Business over breakfast gains momentum

A new Thames-based business networking group shared practical business tips this morning at a breakfast meeting that has already become a tradition since starting up last year.

Brainchild of Thames residents Clive and Lisa Donaldson, who own Coromandel Benchtops, the group's focus is on sharing practical business tips and tools.

The Donaldsons needed a venue and approached Cafe Melbourne to host the free monthly meetings. Then, with a core group of businesses pitching in, created a format that keeps the 7-8am business breakfast meeting punchy and fast-moving, featuring speakers who share practical business tips and training.

"We wanted something that was practical and driven by motivated business-people," says Clive, "so we figured a 7am start would show who was serious."

This morning's meeting showed up more than just who was serious. It also showed just what kind of talent can be found in Thames.

Attendees included a marketing whiz from Chicago and a Swedish bespoke furniture designer. In addition, the local manufacturing industry was represented, along with members who worked in retail, accounting, banking, hydraulics, auto industry, web design, publishing and more.

Speakers today were Peter from Xperteez, a club and corporate uniform supplier and screenprinter, who spoke about growing your business customer base, and Lauren from Debrasic who showed attendees how to make online product photos look stunning with ease.

In the months ahead, experts from among the group will share some of their hard-won business and marketing secrets and tips with fellow attendees. The format allows for introductions, then a presentation focussed on the physical brick-and-mortar business life, and then a second presentation on the digital or online opportunities available to businesses today.

It's all over by 8am, but, naturally, if you've met someone you want to talk more with over a coffee, it's the perfect place to linger.

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