business building strategies

Looking to expand your professional network and grow your business through trusted referrals? Join the **BNI Business Builders** for a **Visitors Day** on **Tuesday, March 3** from **7:00 AM to 8:30 AM** (EST). This online networking event brings together motivated business professionals who believe in the power of collaboration and referrals. You’ll have the opportunity to: ✅ Connect with professionals from a wide range of industries ✅ Share what you do and how others can refer you ✅ Learn how BNI helps members generate high-quality business through relationships 📅 **Date:** Tuesday, March 3, 2026 ⏰ **Time:** 7:00 AM – 8:30 AM 💻 **Location:** Denny's meeting room- 40 Courtneypark Drive East, Mississauga 👉 **Reserve your spot today and start building relationships that grow your business.**

Do you want to improve your Public Speaking skills, your Impromptu Speaking skills, learn how to present Feedback with Evaluations, and build your Leadership skills? If the answer is YES to any, attend SUN LIFE SPEAKERS CORNER online for an informative and fun filled session each Tuesday at Noon EST/EDT (except following a Holiday Monday). Guests/Visitors are welcome to participate in the Table Topics (impromptu) session. Join and become a Member to have access to all roles and Pathways, the education system. Please email info.sunlifespeakerscorner@gmail.com for the Zoom link.

**Conquer Your Fear of Public Speaking with Toastmasters!** Join the Ajax Outspoken Speakers for an empowering session designed to help you build confidence and enhance your public speaking skills. Whether you prefer to attend in-person or online, Toastmasters offers a supportive and friendly environment to tackle your fears and unlock your potential. **What to Expect:** * Practical exercises to improve communication skills. * Opportunities to speak in a no-pressure setting. * Encouragement from like-minded individuals. Meeting details can be found at https://1651924.toastmastersclubs.org/directions.html. Take the first step toward becoming a more confident you—we can't wait to see you there!

**⏱️Time**: 1:00 PM on Tuesday - March3 📍 **Location**: Butter Baker Market Cafe - 114 Dundas St W, Toronto Looking to meet a few new people without the noise and pressure of big events? Join us for a relaxed coffee chat in downtown — just a small group, easy conversation, and good vibes. This meetup is capped at **2–5 people**, so it’s more personal and comfortable. Great for: • Making real connections • Practicing conversation in a low-key setting • Getting out of the house and doing something social 📍 **Location**: Butter Baker Market Cafe - 114 Dundas St W ☕ Everyone grabs their own drink/snack 💬 Chill, respectful, and welcoming vibe 💸 No event fee This isn’t a dating event or networking pitch — just friendly people meeting over coffee. 👉 RSVP if you’re in! Spots are limited to keep it cozy. ***

Welcome to the most personalized small-group strength class in the city—designed for people who want to lift with confidence, fix nagging pain, and feel strong for life. Whether you've: 
👉 Hurt your back deadlifting
👉 Felt intimidated or insecure in the weight room
👉 Struggled with poor posture, stiff hips, or low energy from sitting at a desk all day
👉 Tried group fitness but felt lost in the crowd... This class was built for you. We work in small groups only so you get individualized attention, coaching on perfect form, and progressive programming that actually delivers results. You’ll learn how to lift safely, move pain-free, and build a body that feels strong, mobile, and injury-resistant—even if you’re a complete beginner. Perfect for: 
✔️ Desk workers and professionals with high-stress, long-hour jobs
✔️ Anyone with low back, hip, shoulder, or knee issues
✔️ People who want to overcome gym anxiety and finally feel at home lifting weights
✔️ Beginners or returners looking to build a solid foundation We train in 6-week progressive blocks, focusing on technique, strength, mobility, and injury prevention. Every movement is coached and adjusted based on your body’s needs. We work with your injuries—not around them. BONUS: Nutritional support is available if you’re ready to dial in your recovery, energy, and fat loss goals. 💡 Details: * First class is FREE to try * Classes are $40 each (packages available) * Spots are very limited — this is an exclusive, high-touch experience * Attend 1–2x/week for best results * DM us for a special first-timer offer (limited to new members only) You don’t need to be fit to start—you just need to start.
Let’s help you move through life stronger, more energized, and pain-free.

