags, no spiel from our sponsor, just a vibe conducive to conversation amongst outgoing and interesting professionals. 

As always our friendly team are on hand to introduce you about and in short, they don't feel like your typical business function!

So if you want to expand your range of business contacts in a conversation, no hard sell way, then book your place today. 

Reserve Your Place

• RSVP via email to rsvp@schmooze.net.au
• Guests will be invoiced when they RSVP with payment options

Read about our 2012 Program

• Preview the events and themes we'll be offering in 2012 here.

What our Members Say About Schmooze

This unique program of events has been developed in response to demand by students at the Australian National University, University of Canberra and the Canberra Institute of Technology. Schmooze@Campus provide students under 25 a range of essential interpersonal and career skills in a series of informal workshops delivered by the Schmooze team and our expert members.

In this session our two guest speakers will share their expert insights into how to write a resume to apply for jobs and
professional networking fundamentals.

Topic 1

Alina Molchanova, recruitment consultant from Face2Face recruitment will talk about useful guidelines on how to create a fabulous resume including:

• Formatting your resume in the most efficient way, this includes the general structure, what information to include and also things that might ruin your resume.
• Tips to make your resume stand out and attract attention to your resume.

About Alina

Alina has completed a degree in Political Science and Sociology. Alina knew her dream job would be working in the recruitment industry. Coincidently Alina crossed paths with Kate Prior the owner of face2face Recruitment. After several enthusiastic discussions Kate could clearly see Alina’s passion for recruitment and grabbed her before another agency did.

Alina is genuinely interested in helping people to find the right job. Alina knows from her own experience how important is it to enjoy going to work every day.

Meeting new people, getting to know their personality and interests, that is what makes Alina’s job so exciting for her. Alina works in the Business Support division of face2face and covers both the Government and Private sector.

Topic 2

Phillip will share his tips and tactics to be a confident networker and give examples on how you can network to get jobs, experience, profile and much more.  In this session he'll cover a range of of tips including:

• How to introduce yourself to complete strangers
• How to overcome shyness
• How to leverage the networks you already have to create opportunities.

About Phillip

Phillip founded Schmooze in 2003 with the aim of creating a collaborative environment for colleagues and friends to develop their careers and businesses, and have a great time in the process.  

In addition to managing Schmooze, he is the director of Two Degrees Group, which provides a range of consulting services including professional development workshops and the strategic advice on the design, development and management of professional and social networks. 

He's often invited to speak regularly or present training on networking and professional relations, as well as the uses of social media. He was profiled by the Canberra Times in 2011 and you can read the article here. 

Phillip was also interviewed by the Australian Government's Business.gov.au, and you read the interview here.

Reserve Your Place Now

• RSVP via email to rsvp@schmooze.net.au
• Guests will be invoiced when they RSVP with payment options
• You can also pay cash at the door.
• Members of the UC Commerce society can attend for the special rate of $10

Read about our 2012 Program

• Preview the events and themes we'll be offering in 2012 here.

OTHER Upcoming Schmooze@Campus

Session 2

• How to effectively write towards selection criteria
• What to expect at an interview

Session 3

• What to wear in the office
• How can I best come across during interview

There's no name tags, no spiel from our sponsor, just the sort of vibe you're looking for to make great new business contacts. 

If you're coming for the first time our staff are on hand to introduce you about to our members, and and in short,Schmooze isn't your typical business function!

So if you want to expand your professional and business horizon's please confirm your place now.

Door Prize!

DIAL-AN-ANGEL® is proud to be affiliated with Schmooze!

We are delighted to provide the lucky door ‘prizewinner’ with 3 hours worth of domestic cleaning services valid for one year, Monday to Friday.

 You will enjoy a little spare time and a well deserved break! You can also feel confident and secure that all the Angels ® are personally interviewed and fully screened for your security.

DIAL-AN-ANGEL is Australia's only national group specialising in home and family care. The Agency has been assisting Australian families, businesses and overseas visitors since 1967. Celebrating our 45 years in business this March, we look forward to providing you with the same exceptional service for another 45 years to come!

For your next booking simply call our Canberra office on 6282 7733 to speak to one of our friendly coordinators or for more information on all our services, visit our website www.dialanangel.com .

Reserve Your Place TODAY

• RSVP via email to rsvp@schmooze.net.au
• Guests will be invoiced when they RSVP with payment options

Read about our 2012 Program

• Preview the events and themes we'll be offering in 2012 here.

What our Members Say About us 

• Websites ranked number page one on Google received an average click- rate (CTR) of 36.4 percent
• There are 800 million users on Facebook
• 40 million users log on every day
• 35O million people are on Facebook mobile

Still think its Childs play?

• Your website needs to have one key word per page
• Heard of Google Places?
• Always have a opt-in on the right hand side of our website
• People are buying from experts / authority
• Call to action / Sell

Want some more?

• A new member joins LinkedIn every second.
• Over 3 billion videos are viewed every day on YouTube
• Google Plus is adding 625 000 new users per day.
• 90% of Internet users know at least one social network.
• The average social user has 195 friends

“Do you want to know what all this means and how it can make a huge difference to you and your business..?”

Here at Bolin’s Accountants we care about the success of your business and that is why we have invited the team from Nothing Beats Action to present one full day of easy to use content for you to be a internet marketer / social media expert in your business.

“Internet Marketing and Social media is a phenomenon that is not going away and something you should not be missing out on…”

At this fantastic one-day event you will learn how to take the noise out of Internet marketing and Social Media and be given system and toolkit to implement into your business immediately.

Join Sharon Byrne & Janet McNally to learn all the exciting new concepts in Internet Marketing and Social Media.

This event is tailored for any business that would love more leads, more clients and of course more profits to their bottom line due to smart and savvy social online marketing and social media.

The information provided will be comprehensive for even the newest of website users to those already in the game and wanting to know more.  Sharon & Janet will be brining you the most up to date information from Los Angeles & London to ensure that you wont miss out on moving forward in 2012.

What you will walk away with is:• Learn and action the 4 goals to a lucrative website

• How to set up Google Places
• Video Marketing made easy
• How to humanize your Internet marketing
• Create you and your business as a position of Authority & Expertise
• The 3 things you must know about using Facebook
• How to create winning copy to use in all you marketing communication

You will receive a comprehensive workbook and refreshments.  This is an incredible investment in your business and exceptional value

Call us now on 6295 9800 to register for this event OR fill out the attached registration form and send back to diane@bolin.com.au or fax to 6295 9811 to secure your seat.

Seats are limited and are filling up fast!!

Is your Superannuation enough to secure your future?? HIGH RETURNING POSITIVE CASH FLOW FREE PROPERTY INVESTMENT NIGHT

The Myers Briggs Type Indicator® (MBTI®) is a self-report questionnaire designed to make Jung’s theory of psychological types understandable and useful in everyday life.

The MBTI ® results identify valuable differences between normal, healthy people, differences that can be the source of much misunderstanding and miscommunication.

Taking the MBTI ® instrument and receiving feedback will help you identify your unique gifts. The information enhances understanding of yourself, your motivations, your natural strengths, and your potential areas for growth.

It will also help you appreciate people who differ from you.

During this workshop you will:

• Understand what psychological type is
• Determine your type
• Understand how type can effect how you gather information, make decisions, and your orientation to the world, and how it compares to others
• How type can effect communications at work, your leadership style, and teams.

Schmooze is presenting this workshop at a very special rate to our members and guests, so do not miss this opportunity, normally such courses would cost substantially more.

Our Presenter

Jackie Knight has over thirty years performing in Leadership and Management positions in commercial and military environments and she understands the pressures of being in business and how coaching can help relieve those pressures.

Jackie applies her personal leadership and management skills and experience, with focused education, to develop and coach executive leaders, managers, and teams, for improved performance.

She can help you come up with practical, well-reasoned solutions to business problems and find ways to lead others to implement those solutions.

Previously Jackie was employed for twelve years as a Manager and Leader implementing major information systems into commercial and government organisations in Australia, the USA, and Canada. She worked with clients in the mining, utilities, transportation, and Defence industries.

She spent twenty years serving as a military officer in the Australian Army and attained the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. She served in a range of Logistic Officer, and Information Systems officer appointments.

Reserve Your Place

• RSVP via email to rsvp@schmooze.net.au by Wednesday 7th March
• Registrants will be invoiced when they RSVP with payment options
• Places are very limited to ensure a personalised experience
• Cost includes afternoon tea and course notes.

Read about our 2012 Program

• Preview the events and themes we'll be offering in 2012 here. 

How do you measure success?

Mark Dobson believes that authentic success comes from legitimately living what you are capable of. Mark Dobson is a Performance Strategist and Coach who enables people to become the best they can be and succeed in the areas they want to.

Mark has worked with some of the most elite athletes on the planet.

In the lead-up to the Beijing Olympics Mark advised Australian Olympic Swimming Coach Ian Pope, coach of Olympic medallists Grant Hackett, Matt Target, Patrick Murphy and World Champion Marieke Guehrer – recognition of his ability to impact performance.

This highly engaging half day seminar will offer you unique insights into the world of elite thinkers, who themselves experience authentic success.

Schmooze@Campus provide students under 25 a range of essential interpersonal and career skills in a series of informal workshops delivered by the Schmooze team and our expert members.

The series is repeated each semester and we'll add other events as well based on demand!

Our next Campus session is on next Monday evening at the ANU, so book your place now !

This time our experts, Phillip Jones from Schmooze and Daniel Grimmond from Regent Recruitment will share their insights on:

• how to write killer applications that get you an interview (and other stuff)
• tips on what employers look for when interviewing (and other stuff).

Other sessions in our program are:

Session 1

• How to write a resume to apply for jobs
• Networking Fundamentals

Session 3- April

• What to wear in the office
• Making a great impression generally in the workplace

Session 4- May

• What to expect when I undertake an Internship / How can I best be of use during my Internship
• What to expect in the workplace by sector (Private, Not-for Profit and Public)
  

Reserve Your Place

• RSVP via email to rsvp@schmooze.net.au
• You can pay cash at the door.

Read about our 2012 Program

• Preview the events and themes we'll be offering in 2012 here.

We're taking names though to run the event again in the future...

We offer monthly these master class format workshops for up to 20 participants that provide expert practical insights for participants.

The events also provide a great networking opportunity and are suitable for businesses of all levels.

Some past topics have included, sales techqiues, personal branding, the essence of great branding, emotional intelligence, personal organisation and effectiveness, media management, and measuring effective social media communications. 

How to Use LinkedIn!

