HOW TO NAVIGATE THE NORTHERN BEACHES JOB MARKET THROUGH NETWORKING EVENTS AND MEETUPS
Networking is essential for personal and professional growth and career advancement, whatever your job. Professional networks can provide you with insights into your industry sector, advice and guidance and job opportunities. There are different ways to build and expand your network – and some are surprisingly close to home. Here’s how to navigate the Northern Beaches job market through networking events and meetups.
Business Chambers
The Northern Beaches are home to several business chambers, including the Manly Business Chamber and Business Northern Beaches (formerly the Warringah Chamber of Commerce). Both these chambers organise regular events, such as coffee catch-ups, presentations and training sessions. Membership brings additional benefits, such as special rates for events, exclusive training opportunities and mentoring advice.
Business Networks
There’s a range of active business networks on the Northern Beaches. These include:
Northern Beaches and Beyond Networking. Established in 2017, this business network organises small-group events, including breakfast meetings, coffee catch-ups and evening drinks. Registration is required but membership is completely free.
CONNECTWORK. This business community currently meets up every fortnight in Frenchs Forest. The meetings are only open to group members, but you can join as a community member for free via the CONNECTWORK Business Community Facebook page.
Northern Beaches Council has a list of additional business networks.
Meetups
Meetup is an online platform that aims to connect people through meetups, which are organised events based on specific interests. Active business networking groups on the Northern Beaches include the Manly Business Networking Meetup Group and the Northern Beaches Sydney Business Networking Group. You need to create a Meetup account before you can ask to join specific groups.
Eventbrite
Another good place to find business networking opportunities on the Northern Beaches is Eventbrite. You can apply filters to narrow your search, and the platform’s ‘magic algorithm’ may turn up additional offerings you hadn’t thought to look for.
Once you’ve done your research, the next step is to make your choice. What appeals to you? What business network do you think will be of most value to your job search? It could be worth giving a couple of options a go. Perhaps try a seminar with one business network and a coffee meet-up with another. Both will provide you with a forum to learn and expand your reach. And you won’t necessarily need to fork out for costly memberships either.
Network away!
Reach out and network with the professional team at Optimal Recruitment today on info@optimalrecruitment.com.au or 02 8416 4181.
