The best networking groups in Canberra

Join the conversation
45

Which are the best networking groups in Canberra? Photo: File.

Maybe you are a sole trader tired of your own internal dialogue? Perhaps you are seeking the advice of other smart operators in the business community?

Whatever the case may be, it sounds like you could do with some support from other like-minded business owners. Networking groups are professional collectives of local business owners who gather to share ideas, give support, and help build upon businesses.

Many networking groups leverage the expertise of members to build knowledge within the group. They also seek guidance from external sources in the form of guest speakers, business coaches, and mentors.

Importantly, they foster networking. In doing so, encouraging business leaders to work with other business leaders for mutual benefit. This may be in the form of a business referral, testimonial, event support, or positive mention to people they know.

Anyone in the world of small business knows that the best referral is given from one person to another. Whether it be a satisfied customer, a friend of the family, or source in a professional network, personal recommendations do go a long way.

Such is the popularly of networking groups, that Australia and the Canberra region, have seen an explosion of them. But with so many options from not-for-profit, to professional associations and more, how do you know which will work for you?

The key to successful networking is choosing the right opportunity for your needs. As businesses differ, so too do networking groups. Thankfully, there are many wonderful local options available, so do read on to find out more.

What makes a great networking group?

Great networking groups drive the entrepreneurial spirit, expand business knowledge, and fuel business growth. To ensure you use your time and effort wisely we have pulled together some key attributes to help assess and identify an effective networking group:

  • Power by association. The greatest value of your networking group will come from the association you have with its members. In many cases, the quality of the relationships directly correlates with the value exchange. Therefore, evaluate each on the calibre of its current membership base. Consider the nature of the members, their industry, organisation type and how long they have been in business. Some of the best networking groups even recruit selectively, to ensure a balanced group of members.
  • Commitment & contribution. Joining a business networking group requires not only commitment, but also active contribution on your behalf. It’s important to understand a groups professional ethos, or intent. The best networking groups focus on developing mutually beneficial relationships, with an expectation to give before they receive. To ensure the best chances of a professional payoff look for those groups who are all about what members can do for each other.
  • Fosters learning. One of the greatest benefits of joining a networking group is that it provides fertile ground for gaining business knowledge. The best groups foster continued learning, whether this be through member exchanges, mentors, guest speakers and more. They may offer opportunities to gain business or product feedback, test new ideas, and offer new perspectives. As a business owner staying ahead of the curve is challenging, so having access to business guidance and support is invaluable.
  • Structural parity. Before joining a network group evaluate the nature, structure, and frequency of meetings to ensure they suit you. Some groups meet frequency with an formal meeting structure, while others meet periodically over a casual drink. So, to ensure the right fit consider the structure that best suits you along with the times you are available to make. Regardless of meeting structure, the best networking groups will meet consistently, allowing real relationships to form between members.
  • Investment. As the old expression goes, there is no such thing as a free lunch. The cost of joining a group generally depends on the nature of the organisation. Some are commercial organisations, other community organisations, while others are not-for-profits. Moreover, some memberships incur a joining or annual fee, while others requirement payment on an event basis. When choosing a networking group consider the cost versus the expected return, being sure to factor in things like your time along with any fees. Always be sure to try before you buy and attend as many sessions as you can before making a commitment.

The best networking groups in Canberra

RiotACT’s editorial team has combed through 20 years of on-site comments to compile a list of the most recommended businesses according to you.

To be listed in our Best of Canberra series, each business needs to have consistently received positive feedback on RiotACT and Facebook as well as maintaining a minimum average of 4/5 stars on Google.

Network One

Home to Canberra’s fastest growing business networking group, Network One has attracted some of the regions best and brightest minds to help businesses gain more through effective networking groups. They believe that nothing is more valuable than creating meaningful connections, and as such are all about creating valuable referrals amongst members.

Network One has the A to Z of businesses covered, from accounts through to cleaners, providing a diverse community of likeminded professionals who are all about growing businesses together. Offering weekly group breakfasts at the Hyatt Hotel and an array of networking events, the group provides an inclusive and innovative environment for business owners to truly thrive.

Unlike other business networking groups, Network One is a not for profit organisation. As such, it does rely on an annual fee structure or the need to achieve referral targets. Rather, the group places emphasis on leading innovation and entrepreneurship through learning. To unlock your business potential and create lifelong professional relationships look to Network One.

Jonathan Mosslar had this to say about Network One on Google, The most friendly and welcoming networking group I have ever been part of. Being a member has definitely been a factor in the growth of my business over the last 2 years”

Canberra Women in Business

Canberra Women in Business have been providing support and development opportunities for businesswomen in the region for almost thirty years. They provide an environment that connects members with other local businesses for support, which ultimately leads to business growth through referrals and sharing of skills and expertise.