With over 2 million users in Australia alone, LinkedIn is THE place to drive your online professional life.  Used well it can create job opportunities, position your company well, and be a source of investors and expertise.

But, frankly, you need a double degree and loads of time to make the most of it.Or chances are all you've managed to do is create a profile and make a few connections, and that's all.

However, in this session, networking guru and Schmooze's founder, Phillip Jones, will give you the low down on:

• leveraging your online profile
• using it to make new contacts and keep the ones you've got
• creating a company profile and using it to showcase your expertise
• opportunities and traps with Linkedin Groups and discussion threads
• how to manage the whole thing a few minutes a week
• lots of tips and tactics.

So bring your questions and bring your laptop or iPad if you have one, and get your online networking moving in the right direction. 

Reserve Your Place

• RSVP via email to rsvp@schmooze.net.au
• Guests will be invoiced when they RSVP with payment options

Read about our 2012 Program

• Preview the events and themes we'll be offering in 2012 here.

In this way we can double the networking possibilities for you!

As always, the atmosphere is welcoming, and our events attract senior managers, and company owners from a wide range of professionals, as well as young professionals. 

Places are limited to 40 places for each organisation, so reserve your place right away, as we always book out.

Special Offer on the Night

• Join Schmooze on the night and we'll give you a bonus 2 months membership and an extra Guest Pass (value of $150!) to any membership package.  Details of our membership options can be read here.

Reserve Your Place

• RSVP via email to rsvp@schmooze.net.au
• Guests will be invoiced when they RSVP with payment options

Read about our 2012 Program

• Preview the events and themes we'll be offering in 2012 here.

How many times have you heard the phrase ‘it’s not what you know, it’s who you know’?

The connections we have play an enormous role in the jobs we get, the careers we build and the work relationships we have.

Having a healthy and growing professional network is essential. Find out how to get started then cultivate the contacts you make.

In this informative and interactive discussion specifically for young professionals in the early stages of their career, Phillip Jones, founder of Schmooze will cover:

• the importance of networking in both your personal and professional life
• developing a networking strategy
• the risks and rewards of using social media to find, maintain and grow your networks
• some networking fundamentals; how to enter and exit a conversation, what to say when meeting someone, and what to do afterwards .

CONFIRM YOUR PLACE

• This event is being hosted by CPA Australia as part of their Launch Pad Series
• Send an email to: Kieren.Phillips@cpaaustralia.com.au BY THIS FRIDAY
• MENTION SCHMOOZE WHEN YOU RSVP

COST

• Exclusive to friends of Schmooze, CPA Australia are offering an exclusive members rate of $40 incl GST
• Payment details will be provided when you RSVP.

There has never been a time in Australia’s History that offered so much opportunity for Property Investors in selected locations!

Come and find out where.

Special guest speakers –

• Canberra’s local experts Property Experts - Peter & Tony- Australia’s Blatantly Honest Property Investment Advisors who have helped 100’s of everyday Australian’s reach their financial goals through property!
• Accountant & SMSF Expert- Catherine Smith Property Focused Accountant & Financial Advisor Catherine has had over 20 year’s experience in Taxation, business, SMSF’s, finance and property investment
• Financial Structure Expert- David Thomas Property Investment Financial Structure expert. David has been ranked in the top 100 brokers nationally for some years

Special Offer on the Night

• Join Schmooze on the night and we'll give you a bonus 2 months membership and an extra Guest Pass (value of $150!) to any membership package.  Details of our membership options can be read here.

Reserve Your Place today!

• RSVP via email to rsvp@schmooze.net.au
• Guests will be invoiced when they RSVP with payment options

Read about our 2012 Program

• Preview the events and themes we'll be offering in 2012 here.

Pricing for Profit & Survival (Queanbeyan) 'When you set your prices, you're playing for high stakes.' Understanding the basic concepts of pricing is critical in running a business.

You need to know the optimum price you can charge for your product or service to • cover your overheads and make a profit,

BUT• not price yourself out of the market! Trying to take the costs out of your business may help profitability, but higher prices can make an even bigger difference.

Constantly improving prices and margins should be the aim of every business.

This interactive workshop will offer practical strategies you can use to:

• Find what the market will bear
• Raise prices effectively
• Time promotional activities properly and more ...

This special Workshop will be presented by Colin Emerson from Today Seminars and David Evans from Optimal Business Services.

Enhance your communication skills.

As a manager, communication skills are essential to effectively liaise with your clients, colleagues and stakeholders and ensure the right message is delivered every time to achieve business success.

This Communication Skills workshop will enhance your existing skills, improve your personal communication style and business relationships.

This workshop is designed for managers and supervisors who are looking to further develop their communication skills.

The Next Steps Workshop builds on from the Introductory workshop held in February. We will recap the basics and focus this time on Finance.

Find out more about what you can borrow by completing a Cash Back Form prior to this workshop so we can help you to move forward to achieve your dream of financial independence through investing in property thru The Investors Club.

We will also cover what to do next. All welcome and bring a friend along. Registrations essential.

Guest speaker: Michael O'Reilly M'Or Mortgage Options

Our first speaker will be the Senior Strategist with the Future Fund, Craig Thorburn.

Craig has been working at the Future Fund (Australia’s sovereign wealth fund) since its inception in 2006. He is a senior member of the investment team, with core responsibilities being the design of the asset portfolio and ongoing monitoring of both global macro-economic and financial market conditions.

The topic for our inaugural Schmooze business lunch will be member experiences within Melbourne/Australia post the depths of the “GFC”.

Craig with set the scene by providing some short, sharp opinions on:

•  why Australia fared better than most countries immediately after the near collapse of the global banking system in late 2008;
• how then could Australia, in early 2012, appear to be struggling through a bit of an economic ‘funk’; and
• what could be the consequences for Australia should the worst of Europe’s current sovereign and banking crises materialise.

With this backdrop, we hope to facilitate an interactive conversation on members’ own business experiences during this volatile time:

• What different business practices/strategies have you had to implement?
•  What strategies have remained the same?
• How have your interactions with your clients/customers changed (if at all)?
• What opportunities are you are currently witnessing out of your very own window?

We hope this will be a vigorous, informative, and, if nothing else, entertaining Schmooze Business lunch. In the confines of the very classy Treasury Restaurant to boot!!

Reserve Your Place - places are limited

• RSVP via email to rsvp@schmooze.net.au
• Lunch includes one course, wine and coffee.
• Guests will be invoiced when they RSVP with payment options
• Please advise of any dietary requirements when you RSVP

Read about our 2012 Program

• Preview the events and themes we'll be offering in 2012 here.

Come and hear Julian Campbell- author and Business Wizard speak about "Getting Paid your Real Worth!"

The events also provide a great networking opportunity and are suitable for businesses of all levels.

Some past topics have included, sales techqiues, personal branding, the essence of great branding, emotional intelligence, personal organisation and effectiveness, media management, and measuring effective social media communications.

MEDIA SAVVY – USING THE MEDIA TO BOOST YOUR BUSINESS

So you have a great product or service but a limited budget…how do you let people know about it? Good media relations can be key to spreading the word about your business effectively and inexpensively…but you do need to follow a few basic rules. Sauce Communications will help you become Media Savvy and show you how you can use the media to boost your business.

This workshop will explore:

• Who is the media? How can you work with them to boost your business?
•  Golden rules of media savvy businesses
• Media release and pitching basics
• Interview tips and techniques

ABOUT OUR PRESENTERS

Sauce Communications is an award-winning full service public relations agency headquartered in Leeton and with staff in Melbourne, Sydney and Canberra. Their talented team works with commercial and government clients on communications programs that deliver results.

Account Directors, Amanda Whitley and Polly McDougall bring over 20 years combined experience in the communications game to the table, including serious media clout.

Amanda Whitley’s communications credentials straddle the government and private sector – that’s why this polished PR professional brings just the right mix of business-savvy and wow-factor to her clients’ strategy. She joined Sauce following an award-winning 10-year career in the Australian public service at director-level and some serious success in the commercial world too.  She is also the creator of HerCanberra, a website that connects Canberra women.

Polly McDougall jumped into Sauce after a fabulously successful five years in marketing communications across IT, finance and professional services. From graphic design and website development, to PR, media relations and event management, the list of industries to benefit from Polly’s brilliance is a big one. She’s managed the message for some giant global brands, and some exciting Australian entrepreneurial businesses, always proving herself a pivotal player in the delivery of positive results.

Reserve Your Place

• RSVP via email to rsvp@schmooze.net.au
• Guests will be invoiced when they RSVP with payment options
• Please advise of any dietary requirements when you RSVP

Read about our 2012 Program

• Preview the events and themes we'll be offering in 2012 here.

Business Basics (Queanbeyan) How to Create and Build Your Business 'Your First Steps to Business'

This excellent 3 hour workshop is for business intenders and those who are in the early stages of their first business venture. Subsidised by the Australian and NSW Governments this workshop will give you the knowledge and confidence to take your early steps in business. Our presenter for this workshop is Colin Emerson.

With over 25 years management, business, sales and customer service experience, Colin is a specialist in helping people achieve excellence, personally and in business. Colin has delivered over 400 seminar and training programmes for leading businesses and local governments in Australia and New Zealand. He conducts speaker training workshops and coaching services to other professional speakers and trainers. Colin runs his own successful business Today! Seminars.

One of his most popular seminars is called 'How An Ant Ate An Elephant' - follow the link for further details.

What you will learn:

• Traits for successful entrepreneurs
• Compliance and regulatory requirements
• Conducting market research
• Identifying your competitive advantage
• Capital requirements
• Calculating Breakeven
• Preparing cash flow forecasts
• Handling skills deficits
• Elements of a Business Plan.

Some past topics have included the essence of great branding, emotional intelligence, media management, and effective social media communications.

Our Business Essentials series is presented in associated with Servcorp Melbourne.

Your Clients Are Your Business

Peter has been highly successful in building businesses. He is a practitioner in Neuro-Linguistic Programming, & will share some practical tips on how recognising verbal & non-verbal cues can help you to build rapport & recognise opportunities that you might have been missing.

The learnings from the workshop are:

• How to attract your clients
• A clearer and deeper understanding of your clients
• How to communicate to your clients
• How to market to your clients and have them spend more money with you

Our PRESENTER

At Peter Blasch & Associates, we work with you to develop your Business while building your client base and increasing your profits.

We are committed to partnering with you so you can succeed. Our goal is to support you as you work “ON” your Business.

As your Business Mentor; I take you from an idea to conception with the ongoing development of your Business, Marketing Plan and strategies.

