Business Performance Improvement

Hi everyone, I am so happy to announce our very first event for **Simple AI: Practical Tools for Life and Work (Melbourne)**. We already have 20 members in this group, which is a fantastic start! I started this community because I am passionate about making AI easy for everyone. I hate jargon and I love seeing people save time. For our first session, we are keeping it simple. This is an online "Big Picture" chat to set the stage for everything we will do together in 2026. **What we will talk about:** * What AI actually is (the plain English version). * Why I believe these tools are so useful for our daily lives and work. * A look at our roadmap, including future hands on workshops like prompt engineering and our monthly in person news meetups here in Melbourne. * A chance for you to ask anything and tell me what you want to learn. **How to join us:** This is a free online event. To help me manage the numbers and send you the calendar invite, please register via the Eventbrite link below: **Register here:** [https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/simple-ai-a-relaxed-intro-to-what-it-actually-means-for-you-tickets-1978944340795?aff=oddtdtcreator](https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/simple-ai-a-relaxed-intro-to-what-it-actually-means-for-you-tickets-1978944340795?aff=oddtdtcreator) **Join here:**[ https://meet.google.com/cce-dgdb-jht](https://meet.google.com/cce-dgdb-jht) **Event Details:** * **When:** Tuesday, 13 January 2026 * **Time:** 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM AEDT * **Where:** Online via Google Meet: https://meet.google.com/cce-dgdb-jht I really want this to be a helpful, welcoming space for you. Whether you are a total beginner or just curious, you are very welcome to join the conversation. I look forward to meeting you all online soon! John

**Cut Through the AI Hype: What’s Really Helping Software Engineers Build Better, Faster** Tired of the noise around AI and ready to see what’s actually driving impact? Join us for a deep dive into the latest global research on how AI is (and isn’t) helping software engineers ship higher-quality software at speed. **Vivek**, former Lead Data Scientist and founding team member at **Multitudes**, will unpack insights from their global **AI Impact Survey** — revealing where teams are finding real productivity gains and where the hype doesn’t hold up. At Multitudes, Vivek led the company’s Data and AI strategy, creating analytics tools that help teams perform better and work happier. He’s recently spoken at LAST Conf, holds a PhD in Optimisation via Quantum Computing, and is passionate about data-driven approaches to meaningful change.

**Struggling with study or learning? You’re not alone.** This meetup suits people at all levels of study skill. Too many children, teenagers, and adults find studying difficult—not because they lack ability, but because they were never taught **how to learn**. This meetup introduces the basics of **Study Technology**—a practical, proven approach that shows how learning really works and how to overcome common study barriers. It applies to children, teens (and parents), teachers, and adults alike. You’ll discover simple, effective methods to improve understanding, confidence, and performance—whether at school, work, or online. Teachers and parents often see rapid improvements in both behaviour and results. Yes, it *is* possible to improve study performance—in just **five easy steps**. If you can’t attend in person, online options are available. **Join us and learn how to study effectively—once and for all.** See you at the meetup, **Pam** When learning clicks, confidence follows.

While there is plenty of advice available out there about public speaking, we think the best way to gain confidence is to practice and learn by doing, in a fun, friendly forum over dinner. Gourmet Toastmasters is set in the familiar and comforting soundings of a restaurant. We meet monthly, on the second Tuesday of each month, upstairs at the Malvernvale Hotel. We have a range of supportive club members from beginners looking to improve their public speaking, through to long term experienced Toastmasters, who impart their gift of knowledge and experience for all club members. Guests are more than welcome to visit the club, so come along, make new friends, learn from others and experience their journey. **Date:** The second Tuesday of each month **Time:** 6:30pm - 9.30pm **Location:** Malvervale Hotel 1321 Malvern Rd, Malvern As we are located in a restaurant we have a set cost of $40 for a 2 course meal, and bookings are essential. So please email [contact@gourmettoastmasters.org](mailto:contact@gourmettoastmasters.org) to find out more. We hope to see you for dinner!