As a not-for-profit they attract business owners, employees from all sized organisations and members of professional organisations. Canberra Women in Business hosts an array of events from speed networking, guest breakfasts, and business awards. For an environment tailored to the needs of women, look to Canberra Women in Business.

Laurie McDonald shared her experience with the group on Facebook, Fabulous professional networking organisation to join if you are a businesswoman in Canberra. The support from the other members, President and organising committee are second to none.”

Canberra Innovation Network

Founded in 2014, the Canberra Innovation Network (CRBRIN) was created from a cross collaboration between the government and the regions world class education and research institutions. As a not-for-profit organisation they focus on nurturing Canberra’s start up community.

The Canberra Innovation Network runs an extensive programme including everything from networking and events through to incubation, acceleration and more. They connect entrepreneurs and small businesses with leading experts, mentors, and programme founders. To nurture, test, or scale your business Canberra Innovation Network is worth a visit.

Tatum Brown had this to say about the network on Facebook, A fantastic connection point for researchers, small businesses, entrepreneurs and startups.”

Business Networking Reimagined

Business Networking Reimagined was founded in 2015 by business coach and strategist Matt Alderton. After spending two decades running several successful businesses, his goal was to create a program based in training and education to help business owners thrive.

Now boasting almost fifty locations around Australia, Business Networking Reimagined is also at home in the local community. Offering fortnightly meetings to align and relationship build with other smart operators look to Business Networking Reimagined Canberra.

Arleen Hanks had this to say about the group, Great way to connect with new people and grow your business both in person and online. Very good support structure.”

Business Network International

Business Network International was founded in over thirty years ago in the US; and now spans 74 countries and over 250,000 members.

Positioned as a premier business to business networking organisation, the Canberra chapter aims to increase connections through regular local meetings.

Their networking platform provides the right environment, training, and support systems, to help forge professional relationships which generate referrals and business growth. For the learnings of a multinational with heritage that spans decades consider Business Network International.

David McLean had this to say about the group on Facebook, "I have been a member for just over 12 months. Learning is fantastic and have had 30 x return on investment. So happy with the result."

If you’re looking for more information on small business services in Canberra, you might like our article on the best business advisors, the best PR and copywriting services, or the best marketing agencies Canberra has to offer.

Your experience with networking groups in Canberra

Thanks to our commenters who have provided insightful feedback. If you believe we have got it wrong, please let us know.

Have you had experience with any of the networking groups listed above? If so, share your feedback in the comments below.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are business networking groups?

In traditional terms, business networking is the process of forming mutually beneficial professional relationships with other businesses, their employ, and potential clients or customers. Business networking groups take this process a step further by forming member lead collectives of business owners allowing them to connect regularly, and in doing so, furthering business interests in mutually beneficial ways.

Are there different types of business networking organisations?

Yes! Business networking organisations can typically be classified into five main types: casual contact networks, strong contact networks, community service clubs, professional associations, and online networks. The type of network best suited to your individual or business will depend on your needs, so bet sure to research your options before committing.

What are the benefits of networking?

For many small to medium sized businesses referrals by way of recommendation or word of mouth, are one of the key drivers for attracting new business. A core benefit of networking is the strengthening of business relationships, opening the door to potential new business opportunities. Other worthy benefits include business guidance and support, exposure to different perspectives and fresh ideas, as well as knowledge building.

What is the key to effective networking?

The key to effective business networking is the creation of professional relationships which ultimately result in referrals for your business.

Do business networking groups work?

One of the greatest assets offered by business networking groups are the regular meetings with members. These meetings tend to focus on more than just social interaction, and by nature builds professional relationships – and business leads – swiftly. Whether or not a particular networking group is right for you will depend on a number of factors, including cost, style, and commitment, so be sure to do your homework to ensure the right fit.

Join the conversation

45
All Comments
  • All Comments
  • Website Comments
LatestOldest
Serina Bird Huang (aka Ms Frugal Ears)10:09 am 10 Feb 21

Business at Breakfast. There are now two online zoom calls at 7am and 10am on Thursday, but also two fabulous in person ones. It’s hard to have favourites, but I’m very partial to the meeting at 7am on Wednesdays at Queanbeyan (Bean Central Cafe). It is such a warm and collaborative group – and this morning we had a Chinese New Year theme! 6.45am Thursdays at EQ Cafe, Deakin is also great.