Reserve Your Place

• RSVP via email to rsvp@schmooze.net.au
• Guests will be invoiced when they RSVP with payment options

Read about our 2012 Program

• Preview the events and themes we'll be offering in 2012 here.

Schmooze is proud to partner with Business.gov.au in presenting this special event which brings together several government agencies and programs that support small business.

Don't miss this opportunity to learn how these government agencies and programs can support your business and make some great contacts in the process!

The evening will include:

• short presentations from each agency and program on the services, funding and advice they provide
• a mini-expo to meet representatives and ask questions and gain lots of information
• great networking opportunities and complimentary drinks and canapes from 5.30pm to 6.00pm

Timing

• Doors open at 5.30pm with complimentary drinks and canapes until 6.00pm for early bird attendees!
• A cash bar will operate from 6.00pm to 7.30pm
• Short presentations from each of the exhibitors about their services will start at 6.10pm with question time to follow and finish about 7.00pm
• The exhibition will be open continuously from 5.30pm to 7.30pm

REGISTER NOW

Everyone is welcome!

The event is free to attend, assist to plan and register with your name and organisation via exchange@schmooze.net.au 

Follow Us!

• Tune in via twitter @schmoozecbr with the hashtag #GovExchange

Participating Organistions

aUSTRALIAN CONSUMER AND COMPETITION COMMISSION

The ACCC promotes competition and fair trade in the market place to benefit consumers, business and the community. It also regulates national infrastructure industries. Its primary responsibility is to ensure that individuals and businesses comply with the Commonwealth's competition, fair trading and consumer protection laws.

AusIndustry

AusIndustry delivers programs on behalf of the Australian Government to help existing and new Australian businesses innovate, grow and succeed.

AusIndustry provides incentives to help businesses:

• conduct research and development;
• access small business assistance;
• take up new technology, especially clean and green solutions;
• invest in new processes and products to secure the future of manufacturing and create jobs;
• commercialise a new technology or venture;
• strengthen industries and sectors and provide for job-creation; and
• adjust and prosper in a low-carbon economy.

Australian Taxation Office

Small Business Assistance Program

The ATO is responsible for the general administration of a wide range of taxation and superannuation legislation. Under the Australian business number legislation, the Commissioner is also the registrar of the Australian Business Register. Our role is to effectively manage and shape administrative systems that support and fund services for Australians.

Our vision is one where Australians value their tax and superannuation systems as community assets, where willing participation is recognised as good citizenship.

Our Small Business Assistance Program is responsible for providing practical support to small business that is more business focussed, targeted, easier for business to understand and delivered in a way that is best suited to the business.

Business.gov.au

business.gov.au offers you simple and convenient access to all the government information, forms and services you need.

It's a whole-of-government service providing essential information on planning, starting and growing your business.

Watch our Introduction to business.gov.au  video to find out how we can help you. 

Canberra Business Point

Canberra BusinessPoint (CBP) is an initiative of the ACT Government, delivered by Canberra Business Council and Lighthouse Business Innovation Centre. It serves as the gateway to practical advice and support for both existing businesses and those intending to start a business in Canberra.

CBP events are tailored to provide specific and useful advice drawing from professional industry knowledge, while its mentoring programs and one-on-one consultations provide a helpful reality check. Canberra BusinessPoint allows businesses to unlock and explore their full potential.

CAPTIAL REGiON BUSINESS ENTERPRISE CENTRE 

The Capital Region BEC is a government funded not for profit association. We offer support and advice to those who want to start or expand their business and many of our services are free.

• We offer a "face to face" advice for your business
• We can help you see if you are eligible for a Government Business Grant
• We provide relevant Small Business Training
• We run great Business Networking Functions.

The Capital Region BEC stimulates sustainable job creation and economic growth in the Capital Region by directly assisting the success of local small business people. We contribute by helping 'one business at a time!'

Fair Work Ombudsman

The Fair Work Ombudsman is an independent statutory agency created by the Fair Work Act 2009. The Fair Work Ombudsman promotes harmonious, productive and cooperative workplaces through:

• education, assistance and advice to workplace participants
• ensuring compliance with the Fair Work Act 2009 through advice, inquiries, investigations and Court proceedings
• Representation of employees or outworkers where it may promote compliance.

Fair Work Online provides a range of information, online tools and resources to assist both employers and employers to know their workplace rights and responsibilities.

If you like your networking to be about the person and not the transaction, then the monthly Schmooze is for you. Our friendly team are on hand to introduce you about to ensure you feel welcome and in short, they don't feel like your typical business function!

Expand your range of professional contacts in a relaxed vibe and have a great time in the process!

Reserve Your Place

• RSVP via email to rsvp@schmooze.net.au
• Guests will be invoiced when they RSVP with payment options

Read about our 2012 Program

• Preview the events and themes we'll be offering in 2012 here.

Special Member Perk!

This month only- members can bring a guest who has never been to a Schmooze before at no charge with a complimentary guest pass!

---

Reserve Your Place

• RSVP via email to rsvp@schmooze.net.au
• Guests will be invoiced when they RSVP with payment options

About our Hosts

WISDOM is an innovative, high quality team of learning, facilitation and consulting professionals.

WISDOM provides a range of services in areas such as training/education, business planning and consulting.

WISDOM works with leading organisations from the public and private sectors including business services, real estate, retail, regulatory, health, education, enforcement, and tourism/hospitality. We are an innovative, high quality team of learning, facilitation andconsulting professionals.

We provide a range of services in areas such as training/education, coaching/mentoring, research, business planning and management consulting.

We are flexible and creative using our talents across many disciplines to provide the best mix of services for our clients. This means that the best solution for our client may include training, consulting, facilitation or a mix of all three.

WISDOM are facilitators, consultants, trainers, coaches, educators, researchers, mediators, project managers and mentors. For more information please visit our website.

Read about our 2012 Program

• Preview the events and themes we'll be offering in 2012 here.

We’re all about helping small business and feedback has shown that times are tougher than ever before. With this in mind we’ve reduced the price of our 1 day intensive workshop to $197 (from $349) to make sure more businesses can access this value packed day.

We’ll simplify the sometime daunting online world so you can make sense of the madness and reap huge financial rewards.

 Are You Serious About Your Online Success?

Turn your website into a profit-making machine!

Don't miss out on this 1-day intensive workshop, covering everything from Websites to Ecommerce, Marketing to Social Media! Whether you’ve been online for years or are just starting out, this special one-day event will teach you all the strategies you need to amp up your online presence and turn your website into a profit-generating machine.

Creating a website is just the first part of doing business online – you need a solid strategy to generate and convert leads.

Stay two steps ahead of your competitors and get those sales!

Register Now!

 Move, Have Fun & Do the Irish Hokey-Pokey! Saturday 5 May is FREE as part of ACT AusDance week.

We start with very simple moves like walking forward, walking back, walking in circles in time with the music and skipping. It doesn’t matter if you are not a dancer or don’t have great rhythm: the purpose of this class is to move and enjoy the music, however it happens.

We also focus on rhythm through body percussion and generally have a good time!

ABOUT NORA

I am a professional member of Schmooze and also run Wise Work, teaching small business how to grow business through people. I also dance and teach dancing and always looking for ways to share this with people that's fun.

An Introductory Workshop with a focus on Taxation. We will help you prepare for the end of financial year. What can you claim and how can you maximise tax savings?

Bookings essential as space is limited.

 Improve your results through effective communication.

Communication skills are essential in providing excellence in customer service and for working effectively with your peers and stakeholders.

Effective communication skills will enable you to better understand their needs and respond appropriately to achieve your desired outcomes.

On successful completion of this workshop, real estate participants will achieve 4 of the required 12 points of professional development to meet the ACT Office of Regulatory Services (ORS) conditions for the renewal of a licence or certificate of registration.

Business Basics (Queanbeyan) How to Create and Build Your Business 'Your First Steps to Business'

This excellent 3 hour workshop is for business intenders and those who are in the early stages of their first business venture.

Subsidised by the Australian and NSW Governments this workshop will give you the knowledge and confidence to take your early steps in business. Our presenter for this workshop is Colin Emerson.

With over 25 years management, business, sales and customer service experience, Colin is a specialist in helping people achieve excellence, personally and in business. Colin has delivered over 400 seminar and training programmes for leading businesses and local governments in Australia and New Zealand. He conducts speaker training workshops and coaching services to other professional speakers and trainers. Colin runs his own successful business Today! Seminars. One of his most popular seminars is called 'How An Ant Ate An Elephant' - follow the link for further details.

What you will learn:

• Traits for successful entrepreneurs
• Compliance and regulatory requirements
• Conducting market research
• Identifying your competitive advantage
• Capital requirements
• Calculating Breakeven
• Preparing cash flow forecasts
• Handling skills deficits
• Elements of a Business Plan.

In this day and age, our lives are set to full throttle, we sleep 90 minutes less than we did 100 years ago, we are accessible 24/7 via email, fax, mobile, text, land line, BBM, iM, Messenger, Facebook, Twitter, Skype, video conferencing……… and the list goes on.

Have you ever stopped to ask your body how it feels about the pace we have entered into?

Sleep is a necessity, not a luxury and if you want to sleep better, work more productively, and live longer, now is the time to look at reprioritizing sleep back into its rightful place as a number one priority next to eating and rehydrating.

THE WORKSHOP WILL GIVE YOU A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF 5 MAJOR POINTS

• How many hours we should be sleeping (Hours)
• Posture in bed is just as important as out of bed (Posture)
• The importance of a mattress (Mattress)
• The importance of a pillow (Pillow)
• The bedroom environment – what are you really sleeping with? (Protectors)

Following the workshop, the BacktoSleep team will treat us to a mini demonstration on what to expect during a sleep consult.

Schmooze members who book in for a complimentary sleep assessment will receive a special ‘gift’ from the team at BacktoSleep.

ABOUT OUR PRESENTER
With over 12 years experience treating 1000’s of patients and owning several successful practices, Dr. George Skandalellis discovered through his experience that many people suffer from avoidable and unnecessary pain, simply because the mattress and pillow they are sleeping on is of poor quality and does not provide the right spinal support.

Dr. Skandalellis, with the assistance of fellow Health Care Professionals and one of Australia’s leading bedding manufactures, spent the next few years, designing, testing and developing the current back to sleep® mattress and pillow range.

The back to sleep® range is not available in retail outlets as Dr. Skandalellis believes the right mattress and pillow should be recommended by a trained and trusted Health Care Professional.

