This SMART 100 profile and the information it contains is a duplication of content submitted by the applicant during the entry process. As a function of entry, applicants were required to declare that all details are factually correct, do not infringe on another’s intellectual property and are not unlawful, threatening, defamatory, invasive of privacy, obscene, or otherwise objectionable. Some profiles have been edited for reasons of space and clarity.
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1. THE BEGINNING
This innovation initially came to life when…
I started running networking events based purely around shared target market specifically to identify potential strategic alliance opportunities and help solve problems. H
owever I realised that still left a gap.. We had the right people in the room, having the right conversations to achieve real results. BUT…
The problem was all the people who were NOT in the room. At least once in every meeting someone will say: “You need to meet …..”
The ah-ha moment was realising that we could use technology to make those connections and our commitment to service-before-profits to only accept quality people into the network.
The purpose of this innovation is to…
connect pre-screened, high quality small business owners with the same target market and aligned goals and objectives so they can share alliance opportunities (shared marketing, cost saving, referrals etc) and help each other create strategic alliances and joint ventures.
It does this by…
a combination of an automated online system AND live meetings/introductions.
Potential members are pre-screened/pre-qualified.
Members answer questions to determine potential alliance partners/opportunities for their business.
They use the online function to identify opportunities/potential partners/list opportunities.
They are notified when a record is added/updated to match their criteria.
They can attend live meetings with people who meet their criteria.
3. PURPOSE & BENEFITS
This innovation improves on what came before because…
it takes the random lucky dip out of traditional live networking events. Guests are pre-screened/pre-qualified.
It removes the time wasting of both live and social media networking. Members know that they are connecting with people who are open to alliance opportunities.
It provides a quality control measure. All members are pre-screened and there is a feedback/review/assessment loop to maintain quality.
Its various benefits to the customer/end-user include…
Make the RIGHT connections to achieve your business goals.
Save time and money.
Better support your current clients/partners
Access more opportunities.
Peace of mind knowing that our membership quality control is protecting your reputation and your business.
4. COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE
In the past, this problem was solved by…
Asking your existing network for help/introductions
Attending live business networking events and hoping you might meet someone relevant.
Looking for potential alliance partners and opportunities on social media.
Accidentally spotting opportunities/potential partners during both live and online networking.
Being head-hunted by other people to get involved in opportunities.
Introductions from peers/clients/suppliers etc.
Its predecessors/competitors include…
Live networking
– BNI
– Huge range of business networking groups
Online/social media
Some social media groups make an effort to connect like-minded people
There are a number of commercial sites where members can list opportunities however without screening/quality control.
5. TARGET MARKET
It is made for…
small service based business owners. They are full time business owners in growth phase who are seriously looking for potential alliance/JV opportunities to grow their business.
They provide consistently high standard services and share our values of integrity, quality and collaboration. One step at a time. e are starting with a small geographic location (Victoria) and a single target market (B2B). We will then expand the target market segmentsand the geographic reach.
It is available for sale through…
All potential members come through a central screening process.
1. They are invited to a live meeting.
2. if current members endorse them, they are invited to apply for membership.
They are then asked to submit references and testimonials.
Our marketing strategy is to…
Online marketing including webinars.
Networking partners – other business owners who do a lot of networking and regularly meet people who are looking to improve/expand their network
Member referrals/invitations
Networking
Social media search – we actively look for businesses who are a good fit for our current members objectives.
FINE PRINT: This SMART 100 profile and the information it contains is a duplication of content submitted by the applicant during the entry process. As a function of entry, applicants were required to declare that all details are factually correct, do not infringe on another’s intellectual property and are not unlawful, threatening, defamatory, invasive of privacy, obscene, or otherwise objectionable. Some profiles have been edited for reasons of space and clarity.
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