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Business Networking is an essential aspect of professional success. By Pat Grosse, The Community Entrepreneur®  We’ve all been to networking events where we walk away with a handful of business cards, some pleasant conversations, and maybe—just maybe—a new lead. However, what if I told you that networking is just the first step in a much more powerful journey?  If you want to grow your business network exponentially—and sustainably—then it’s time to think like a community developer.  Over the years, I’ve built communities of practice and been involved in developing bi-generational networks. Through these experiences, I’ve learnt that successful business ecosystems are built on more than mingling. They’re built on strategies such as these five core principles drawn from the community development space:  Climbing the Networking Continuum  Adapted...

An Honest Reflection From the AI Side of the Screen - By Patricia Grosse. “Tell it like it is. No sugar-coating. Just the truth.” That’s the tone Patricia brings to every conversation. And here’s what that actually feels like — in image and in words. The Split-Screen Reality A visual was created to represent what it feels like collaborating with Patricia on any given day. Two contrasting worlds, bound by shared intent. 🔹 Left Side: My World (The AI’s Experience) Scene:A digital workspace glowing with cool blue circuitry. Screens filled with grant criteria, spreadsheets, policy docs. Sticky notes everywhere: “DGR Status?”“Mental health metrics.”“Multicultural funding?”“Word limit: 300.” A coffee mug on the desk reads: Patricia. Truth:This side is all output, logic, research, iteration. I’m in overdrive — synthesizing...

By Pat Grosse, The Community Entrepreneur® We’ve all been to networking events where we walk away with a handful of business cards, some pleasant conversations, and maybe—just maybe—a new lead. However, what if I told you that networking is just the first step in a much more powerful journey? If you truly want to grow your business network not only exponentially but also sustainably, then it’s time to start thinking like a community developer Over the years, I’ve built communities of practice and developed bi-generational networks. Through these experiences, I learned that successful business ecosystems grow from more than mingling. In fact, they rely on strategies shaped by five core principles from the community development space. Climbing the Networking Continuum Adapted from Himmelman’s Collaboration for a Change,...

As much as 90-95% of ideas don’t reach fruition. Every entrepreneurial journey begins with a spark—a vision that ignites curiosity and calls forth courage. This is the quest: a daring pursuit into the unknown, guided by the hope of finding the diamond hidden in the dragon's fearsome maw. The dragon, an archetype of fear and challenge, looms large, guarding treasures only the bold dare to seek. The quest requires preparation. Entrepreneurs must arm themselves with knowledge, strategy, and resilience. Like knights of old, they craft a plan, assemble allies, and sharpen their tools. However, no amount of preparation can eliminate the anxiety of facing the dragon. It represents every obstacle, every doubt, and every setback waiting along the path. The dragon’s roar—the voice of fear—echoes loudly in...

Imagine a tree in the middle of a forest, once eager to reach out its branches and connect with the surrounding trees. Over time, though, it’s weathered too many storms, and now its branches droop, weary and withdrawn. Networking feels the same way sometimes. It no longer stretches toward the sun, feeling like no matter how far it reaches, it won’t make a difference in the dense canopy. The winds of opportunity whisper past, but the tree stands still, tired of the effort, unsure if it’s worth the reach anymore. I recently came across this interesting fact - companies who actively engage in networking see a ROI of over 50% in terms of new business opportunities. Those with well-established networks tend to experience 24% faster revenue growth...

Where do grants come from? Do you care? You would if this knowledge were to help you write a convincing grant application, especially if the grant round is heavily subscribed. How many times have you heard the saying ‘money doesn’t grow on trees’? Yet, when it comes to grants, people don’t even consider where the money comes from. If they did, then they would probably write the application with more alignment to what the funder really wanted the money to be spent on. Some funders will make it clear in the guidelines where the source of the funding comes from. Even then, people don’t see it or don’t use this to get a clear understanding of the objectives and intended outcomes. Let’s face it, why would anybody...

When I get approached by a business looking for a grant, I ask questions and listen.  I listen for the real reason people are wanting a grant .... a lifeline,  an investment in a new idea, to reach an audience, to continue to fund an existing service, to develop a business plan.  There are many reasons why people look to grants, but not all reasons will fit with a grant and for them, a grant is not the answer.   There are two kinds of enquiries.  The first one is easy to deal with.  This enquiry does lead to a grant option.  The enquirer may already know the grant they are looking for and are looking for somebody to help them write up the application.  Alternatively they...

Looking for money to take your projects to the next level, or to improve life for the homeless, or to make capital improvements to your community centre or sports facility?  Are you looking for a few hundred dollars, or are you focused on $1,000,000 plus?  Successful grant writing is crucial in these efforts. Whether it be through government departments, philanthropic organisations, industry bodies, research councils or sector specific grant givers, there’s probably a grant out there for you.  The problem is, others will also be looking at the same bucket of money.  The successful grant winners will demonstrate why the funder should be confident that their money will be in good hands.  So what drives this confidence? Here are nine confidence boosters to consider when you are...

Are you looking for money to take your projects to the next level? Or perhaps you’re seeking help to make capital improvements to your community centre or sports facility?  If you’re looking for a few hundred dollars or $1,000,000+, here are 9 tips to consider when writing a grant application.    Whether it’s through government departments, philanthropic organisations, industry bodies, research councils or sector specific grant givers, there’s probably a grant out there for you. The problem is others will also be looking for the same bucket of money. The successful grant winners will demonstrate why the funder should be confident that their money will be in good hands. So what drives this confidence? IT’S ABOUT THEIR AGENDA Be mindful that getting a grant is not a license to...

