Central Coast - Netowrking - Anyone interested?

[wiggleandgiggle]

Hi All,

I have currently moved to the Central Coast and am looking at starting a couple of networking events on the central coast.

I use to work for Sketch Kids as a party plan consultant, however have left this behind and started with my husband a music school providing music classes for 0 - 12yr olds.

We have just moved from Sydney to the Central Coast and hope to expand our business in this area. As a working mum I have a little boy to look after while my husband takes the classes so I find networking quite difficult. The networking events currently being run on the central coast are too expensive for me to attend at present and event times are inconvenient due to child care. We are having to cope on Darren's salary alone and at the moment he works regularly on Tues, Wed, Thurs in Sydney and any money we do have we are trying to invest in the business.

I have a couple of networking ideas and would like to know if anyone would be interested in taking part and what their preferences would be. I am currently looking into venues and costs but would like to think that if there is a charge it would be to cover tea/coffee etc and room hire only and would cost somewhere between $3-$5 (possibly less depending on numbers) per session. This would be run as a non-profit networking event and I will try my best to organise a room free of charge to keep costs down.

The following are my ideas and it may be that i organise more than one depending on the feedback.

1. Women in business - (An event held during the day for women in business with and without children - those with children are more than welcome to come along and I will try an organise somewhere that has equipment to keep them entertained)
2. Working mums in business - (An event held during the day for women in business specifically with children - I will organise somewhere that has equipment to keep the children entertained) This could be set up like playgroup whilst still allowing women to network
3. General Networking event for both men and women (An event held during the day for people in business with and without children - those with children are more than welcome to come along and I will try an organise somewhere that has equipment to keep them entertained)
4. Women in business - (An event for women in business held in the evening during the week)
5. Central Coast Business Networking - (An event held in the evening during the week for both men and women)
6. How often should the events be run (weekly, fortnightly or monthly)


The events would take place in Kariong/Gosford and would run for approximately 2hrs initally. Depending on the event it may be that we can organise brain storming sessions and possibly guest speakers.

These networking events are for for networking only - not recruiting and anyone trying to recruit would be asked to leave immediately.

If you are interested please send me a PM with your contact details or alternatively I will send you my contact phone number.

when sending a PM please tell me the following;

* which events you would be interested in
* If you have children that would be attending, how many and ages
* Your preferred days and times
* Whether you think 2hrs is long enough or too long
* The type of business you operate
* Would you happy paying $3-$5 for each session or whether you would only attend if it was free
* Would you like the event to take place like a playgroup or would you like it to have more structure such as a set agenda to discuss certain business topics, a brain storming session where everyone gets to spend so many minutes discussing a particular issue their having, guest speakers or anything else you would like to see

I look forward to hearing from you soon,

Regards,
Christina

[wiggleandgiggle]

It looks like I have found a venue (free of charge) in Kariong and hope to start some meetings towards the end of April 09.

Please contact me ASAP if you are interested.

Thanks
Christina

[Simone Wylie]

Originally Posted by wiggleandgiggle

It looks like I have found a venue (free of charge) in Kariong and hope to start some meetings towards the end of April 09.

Please contact me ASAP if you are interested.

Thanks
Christina

I think it is a great idea for the Central Coast. I will definitely be interested in joining your group. How do I get in contact with you to confirm my attendance? Simone

[wiggleandgiggle]

Hi Simone,

I'm about to organise a date for the first Central Coast Networking Event which will be held at The Hill Youth Centre in Kariong towards the end of April or early May.

I just need to find out what day / time suits everyone best and what time day or night.

Choices are as follows;

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday during the day

or

Monday or Thursday evening.

If people could post their preferences this would enable me to choose the best day or evening.

You can contact me on 0448293650.


Thanks
Christina

[Rachel Burgess]

Hi Christina,

We are interested in going, last week in April is best for the two of us. We are pretty flexible for that week, so please let us know when it will all be happening.

Cheers
Rachel

[wiggleandgiggle]

Thanks for your response. I should have a date sorted out by the end of next week.

In the meantime we are also organising the following event. I'm not sure if it would suit your business but if you're interested let me know.

Thanks
Christina

Children’s Festival of Fun!
Sunday 20th September, 2009

Mitchell Drive, Kariong, 2250
Time: 10am – 4pm

100% profits donated to New Hope Children’s Centre – Kenya.

Wiggle & Giggle Music are hosting a fundraising event called Children’s Festival of Fun aimed at families with children aged 0 – 12yrs! Gosford Council are allowing us to use this venue free of charge and will be helping us promote the event.

The day will comprise of various stalls from local businesses and the general public. Children’s entertainment will be provided throughout the day including our own Wiggle & Giggle Music Classes for 0- 5yr olds. We will also be holding a prenatal music class/seminar for those who are currently pregnant.

Entry will cost $10 per family and all classes entertainment will be free.