CONFIRM YOUR PLACE

• Just email rsvp@schmooze.net.au

The events also provide a great networking opportunity and are suitable for business owners, and would be business owners of all stages.

Some past topics have included, sales techqiues, personal branding, the essence of great branding, emotional intelligence, personal organisation and effectiveness, media management, and measuring effective social media communications.

9 Simple Steps to an Effective (and Profitable) Website: FULLY BOOKED THANK YOU

In this info-packed hour, you will learn:

• How to audit your website and ensure it's ready to convert and sell
• How to get to #1 in Google -- without paying a fortune
• The ultimate dos and don'ts of optimising your website
• A simple yet powerful way to create a 12-month content plan in under an hour
• How to get more email subscribers
• Exactly what you need to do to become an expert in your field
• Why finding the right social platforms for your business is imperative to growth
•  ...plus much more!

Our Presenter

Natasha Vanzetti, Business Development Manager Web123

Web123 is about providing solutions, giving knowledge, and bringing joy to the small business community. We provide a total solution for small businesses helping them on their journey to doing business online.

Although people realise they need to be online to succeed in business they often feel intimidated by the web or just don't know where to start. Our goal is to help small businesses realise the importance of a successful web presence and how they can shine online without the designer price tag and within weeks not months.

Natasha specialises in helping small business realise their online potential with exceptional and customised service delivery. From initial branding and logo design right through to e-commerce and email marketing success, Natasha has a team of designers and web experts ready to assist.

Natasha works with individual clients, associations and business groups to educate and empower them to take their business to the next level online including design, development, SEO, Social Media and Marketing.

Through the delivery of workshops, presenting at conferences and professional development days for industry groups, Natasha is empowering small business to take on the big guys and amp up their online presence.

Reserve Your Place NOW

• RSVP via email to rsvp@schmooze.net.au
• Non member guests are most welcome and will be invoiced when they RSVP with payment options

Read about our 2012 Program

• Preview the events and themes we'll be offering in 2012 here.

During this 90-minute complimentary seminar you will learn:

• The principles of success
• Proven techniques to create your own compelling future
• How to create goals for yourself and a 90-day plan to start achieving them
• supper is provided!

Optimise Your Options is offering a series of four workshops for business owners, corporate executives and senior managers which will invigorate your business & leadership capacity.

See link below for more details please.

These Master classes are presented by Schmooze’s founder, Phillip Jones drawing on his years of running Schmooze, and consulting across sectors to organisations and indivduals.

Participants will be asked to nominate issues or challenges in advance they wish Phillip to cover in each session and will also receive a range of resources and learning materials to support them in their ongoing networking.

Phillip provides insights into the following and more:

• how to address challenges in your interpersonal skills
• how networking can be used
• using online tools to discover opportunities, position your expertise and maintain relationships
• as a marketing or PR tool
• personal branding- both online and real world
• how to use social media for professional and business networking
• how to assess the value of contacts, networking groups or events
• strategies and tactics for internal and external forms of networking
• how to be systematic in your follow-up of contacts
• how to ensure you get value from your investment of time and money from your networking
• how to ensure you have the right mix of short/ medium and long term cultivation and maintenance of professional relations
• putting together a game plan to drive it all in an effective and measurable way.

Express Your Interest

• To contact Phillip and express your interest in participating in these master classes, please email him: phillip@schmooze.net.au

Something special this month exclusive to young professionals under 30!

After Schmooze was established back in 2003 it moved to set up HQ at the award winning hippo bar for its first year. So in homage to our roots we offer this very special event for young professionals only.

The evening will include a few ice breaking and networking insights from the Schmooze team to help you make some new friends and contacts.

Places are limited to 50 people for this exclusive and fun night, so get your Schmooze on and book your place today.

The Young Professional Schmooze is presented in partnership with Hippo Bar!

Reserve Your Place

• RSVP via email to rsvp@schmooze.net.au
• Guests will be invoiced when they RSVP with payment options 
• You can also buy your pass at the door- cash only thanks!

PAY FOR YOUR GUEST PASS

UNDER 30 YOUNG PROFESSIONAL $35 

UC PRP SOCIETY MEMBER $25 

Read about our 2012 Program

• Preview the events and themes we'll be offering in 2012 here.

There is such a thing as a FREE lunch! Capital Region BEC along with WorkCover NSW, would like to invite you to come along and experience Darren Flanagan's entertaining account of the Beaconsfield Mine Rescue, and enjoy a FREE two course lunch from Nibblez@The Roos.

This is a moving story of courage and inspiration!

Darren- an ordinary guy; shows what can be done when called upon and the potential to be extraordinary.

It was the disaster that captured the world, but few would comprehend the full extent of the dramatic rescue of two trapped miners, Todd Russell and Brant Webb. And of course, take advantage of the wonderful networking opportunity.

Registration Essential!

Practical tips and strategies to work effectively in an office environment. This workshop is designed for people entering the workforce in an office/administrative role including reception and current front office workers.

It is designed to introduce you to best practice in front office communication and time management.

You will be provided with practical tips and strategies developed and delivered by 'real world' experienced professionals.

By attending this workshop you will get acquainted with:

• Front office client service skills
• Professional communication skills such as email and telephone etiquette
• Strategies to manage your time efficiently and effectively prioritise your workload.

How to Create and Build Your Business 'Your First Steps to Business'

This excellent 3 hour workshop is for business intenders and those who are in the early stages of their first business venture. This workshop will give you the knowledge and confidence to take your important early steps in business.

FREE

Tweet, Poke, Blog me! Link your Business!

Learn how to really connect with your clients through social media!

Social media is everywhere - we cannot ignore it. It is the new way of communicating with current generations and future leaders … if you understand its dynamics.

Commonly described as \'earned\' media, users of these marketing tools must learn and follow rules that are very different from more traditional marketing approaches.

This workshop will guide participants through the principles of social media in the business context and provide strategies on how to utilise this platform to create interest in your brand, your people, and your business.

On successful completion of this workshop, real estate participants will achieve 4 of the required 12 points of professional development to meet the ACT Office of Regulatory Services (ORS) conditions for the renewal of a licence or certificate of registration.

These events feature guest speakers who start a lively discussion over a great lunch. This event is perfect for business owners and senior managers, and provide a great way to be inspired and connect in an intimate setting of up to 20 people. Lunch includes one course, wine and coffee. 

The topic for the May Schmooze Business Lunch Club will be Advisory Boards: Help or Hindrance?

Advisory Board, definition: A group of individuals who've been selected to help advise a business owner regarding any number of business issues, including marketing, sales, financing, expansion and so on; a body that advises the…management… but does not have authority.

Bill Winter will be joining us on behalf of the Australian Institute of Company Directors to share some of his experiences with advisory boards in small and family-run companies. Some have worked well & helped to take the company to greater heights, while others have failed to live up to the hype.

Based on those experiences, Bill has some valuable pointers for SME’s on what to look for in your advisory board, and how to structure it for the best outcome. Some of the points we will discuss include:

• Why a good advistory board is a great asset to a growing business
• Who to invite & how to structure your advisory board
• What has your own experience been, & would you recommend using an advisory board?

Please join us for this entertaining and robust discussion. And please bring your questions with you. This is a great opportunity to explore some of the tools used by successful businesses, both large & small.

ABOUT OUR PRESENTER

Bill Winter is a long-standing member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, the leading provider of director education and development in Australia dedicated to making a difference in the quality of governance and directorship.

Bill has a vast business background through a number of years with privately owned and national / mult- national companies.

He has worked for both large and small to medium enterprise, in the roles of owner, CEO, & COO.

He now concentrates on advising private and medium sized enterprises in a variety of industry segments such as building and construction, food, beverages, transport, manufacturing, He also chairs the monthly Mgt KPI review meetings of three other private companies.

Bill Winter is a long-standing member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, the leading provider of director education and development in Australia dedicated to making a difference in the quality of governance and directorship.

Reserve Your Place TODAY

• RSVP via email to rsvp@schmooze.net.au
• Guests will be invoiced when they RSVP with payment options
• Please advise of any dietary requirements when you RSVP

Read about our 2012 Program

• Preview the events and themes we'll be offering in 2012 here.

These Master classes are presented by Schmooze’s founder, Phillip Jones drawing on his years of running Schmooze, and consulting across sectors to organisations and indivduals.

Participants will be asked to nominate issues or challenges in advance they wish Phillip to cover in each session and will also receive a range of resources and learning materials to support them in their ongoing networking.

Phillip provides insights into the following and more:

• how to address challenges in your interpersonal skills
• how networking can be used
• using online tools to discover opportunities, position your expertise and maintain relationships
• as a marketing or PR tool
• personal branding- both online and real world
• how to use social media for professional and business networking
• how to assess the value of contacts, networking groups or events
• strategies and tactics for internal and external forms of networking
• how to be systematic in your follow-up of contacts
• how to ensure you get value from your investment of time and money from your networking
• how to ensure you have the right mix of short/ medium and long term cultivation and maintenance of professional relations
• putting together a game plan to drive it all in an effective and measurable way.

Express Your Interest

• To contact Phillip and express your interest in participating in these master classes, please email him: phillip@schmooze.net.au

No pitches, or boring speeches, just a great night out meeting lots of new friendly fellow business owners and professionals from a wide range of sectors.

You may be new to Melbourne and looking to make some new social contacts, or want to raise the profile of your company and make some useful business contacts. At Schmooze you can do both and have a great time in the process!

The evenings often features live performances and special venues, perfect for cultivating new professional and social relationships

New guests and non-members are always welcome, and our friendly Schmooze team will ensure you're introduced to people we think you'd like to meet.

Reserve Your Place

• RSVP via email to rsvp@schmooze.net.au
• Guests will be invoiced when they RSVP with payment options

Read about our 2012 Program

• Preview the events and themes we'll be offering in 2012 here.

The monthly Schmooze's are our showcase event held every month and offer a great way to make new professional and social contacts in a stylish and convivial atmosphere. No pitches, or boring speeches, just a great night out meeting lots of new friendly fellow business owners and professionals from a wide range of sectors.

New guests are always welcome, and our friendly Schmooze team will ensure you're introduced to people we think you'd like to meet.

Our Hosts

The Australian Leadership Innovation Centre (ALiC) is a unique conference and meeting facility available for hire. The centre is an architecturally designed adult learning facility, equipped with state of the art technology.

There are three function rooms available for your next workshop, conference, meeting or corporate event, providing a stimulating, creative and flexible learning space that is designed to unleash the power of active adult learning

ALiC is a Yellow Edge initiative designed to strengthen the practice of leadership in Australia and offers a range of innovative programs and initiatives designed to help leaders sharpen their views and approaches to leadership.

