With 42 regional chapters across Australia, SBTC’s local network is one of its most powerful member benefits. Yet in our most recent member survey, nearly 40% of financial members said they had attended fewer than two chapter events in the past 12 months. Here’s how to change that and unlock real value from your membership.
Attend Consistently, Not Sporadically
The relationship return from networking is compounding. Members who attend events regularly — even just once a quarter — report significantly stronger referral networks and business connections than those who attend ad hoc. Treat chapter events as a standing commitment in your calendar, not an optional extra.
Volunteer for a Chapter Role
Every chapter is run by a small volunteer committee. Taking on a role — even a modest one like social media coordinator or event support — dramatically increases your visibility and the speed at which you build meaningful relationships with other members.
Use the Member Directory
The SBTC member directory allows you to search for members by location, industry and business type. Before your next chapter event, identify two or three members you’d like to connect with and come prepared with a specific reason to introduce yourself.
Research consistently shows that professional networks built through association membership outperform cold outreach and social media connections in conversion to actual business. The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman has highlighted peer networks as one of the top resilience factors for small businesses navigating economic uncertainty.
Share, Don’t Just Sell
The most effective networkers are those who give before they take. Come to chapter events with insights to share, referrals to offer, and genuine curiosity about the challenges other members are facing. Business will follow naturally from genuine professional relationships.