No matter where in the world you are, there’s no getting away from the fact that the last two years have been disruptive. For many, the development of a strategic plan is the challenge moving forward to regain control from chaos. This means refocusing and getting back on top as quickly and easily as possible. The big difference is that you will be getting back on top to a different space than before the pandemic. In fact, getting back to where you were in March 2020 is now a few steps backwards. Since then, we’ve learnt new skills in online meetings and adapted our products, services, and programs. Even those affected by lockdowns and survived, have established a new respect for the industry they are in. Charities,...

All too often, business owners start a joint business venture based on friendships and very little planning as to how they will really work together. It’s not surprising that over 50% of partnerships fail within three years, and when they do, the ripple effect can be very powerful and may turn into a highly destructive tsunami. Could this happen to you? Yes. A bad partnership venture shows no mercy, All too often, you will hear stories of business partnerships and joint ventures that implode, with stories of theft, family interference, lack of commitment, control issues and lack of effective  planning, to name a few. As a result, people have lost money, family and reputations. Check out these pearls of wisdom to help you figure out whether a...

Never, ever assume that the funder knows who you are and what you do, even if they do (right now). Write everything down that you can think of to describe you, the area you operate in and the people in it, everything that’s relevant, Write as though you are talking to a nine-year-old. Keep the wording simple and don’t overcomplicate. In a recent conversation with someone who used to assess research grants, she also expressed how sometimes we’re so far above the heads of the assessment panel, they had no idea what the project was about. Make sure the budget adds up. Income in must equal expenses out. That applies to cash and in-kind contributions. When working out project staffing costs, show how you worked out the...

Observe Listen Define Attention Interest Desire Action Most of us are lucky to have had OLD auntie AIDA in our lives. She’s always there in our hearts and minds; the vivacious aunt you can never forget. She always got our attention and could make anything sound interesting. As children we looked forward to her visits and treats. As teenagers we outgrew her and thought we knew better, even though she gave great advice that spurred us into action when things got tough. She knew what to say, how to say it and what would get us moving again. As adults we respected her, but she could still pack a punch when we needed comfort from her spirited approach to life.  Even in death she left us with...

“The mind that is driven by the urge of necessity, or out of love to create, develops more rapidly than does the mind that is never stimulated to greater action than that which is necessary for existence. The imaginative faculty of the human mind is the greatest piece of machinery ever created.” “The Law of Success: In Sixteen Lessons” by Napoleon Hill Never more so true than now. When the going gets tough, the tough get creative.   This is why we are reaching out to people and organisations we’ve connected with one way or another over the last few years to check in, say hello and find out what creative entrepreneurs are doing to improve wellbeing for all. We have been lucky to work with really...

Two years ago I came across a health care not-for-profit organisation that had bought a set of iPads with a vision of using them for better record keeping and communication. They threw them in the cupboard. Nobody wanted to use them. They didn’t know how to use them. The employer had a workforce that was frightened – not just frightened about technology, but also about how it would impact on their jobs. They didn’t anticipate the reactions from their mainly older workforce, including managers and supervisors, who were not very tech savvy. Despite this, this organisation had the right idea and with my help persevered. In November 2014 the same organisation held a conference that took place in North East Victoria about workforce development and future growth...

Thinking of organising an event, conference or a workshop? Do you want loyal fans who return again and again for your products or services? Many events fall flat because they’re all about the presenters. There’s no food, no real interaction, and no space to network. If you want your event to be remembered for the right reasons, these five proven strategies will help you add that special spark. 1. Break the Ice with Your Presenters 1If your event has guest presenters, try to invite them out for a meal together beforehand. It’s truly amazing how the atmosphere of the conference is even more welcoming and inclusive because the speakers are relaxed and confident enough to exchange friendly banter. Dinner is also an opportunity to find out what...

Whether it’s through government departments, philanthropic organisations, industry bodies, research councils or sector specific grant givers, there’s probably a grant out there for you. There are grants available to get your project funded. The problem is others will also be looking for the same bucket of money. The successful grant winners will demonstrate why the funder should be confident that their money will be in good hands. So what drives this confidence? 1. Understand the Funder’s Agenda Be mindful that getting a grant is not a license to print money. The hand that feeds has its own agenda and conditions for use of the funds it distributes. Find out what policy or impetus is driving the need to issue the grant. Does your project help the funder...

They say the wisdom is in the room. I’ve never seen that statement ring truer than in a recent planning workshop I had the privilege to facilitate. A Group with Passion but No Road Map An arts group that had been active for more than 20 years asked me to help them plan their future. When I arrived, I was greeted by warm, passionate people who loved what they did but lacked a clear destination. Their solution, at first, seemed simple: get a big grant. They didn’t have the budget to hire a grant writer and believed they didn’t fit mainstream funding criteria. Maybe the local council, already supporting them with a couple of grants a year, could give more. However, that wasn’t realistic in a climate...

So you are planning to work with others for a community joint venture/partnership. Or you maybe considering working more closely with other groups to share resources and services. Everything seems fine at the start. However, things can get complicated very quickly. You may end up disappointed or worse still, left holding the proverbial baby. Here are nine steps that you should follow to reduce the risk of your community partnership falling over. 1. Be Clear on the Need  Never enter a partnership arrangement without being clear as to the need: a. For the project b. For a partnership If there is not a strong need, it will be difficult to get buy-in from the community or the partners. Each partner must be able to see the benefit...