For further information about our conference and meeting facilities, please contact us on alic@yellowedge.com.au, 02 6273 0168 or visit our website.

Reserve Your Place TODAY!

• RSVP via email to rsvp@schmooze.net.au
• Guests will be invoiced when they RSVP with payment options

Read about our 2012 Program

• Preview the events and themes we'll be offering in 2012 here.

Come and help us celebrate World MS Day on the 30th May, while giving yourself some much deserved rest and relaxation. All over the world through the month of May, people have been increasing awareness, raising funds and having a whole of fun to improve the treatment and wellbeing for people with MS.

For the last five years I have used Dru yoga, relaxation and meditation to manage my MS condition and the associated anxieties, and as a professional yoga and meditation teacher I now guide many others to inner peace, regardless of their life circumstances.

So get dressed in red and come and experience the relaxing benefits of meditation in your life while raising money for research into the mystery disease.

• When: 12.00 midday, Wednesday 30th May 2012
• Where: National Convention Centre - Gallery Rooms
• Wear: Whatever you're wearing
• Donation: $10.00
• Bring: if you would like to sit on the floor bring a cushion and for the rest of us there will be plenty of chairs.
• RSVP by Monday 28 May as spaces limited: rsvp@asparkofsplendour.com

This is an authorised fundraising event and all proceeds will be donated to MS Society "Kiss Goodbye to MS", campaign. If you can’t make it to the event, go straight to www.kissgoodbyetoms.org.au , click donations and go to my profile and make a donation.

 Learn how you can motivate, supervise, and lead your team more effectively.

Effective supervision skills are critical for staff retention and individual and organisational performance. This workshop is aimed at people who wish to develop their supervisory skills and effectively motivate, supervise and lead small teams.

On successful completion of this workshop, real estate participants will achieve 8 of the required 12 points of professional development to meet the ACT Office of Regulatory Services (ORS) conditions for the renewal of a licence or certificate of registration.

Learn practical skills, tools and techniques to make managing your staff easier....without leaving your desk!

This webinar series will increase your effectiveness and confidence as a Manager and teach you how to powerfully influence your staff.

The series covers:

• Week 1: The 5 management success principles
• Week 2: Mastering difficult conversations
• Week 3: The art of influence
• Week 4: How to run a successful meeting
• Week 5: Understanding what is driving your staff
• Week 6: Building confidence in your team
• Week 7: Managing for high performance
• Week 8: Three essential qualities to build in your team

The webinar topics have been selected through surveys sent out to Managers across Australia.

Training delivery via webinar
Studies have proven that training in short periods, on a regular basis, is more effective than full-day training sessions. The webinars have been designed with this in mind.

Each webinar is one-hour a week and has a strong emphasis on the action you need to take to ensure you transfer your learning into the workplace. The webinars are interactive, so each participant must have a headset.

Further information
Visit www.hrsimplified.com.au/managers for further information on the Management Simplified Program.  Click on the link at the bottom of the page to download the webinar flyer

TWO COMPLIMENTARY PLACES AVAILABLE TO SCHMOOZE MEMBERS! vALUE over $300 each!

The complimentary places will go to the first two Schmooze members to answer the following question:

• What percentage of people report the worst or most stressful aspect of their job is their immediate boss?
• (Hint- the answer available at www.hrsimplified.com.au)
• Answers to be emailed to rebecca@hrsimplified.com.au

ABOUT OUR PRESENTER

Rebecca Neylon worked for a number of businesses including Deloitte, Lloyds Banking Group, the WACA, Intercontinental Hotels and Clough Engineering. In that time Rebecca recognised:-

• Most of the HR issues she was dealing with were essentially caused by a poor Manager-Employee relationship.
• Managers had minimal training and support on how to effectively manage their staff.

As an HR Manager, Rebecca started to coach Managers on both management of self and others. After seeing great results, Rebecca established HR Simplified to offer this service to a number of organisations.

HR Simplified now has clients Australia-wide and offers a number of services to foster the Manager-Employee relationship including management training, HR consulting and extended disc behavioural profiling.

Rebecca has a number of clients in the SME market and found that management training is less accessible to these clients both due to cost and time. She developed a series of management training webinars to provide practical management training, without the high cost and disruption to business. The webinars became so popular with Rebecca’s current clients that she has now opened up the webinars to the public.

The Pitch is back by popular demand.

In Canberra’s own Gruen moment, watch as three local ad agencies go head to head to compete for the 2012 title.

In this local election-themed thriller, we’ve randomly assigned each agency a political party and asked them to do all that it takes to encourage as many votes as possible.

Political correctness shouldn’t be expected.

The competing agencies are AdCorp,, Grey Advertising, and Zoo Advertising 

So if you can't attend the Perfect Pitch 2 Forum during the day, you can purchase your guest pass to attend this great event and of course there will be lots of Schmoozing opportunities too!

CONFIRM YOUR PLACE

• RSVP via email: rsvp@schmooze.net.au
• You'll be invoiced when you rsvp with payment options or pay via PayPal below.

Something special for our members this month.

We're presenting an event that had its place in our regular program for several years based on the collaborative premise of Schmooze where peers can draw on each other's expertise in a supportive environment. 

Members are invited to bring a challenge they have in their business to get some 360 feedback from the participants that can help them drive their business forward. In this session we're going to explore aspects of your business that may not be perforrming, or there could be blind spots that could be turned to new revenue streams.

Places are limited to 10 members to ensure a personalised experience, so book your place today and please nominate your challenge you wish the group to explore.

Reserve Your Place

• RSVP via email to rsvp@schmooze.net.au

Read about our 2012 Program

• Preview the events and themes we'll be offering in 2012 here.

How do you measure success? Mark Dobson believes that authentic success comes from legitimately living what you are capable of.

Mark Dobson is a Performance Strategist and Coach who enables people to become the best they can be and succeed in the areas they want to.

Mark has worked with some of the most elite athletes on the planet and his ability to impact performance is in the lead-up to the Beijing Olympics Mark spent one year advising Australian Olympic Swimming Coach Ian Pope, coach of Olympic medallists Grant Hackett, Matt Target, Patrick Murphy and World Champion Marieke Guehrer.

This highly engaging half day seminar will offer you unique insights into the world of elite thinkers, who themselves experience authentic success.

An extension of Mark's Best Day Thinking strategy, this optional 1.5 hour session will change the way you look at time, and use time, forever.

Like all Mark's sessions, you will leave not feeling like you should do things differently, but instead will have developed and perfected your own style which is part of your raw instincts anyway.

The Seminar (only) is also available as part of our ACT CPD Package which enables participants to achieve 12 ACT CPD points.

Are you curious about Schmooze and would like to find out more?

Why not join us for afternoon tea and get acquainted with our friendly members relations team. 

We're not looking to pitch anything, just get to know you better and outline some of the things Schmooze may be able to help you with in your business, career or social life.

Just drop us a line at rsvp@schmooze.net.au to reserve your place and we'll keep the numbers small to ensure a personalised experience.

With the war for talent returning to pre GFC levels, employee engagement is back at the top of the priority list for high performing organisations.

Come and experience an innovative yet practical approach to enhancing your employment brand, talent retention and organisational performance.

Most organisations try to improve engagement using an annual survey, however, research shows that what drives us is actually very individual.

So while group-level diagnostics give an idea of what gaps may exist and where, within a business, they don't facilitate improvement.

To improve on engagement scores, an individual approach must be taken. Ben Palmer, CEO of Genos and architect of the internationally-acclaimed 'motivate and Engage your Team' development suite presents this engaging and interactive seminar which will explain how you can individualise employee engagement and improve your bottom line.

Are you curious about Schmooze and would like to find out more?

Why not join us for afternoon tea and get acquainted with our friendly members relations team. 

We're not looking to pitch anything, just get to know you better and outline some of the things Schmooze may be able to help you with in your business, career or social life.

Just drop us a line at rsvp@schmooze.net.au to reserve your place and we'll keep the numbers small to ensure a personalised experience.

The atmosphere at the monthly Schmooze is light and welcoming, and so if you like your networking to be relationship driven, rather than the hard-sell business card in your face, then this is the event for you. 

We attract business owners and senior managers to these events and prefer an intimate group of about 30 people to ensure a personalised experience.

No name tags, no spiel from a sponsor to bore you, just plenty of great conversations with other professionals and business owners. 

Read about our 2012 Program

• Preview the events and themes we'll be offering in 2012 here.

The Certificate IV in Training and Assessment is designed for anyone with a strong interest in learning and development who wants to gain a nationally recognised qualification in training and assessment.

Wisdom is a multi-award winning training provider and offers this innovative Certificate IV in Training and Assessment program for participants who want to learn from the training industry leaders.

Professionalising your business writing - with clarity, conciseness and reader-focus!

Plain English business writing ensures our message gets across more effectively to a wider audience and increases the chance of achieving our outcomes.

The business environment is typically time-poor so we must concentrate on efficiently expressing our message rather than attempting to impress our audience!

• Avoid the risk of relying on software grammar and spell-checks
• Write documents that are pitched to the right audience
• Convey your written message concisely and with clarity

On successful completion of this workshop, real estate participants will achieve 8 of the required 12 points of professional development to meet the ACT Office of Regulatory Services (ORS) conditions for the renewal of a licence or certificate of registration.

The atmosphere at the monthly Schmooze is informal and welcoming, and if you like your networking to be relationship driven, rather than the hard-sell business card in your face, then this is the event for you. Come along and meet fellow business owners and professionals from a very wide range of organisations for great conversation in style.

Lucky Door Prizes!

Our lovely members from Toner Express are providing some very handy door prizes indeed, each with a value of $275!

Reserve Your Place

• RSVP via email to rsvp@schmooze.net.au
• Guests will be invoiced when they RSVP with payment options
• Dress code: smart corporate

Read about our 2012 Program

• Preview the events and themes we'll be offering in 2012 here.
• You can watch videos of past events here on our YouTube channel.

Jointly presented with the Australian Institute of Training and Development (ACT)

Ever wondered how social media can assist you in building your own personal learning network and leveraging your professional development?

Come along to this presentation to learn some practical tips about how to use LinkedIn and twitter to help you learn, connect and grow. The presentation will also look at best practice on how you can use these tools as trainers to share your expertise and support training outcomes.