Welcome to **Rainbow Toastmasters Toronto**! Join us for a fun and welcoming public speaking event at **St. Andrew's United Church, Toronto**. Whether you're a seasoned speaker or just starting, our diverse group of members will provide a supportive environment for you to improve your communication skills. Come share your stories, practice your speeches, and meet new friends in a safe and inclusive space. Don't miss out on this opportunity to grow personally and professionally. See you there! At each meeting, we have speakers present a 5- to 7-minute prepared speech, followed by an opportunity for members and guests to participate in presenting an impromptu 2-minute speech, delivering a joke or quote, or getting involved in other ways. The meeting agenda is structured by a Rainbow Toastmaster, who provides a meeting theme, along with some roles (such as a joke or a quote) that follow from the chosen theme. We start promptly at 7:00 pm, so arriving between 6:30 and 6:45 would be appreciated. Guests are welcome to participate when comfortable.

**Set goals.** **Be accountable for them.** **Move your life forward with purpose.** Our goal is to cause greatness by mentoring men to live with excellence and, as mature masculine leaders, create successful families, careers and communities. If you have the desire to work on being the man that your legacy demands that you be (which means being the best you can be, we can work on what your legacy demands with you later) and the man you always wanted to be then we look forward to you attending. Our group is part of Mentor Discover Inspire (MDI). This group meets Mondays, North of Finch Avenue, usually indoors, outdoors in the summer but occasionally on Zoom. To confirm this week's location, please rsvp to Ricardo, call/text (647) 880-1488, or email ricardophilip@hotmail.com From MDI website[: https://goo.gl/3DQ6](https://goo.gl/3DQ6aY)aY From Toronto Sta[r: https://goo.gl/oDH](https://goo.gl/oDH3uX)3uX Regular attendees do not always RSVP, expect 6-8 men to be present.

Get ready to connect, exchange ideas, and build meaningful relationships with ambitious professionals in a relaxed, welcoming space. EVENT SUMMARY Join us at the First Canadian Place Restaurant \| Cactus Club Cafe Toronto on March 6\, 2026 from 6:30PM\-8:30PM for our **Business & Entrepreneurs Networking Event**, an in-person experience designed to bring together founders, business owners, and entrepreneurs who value real connection and intentional networking. Whether you’re building a startup, running a business, or exploring your next move, this event offers a relaxed, welcoming environment where conversations feel natural and connections actually last. Expect good energy, insightful conversations, and relationships that go beyond surface-level networking. ✨ No awkward networking ✨ No forced pitches ✨ Just real people and genuine conversations EVENT DETAILS **Capacity:** Limited to 15 people to ensure a high-quality experience. **Vibe:** Fun, respectful, relaxed, and welcoming **Dress Code:** Smart casual (look sharp, stay comfortable) ⚠️ Limited spots available. Once tickets sell out, registration closes. WHO SHOULD ATTEND ✔ Entrepreneurs & business owners ✔ Founders & startup teams ✔ Anyone who values meaningful, in-person connection If you’re ready to grow your circle, exchange ideas, and meet like-minded individuals then this event is for you. HOW IT WORKS **Arrival & Welcome** Check in under TNE. **Open Networking** Settle in, order a drink and food then connect organically with people you’re drawn to, share ideas, experiences, challenges, and opportunities without pressure. WHY BUSINESS & ENTREPRENEURS NETWORKING EVENT ✔ Thoughtfully hosted and well-organized ✔ Comfortable, welcoming atmosphere ✔ Genuine conversations over forced networking ✔ Meet like-minded, growth-oriented individuals ✔ Designed to spark collaboration and long-term connections This is networking done better. IMPORTANT NOTES • This is a curated experience; respectful behavior is required • Please arrive on time to fully participate • No refunds are available FINAL CALL ✨ Spots are intentionally limited to keep the experience intimate and high-quality ✨ If you’ve been wanting to meet ambitious, driven people in real life, this is your sign Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, and Youtube @thenetworkingevents. Stay tuned for upcoming events, giveaways, and future experiences. 👉 Grab your ticket and join us for a night of connecting, collaborating, and finding your potential next business partners. https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/business-entrepreneurs-networking-event-tickets-1982344162754/?aff=ebdsoporgprofile&keep_tld=1

