There is something you may not know about me other than I am, Kerryn Powell,  the Founder and Creator of Your Time Matters!  I love to connect people, learn why they do what that do, make sure they have the knowledge going forward AND... I love to change things up and  not only does that mean I create a range of events and workshops that help business professionals network, and learn, grow and achieve, I am personally known for constantly moving furniture around in our home.  I joke often that my husbaned Leigh, is the only constant in my life.  Perhaps in another life, I will be an architect  or an Interior Designer. 

Today, meet Susie Miles-

Once a month the door opens at The Deck, Brighton and we warmly welcome new faces.  Sometimes the new attendees are a little apprehensive and  unsure what to expect as YTM is quite different to other traditional networking events. Based on our experience of running business networking events,  we know that in a very short time they will feel relaxed and comfortable.  

Generally our attendees have been in business for more than 4 years and are keen to make connections and share knowledge and experience.  YTM  is a community built on relationships, professional development and  quality connections that open up opportunities  that will impact on business growth.  

Today, I would like to introduce you to Harriet Lammin. 

It is an appropriate time to reflect on the massive contribution of service men and women of  all  ages, who have fought to protect their country and  demonstrated courage, resilience and  determination in numerous wars  protecting  Australia and supporting  our allies. Their bravery, commitment and sacrifices can never be underestimated or forgotten.

Like many families, stories have been passed down from generation to generation about family members who enlisted and joined Australian forces across the world in various wars in history.

There is no doubt that LinkedIn is a valuable tool for connecting, sharing knowledge and learning from others and increasingly the online world is impacting on our lives. Yet, face
to face or  in real time  networking is an essential marketing tool for any business and builds know, like and trust faster.  The benefit of communicating face to face and having deeper and more meaningful conversations can never be underestimated.

Today, I would like to introduce you to Peter Burgess. I first connected with Peter Burgess on LinkedIn ...

This month, I would like to introduce you to Lauren Ayers.  I first met Lauren when she had recently arrived from Sydney and was invited  to YTM  by one of our members, Warren Howard, who had known Lauren's family for many years.  Being new to Melbourne Lauren, was keen to meet other business professionals and since that initial event, then has been a regular attendee taking part enthusiatically in YTM Brighton and Kew events.

YTM provides three different formats across monthly events for men and women, business owners and professionals, not only to generate business through referrals, but to foster sustainable relationships by providing a supportive and diverse community. 

I would like to introduce you to  Lynette Delane who says "My business was founded on the idea of building a work life balance for myself and my clients." and no wonder we agree on so many other things.  Your Time Does matter! 

When I finally convinced Leigh Powell, Business Strategist and Mentor, to join the YTM , I knew that his expertise in Business Strategy and Mentoring would allow us to increase the opportunities  to help and support business owners and professionals and add "Think Tank" to our programs.

We both grew up in  families involved in small business and witnessed first hand how challenging it can be.  Sometimes you are not sure which way to jump and need to be able to bounce ideas around with others who understand or have faced similar situations.  We also know that is important to set aside time to work "on" your business.

An integral part of marketing in 2018, is the concept of narratives and story telling in making clients feel 'you are for me'.  You want your clients thinking "you understand me and can help me" from the stories you share.

My past experience definitely has equipped me to help my clients build bigger and better businesses by seeking conversations that move them towards their goals. 

I know how to create communities,  develop conversations, see connections and share knowledge.

Life is precious. Our time is precious and relationships play a massive role in our success.  Who has influenced you, your relationships and your business?

Recently, I attended two funerals of women aged in their 90’s.

One of the favourite questions at YTM networking events is "Tell me a story about a client you have helped so I can understand your business better".

Have  you heard stories that really resonate with you?  Stories that offer solutions, stories that bring you joy.  Stories that illustrate  moments that you can clearly relate to your life and that impact on others?

All businesses seek suppliers, clients, referrers and friends.  In YTM's case we also seek Sponsors and Partners.    Today I would like to introduce you to  someone who fits into every one of these categories and is a strong collaborator with YTM as we blend networking together,  online and face to face.   Karen Hollenbach will also be speaking at YTM  on the 20th March in Brighton...

Now is a good time to think about  and plan your networking activity  and marketing strategy for the coming year. A good starting point as you review what you have done in the past, is really knowing and revisiting who your ideal client is.

This month, I'd like to introduce you to one of my network who I have known since my business began.  Braith Bamkin, is the executive director of BNI Melbourne Central, West and Geelong, who also desribes himself as   "The Target Market Guy". 

We both belonged to a Brighton BNI Chapter. when we connected.  I was operating YTM in a slightly different capacity, helping busy  professionals and organisations  find the solution they needed to make their personal and business life easier (actually, I still do that but from a different base!) and Braith was a housing marketing manager for a mattress business.

The year is well and truly moving along. In the blinkof an eye we move from December to February!   Over the holidays, I had many discussions with my husband and YTM Business Mentor, Leigh Powell on what YTM had achieved in 2017 and the direction we would take in  2018.  All businesses need to review their strategies and the start of the year is a great time. Infact we have a "Goal Setting and Accountability" Workshop scheduled for the 13th February , if you need some guidence. 

YTM prides itself in providing a welcoming and safe community for business owners and professionals to come together for conversations, connections and insights without the pressure of a strict and repetitive agenda.  The different formats provide an effective structure that  encourages authentic  conversations and generates leads and opportunities for those that invest the time in relationships, over transactions.

in order to build a bigger and better business, there are 2 key elements a business owner needs to focus on in determining “Worth” to others. Combined, these elements will shape the way you consider how you prospect with existing and new clients by translating “what you do” into “ choose me and this is how your business will benefit”