Professional posters will be printed and distributed in Community Centres, Halls, Kindergartens and other public places. We will also be looking at sponsorship for advertising from Newspapers and Radio Stations.

WE NEED YOUR HELP!

To make this day a success we are looking for local businesses and on-line business who are able to contribute and support us in the following ways;

1. Book a stall
We are looking for people to take part in our market stalls which will be held inside. To book a place it will cost $15 per space (exact dimensions will be confirmed in the next few weeks, however spaces will allow for a standard trestle table measuring 2ft x 6ft.

We may have approximately 8 tables available for hire on the day ($5) If you need a table, please let us know as soon as possible so we can reserve one for you. Alternatively you would need to supply your own.

If you require a larger area, you can book 2 spaces for $25. If you would like to book a stall I will forward you a diagram showing which stall spaces are available. You can choose your location however this will be on a first come first serve basis.

In addition you will have the opportunity to provide us with vouchers/marketing material for in our show bags which will be handed out to the first 200 people who book on-line prior to the event.

2. Raffle Prizes
Donate a prize for our raffle – Whether it’s a weekend away, or a voucher worth $xx we would be grateful of any donations. We will be having raffle tickets printed and these will be distributed to all stall holders, participants and we will be encouraging kindergartens, playgroups etc to take part.

3. Marketing opportunities – Show Bag
We will be providing 2 different show bags – all containing items or vouchers suitable for families.
1. 200 show bags for families with young children – these will be given to those who pre-book ( or for the first 200 attendees (target audience those with children between 0 – 12yrs) 1 show bag per family.
2. 20 Show bags specifically for pregnant women – these bags will be handed out to those attending the Pre-natal Music Workshop run by Wiggle & Giggle Music

INCLUDE YOUR MARKETING INFORMATION / BROCHURES IN OUR SHOW BAG
If you are unable to attend our event but would still like to take part and help raise money for a great cause. We can place your marketing material in our goody bags (200 in total) for a minimum donation of $20 – all of which will be donated to the orphanage. Marketing material will need to be delivered to 56a Casey Crescent, Kariong at least 2 weeks prior to the event.

PROVIDE DISCOUNT VOUCHERS OR MONEY COUPONS
Discount vouchers of 20%+ or a monetary value of $10 or more can also be added to our bags FREE OF CHARGE – Vouchers less than this can still be added but a donation of $20 will be required.

CHILDRENS ENTERTAINMENT
If you are able to provide us with entertainment such as your team building days, we would be more than happy to give you a stand for free on the day as well as place any marketing material in our show bags FREE OF CHARGE.

4. Help out on the day
If you are unable to help in any of the above ways but would like to contribute by helping out on the day such manning the door taking entry fees / helping out on stalls we’d love to hear from you.

5. Help by selling raffle tickets or promoting this event
Maybe you are unable to help in any of the above ways but would still like to get involved. We’d be grateful to those who would help us by promoting this event and/or selling raffle tickets.

THANK YOU TAKING THE TIME TO READ THIS.

[Flawless Promotions]

Hi Christina,

I own a promotional marketing agency here on the Central Coast also servicing the Newcastle area and would love more information on your women in business forum on the Central Coast.

$3 - $5 per meeting is fine for me; with Fridays being the most suitable for me with other days flexible. I will forward details on to a few other girlfriends who run a business here on the Central Coast who Im sure would be interested.

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Warm Regards,

Rachel-ann
FLAWLESS PROMOTIONS
Central Coast & Newcastle

[wiggleandgiggle]

Thanks for your response.

Let me know how many people you think are interested and I'll sort something out. Everyone that initially showed interest didn't respond when I asked for additional information to see what day was best.

We will probably meet at Gosford Galaxy, this way it's quite central and would probably be more convenient for people.

I have also made a few contacts since my last post with other people who are interested so as soon as I have a list of definites we can at least organise the first meeting.

I've also joined a fantastic network group called Accelerate Women which is run by Sue Henry. They meet once a month with meeting locations in Woy Woy, Gosford and Tuggerah. You can go as a casual for $25 which includes a working lunch and places are limited to 15 people. The website is www.acceleratewomen.com or for more information on Sue Henry visit www.suehenry.biz

This network group was recommended to me by the Central Coast BEC and as I had already heard Sue Henry speak at the Women In Business Mentor Program I took part in through Chatswood BEC, I knew it was something I would be interested in.

I have joined the Erina chapter, however am still happy to organise our own in addition to this.

I'll check with the other people interested to see if Friday's ok and get back to you with a date asap.

If you want to give me a call I can be contacted on 0448 293 650.

Thanks
Christina

[Blackmoggie]

Hi all, I was just on the website and typed in central coast and noticed your posting, I know it was a while ago but wondered how it was all going?, I am thinking of moving up there from the berbs of Sydney, still looking for a place to rest my head. I want to bring my business with me but I am a tad daunted by starting again in a new place where I only know a few people.

Please let me know how you went and if you are still doing networking meetings and when.

thanks