Honestly, B@B is a community that got me through the difficult times of bushfires and COVID. The contacts have become friends and advocates. I love how the community helps and supports each other.

Monica Lindemann2:33 pm 08 Feb 21

Business @ Breakfast meets early Thursday (6:45am) mornings in Deakin. I found the group to be very welcoming, friendly and supportive of small business owners. I no longer attend regularly, but remain in touch with members. It’s a great source of contacts for all sorts of services – printing, design, IT, health & wellbeing, social media etc. They can be contacted through their Facebook page and website https://actbusinessatbreakfast.com

I was a member of BNI for a year or so & found them all to be pretentious snobs at the Belconnen (Thursday morning at the cafe) group that made me want to vommit each time a member spoke.

The Burleigh Griffin group however seemed a lot more professional and showed a genuine interest to others in the group.

I have never heard of Schmooze before but I would suggest it was created by someone as an alternative networking group to the nose in the sky culture at BNI.

My advise to business owners – Take the probationary free membership from BNI and use it whilst pretending that you really want to pay (some rediculous fee) to join. Once you have used up your free time then go & have a look at Schmooze – Ill bet they’re cheaper.

that was my point – i did say ‘some’ bn members; presumably these were also schmooze members. shoddy, all round. i’ll not be back.

Actually astrojax, it should be the Schmooze members who didn’t want to fit with with the Schmooze culture should have been asked to leave, not a blanket ban on all BNI members.

this is sad tidings. seems a bit of a low rent and shoddy move by phillip; particularly sad and shoddy the non-bn members excluded. but it also sounds like some bn members ought to have had more sensitivity for which networking group function they were attending.

just ’cause you play rugby doesn’t mean you tackle people outside the game.

johnny_the_knife8:34 am 22 May 09

MWF said :

LMFAO!

A couple of who gives a shit, unknown “lets develop and help eachother” online groups for Gen Y Canberrens to suck up to other Gen Y’s in Canberra.

I would suggest you do a little more research before you decide to post such comments. I strongly dispute your assertion that BNI and/or Schmooze are aimed at Gen Y. Within my BNI chapter which has around 25 members, there are two people who would fit into the age boundaries of Generation Y. While Schmooze does appear have a younger demographic than BNI, there are plenty of members of Gen X who participate, and I would hazard a guess they outnumber Gen ‘Y’ers. According to the ABS, more than two thirds of business operators are aged between 25 and 55, so it’s not surprising to see a similar age grouping at business networking events.

Furthermore, while both BNI and Schmooze have web sites, they are not online groups as you have stated. BNI holds weekly breakfast meetings at various locations around Canberra, while Schmooze has at least one monthly function, normally in the evening.

If you would like to learn more about BNI, I would encourage you to come along to a meeting as a guest, you would be more than welcome at any of the Canberra chapters. I’m not sure if you’d be welcome at Schmooze, it seems that really depends on the whims of the proprietor.

Since the majority of participants in BNI and Schmooze are note members of Gen Y, I don’t see how the ACT Governments Gen Y Community is relevant to this debate.

(Sorry about the double post, quote tool didn’t want to play)

johnny_the_knife8:32 am 22 May 09

MWF said :

LMFAO!

A couple of who gives a shit, unknown “lets develop and help eachother” online groups for Gen Y Canberrens to suck up to other Gen Y’s in Canberra.

I would suggest you do a little more research before you decide to post such comments. I strongly dispute your assertion that BNI and/or Schmooze are aimed at Gen Y. Within my BNI chapter which has around 25 members, there are two people who would fit into the age boundaries of Generation Y. While Schmooze does appear have a younger demographic than BNI, there are plenty of members of Gen X who participate, and I would hazard a guess they outnumber Gen ‘Y’ers. According to the ABS, more than two thirds of business operators are aged between 25 and 55, so it’s not surprising to see a similar age grouping at business networking events.

Furthermore, while both BNI and Schmooze have web sites, they are not online groups as you have stated. BNI holds weekly breakfast meetings at various locations around Canberra, while Schmooze has at least one monthly function, normally in the evening.

If you would like to learn more about BNI, I would encourage you to come along to a meeting as a guest, you would be more than welcome at any of the Canberra chapters. I’m not sure if you’d be welcome at Schmooze, it seems that really depends on the whims of the proprietor.

Since the majority of participants in BNI and Schmooze are note members of Gen Y, I don’t see how the ACT Governments Gen Y Community is relevant to this debate.

Does anyone else find it weird that these people have a strange little club whereby they try to use everyone they meet, even friends?

