Welcome to 2011

Happy New Year!

As we move into our 7th year I do feel we're in the groove and humning along nicely as an organisation.

But first, on behalf of the team I wanted to thank everyone who sent us Christmas Cards and emails over the festive break- we certainly appreciated all the good wishes- thanks so much.

This year, we're planning to focus on three main things:

• delivering a refined and expanded program in the ACT region in great style
• seeing our Melbourne Chapter well settled in (we had a great launch and the team are all trained up and revving to go with their first event at the end of the month)
• scoping a third location to start up at the end of 2011 (suggestions welcome)

No doubt, the year will offer other opportunities!

You can read about our new regular program below, and you can expect several special events and offers as well during the year on top of these activities.

If you are considering getting involved further such as being a sponsor, or even providing a lucky door prize, or making an offer to our members, I do encourage you to contact me soon as the slots are filling quickly as members get on the front foot to drive their business or professional goals.

So, there is lots to look forward to and we'll be releasing more details of our upcoming events in the coming weeks.

I look forward to seeing you at a Schmooze soon.

Phillip

Founder and Director

Contents This Week

• Membership Tip (side bar)
• Associate Memberships for interstate colleagues (side bar)
• Welcome to the Team
• 2011 Program Preview
• The January Schmooze
• Melbourne eNews Edition
• Member Hosted Event: Life Skills with Personal Style

Welcome to the Team: Natasha Vanzetti

Dur our expanding membership and program, we're delighted to Introduce an addition to the Members Relations team.

Natasha has spent most of her career helping clients realise their full potential from a financial point of view. After 15 years in Financial Services she was so excited by what Web123 team had achieved she couldn’t wait to be part of it.

Now she gets to further develop small business needs by helping them achieve online success without the designer price tag and without feeling intimidated by the web. Having worked behind the scenes for some time with her sister Bianca, who is also a Director of Web123, Natasha realised how much small business would benefit from this new innovation.

As a member of Schmooze Natasha has seen how the unique Schmooze environment can really foster strong relationships and provide a great insight into Canberra’s business community.

Always up for a chat Natasha looks forward to working with new and prospective members to help them see their full Schmooze potential.

2011 Program Preview

We've been busy over the break, and have refined our regular program so that each month you can now enjoy an expanded program (at no extra charge):

• The Monthly Schmooze: this year we'll be inviting selected charities and good causes to be our guests each month so they introduce themselves to a wider professional community as part of our ongoing committment to social capital in our regions.
• The young professional branch's activities will be streamlined into 10 Lifeskills Seminars focusing on interpersonal and career fundamental skills
• The Professional Development Workshops will continue with this year a program of topics aimed at SME business and professional fundamentals. The information from these events will also be made available in the Members Lounge part of the website after the event.
• The various Interest Groups have been consolidated into new (members only) monthly Discussion Group that will be explore in detail some of the ideas raised in the Professional Development Workshop. The format will allow members (Professional and Young Professional Package only) to drill down further in the following weeks by members with discussions led by one of our team and a guest member to start the conversation.
• A new series of events will be the Schmooze Business Lunch Club. This new format will present three guest speakers exploring a theme from different industry sector viewpoints, and we'll also be inviting government departments to present. These will commence in late March.
• Another new event: Schmooze School! This will be a special seminar for members and guests on how to be an effective networker, as well as make the most of the many opportunities Schmooze offers, both online and through our events. And of course, you'll get to practice your new skills on the night! A fun and informative way to make new contacts and be effective in your professional relationships. This will be held three times a year.

For more information, please see our website here.  Remember, members also have access to our program in Melbourne as well!

The January Schmooze

We welcome in the Schmooze year, our 7th, in style at the wonderful Senso Culinary Centre at the Fyshwick Markets.

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.

We'll also enjoy the witty cabaret of Claude and Herbert and their unique style of refined entertainment.

• Where: Senso, upstairs, Fyshwick Markets
• When: Thursday 27 January, from 530pm to 730pm  (note, not the usual Wednesday)
• Cost: Free for Members, Guests $55 incl GST each ( tax invoices issued when you RSVP), all inclusive
• RSVP: rsvp@schmooze.net.au
• More information on our website

Melbourne Schmooze eNews edition

If you live in Melbourne and are currently receiving this enews- please contact us and we'll switch you over to the new dedicated Melbourne edition.

If you want to receive both- please let us know and we'll make the arrangements.

Don't forget to share the news with your colleagues and friends there as well and encourage them to subscribe via our website!

Member Hosted Event: Lifeskills with Personal Style

The Life Skills with Personal Style program is designed for students aged from 9 to 19 years and promotes confidence, self-esteem and personal presentation. The success of the Finishing School is reflected in the 22 years it has been operating and continuously developed and updated, with very happy, pleased parents and successful, elated and confident student

For more information about this event being held on the 17th January please see our website.

Have an event coming up?

Members can also add their own events directly onto the website via a simple form in the Members Lounge. 

We can then include them in this enews!