October Networking Event Review

The elite in business meet the elite in sport for a night of networking and knowledge.

Held in the peaceful surrounds of the pool area at Mercure Kooindah Waters, this event showcased the amazing work of the Central Coast Academy of Sport. We were privileged to hear from four of their upcoming athletes as they were interviewed on the merits of their programs:

• Megan Burgess- Swimmer
• Adam Barnes- Golfer
• Bridgette Sloane- Netballer
• Patrick Joseph- Golfer

Bateau Bay Bowl Networking Review

Ten Pin Bowling was right up our alley and an amazing way to network. Teams were placed together in scotch doubles – 2 bowling under the one name – and all competed for the finals playoffs.

Amid cheers and triumphs was a background of conversations and connections as all readied for their chance to roll up the sleeves and bowl.

Those that made it to the finals were set challenging tasks such as bowling through the legs of their partner or left handed or backwards.

Our special thanks to two great Australian sports people, Champion bowlers, Lexi Nicoll and Christian Purdue. They could be bought on the night for a donation as a 'lifeline' to resurrect an ailing scorecard.

We also thank Bateau Bay Bowl for their coordination of so many unprofessional bowlers. They are experts and made sure that the night was fun and entertaining. We would highly recommend this venue for corporate team building, staff get togethers or special functions.

What a great way to connect with like-minded business owners and strike up a good time.

Mantra Business Networking Review

OUR "MANTRA" WAS TO ENJOY A "BEACH" THEME AT THE ETTALONG CLUB

From the northern end of the F3 - Newcastle Airport, to the peninsula on the Central Coast! The key to our successful, first network event for 2011 was a fabulous venue found at Ettalong Beach!

A huge thank you to the Mantra, Ettalong Beach and The Ettalong Beach Club, hosts on February 17. The Mantra despite experiencing a tropical thunderstorm (all part of the twist...) proudly showed guests around their resort from the fabulous pool deck with views to Lion Island and beyond to the Pacific, to the Jhalu Day Spa & Fitness centre that left recipients of their mini shoulder massages in a "state of bliss"!

The Ettalong Beach Club showcased the diversity of their facilities, commencing with an introduction to Rory's Saltwater Grill who provided scintillating finger food such as mango gazpacho jelly. The Pretty Beach Room was decked out "beach style" including some real surf life savers from Umina Beach Surf Lifesaving Club patrolling the scene and the Patonga and Ettalong Function rooms were set-up in a stylish, practical conference setting.

You will have to read our review in the next Business to Business Publication to see who participated in and won our hula competition.

We also welcomed back the legendary Mr Chris King, the "Golden Voice" of the Coast as the MC for this event. Again stay tuned for our publication to see the ensemble Chris chose for the occasion. Kim Williams, owner of Business Women Connect, brought her members to our evening - a cross pollination, showing how two networking companies, can successfully work together.

The theme presented for this year is BUY LOCAL - creating job and business growth for our region. Lyn highlighted that if everyone spent just $20 on the Central Coast rather than elsewhere, means a 300 million dollar injection into the Central Coast economy. To support this, the 2011 Central Coast Buy Local Festival will be held on Friday April 29th and Saturday 30th. We have over 100 sites booked and the feature in our Business 2 Business publication closes on Tuesday March 1 - the commencement of over $50,000 in advertising on 2GO, Prime, letterbox distribution to 120,000 homes - so hurry up and book! There is free entry for the public to 2 days of entertainment, live bands, food & wine, local sport stars and lifestyle demonstrations. The festival will showcase retail, trades, professional services, tourism and lifestyle businesses. So showcase your business and support the BUY LOCAL campaign. Click Here for more information.

We thank the loyal members of B2B With a Twist for making the new guests feel welcome. We could not get over the "vibe" in the room and the excited guests scrambling to answer the Trivia questions about the Mantra, Ettalong Beach, Jhalu Day Spa & Fitness centre and The Ettalong Beach Club – the winner finds her life one big Partaaay (that's a hint to her business name – see our next publication!)

We look forward to you all joining us for the next Networking Event in May – will we be participating in exotic dancing, treading grapes, flying paper aeroplanes or jumping on bucking bulls? Stay tuned for the next "twist"!

Breakaway Business Networking Review

Breakway was our End of Year combined networking event and for the first time, held on a Friday night giving the opportunity to relax, unwind and stay the night in a beautiful bushland setting at Breakaway. Breakaway is a charitable organisation enhancing the lives of children and adults with physical disabilities whilst at the same time allowing relief for their carers and families.

We were in for an evening of action packed challenges and games amongst the Green Bandits, Blue Boomers and Red Wildcats.

The first challenge - Pillow Volleyball, brought out cheering support for teams that found the simplest task of standing on their own two feet harder than expected.

The second challenge - Table Relay, engaged team spirit along with cunning interpretations of the rules – some of which stretched the imagination of fair play.

The third challenge, Wheelchair Racing, was held indoors and set a speedy pace.

All activities were played with some form of handicap and not only heightened life with a disability but also how to be creative to overcome obstacles that are often found in your way.

Prizes were awarded, teams were applauded and a spirit of unity resounded.

Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children Business Networking Review

This was the first event B2B has held showcasing a charitable organisation. Held in the preschool at Floraville we were in for fun night.

A few selected were challenged to carry out simple tasks such as buttering bread, putting on lipstick and drinking a glass of water – all using their hands from behind another's body. How very precious is sight! We all learned to sign Happy Birthday to RIDBC and left with a greater depth of knowledge and understanding of the wonderful benefit the Centre is to so many families.

Whilst numbers were limited at this event, this enabled people to really connect well and strengthen business relationships in an atmosphere of heartfelt gratitude.

"A big thank you to the B2B team for all their efforts on the night that allowed me to have the chance to network in this way. Would recommend to anyone to attend the next one. Highly worthwhile and definitely not boring."
Les – Rossgold Park Boarding Kennels

The Royal Institute for Blind and Deaf Children, changes lives. If you were touched by their efforts and wish to support their cause please contact Grace McLean, Fundraising Manager Phone; (02) 4979 4016
Email: grace.mclean@ridbc.org.au Or visit their website at: www.ridbc.org.au