Presenters

Our expert presenters, Phillip Jones from Schmooze (LinkedIn) and Todd Wright from Threesides Marketing (twitter) will share their own skills, knowledge and experience to assist you to kick start your social media learning journey and go beyond just having a profile! Limited places, so please book in today. This event is particularly relevant to anyone working in the learning and development, training and coaching fields.

Phillip Jones is a Canberra-based social entrepreneur and communication strategist whose two companies, Two Degrees Group and Schmooze are an expression of his experience and insights into professional networks and business relations. He is often invited to speak on professional relations, networking, as well as social media and communication skills. Drawing on his experience in business including working in client relations, event management and business development roles on both the public and private sector, he will assist you in developing the skills, strategies and confidence to foster effective professional relationships.

Todd Wright is a business development and online marketing specialist with a passion for creative thinking and innovative business development. His strengths lie in online business, social media and marketing development, using new technology in business, partnership marketing, media and stakeholder consultation and training. He has valuable experience with sectors including IT, travel and tourism, local government, education, property, youth brands and retail.

CONFIRM YOUR PLACE

• Email us at rsvp@schmooze.net.au
• Guests will be invoiced when they RSVP

These events provide a supportive environment that helps members workshop aspects of each other's company.

Members are invited to bring a challenge they have in their business to get some 360 feedback from the others that can help them drive their business forward.

Places are limited to 6 members to ensure a personalised experience, so book your place today and please prepare an aspect of your business you wish the group to explore. It may be your website, or your facebook page, or how you describe your services, some honest feedback could just be what you need!

Members who have had the opportunity of having their business workshoped in the past two months will be invited to have a supporting role rather than the spot light to give everyone the opportunity.

Confirm Your Place

• Please rsvp via email: rsvp@schmooze.net.au
• Please note only Professional, Associate or Young Professional members can participate in these events.

Join us for the biggest Latin dance party in Canberra for 2012!

Capital de la Salsa (Salsa in the Capital) is a celebration of this wonderful culture Latin dance has brought to the ACT and Australia alike. Canberra has an exciting and thriving dance scene that needs to be shared with the rest of Australia, so in true political style we're saying "lets express our right to party!"

The first in a new series of seminars on professional networking presented by Schmooze’s founder, Phillip Jones

With over 2 million users in Australia alone, LinkedIn is THE place to drive your online professional life.  Used well it can create job opportunities, position your company well, and be a source of investors and expertise.

But, frankly, you need a double degree and loads of time to make the most of it.Or chances are all you've managed to do is create a profile and make a few connections, and that's all.

However, in this session, networking guru and Schmooze's founder, Phillip Jones, will give you the low down on:

• leveraging your online profile
• using it to make new contacts and keep the ones you've got
• creating a company profile and using it to showcase your expertise
• opportunities and traps with Linkedin Groups and discussion threads
• how to manage the whole thing a few minutes a week
• lots of tips and tactics.

So bring your questions and bring your laptop or iPad if you have one, and get your online networking moving in the right direction. 

Reserve Your Place

• RSVP via email to rsvp@schmooze.net.au
• Guests will be invoiced when they RSVP with payment options

Coming up in this series

• Schmoozing Basics: Networking tips and tactics - September 27
• Advanced Schmoozing: Stategies and Plans- October 25

About the Prsenter

Phillip founded Schmooze in 2003 with the aim of creating a collaborative environment for colleagues and friends to develop their careers and businesses, and have a great time in the process. Schmooze is an innovative Australian professional community that fosters connections, provides business opportunities, hosts events to learn career skills and supports our members to promote their expertise and events. It offers several events each month in Canberra and Melbourne plus a unique range of member services.

In addition, he is the director of Two Degrees Group, which provides bespoke consulting services including advice on the design, development and management of professional and social networks. He's often invited to speak regularly and present training on networking and professional relations, as well as the uses of social media.

Phillip writes regularly on networking, as well as publishes podcasts and conducts master classes, all drawing on many thousands of hours of cultivating professional relationships in a wide range of situations and developing a distinct philosophy that marries old fashioned real world connects and the new world of online connections.

Places are limited to 60 people for this exclusive and fun night, so get your Schmooze on and book your place today.

You may be new to Canberra and looking to make some new social contacts, or want to raise the profile of your company and make some useful business contacts, at Schmooze you can do both and have a great time in the process!

Reserve Your Place

• RSVP via email to rsvp@schmooze.net.au
• Guests will be invoiced when they RSVP with payment options

Read about our 2012 Program

• Preview the events and themes we'll be offering in 2012 here.
• You can watch videos of past events here on our YouTube channel.

To launch our innovative series of informal workshops on essential career and interpersonal skills for Uni students we're offering this free seminar on professional networking.

Presented by Schmooze's founder, Phillip Jones, this event is presented in partnership with International Commerce Students' Society at the University of Melbourne.

The session will also preview the upcoming series of Schmooze@Campus workshops, so come along, its free, informative and all students are welcome.

Just email us at rsvp@schmooze.net.au so we know you're coming.

You may be new to Melbourne and looking to make some new social contacts, or want to raise the profile of your company and make some useful business contacts.

At Schmooze you can do both and have a great time in the process! The evenings often features live performances and special venues, perfect for cultivating new professional and social relationships.

Our staff are on hand to introduce you about to ensure you feel welcome and connected and in short, they don't feel like your typical business function! 

Special treat for our members: they can celebrate the new financial year on us and bring someone who has never been to a Schmooze event before with a complimentary Guest Pass

DOOR PRIZE!

Thanks to Victoria Rose from Training2live

'Marketing with Social Media' four book set:
1. Social Media Marketing
2. YouTube and Video Marketing
3. Twitter Marketing
4. Facebook Marketing

(Retails at $149.95)

Reserve Your Place now

• RSVP via email to rsvp@schmooze.net.au
• Guests will be invoiced when they RSVP with payment options 

Read about our 2012 Program

• Preview the events and themes we'll be offering in 2012 here.
• You can watch videos of past events here on our YouTube channel.

On 29 August 2012, Schmooze will be hosting its largest event of the year that is a showcase for our members: The Schmooze Canberra Region Market Place

Not your typical expo style event, this will be free for the public to attend and offer members a special opportunity to raise their profile and create new business opportunities. It will include a display area with entertainment and catering, a Schmooze lounge bar for networking and free business seminars, as well as special offers and great door prizes for visiting guests in the welcome packs.

This will be one of the largest business events in the ACT Region this year.

In 2011 we had over 300 people attend and many thousands of dollars of business was booked as a result- we aim to increase that to 400 people over the course of the afternoon/evening this year.

You can view the video from last year here.

This year, it will take place from 4pm to 8pm on Wednesday 29 August with activites over several floors including a VIP Schmooze lounge on the 15th floor, an exhibition area with over 30  member exhibitors, great door prizes,  several members presenting thought leadership seminars, and a networking lounge and bar.

Schmooze will provide instructions and promotional material to support your participation- see the download below.

Twitter: follow the Market Place @schmoozecbr #marketplace

Please note: you'll have to be a Professional, Associate or Young Professional member to be a presenter or exhibitor at this event, and you'll find more info about membership here.

Members can take part in ONE of three of ways (please choose one).

Please note we are not accepting any more financial sector exhibitors

• Exhibitor
  • registration cost: $300 
  • receive two display tables + power
  • promoted by Schmooze in a social media campaign leading up to event
  • logo + URL on special Market Place webpage
  • inclusion of handouts in welcome pack for all guests
  • a maximum of 35 members can be Exhibitors
  • Exhibitors are required to promote the event at least 3 times leading up to the event through their own channels
  • Note, Start-Up or Social Package members are not eligible to be exhibitors (sorry!)
• Presenter ALL SLOTS SOLD -SORRY
• Participant
  • must be a member, registration cost: free
  • listed on special Market Place web page
  • inclusion of handouts in welcome pack- Note it must be a special offer for guests at Market Place
  • members are required to promote the event at least 3 times leading up to the event through their own channels
• There are opportunities for internships for students in event management, photography, marketing and hospitality to assist with the event in its development and on the day,

 Register your Place this week

• Places for each type of participation will be on the first come basis with a wait list thereafter
• Send an email to Phillip Jones indicating which sort of participation category you wish to take part in. 
• For more information - please see the Guide below
• Please note we're not accepting any more financial sector exhibitors

Confirmed Exhibitors (as of 24 July)

• ANU School of Music
• Bartercard
• Business.gov.au
• ESC Technologies
• First Class Accounts
• Gatecrasher Media
• In My Element Glass Design
• Link Digital
• McArthur Recruitment
• M'Or Mortgages
• Money Mechanics
• Rainmaker Cloud Computing
• RMCO
• Sauce Communications
• Shutterjobs
• Shoes to Tango
• Schmooze
• Speak2us
• The Investors Club
• Toner Express
• Wise Work
• Your Brand Unleashed 

Special Offer to Members!

OFFER 1: Need Printing for the upcoming Canberra Region Market Place run by Schmooze?, then look no further, Your Brand Unleashed is a Schmooze Member and would like to offer to all Schmooze exhibitors, 15% off all our RRP pricing to any members who have a stand at the Region Market Place in August.

From Business Cards (starting from $99 for 1000 (conditions apply) to Pamphlets, Stickers and more, we can be your solution to a competitive print provider and we want to make you look good

OFFER 2: Looking for exciting and above average Promo Products to hand out at the upcoming Canberra Region Market Place run by Schmooze? As valued members of Schmooze, we would like to extend to you a 10% discount of all our RRP pricing to all members who have a stand at the Canberra Region Market Place in August.

From Stress Balls, Balloons, USB Keys, Pens, Mugs, Wristbands and more, let us complete your brand with a effective trade show solution to your Promotional Products needs, Mention this for a free set-up on orders over $1500 – a value of $102.40 to you for free for being part of Schmooze.

Contact

• Robert Williams at Brand Unleashed via email
• Visit their website here: http://www.yourbrandunleashed.com.au/

Do you want to know the truth about the Australian property market?

Come to our FREE seminar, August 9th at 6:30pm ALiC@Yellowedge Level 2, 9 Sydney Avenue Learn what is really happening in the Australian property market from an independent research analyst.

Also hear from a taxation expert the importance of having the correct taxation structure and options including the use of SMSF’s.

Bookings essential, register now at www.propertytoprosper.com.au

• Contact Name: Julie Beck
• Contact Email: julie@propertytoprosper.com.au.com
• Contact Phone: 0404453397

Members are invited to bring a challenge they have in their business to get some 360 feedback from the others that can help them drive their business forward.