The idea of both BNI (and I thought Schmooze) was that they are business networking groups. The idea was that you generated business from them. Now every so oftan I run into friends at these things, and every so oftan someone who I met at these things becomes a friend. But first and foremost these are meant to be a place where business deals are struck.

MWF – who said this is a Gen Y thing? Infact Gen Y is grossly under represented in both BNI and Schmooze.

Also Johnny_The_Knife – In my 15 months of attending schmooze, I’d say Travel agents and recruiters where under represented as well. Infact I’d only ever come across one Travel agent and one recruitment company, and I met them both in this year! But as you say they are both groups of people who are known to be good networkers.

LMFAO!

A couple of who gives a shit, unknown “lets develop and help eachother” online groups for Gen Y Canberrens to suck up to other Gen Y’s in Canberra.

Grow up and take your shit fights to another arena. The ACT Govt has recently started a specific Gen Y “community”. Publicly funded, they meet once a month or so. Ask your pals who work for the ACT Govt for an invite.

Perhaps you will get some free alcohol and food.

***Canberra is a very small place, and that BNI members are experts at talking to people.***

Hmmm, theres a few ways that could be taken and some of them aren’t good

Part of my job is networking but I don’t need to join a club to do it. Sounds painful to me.

Nambucco Deliria8:10 pm 21 May 09

Do either of these networks employ a ‘club handshake’?

As a former member of BNI who has been ousted from Schmooze I’d like to know where I stand. Have I been ousted because of a membership that I don’t have (they didn’t know I’d left) or because I’ve been tainted with the BNI philosophy of using networking to build relationships that generate business. (Hang on, isn’t that the Schmooze philosophy?).

Are they ousting people because of their associations or their philosophy. Am I never to be allowed in Schmooze again because I want to appropriate my scarce time according to the return I’m likely to get for my business.

Even though I’ve left BNI – I would still support it because I’ve developed some of the most valuable relationships I have with people there. Not only referral relationships but mentors, suppliers and in some case friends.

I can see how this would be diametrically opposed to the Schmooze philosophy.

Bingo! Kind of like the ‘Canberra Goss’ of networking, really.

I-filed said :

“n addition, we also offer a unique service – the Schmooze Concierge Service. All you need to do is contact us prior to an event with your request or who you’d like to meet and at the event one of the Schmooze team will make the introduction for you discreetly and then the rest is up to you. We also provide a discreet professional intermediary service where we can cultivate contacts on your behalf, such as personally inviting members to special presentations you host. A consultancy fee applies for service.”

Now it sounds more like an escort service…!

“n addition, we also offer a unique service – the Schmooze Concierge Service. All you need to do is contact us prior to an event with your request or who you’d like to meet and at the event one of the Schmooze team will make the introduction for you discreetly and then the rest is up to you. We also provide a discreet professional intermediary service where we can cultivate contacts on your behalf, such as personally inviting members to special presentations you host. A consultancy fee applies for service.”

Huh? A networking club where people don’t introduce themselves to each other?

Mostly the TS

The turkey slap, the conducting of business with friends, or both?

Sounds like the Free-masons of yester-year…

Granny said :

You may have to help me out with that, PM!

: D

Ah, Granny. I didn’t even see you passing by, and yet…

johnny_the_knife5:25 pm 21 May 09

It would seem this new policy implemented by Schmooze is at odds with the goals promoted on their web site.

“Is this a hard sell network?
No. We take it as read that everyone who joins is interested in furthering their business and professional goals. This is not a social or dating club!”

“Just because we want our members to enjoy themselves doesn’t mean we aren’t serious about the outcomes. “ (http://www.schmooze.net.au/site/prof_faq.php)

“We focus on one thing only: to provide the environment where the cultivation of professional and social contacts can take place in a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere. The network offers a targeted and cost-effective way for members to meet their peers, gain access to decision makers, and introduce their expertise, venue, or services through our activities, this website and through personalised introductions” (http://www.schmooze.net.au/site/about.php)

It would seem to me that while Schmooze is being promoted as a serious business networking opportunity “not a social or dating club”, those of us who network “assertively”, as determined by being a member of BNI, are not welcome. I think Phillip needs to think long and hard about what he wants to create here. Does he want a business network, or does he want a social club?

Aside from members of BNI, the web site indicates that, for the moment at least, persons fitting into the following categories are not welcome at Schmooze (http://www.schmooze.net.au/site/appform.php:

* Travel Agents/ Services
* Recruitment
* Personal Fitness/ Gyms
* Restaurants or Bars
* Members of BNI

Apparently this is due to existing strong representation within the group, unless you are a BNI member in which case you are banned for life. Interestingly, a number of these categories are well known for their “assertive” networking and selling approach, travel agents and recruiters in particular. Based on this, I don’t think it’s unreasonable to assume the real reason behind this otherwise perplexing decision is that one or more vocal members of Schmooze really just want to stand around and drink beer, and not do any business at all.

