Profile Business Development Manager Maree talks about networking on the Sunshine Coast, the top five events she prefers to attend and why.

I’m the BDM at Profile Magazine, which is just a very sexy way of saying I sell advertising!

Aside from talking, drinking coffee and cruising around the beautiful Sunshine Coast in my Beema, the very best part about my job is meeting amazing business people every day, learning about their businesses and teaching them how to increase their business through advertising.

I also make sure I regularly attend networking events – these are just so valuable for your brand consistency, and building relationships with like-minded professionals and business people.

Here are my top five networking opportunities on the Sunshine Coast – please try them out and if you see me there, make sure you say hi!

Profile Magazine Launches
Did you know we hold monthly launches for each new issue of Profile Magazine? Our events attract high-calibre attendees across all industries. The best part? You get to meet us! Actually, the best part is we get to talk to you – we want to hear about your business. Our launches are held at different locations to showcase the latest venues, think: concept bars, luxury car showrooms and waterfront restaurants. With a social vibe, it’s informal networking at its best with canapes, champagne, lucky door prizes and a trade table to show off marketing material.
My tip: Remember that all-important “brand consistency”? The monthly Profile Magazine launches are the perfect option to build up a regular networking presence.
Click here to see upcoming launch events

Caloundra Chamber of Commerce
These events are awesome because of the sheer number of people who attend! You will meet so many people, and the biggest advantage is those people are there to network, so they will go out of their way to meet you. I’ve made many quality contacts here, and the last time I attended I caught up with four or five key contacts I hadn’t seen in a long time.
My tip: Make sure you carry extra business cards to cope with the number of contacts you’ll meet!
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What the Fox Creative Workshops
Aside from learning about the latest digital and marketing trends, the regular What the Fox Creative workshops allow you to meet a bunch of business people who care about marketing. The recent social media workshop I popped in to was full of different business people and everyone was happy to share knowledge. Each workshop is an innovative hub of forward thinkers, and you can make some quality business contacts during the brainstorming sessions.
My tip: Make sure you charge your smartphone – you want to make sure you have enough battery life after the session to ‘like’ your newest contact’s business on Facebook!
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Premier Speakers and Events
I recently attended a luncheon with a high profile former sportsman and it was one of the best networking events I’ve attended. Everyone was chatty, and the layout of the venue made it really easy to work the room. I was able to join people at their table and have their undivided attention. The atmosphere was just buzzing – whether that was the celebrity in the room or the delicious food! I invited a prospect client to join me, and during the photo opportunities, the speaker chatted to him for over 20 minutes which made for a business lunch with a difference!
My tip: Relax and enjoy these kind of events – everyone will be open and responsive, so you should, too!
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Maroochydore Chamber of Commerce
These central Chamber of Commerce networking events are smaller with a very different crowd than anywhere else I go to network (for example, none of the people I meet at the Maroochydore Chamber of Commerce events go to the Caloundra ones, due to the inclusion area). Held every four to six weeks in various locations, the benefit of a smaller event is that you really get to know people.
My tip: If you want to be in the know of what’s happening on the Sunshine Coast, these events are a must, as many influential business people and council representatives attend.
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