Places are limited to 6 members to ensure a personalised experience, so book your place today and please prepare an aspect of your business you wish the group to explore. It may be your website, or your facebook page, or how you describe your services, some honest feedback could just be what you need!

Members who have had the opportunity of having their business workshoped in the past two months will be invited to have a supporting role rather than the spot light to give everyone the opportunity.

Confirm Your Place

• Please rsvp via email: rsvp@schmooze.net.au
• Please note only Professional, Associate or Young Professional members can participate in these events.

Lifeline Canberra is holding its Gala Ball on the 11 August at the Hotel Realm, with this year’s theme ‘A Night Under The Big Top!’ The Ball will feature Scott Radburn as the Ring Master, acrobatic performances, live entertainment, auctions and a sideshow alley.

Tickets can be purchased online at http://www.theearlybird.com.au/lifeline-gala-ball

If you would like more information please contact Vasili Skountzos on 62046405 or email:vasili.skountzos@act.lifeline.org.au .

All proceeds raised from this event will go towards supporting our telephone crisis service 13 11 14.

Following on from the highly successful “Meditate for MS” event on World MS Day 2012, Lynnette Dickinson is leading another meditation event at the National Convention Centre.

Would you like to reduce stress, improve concentration and focus, improve workplace performance and relationships, and improve your overall wellbeing?

If you answered yes, and let’s face it who wouldn’t want even one of these outcomes, come and start your week with a relaxing meditation - invest in your life.

Lynnette, author of A Journey to Peace through Yoga and Dru Yoga and Meditation teacher, will describe how meditation has helped her to manage MS and stay out of her wheelchair, guide you through some gentle movement to help your body unwind and lead you into a relaxation so that the focus and spaciousness of meditation becomes easy.

Information: lynnette@asparkofsplendour.com

All profits will be donated to the Quest for Life Residential Program subsidy fund, www.questforlife.com.au

This event is perfect for business owners and senior managers, and provide a great way to be inspired and connect in an intimate setting of up to 14 people. Lunch includes one course, wine and coffee. 

How to successfully make the transition from a 2-man operation to a nationwide, multimillion-dollar operation employing nearly 50 staff.
 
If you would like to expand and grow, but are not quite sure of how, you need to be at the next Schmooze Business Lunch Club.

Our Speaker

Murray Lees has over 30 years of experience in the finance and financial services sector, and is currently a Director and Owner of Connective. Prior to starting Connective in 2003 he had built a highly successful mortgage broking business from the ground up.

Murray has an intimate
 understanding of the challenges and rewards of the mortgage broking industry, and knows what it takes for broking businesses to provide exceptional service to their clients. 

Embracing video, blogging and all things social media, Murray fosters a risk taking attitude for staff. He has a passion for sales management and drives the Sales and Marketing Team at Connective.

Reserve Your Place TODAY

• RSVP via email to rsvp@schmooze.net.au
• Guests will be invoiced when they RSVP with payment options
• Please advise of any dietary requirements when you RSVP

Read about our 2012 Program

• Preview the events and themes we'll be offering in 2012 here.

Schmooze@Campus provide students under 25 a range of essential interpersonal and career skills in a series of informal workshops delivered by the Schmooze team and our expert members.

The format is informal, informative and features two young professionals who can give you the real deal on the topics and answer your questions.

In this Session: Applying for jobs and making contacts

• How to write a resume to apply for jobs
• Networking Fundamentals 

 cOMING UP!

27 August - Session 2: Getting an Interview

• How to effectively write towards selection criteria
• What to expect at an interview

24 September -Session 3: I've got the job, now how to get a great start!

• What to wear in the office
• How can I best come across during the first few weeks at work

22 October- Session 4: Internships and Volunteering Opportunities

• What to expect when I undertake an Internship
• How can I prove my value during my Internship

Reserve Your Place

• RSVP via email to rsvp@schmooze.net.au
• Guests will be invoiced when they RSVP with payment options

Read about our 2012 Program

• Preview the events and themes we'll be offering in 2012 here.

Practical tips and strategies to deliver outstanding customer service. Customer service skills are essential to organisational success, whether you provide service to external customers or people within your own organisation.

This workshop will provide you with practical tips and strategies to develop your skills and knowledge in modern best practice customer service.

Schmooze@Campus provides students under 25 a range of essential interpersonal and career skills in a series of informal workshops delivered by the Schmooze team and our expert members.

The format is informal, informative and features two young professionals who can give you the real deal on the topics and answer your questions.

We'll also do a touch of speed networking too!

In this Session: Getting an Interview

• How to effectively write towards selection criteria
• What to expect at an interview  

coming up!

24 September Session 3: I've got the job, now how to get a great start!

• What to wear in the office
• How can I best come across during the first few weeks at work

22 October Session 4: Internships and Volunteering Opportunities

• What to expect when I undertake an Internship
• How can I prove my value during my Internship

Reserve Your Place

• RSVP via email to rsvp@schmooze.net.au
• Guests will be invoiced when they RSVP with payment options

Read about our 2012 Program

• Preview the events and themes we'll be offering in 2012 here.

Networking with a difference: no nametags, no spiels from a sponsor, and great hosts to introduce you to like-minded entrepreneurial people, outgoing and interesting professionals and business people.

The atmosphere at the monthly Schmooze is light and welcoming, and so if you like your networking to be relationship driven, rather than the hard-sell business card in your face, then this is the event for you.

You may be new to Melbourne and looking to make some new social contacts, or want to raise the profile of your company and make some useful business contactS.

At Schmooze you can do both and have a great time in the process!

Our staff will be on hand to introduce you about to other business owners and professionals, so we hope you can join us for a great evening! 

Special rate for guests just for this event!

$55.00 incl GST entry includes two drinks and canapes

Victoria’s Small Business Festival 2012

Practical ideas and information for anyone wanting to start or grow their small business

Victoria’s Small Business Festival runs from 1–31 August with hundreds of low-cost and free events throughout Melbourne and regional Victoria. The festival will give small businesses the opportunity to learn practical new skills and access new ideas to help boost their productivity and competitiveness.

Hosted by Small Business Victoria in partnership with private sector organisation and industry groups, festival events cover a range of topics from business and financial planning through to marketing, social media and innovation.

To view and book events or to order your free printed event guide, visit business.vic.gov.au/festival or call 13 22 15.

Reserve Your Place

• RSVP via email to rsvp@schmooze.net.au
• Guests will be invoiced with payment options when they RSVP 

The Canberra Region Market Place is a highlight of the ACT business year will attract over 400 people to its unique expo-style format with fabulous networking opportunities.

Not your typical expo style event, this will be free for the public to attend and offer members a special opportunity to raise their profile and create new business opportunities. It will include an exhibition area, free thought leadership business seminars, a Schmooze lounge bar for networking, as well as special offers and great door prizes for guests.

Reserve your place today via email: marketplace@schmooze.net.au

Read about our 2012 Program

• Preview the events and themes we'll be offering in 2012 here.

The August Schmooze

We'll be hosting an exclusive networking experience on the 15th Floor of the hotel overlooking the city from 5.30pm to 7.00pm.

Reservations are essential for this part of the event- just email us- everyone is welcome, but there is a limit of 100 members and guests to attend this experience.

• Entry: Schmooze members free Non-member Guests $65.00 (food provided, buy own drinks)
• If you're not a member of Schmooze we'll invoice you before the event with payment options or you can pay below.
• RSVP: via rsvp@schmooze.net.au
• Entry:  register via email and we'll give you a VIP pass at the registration desk for access]
• Pre-purchase your Guest Pass below via PayPal

The Art of Training: take your training skills to the next level!

This one day workshop is designed for experienced trainers who want to continue to improve their training and to expand their range of delivery methods and resources.

A free Introductory Workshop on investing in property with a focus on Finance.

We will tell you about The Investors Club, who we are and what we can do for you.

Guest Speaker: Michael O'Reilly from M'Or Mortgage Options Come along to receive your free copy of Kevin Young's book - Property Prosper Retire Bookings essential as space is limited.

This workshop is designed for staff and managers who want to learn new strategies and skills to manage their time and avoid overload for personal effectiveness.

Participants attending this workshop will develop self management strategies and learn to use tools that increase effectiveness and efficiency.

These strategies and tools can be shared with colleagues to increase organisational efficiency.

Are you curious about Schmooze and would like to find out more?

Why not join us for afternoon tea and get acquainted with our friendly members relations team. 

We're not looking to pitch anything, just get to know you better and outline some of the things Schmooze may be able to help you with in your business, career or social life.

Just drop us a line at rsvp@schmooze.net.au to reserve your place and we'll keep the numbers to about 8 for a lovely intimate chat.

• how to introduce yourself
• making conversation
• everything you wanted to know about the business card
• which events to go to
• what to do once you've met someone
• your personal brand
• and much more.

So if you hate networking but have to do it, don't feel confident in a room of strangers, or perhaps starting your career or business then this seminar is for you.

There will be lots of chances for questions, real world situations and resources to take away with you to keep you on the right path!

Reserve Your Place

• RSVP via email to rsvp@schmooze.net.au
• Guests will be invoiced when they RSVP with payment options

Coming up in this series

• How to Schmooze like a Pro: Strategies and Plans- October 25

About the PrEsenter

Phillip founded Schmooze in 2003 with the aim of creating a collaborative environment for colleagues and friends to develop their careers and businesses, and have a great time in the process.

In addition, he is the director of Two Degrees Group, which provides bespoke consulting services including advice on the design, development and management of professional and social networks. He's often invited to speak regularly and present training on networking and professional relations, as well as the uses of social media.

Phillip writes regularly on networking, as well as publishes podcasts and conducts master classes, all drawing on many thousands of hours of cultivating professional relationships in a wide range of situations and developing a distinct philosophy that marries old fashioned real world connects and the new world of online connections.

Tweet, Poke, Blog me! Link your Business!

Learn how to really connect with your clients through social media! Social media is everywhere - we cannot ignore it.

It is the new way of communicating with current generations and future leaders … if you understand its dynamics. Commonly described as 'earned' media, users of these marketing tools must learn and follow rules that are very different from more traditional marketing approaches.

This workshop will guide participants through the principles of social media in the business context and provide strategies on how to utilise this platform to create interest in your brand, your people, and your business.

Is it time to update your wardrobe? Join us at our clothes swapping VIP event! Grab five items of clothing that you would like to swap, enjoy a Style Workshop with wine and canapes and let the swapping begin!