To summarise, I find this very disappointing; I attended one of the very first Schmooze events held at the Press Club back in 2003 and have enjoyed participating in Schmooze events on a semi regular basis. To find that I am now not welcome because of a tendency to use networking events to generate business for myself and others (some of whom are in my BNI chapter) is a bit of a kick in the teeth.

Ultimately, unless Phillip is breaking the law, and I’m not suggesting he is, it’s his private company and therefore his decision, but as HarveyK said, this is an interesting strategy in a small town.

You may have to help me out with that, PM!

: D

Clown Killer5:15 pm 21 May 09

build friendships that turn into business opportunities

I do a lot of business, I know a lot of people who I call acquaintances. I have friends. They are close. I dont do business with my friends.

Steady Eddie5:13 pm 21 May 09

Why don’t they just join Facebook or MySpace?

Granny, you obviously need to network more 🙂

If I was to join both these groups tomorrow (never having heard of either in the past), they presumably wouldn’t know, since none of the members would be at both, correct?

I didn’t know that turkey slapping was a networking style ….

It is in Rugby League….

Too soon?

It’s starting to sound a bit like the Geebung Polo Club versus the Cuff and Collar Team …. Hoo hoo!! I’m kind of enjoying this!

“build friendships that turn into business opportunities”

How oily, slippery and ghastly. Who would want to hang out with people who think like this?

I didn’t know that turkey slapping was a networking style …. *chuckle* Who knew??

PreciousLilywhite4:59 pm 21 May 09

BNI is a highly structured, highly organised professional business networking group. Their agenda is very clear; you join the group and you’re expected to help other members drum up business (through referrals) and in return expect the same. They mostly have breakfast meetings lasting an hour, very formal. I went to a meeting once; it wasn’t for me.
Schmooze…well…I can totally understand why they would want to protect their very fragile environment *fart*. They like to stand around, sipping on cheap chardonnay and stroking each others egos. Most are middle management, public service, pink shirt wearing yuppies who think they’re very important, HR types or IT company sales executives.
What’s their agenda? Meeting people now who may randomly assist you in the future/Safety in numbers.

PM said :

(short of a turkey slap)

Whoops, that was my mistake, sorry about that guys (my fellow BNI members)

To answer your questions, BNI is a networking group (nothing at all like Amway) where local businesses meet and exchange referrals. Typically referrals go beyond family and friends and onto other business relationships.

Schmooze on the other hand is an informal group where people meet, talk, and business may come out of it. Schmooze is more aimed towards “soft networking”, in other words building friendships which turn into business opportunities.

As a member of BNI and until yesterday a member of schmooze, I was most disappointed when I received my email, when I queried the issue with the owner of Schmooze I was given a blanket response stating that they would not go into details, but have consulted with both members and non-members (why would non-members be getting a say?) and that they have decided to remove all BNI members from the Schmooze group.

The thing that really got me annoyed was the suddenness of this (as I had already RSVP’d for the next event next week) and the fact that the owner had removed all BNI members as “friends” from his face book account.

Whilst the last one may seem trivial, it’s almost like a final insult to people that until recently had believe in the owner and their goals.

Whilst it would have been nice to be given the option, even if Schmooze membership was again offered to me, I don’t think I’d take it again. It’s no longer a group I wish to be associated with.

One final thing I want to remind the owner of Schmooze is that whilst yes it is your group, Canberra is a very small place, and that BNI members are experts at talking to people.

Wow… What sort of networking style (short of a turkey slap) is that bad??

Amway is “network marketing”.

Or Ambrotose® ….

Isn’t business networking another name for Amway?

colourful sydney racing identity said :

BNI? What’s that?

A Business networking group oddly enough…

If you and I are both wondering that, it’s unlikely to affect us much I guess!

; )

colourful sydney racing identity3:42 pm 21 May 09

BNI? What’s that?

I think you could argue it either way.

On the one hand, what business is it of any group what other groups an individual may choose to belong to?

On the other hand, it could be a bit like an active Motorist Party member wanting to sign up for membership to The Greens.

Daily Digest

Want the best Canberra news delivered daily? Every day we package the most popular Riotact stories and send them straight to your inbox. Sign-up now for trusted local news that will never be behind a paywall.

By submitting your email address you are agreeing to Region Group's terms and conditions and privacy policy.