## **Import & Export — Learn the Model, Remove the Risk, Build the Business** **Casual Learning & Support Session \| LeaderSHIFT Community** There is growing interest in import/export as a business — but most people get stuck on the same questions: * Where do I start? * How do I avoid getting burned? * How do I finance deals safely? * How do I find real clients (not tire-kickers)? This session is designed to answer those questions clearly and practically. ### **📌 Format (Two-Part Session)** **First Hour – Foundations (Beginner Friendly)** This is a structured walkthrough for anyone who wants to understand the business from the ground up. We will cover: * How the import/export business actually works * How to structure deals using government programs and banks to reduce or eliminate risk * How financing can be used properly (without putting yourself in danger) * How to find clients and generate deal flow * Common mistakes and traps to avoid All attendees will receive a **free booklet and resource package** with the information needed to begin setting up their own import/export business. **Second Hour – Open Support & Deal Discussion (Optional)** This portion is for: * People already working on deals * Those who understand the model and want deeper discussion * Anyone seeking feedback on a specific roadblock * Individuals who want to offer insight, support, or collaboration It becomes a collaborative, peer-supported environment rather than a formal presentation. ### **☕ Setting** This is a **casual, low-pressure meetup** held at Second Cup (Sheppard Centre, Yonge & Sheppard). Grab a coffee, bring your questions, and engage at your own pace. No pitches. No hype. Just real knowledge, real structure, and real conversation.

Join the Toronto Founders Hub every other Saturday at 3:30pm for our regular meetup at 5 Elements Espresso Bar. Sit down with other entrepreneurs to network and discuss business ideas or strategies. \- Broaden your network \- Get critical feedback \- Socialize in low pressure setting I look forward to seeing you!

To register, please visit https://www.bnibusinessconnectionsone.com/ • What we'll do Doors open: 6:45 am Structured meeting: 7:00 am - 8:30 am (We start and stop on time.) - Informal Networking - President’s Welcome - Leadership Team Introductions - Education Moment: 2-minute talk on a networking topic - Weekly Presentations (45-seconds per member and guest- pitching your own services) - VP’s Report: Chapter Performance Update - Reports: Treasurer and Membership Committee - 5-Minute Break - 10-Minute Feature Presentation by a Member - Passing of referrals, testimonials, thank yous to guests - Presenter’s Gift Draw - Close OUR GUARANTEE: Business Connections One are full of life, laughter and learning! • What to bring What you’ll need to do as a visitor: - Plan a 45 second (100 words) infomercial on your business and what makes a good referral. - Bring about 40 business cards for circulation to the group. - Pay $30 in cash or cheque at the door (or via Paypal on this site) • Important to know

**This is an in person meeting every Wednesday.** **IMPORTANT: You must register to attend the meeting. Additional meeting details will be sent once you have registered for the meeting:** To Pre-register please send an email to **themarketeers@live.com** with your **Full Name, Phone Number and Business Name , Business Category and Email Address.** BNI Marketeers - We always have at least 20-25 members at our weekly meetings even if meetup doesn't show that many attending. We are looking to add 20 new members to our chapter. Come out as a visitor and see what it is all about. You get to network with 20-40 business owners and have a fabulous lunch. There is a cost of $45/person (paid at the venue) for the meeting which includes the cost of lunch. We meet in the Highway 7 and Leslie St area in Richmond Hill. Meetings start promptly at 11:45 and run until 1:30.