• When: Saturday 15 September 2012
• Where: Centre Court, level 1 outside Myer
• Cost: $25- receive a $20 Westfield Gift Card and Westfield Belconnen will donate $5 from each attendee to the Cerebral Palsy Alliance.
• Book: ESSENTIAL In person at the Concierge, level 3 or email breception@au.westfield.com

This will be a special event presented in partnership with Lighthouse Business Innovation Centre and the Canberra Centre

Due to popular demand, we'll be exploring great style tips for Men in a stylish setting and format. 

First impressions count, but for a man it can be hard to feel comfortable, look the part, not break the bank and still be yourself.

So this month we've invited four Schmoozer's: David Middleton from Memorable Impression Events, Scott Malcolm from Money Mechanics, Hairul Lufti from the Firm, and Richard Everson from My Business by Design to be given the treatment by the Canberra Centre's expert stylists, Victoria Schnabl and Samantha West.

So if you're a young professional,public servant or a seasoned business owner (or partner of one!) this is the workshop you need to ensure your personal brand is tip top.

Guests will also enjoy fashion tips and gift packs courtesy of the Canberra Centre.

Don't miss this very special event.

About the Hub & CANBERRA CENTRE

 
The Hub – Canberra’s boutique conference facility and fashion styling suite located on Level 1, Canberra Centre in the heart of the CBD.

Canberra Centre – Canberra’s Premier Shopping Attraction
Myer and David Jones lead an outstanding collection of Australian and International fashion labels, along with a stunning range of speciality stores.

Reserve Your Place NOw

• Places are limited to 30 people, includes glass of wine and canapes
• RSVP via email to rsvp@schmooze.net.au
• Guests will be invoiced when they RSVP with payment options
• Please advise of any dietary requirements when you RSVP

Guest Pass $65.00

DIRECTIONS

• Park in the Canberra Centre
• Its located near Occitane shop on the top level, and can be accessed via the car park level

Read about our 2012 Program

• Preview the events and themes we'll be offering in 2012 here.

Sorry this event is fully booked- but please contact us to get in the loop for the next one or for a personal consultation

Are you curious about Schmooze and would like to find out more?

Why not join us for afternoon tea and get acquainted with our friendly members relations team. 

We're not looking to pitch anything, just get to know you better and outline some of the things Schmooze may be able to help you with in your business, career or social life.

Just drop us a line at rsvp@schmooze.net.au to reserve your place and we'll keep the numbers small to ensure a personalised experience.

Did you know that a recent study of 2,500 workers in Australia shows that 71% are motivated to do the best of their ability ( including a staggering 85% of workers 65 and over!) and yet 67% are either planning to leave or looking around?
So, what's the story?

Find out at our PRODUCTIVITY FORUM next Wednesday 19th September at 3.30pm.

Please register before this Friday - see the attachment for more details or see our short YouTube clip http://youtu.be/BLk8wNBWRvc

Some questions we will be answering will include:

• How can I do better with my small business without it costing a fortune?
• I’m competitive on price – what else can I do?
• How can I keep workers’ motivated without paying them lots more?

Small Business Employers: It's Tough Being In Business!

How do you make your business and your people more PRODUCTIVE & PROFITABLE? If your passion is business and people, and how to do things smarter, join us in conversation at our NEW bi-monthly business & networking forum.

This forum offers you a chance to ask the questions you need to have answered, to share your insights with others and to get information about employment & people that is easy to understand and easy to use.

Cost is $25: FREE for Schmooze members and those responding to our September -October newsletter offer.

Members are invited to bring a challenge they have in their business to get some 360 feedback from the others that can help them drive their business forward.

Places are limited to 6 members to ensure a personalised experience, so book your place today and please prepare an aspect of your business you wish the group to explore. It may be your website, or your facebook page, or how you describe your services, some honest feedback could just be what you need!

Members who have had the opportunity of having their business workshoped in the past two months will be invited to have a supporting role rather than the spot light to give everyone the opportunity.

Confirm Your Place

• Please rsvp via email: rsvp@schmooze.net.au
• Please note only Professional, Associate or Young Professional members can participate in these events.

If you have recently arrived in Canberra, you are right now in the middle of settling in, getting to know the city and making sure your loved ones have all they need to grow roots as quickly as possible. As an accompanying spouse, you are the glue that holds together your family, so make sure you consider your own needs, too!

The iCAN start workshop day is facilitated by five amazing speakers, a group of hands-on entrepreneurs who each in their way act as connectors in the Canberra community. We have teamed up to provide you with practical information, personal and professional networking and valuable coaching tools to kick start your life in Canberra!

We attract senior managers and business owners to our events, as well as young professionals from a wide range of companies.

Our staff are on hand to introduce you about to ensure you feel welcome and connected.

So if you hate 'networking' but like the idea of meeting fellow professionals in style, then please book your place today.

This month, we're partnering with our friends from the Australian Institute of Training + Development for double for Schmoozing possibilities.

Reserve Your Place

• RSVP via email to rsvp@schmooze.net.au
• Guests will be invoiced when they RSVP with payment options 

This month we're hosted by Hindmarsh Living in Murray House, the newly refurbished community centre at The Grange Deakin retirement village..

So if you hate the typical 'networking' scene but like the idea of meeting your peers and enjoying great conversation in style.

If you're coming to Schmooze for the first time, just let us know and we'll ensure you're made to feel welcome and introduced about.

Places are limited to 80 people and we always book these events out, so reserve your place now. 

Reserve Your Place

• RSVP via email to rsvp@schmooze.net.au
• Guests will be invoiced when they RSVP with payment options 

Hindmarsh Living – The Grange Deakin

Perhaps it’s time for a family member or friend to consider why so many people are leaving behind the worries of maintaining large family homes, and choosing instead, the luxury and convenience of living at either The Grange Deakin or Bellerive, Lyons.

Hindmarsh Living offers two of the most prestigious owner-operated retirement communities here in Canberra. John Hindmarsh opened the doors of The Grange Deakin 23 years ago. Since then the village has continued to grow, with John still at the helm.

The Grange Deakin offers two and three bedroom independent living homes, as well as Serviced Apartments (where we provide meals, and cleaning services). Murray House, the very heart of our community, is an extension of our residents’ lounge-rooms.

Just recently we have unveiled the new-look Murray House. It boasts the very highest quality custom made Australian furniture, all new carpets and curtains, and exquisite floor to ceiling marble fireplace. It is the perfect place for our residents to spend time with their neighbours, family and friends, or simply relax and enjoy the stylish surroundings.

Read more about it here

Read about our 2012 Program

• Preview the events and themes we'll be offering in 2012 here.

Have you ever had an area of your life you wanted to change, and you were committed to making that change, but it didn’t happen?

This occurs when our psychology is out of sync with our goals.

This free webinar will teach you the 5 success principles which will enable you to align your mind and your goals, increasing your chances of success and fulfilment.

To register, please email info@hrsimplified.com.au

Places are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first serve basis!

Book Now!

Many small to medium size businesses struggle with staff management and staff retention. The high turnover of staff is costing business both time and money.

As a response to this gap in the Market Exhale has developed a series of workshops based on a four quadrant model of staff retention and management.

The four quadrant model was designed and developed by Exhale.

Exhale delivered two complimentary workshops to trial the theory and measure the response from business during the 2011 business in focus month.

The overwhelming response and feedback from business was testament to the need for this type of training in the Canberra market.

Workshops

There are two different kinds of workshops, introductory one hour workshops and full day workshops. Each introductory workshop will have a maximum of 15 participants, and each full day workshop will have a maximum of 10 participants in order to ensure everyone has a chance to be actively involved in the discussion.

Introductory Workshop
This will be a 1 hour workshop which will serve as an introduction to the four quadrant model:

• induction
• communication
• training, and
• review

Full Workshop

The workshops will provide

• participants with practical information they can use in the workplace, around each of the quadrants
• pro formas to use in company management systems
• Power point slides and delivery notes for communication training. (to enable participants to self deliver the communication component of the training to staff in house)
• The opportunity for each participant to present on one of the four quadrants they are doing well in their businesses.  

Dates

• Introductory Workshop 1– 11th October – 4.30pm to 5.30pm  ($35 for Schmooze members, $55 non-members)
• Full day Workshop 1 – 25th October – 9am to 5pm ($440 for Schmooze members, $500 non-members)
• Introductory Workshop 2 – 7th November – 8am to 9am ($35 for Schmooze members, $55 non-members)
• Full day Workshop 2 – 26th of November – 9am to 5pm ($440 for Schmooze members, $500 non-members)

Who Should Attend?

• Private & Public organisations
• Decision Makers
• Business Owners; and
• Business Managers

An Investors Club event not to be missed.

On Friday evening 12th October, we have a Special Event with Kevin Young, the Founder of The Investors Club. Our Club Property Mentors will be there on the night and will be sharing their experience in property.

It will be good to catch up and hear your experiences with property in this challenging economic climate.

Arrive at 6.45 pm for a 7.00 pm start. Please let me know if you can make it!

Understanding the people you deal with on a day-to-day basis can help you to achieve greater sales, improve your self confidence and communication with clients and develop lasting relationships to benefit your role. The Hermmann Brain Dominance Instrument (HBDI®) was developed by Ned Herrmann over 30 years ago.

Since then it has become the world’s leading thinking styles assessment tool, and is the foundation of Whole Brain Technology®. HBDI will be used to measure your preference in four distinct ways of thinking – emotional, analytical, structural and strategic.

You will be presented with your personal profile with an opportunity to debrief and discuss what this means to you, your role and share stories with other participants.

On successful completion of this workshop, real estate participants will achieve 8 of the required 12 points of professional development to meet the ACT Office of Regulatory Services (ORS) conditions for the renewal of a licence or certificate of registration.

Special guest speaker Mark Dobson shares his strategies to help you achieve your personal goals. Mark Dobson, a highly acclaimed performance strategist and coach presents his beliefs of authentic success and how best to achieve it in your life.

Mark’s focus is on developing strategies and helping people to achieve their personal goals to live a truly authentic and happy life.

This highly engaging seminar will offer you unique insights into the world of elite thinkers, who themselves experience authentic success. Mark enables people to become the best they can be and succeed in the areas they want to.

Mark bypasses fluffy theory, instead favouring an exploration of the actions that get results.

We will have a focus on Wills, Trusts & Estate Planning. Anu Rajendran from Dixon Advisory Law, will be presenting at our next workshop and will be available afterwards to answer questions.

Take this opportunity to learn more about the legal succession planning in ACT for property investors.

Note: Dialogue Consulting are offering a 15% discount for members to attend this event- please contact Schmooze via info@schmooze.net.au for the password to access this offer.