Networking is a necessary and important strategy for small business growth. The Networking WA co-founders will share their Networking Tips, explain how to network effectively as well as some of the best networking tools around, as well as providing insight on how networking has upported us in establishing our business . The session is designed for those new to networking, as well as those looking for new and innovative ways to expand their professional networks.

About the Speakers

Bree Mitchelson has spent much of her career working in HR Consulting, particularly around building and retaining effective workforces. Her experience in the specialist field of Executive Search has relied on being able to establish professional networks. Bree has lived and worked in London, Sydney and of course, Perth and holds a Bachelor of Commerce, with majors in Psychology and Human Resource Management, from The University of Western Australia.

Bree aspires to be an entrepreneur and always has a number of projects on the go. Bree is owner of The Strategist Group, a workforce strategy consultancy specialising in proactive talent sourcing, keeps an interested eye on property development opportunities and likes to facilitate opportunities for others through networks wherever possible. Bree is currently a guest blogger with Mineblogger. Bree has maintained her involvement with UWA through a three year term as an elected member of the Council of Convocation, UWA’s Graduate Association (to March 2009) and as a volunteer mentor as part of the University’s undergraduate career mentoring program (2008).

Rebecca Cole - After completing a Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in Entrepreneurship at Curtin University, Rebecca Cole, a cofounder of Via Appia-Networking WA, jumped into the deep end taking on a management position in the retail industry where she quickly developed an  nderstanding of the challenges of people management. Being enticed by the overseas adventure, Rebecca moved to London, taking on a position managing and developing a new business in the competitive online advertising market. After three years with the firm, during which time she developed a number of successful online businesses and had her efforts recognized with the appointment as Group Director, Rebecca decided to return home to Perth.

Upon return, Rebecca worked with a Western Australian Business Publication to develop and market an online site, before making the step into her own business, as she had always intended. Now Director of Via Appia, a professional networking and event management business, Rebecca aspires to achieve outstanding outcomes for her clients, building a business which facilitates opportunities through professional networking on a social level. Rebecca is also a Director of OM Strategies, an online marketing business.

Rebecca has been nominated for Young Entrepreneur in the Belmont Small Business Awards. Her company, Via Appia Networking WA, is a finalist.

Via Appia Networking WA  http://www.networkingwa.com.au