**.... Do you *dread* speaking in front of others? .... Need to *present* an important meeting? .... Is it time to *enhance* your communication skills?** **Meeting Theme: 'How to Organize a Speech'** Good speech organization is essential for audience engagement. This requires you to consider how you order your ideas. You can organize your speech in different ways, and the simplest is: an opening, middle (body) and an end. Join us in this meeting to learn how: * To catch your audience’s attention. * To develop the body to support the main idea you want to convey. * To conclude so your message is reinforced and memorable. In addition, we will consider how to make transitions between thoughts smooth. Transitions provide valuable bridges, helping the audience to follow the ideas being presented and to see the relationship of those ideas. Gain new insights and benefit from the information provided by Toastmasters Speechcraft program. Join our meeting and experience the hands-on “how-to” instruction in public speaking. If you are an experienced Toastmaster or a guest exploring Toastmasters, you will acquire a new way of communicating your thoughts with increased clarity and impact. Each ‘discovery’ meeting will provide valuable tips to boost your confidence on stage. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and learn from experienced speakers. **What is the Toastmasters Speechcraft Discovery meeting?** You will: * gain insights into principles and strategies from expert speakers, * hear speeches and learn from evaluations given by advanced Toastmasters, * experience what happens at a real Toastmasters meeting, * get familiar with the Toastmasters Speechcraft program and resources, * discover the benefits of Toastmasters Speechcraft for personal and club growth. **Register NOW for any FREE Discovery meeting.** **Next Discovery Meeting:** Tuesday, Mar 3 6:45PM to 8:30PM **Have a question, contact organizer:** Phoenixtmvppr@gmail.com **Sponsor:** Phoenix-Toronto Toastmasters Club Phoenix-Toronto Toastmasters empowers individuals to master the communication skills that drive personal achievement and confidence. Through practice and peer feedback, you will rapidly develop presentation abilities, persuasive influence, and leadership presence. Accelerate your audience impact and transform your trajectory with skills that will help you grow your opportunities. **Speechcraft Discovery Series** **Week 1 – Tuesday, Feb 3, 2026** ‘How to Choose a Topic’ **Week 2 – Tuesday, Mar 3, 2026** ‘How to Organize a Speech’ **Week 3 – Tuesday, Mar 17, 2026** ‘Know Your Speech Purpose’ **Week 4 – Tuesday, Apr 7, 2026** ‘How to Impact with Body Language’ **Week 5 – Tuesday, Apr 21, 2026** ‘How to Use Vocal Variety’ **Week 6 – Tuesday, May5, 2026** ‘How to Create Images with Powerful Words’ **Week 7 – Tuesday, Jun 2, 2026** ‘Research Your Topic to Elevate Your Credibility’ **Week 8 – Tuesday, Jun 16, 2026** ‘Evaluate to Elevate’

Join Voice Over Pros Of Ohio for an exciting morning of networking, and exploring opportunities in the world of voice acting. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, this event is perfect for expanding your network, learning how to start a VO business, and for honing your skills. Connect with fellow voice actors and VO experts, that will help you succeed in your voice over business. This event will feature discussions on professional development, entrepreneurship in the voice over industry, with tips for navigating the world of voice acting. Don't miss this unique opportunity to learn from others, collaborate with like-minded individuals, and take your voice over career to the next level. Join us Saturday, March 28, from 10am - 12pm and learn how to start or grow your voice over business. Let your voice be heard! The $10 fee covers refreshments and door prizes.

