Marcellin Old Collegian Dale O’Brien has over 15 years experience at a senior level in fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) and was well-placed to handle the challenges presented to 7Eleven’s supply chain.
Read MoreA small business in a niche market will always be a competitive proposition and an energy thief of the owner: you need grit, determination and strong self-belief (as well as belief in your product) to make a go of it. Ask anyone who is currently running a small business.
Read MoreHow often have you caught up with a friend who seemingly, has scored a new job out of left field, which includes good pay and conditions? Is it just because they’re lucky? Were they in the right place at the right time? Nepotism? Or did they know the right people? The truth can be a combination of a few of these factors and networking is often involved.
The single greatest ‘people skill’ is a highly developed and authentic interest in the other person. – Bob Burg
Start close to home
If the mention of a team-building or networking event is something you roll your eyes at, consider this: studies show that as many as 85% of jobs go unadvertised. That is, knowing someone through your network is an integral part of career progression.
For some, attending industry events can seem onerous and pointless. Having a goal, to talk to say, two people, is a good place to start. Gerard Mullins, Managing Director of Mullins Advisory, is a member of many business networks, including the Marcellin Business Network. Gerard views networking events as a useful form of information sharing. He began attending Marcellin Business Network events as an opportunity to chat with friends and colleagues about business challenges. ‘I discuss what we do within my organisation – and listen to their take on current market trends.’ Recognising that you have information to share that can help others is an important part of finding your networking comfort level.
If you work for a larger organisation, start with showing an interest and working with people in your sector or team. The benefits of this type of collaborative approach are not only what you stand to gain personally (information, contacts, leads) but also potentially increasing your productivity and thereby becoming a standout employee. Workplace collaboration is employees communicating and working together, building on each other’s ideas to provide something new or do something differently. A collaborative organisation unlocks the potential, capacity and knowledge of every employee, thereby generating value, innovation and improving productivity in its workplace. (Deloitte Access Economics)
Start Small
Once you’ve decided on the network event you’re attending and if it’s something you’re anticipating having to white-knuckle your way through, start small. Commit to staying for 30-40 minutes before leaving. It’s often the thought of something which is worse than the reality. Check if other people you know are attending and start by sitting with them (but also introduce yourself to new friends). Ask event organisers to be seated with one person you know, or even better, with people you don’t know but who work in your industry sector.
Courage starts with showing up and letting ourselves be seen. – Brene Brown
Enjoy yourself
You know once you’ve started chatting with someone if you’ve met a kindred spirit, or if moving the conversation along is going to be a Sisyphean task. Have the courage to gracefully move on to your next target. Whoever you’re speaking with remember to get their contact details. There’s nothing more frustrating than recalling an interaction but forgetting a name.
And if standing around chatting over drinks makes you feel awkward, consider also getting involved with community groups. This is a very effective way to build networks. The Marcellin Alumni community have various Old Boy sporting clubs which have served to connect many members with employment over the years.
Read MoreStart reaching out to your contacts who work within the industry you are seeking to pursue and have a conversation. Most opportunities come from people who are two to three degrees of separation from you. – James Buzzard
How Mick O'Brien, a young boy from country Victoria worked his way up from answering phones to overseeing Campbell's Soup Australia and Asia, and the lessons he has learnt on the way.
Read MoreCarol is one of those ‘go getter’ people. Always busy but never too busy to help out. She is a bundle of energy and enthusiasm and has recently started her own business ‘Events by Carol’.
Read MoreKellie is the manager of Carbone Master Tailors; a family business that creates tailored garments, handcrafted to perfection.
Read MoreMark has a passion for health having initially done a Bachelor of Nursing & Business, focused on assisting Australian businesses to develop and implement ecosystem-wide innovation for competitive advantage.
Read MoreHaving met with Peter Scott yesterday, I found there is a lot more to the man than just Peter Scott, the Real Estate guy. In fact Real Estate has only been a small part of Peter’s working life.
Read MoreImagine walking into Marcellin as a 15 year old never having lived in a major city before or never being educated in English either, that was Yohan Philips’ introduction to being a student here!
Read MoreWhen you meet Ivan, it’s easy to understand why when he left Marcellin at the end of Year 12 he was able to become a salesperson selling phones and making a comfortable living. His engaging personality and gift of the gab ensured he was able to sell.
Read MoreBlue Frog Design evolved after Owner and Managing Director, John Federico, recognised a gap and the huge potential in the Electrical & Telecommunications industry. Blue Frog Design is charged to revolutionise all things Electrical & Telecommunication.
Read MoreFind out more about Old Collegian David Marasea, his journey and his small boutique wealth advisory firm Marasea Partners
Read MoreOld Collegian Stephen and Terrain Consulting focuses on feature level surveying for Architects and Designers. They work on private homes, infill developments and do some sub divisional work. Learn more about the business and what Stephen has been up to here.
Read MoreLearn more about Kate Curry’s business ‘InChargeBox’ and how you can become in control and set boundaries with your kids tech time to free up time and energy for non screen activities.
Read MoreGood House Holiday Rentals is a boutique holiday rental agency with a personal touch – where honest and open relationships with clients are of the utmost importance.
Read MoreHear more about Bulleen Screens and its owner - current parent Josh Brownlie.
Read MoreRead about the passionate and dedicated work of Past Parent Leanne Abela - Partner at Pearsons Lawyers
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