Reproduced with permission from Mackay and Whitsunday Life.
The Whitsundays Commerce brought local businesses together last week for a practical and engaging session on the art of networking, emphasising how the right connections can fuel both personal and professional growth.
The event, hosted by the Chamber and Kath Barker of Compass Realty Whitsunday, was built around a simple but powerful idea: networking isn’t just about exchanging business cards it’s about building trusted relationships.
Chamber Liaison Dr Julia Evans highlighted that an effective network can be operational by providing people who help you execute, strategic by surrounding yourself with peers who help you think and aspirational by being with those who inspire you to grow.
Photo credit: Danile Heggie/Mackay and Whitsunday Life
Throughout the event, members explored both the features and benefits of networking. On a practical level, networking allows business owners to connect with peers, industry leaders, and potential collaborators, while sharing knowledge, market insights, and best practices. It also provides access to valuable resources, from funding opportunities to support services, and increases visibility within the community. The benefits flow directly back into businesses, creating opportunities for growth, mentorship, and stronger collaboration across the region.
A key takeaway was understanding your reputation and knowing your relevance. To strengthen both reputation and relevance, focus on advocacy by being clear about what you stand for, marketing yourself to communicate your expertise effectively, continually learning and staying visible through education and events, building meaningful networks, and ensuring operations—following through on commitments and taking consistent action.
Many members shared that networking is the key to securing most of their work. By simply talking about what their business offers, they open the door for others to connect them with opportunities because in a small town, people are always willing to help one another.
The session delved into the importance of reputation and relevance, reminding members that how they show up, treat others, and deliver results is what builds trust. Both Julia and Kath shared horror story experiences of networking, and the don’ts for hosting your own networking event.
Attendees were asked to consider the unique strengths they bring to the table, whether it be hard-won skills, results achieved for others, or challenges they have personally overcome. These reflections formed the foundation for participants to craft their own elevator pitches. Concise introductions designed to clearly convey who they are, who they help, the problems they solve, and what makes them different.
To ensure the momentum continues beyond the session, the Chamber encouraged participants to take small but meaningful follow-up actions. Suggestions included sending a personalised video or voice note, arranging coffee catch-ups, swapping email addresses, sharing curated resources, or even hosting mini masterminds. These simple gestures, are what turn initial meetings into lasting professional relationships.
The underlying message of the day was clear; networking is not a one-off event but an ongoing practice. By intentionally building connections, local business owners can position themselves for long-term success while also strengthening the Whitsunday region’s economic fabric.
You’re invited!
Kath Barker hosts an informal speed dating networking event on the last Friday of each month. The next event will be:
When: 7:30am-8:30am Friday 29 August
Where: Lumos Café, Whitsunday Shopping Centre, Cannonvale
Bookings: Free of charge. Attendees purchase their own drinks and meals.
RSVP: Kath Barker on kathbarker@atrealty.com.au
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