**Confidence in Bloom: How Creativity Builds Confidence** What happens when creativity becomes an intentional practice? In this month’s Confidence Lab, we’ll gather at **Petals That Inspire: The Flourish Studio** for an evening exploring the connection between creativity and confidence. How making with our hands, engaging our senses, and allowing space for expression can shift how we see ourselves and what we believe is possible. Our featured speaker, **Amanda Lorenzetti**, owner of Petals That Inspire, will share how creativity has shaped her own confidence journey and why creative environments play such a powerful role in well-being, resilience, and personal growth. Drawing from her work leading an experience-driven floral studio and a community-centered workforce development program, Amanda will reflect on creativity as both a personal and collective catalyst. Amanda will also guide us through a **hands-on floral design experience**, creating a fresh arrangement in a wide mouth mason jar. No prior floral experience is needed, just curiosity and a willingness to engage the process. This evening is an invitation to slow down, create, and reconnect with the part of yourself that grows through care, attention, and imagination. You’ll leave with a floral arrangement to take home, and a deeper understanding of how confidence can be cultivated through creative practices. **Featured Speaker: Amanda Lorenzetti** Amanda Lorenzetti is the owner and founder of [Petals That Inspire](https://www.petalsthatinspire.com/) and The Flourish Studio, a social enterprise florist based in Columbus, Ohio. She brings more than a decade of experience in wedding and event sales, paired with hands-on expertise in floral and event design. Amanda’s connection to the floral industry began early, spending time alongside her godmother, a professional florist on the East Coast. After earning her business degree, she returned to her hometown in Connecticut to work as a floral and event designer, blending creative artistry with strong operational and client-focused skills. In 2020, Amanda returned to the floral industry with a renewed purpose, driven by a desire to build a business rooted in creativity, community impact, and sustainability. During this pivotal time, she founded Petals That Inspire—an innovative floral concept that reimagines the traditional florist model by combining event florals, workshops, and experiential offerings with a mission-centered approach to workforce development. Today, Petals That Inspire is a thriving social enterprise known for its thoughtful design, educational experiences, and commitment to empowering young adults facing barriers to entry in the workforce. Amanda is deeply passionate about building businesses that are both profitable and purpose-driven, and she leverages her strong business acumen to create a scalable & sustainable model that inspires creativity while giving back to the community. **What is Confidence Lab?** Confidence Lab is a monthly community experience for bold, thoughtful leaders building confidence from the inside out. Whether you’re launching a business, leading a team, navigating change, or simply striving to show up more fully—you belong here. Our work demands clarity, courage, and conviction—but the pace of daily life can erode our sense of self. Confidence Lab creates space to reflect, reconnect, and grow with others doing purpose-driven work. It’s designed for entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders, creatives, corporate professionals, activists, and anyone ready to lead with authenticity and impact. ***Please note:*** *All are welcome! If cost is a concern, please use promo code PUBLIC to access a free ticket—we want you to join us.*

Bring your business cards and network in person with other business professionals! Gold Star Referral Clubs is one of the most established professional networking organizations in the country, with multiple groups in central Ohio. Join us!

Evolve exists to connect women entrepreneurs connect with one another, serve one another, and help one another overcome challenges in marketing, sales, networking, and professional development. [Add to Calendar](evolvecolumbus.eventcalendarapp.com) What to Expect: \~ Welcome team to greet you, introduce you to others, and make sure you feel a part of the group from your very first meeting \~ Welcome & Introductions: 15 second introductions \~ 15 Minute Speaker Spotlight: Member speaker who shares a bit of her story, how she got to doing what she does, and a tangible tip she uses to gain success in her business. No hard selling...no expectations. Simply giving the group an opportunity to get to know her and her journey. \~ 20 Minute Break Out Sessions: Small groups is where we connect best. Extroverted and Introverted alike get the opportunity to share on a deeper level and learn from one another. \~ Take Aways: Hear what the other groups talked about and share resources to grow yourself and your business \~ Grow Time!: Do you need a specific connection to a person, company, or industry? Share it with us! We love to open our networks to one another and grow together! Guests are always welcome. Please contact Mentor Director Donna Schomer at Donna@EvolveWomensNetwork.com for more information. We'd love to meet you!

At Evolve Synergy Sessions, you'll be part of a supportive mastermind where we share challenges, brainstorm solutions, and inspire one another to take bold steps in our businesses. Grow your network, gain fresh perspectives, and build meaningful relationships with like-minded women who are committed to success. Whether you’re looking to move the needle in your business or simply need a space to connect and recharge, this is the perfect place to fuel your entrepreneurial journey. [Add Event to Calendar](https://evolvecolumbus.eventcalendarapp.com/) \*\* Please note, we will be arriving around 8:15a for open networking! Get there early and get connected! Contact Alexis Morley at [alexis.morley@edwardjones.com](mailto:alexis.morley@edwardjones.com) or Terri Lawson at [terri.lawson@e-merge.com](mailto:terri.lawson@e-merge.com) for more information.

Connected Westerville Night of Networking flips the script on networking, with surprises and connections that'll make you say, "Who knew networking could be this much fun?!"