Our first face to face Member event since COVID!
The Venture Melton Business Network held its very first face to face networking event, since COVID, at Witchmount Estate Function Centre on Wednesday, 24 February.
Masks and social distancing didn’t get in the way of renewing acquaintances and welcoming new members, and there was a great buzz around the room as members once again connected.
Thanks to Rodney Dekker from Aspire Picture for taking the photos.
Keynote speaker Gus Balbontin kept us entertained and also gave some simple and powerful tips on how to succeed in business and in our personal lives:
Doing the same thing day in and day out will make you stale. Business needs to evolve. It’s ok to have momentum as long as the momentum increases and doesn’t stay at the same level
Disruption is good for business - when something goes wrong it teaches you to adapt and fix the problem
Your team is not only your staff - Your team also includes suppliers, customers and competitors
Sell what the customer wants
Customers will always take the path of least resistance
Be responsible for what you do and don't do.
Sean McManus, Manager Engagement and Advocacy, provided an update on what was happening in the City of Melton and the work the Economic Development team has accomplished behind the scenes during COVID:
Over 1,500 calls were made to local business to offer support and 540+ follow up calls
Venture Melton Business Network webpage was launched
Membership in the Venture Melton Business Network has increased to over 1,100 members
Delivered 29 webinars, 17 tutorials and ongoing mentoring support
A-frames were provided to local business to let people know they were “Open for Business”. The team also sponsored weekly ads in the press and posts on Facebook
Introduced a video series ‘Conquering the Crisis - Open for Business’ focusing on members’ stories and how they adapted during COVID restrictions
The Melton City Much More (MCMM) App was repurposed and upgraded
Government funding was received to help local businesses expand their outdoor dining options.
Christine Sita, Acting Coordinator Economic Development and Tourism, held a Q&A with venue host, Brenton Spiteri. Before COVID the business was receiving at least three bookings a week. When COVID hit there were some hard times and emotional days but the opportunities far outweighed the short-term challenges. Brenton used lockdown downtime to complete renovations ahead of time and put his staff through extra training. He said his most important concern was to keep his head chef and with the strategies he put in place, he was successful. Brenton said he was grateful and surprised by the support of locals who have become repeat customers.
Some comments from our attendees:
“This was my first, but definitely not my last Venture Melton event. It was great to be in a room full of such dynamic people, who were so happy to have a chat with other local business owners and made me feel welcome. I think we are very lucky to have such great support from the Melton council and I look forward to being part of this network. “
Sara | Garage and Roller Door Services
“A great evening of networking and entertainment. It was informative, engaging and diverse. I'm looking forward to the next one!”
Brian Bui | Ray White - The Grixti Group
“Very High-Quality Event organised with the right speakers. Keep it going!”
Sumit Saggar | Saggar Digital
“Always engaging and relevant. I feel connected and supported by the wonderful team at Venture Melton.”
Maria Cox
“It was my first VMBN and I enjoyed it. Everyone I met was lovely and engaging. It was an absolute treat for me as a newbie. The location is very accessible, and a great place to hold such events. I would look forward for another opportunity to reach out to other businesses. Why not?”
Anthony McMahon
“Having lived in a few places, I acknowledge the fact that Melton Council is the best Council. The people are very friendly. Being a Business teacher I love attending these events as I like to hear current personal stories from small business owners. The website is clear and straightforward and my students can access them easily. This is useful and beneficial to students as they can relate to their own Council. It builds a sense of community in them.”
Nimmy
“Venture Melton is a fantastic network connecting like minded business people. Their events are always engaging and well planned. It’s a great opportunity to make genuine connections and friendships.”
Caliba Design and Branding