Camberwell Entrepreneurs Network

The Camberwell Entrepreneurs Network has been set up to encourage younger people (under 40) to meet face to face and share real tools and techniques for either their career or business. Camberwell is serviced by many good quality business networks, but we have never had a YOUNG person’s network that is specifically designed for people with an entrepreneurial flair. Face to face events have been around for many years and are very effective at sharing knowledge and wisdom – a great addition to the wonderful world of technology. Mixing with similar age peers can also be really helpful – for both your professional and social life. Rather than travel to the city, we would like to encourage you, if you are under 40, to come along the monthly Camberwell Entrepreneurs Network Meetups on the Fourth Tuesday of the month in selected venues around Camberwell. This is an ideal event for people under 40 who: . are professionals working in the City of Boroondara . have their own business in the City of Boroondara . have started a part time business in the City of Boroondara . are working from a home office whilst looking after a young family . are new to the City of Boroondara and want to connect with other locals . are friends with someone in the local area . want to share their most successful tools and techniques with others . want to meet and socialise with like-minded people . are interested in walking or cycling to local events . are inspired by sustainability and environmentally friendly, authentic business networking We will be organising special guests to provide a brief presentation on what they are doing in business in Camberwell. This is a great chance for you to meet like-aged locals who are interested in growing and developing in their career, business or life! The events are FREE to attend but you must register to attend to reserve your place as numbers are limited. You can purchase your own refreshments. Any questions? Please contact sueellson@camberwellnetwork.com or +61 402 243 271 scottf@lanyonpartners.com.au or +61 415 422 772 MEDIA RELEASE The Camberwell Entrepreneurs Network will be launched on 26 February 2014 at 6pm at ZouZ Café, 1420 Toorak Road Camberwell and it is designed for people under 40 in the local area. The increase in technology has meant that many business owners communicate electronically rather than face to face – particularly those under the age of 40 who are ‘digital natives.’ However, the art of networking face to face is an excellent complement to online activity. Sue Ellson, the Founder and Director of Camberwell Network, is coordinating the first event but she would ideally like to see a small team of young people take over its growth and development. Sue, who is over 40 says, “I am constantly receiving enquiries from younger people in the local area who would like to network, but they often find that the existing local networks have a majority of members over the age of 40 and they don’t feel comfortable in that environment.’ James Tuckerman, successful entrepreneur who is under 40 and started the highly successful digital publication Australian Anthill Magazine from his parent’s home in Camberwell says that “Young people have natural talents. They seem more willing to make mistakes, for example. And many have grown up as ‘digital natives’, with the internet as familiar to them as television and radio to other generations. However, many also seem to lack an understanding of the ‘fundamentals’ of business. And are more likely to seek answers via the web than through human contacts. But business is not something that can be taught in a five minute YouTube clip. That’s why networks for young business builders are important, to partner the strengths of young business owners with veterans.” Cr Philip Mallis from the City of Boroondara says, “Fostering local entrepreneurship amongst young people is extremely important, and an event like this can be a great help. Starting or running a business can be quite daunting and meeting other like-minded young people in such an environment provides an opportunity to share ideas, networks and knowledge. Local businesses are the focal point of many communities in Boroondara and it is vital that we continue to secure their future by supporting the business leaders of tomorrow. Not only can their future development be improved, but any current business activities can too. Networking events of this kind allow connections to be made that can make a real difference to the success of local businesses run by young people.” Joe Stephan from Stephan Strategic in Kew says that ‘the ability to connect with like-minded community professionals allows us to explore shared experiences, create community initiatives and most importantly fosters a culture of giving which is sometimes lost in today’s profitability focused business world.’ Hilda Wang and Peter Liu, Franchise Owners of PostNet in Hawthorn, believe that a network for people under 40 will give them an opportunity ‘to share experience and knowledge in various business sectors and get inspired with new ideas and insights.’ Adrian Willenberg, Senior Mortgage Broker at Broker Intelligence in Glen Iris regularly attends networking events in the Camberwell area. In his view ‘a networking group for under 40′s is important because networking is the single most powerful marketing tactic to accelerate and sustain success for any individual or small business. Having strong community connections is vital, we can all help each other grow our businesses which will of course put dollars back into the local community. Why send my referrals for printing, taxation, real estate and so on to the other side of the city when I can have a core group of like-minded individuals who I know and trust, all who are based in my area.’ Since first publishing the launch event online, Sue Ellson has received many requests from people over the age of 40 who would like to attend. ‘I think this says that many business owners in the City of Boroondara are looking for vibrant local networking opportunities. ’ ‘As the founder and director of several networks, I am always encouraging people to develop networks that suit their needs. I would love to see this network take off and perhaps have another group established for those under 25 with a business idea. Many in the Under 40 age bracket have worked in a large organisation and have learnt business systems and processes, but those who start their career in business would really benefit from being around their peers.’ ‘Following on from that, I would also like to see the council support a shared workspace environment so that more locals in business can collaborate in their own local business hub with open space workstations and private meeting and networking rooms.’ For now though, anyone under the age of 40 is welcome to attend the launch and get involved on 26 February 2014 at 6pm. The City of Boroondara are also promoting the launch through their communication channels. The event is free to attend but guests must register online at http://camberwellentr.... Call +61 402 243 271 for more information. __ End Sue Ellson sueellson@camberwellnetwork.com 9888 6480 or 0402 243 271 Joe Stephan joe@stephanstrategic.com.au 9077 2906 Hilda Wang and Peter Liu hawthorn@postnet.com.au 9972 9922 Adrian Willenberg adrian@brokerintelligence.com.au 9889 3619 or 0419 318 146 Danika Benison danika.benison@boroondara.vic.gov.au 9278 4814 Cr Philip Mallis philip.mallis@boroondara.vic.gov.au 0418 564 410 Update 23/1/14: Scott Fisher and Igor Mateski from Lanyon Partners (and they are both under 40) are keen to support the initiative and lead the group moving forward. Update 26/2/14 Camberwell Entrepreneurs Network Launch featured in Local Progress Leader Newspaper http://www.camberwellnetwork.com/blog/progress-leader-newspapers-camberwell-entrepreneurs-network-launch/