It's time for "Listen Up", our favourite conversation game that helps turn strangers into friends! Join us for a drink and some nibbles while we have fun and make friends. For those who haven't played it before, Listen Up™ is a unique conversational board game that tests your listening skills and inspires deeper connections between participants. There are 3 categories of questions you can get asked depending on the 🎲 you roll! (1) 🙃 Just for fun: all kinds of fun questions from if you were a candy or crayon what would you be to what's your fave smell in the world? 😋 (2) 😉 Share: Cause sharing is caring! Starting to get into the deeper questions like if you have a bad day would you prefer to be left alone or have someone cheer you up? 😉 (3) 😎 Listen Up!: Aha this is where all the deep questions are! (Juz and Nicole will be coming straight from work and will likely be there early. If you want join us for a bite to eat, send a message and we'll keep an eye out for you.) . . . 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐆𝐑𝐎𝐔𝐏 Welcome to our group! We are a bunch of Melbourne friends who decided to open up our circle to some new awesome people. We have a broad range of interests and will post some of our events here so you can come and join us. Join our Facebook Community here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/goodexperiencesgreatpeoplemelbourne . . . 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐩 𝐠𝐮𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬: • Let's keep things respectful. Our group has a diverse range of members and we get along great! This is because we accept one another, avoid insensitive comments, try to keep swearing to a minimum, and steer clear of gossip and mindless venting. • Please be punctual. Our hosts will check the Meetup page and post their location upon arrival before redirecting their attention to the people present. If you are late (more than 5 min), don’t expect to be able to reach them as they may not check their phone. Please allow enough time for travel and parking. (On that note, we don't organise carpooling because of various liability issues.) • If you say you're going to come, then please actually come. Many of our events end up waitlisted so if you claim a spot and don't show up, then someone else might miss out. Attendees who don't show up (or cancel their RSVP within 12 hours of the event) will be flagged as "no-shows". Repeat "no-showers" will be banned from the group to make space for more reliable attendees. • We want to keep all our members safe and healthy so if you are unwell, then please stay home. If you need to cancel within the 12 hour "no show" window, please send a courtesy message to the event host. • Please don't come if you are just looking to hit people up for your own agenda. Our members are so much more than followers for your Instagram account, customers for your Herbalife business, or people for your Forex empire. In our community, we are about adding value to one another. If you are just coming with a self-serving agenda, then we aren't your crowd. • And finally, this isn't a great group for people who like wallowing in life's problems. We choose positivity and gratitude, so bring some with you!

Good Vibrancy is a simple 45-minute routine for universal love based on the world's great spiritual traditions - adapted to optimise for freedom, abundance and prosperity. It is based on the unique personal practice I have developed doing approximately 1,000 hours of self-directed meditation in recent years (and many more hours of contemplation). \*\*\*\*\* **7.30am: Good Vibrancy (45-min)** The morning routine is done standing up and is a sequence of 6 parts: **1\. Spirit Breathing** \- 5 minutes of moving breath\-work for inspiration \- Balance yin\-yang\, asking\-receiving **2\. Active Sensation** \- 10 minutes of mindful movement for grace \- Develop effortless confidence and presence **3\. Heart Invocation** \- 10 minutes of compassion and gratitude \(\+ optional prayer\) \- Open your heart to giving generously and appreciating what you have **4\. Attentive Release** \- 10 minutes of standing meditation with letting go \- Let your mind settle\, grounding itself in a neutral posture **5\. Life Visualisation** \- 5\-10 minutes visualising the past \(story\) and future \(script\) \- Feel that your past is in fact perfect just as it was and your destined success is drawing you effortlessly in closer each day **6\. Energy Sublimation** \- 5\-10 minutes of energy\-work \- Invoke divine inspiration and connect with your inner king/queen \*\*\*\*\* **8.15am: Quick Coffee/Breakfast at KereKere Green (optional)** At around 8.15am we will finish the practice. Part of the reason for meeting in-real-life in a park as a group is to meet other people and get off the computer screens etc! That's why we invite people to have a quick 15-min coffee and chat at the nearby cafe (KereKere Green). \*\*\*\*\* Our Melbourne community connects in person to do the practice and have brunch on the weekend... \- South Melbourne beach on Saturdays 10am \- Yarra Bend forest on Sundays 10am

Ever been keen to try improv comedy but been dissuaded by the sheer travel and costs of going into the city? Well this time improv comes to Frankston! ... Again! Experienced and inexperienced alike, no preparation is required, just bring yourself, a sense of humour, and a willingness to give it a go! You’ll leave with some laughs, maybe a few new skills, and a small taste of the joy of improv comedy. Your instructor (Instagram: [@SpaceCorgiTV](https://www.instagram.com/spacecorgitv/)) is a Frankston local who is tired of there being no good improv comedy learning opportunities outside of the city. Is he the world's greatest improv comedian and educator? Not statistically, but what he does know, he loves, and he's willing to run this and pass the savings onto YOU! ALSO Join our [Facebook Group](https://www.facebook.com/groups/4218984848384907) to stay in the loop on all future events and join in on the growing community of talented artists and performers! **What’s in store:** * Lead by Corgi * Warm-up games to loosen up * Fun exercises practicing classic improv hits including “Yes, And”, Focusing on your scene partners, and Giving and Taking ideas. * Your very own short improv scenes * A relaxed, supportive, and fun environment **Details:** Date & Time: Wednesday, December 16th, 7-8pm Location: Frankston Library Community Room Cost: Free! (But I do have tiered tickets if you would like to help cover some of the venue hire. I am just one guy doing this in my spare time after all.) Wear: Comfortable clothes; bring water if you like Parking: Free available surrounding and nearby venue. Access/Amenities: Elevator access to the Community Room on the 2nd floor, accessed externally from the Library, or follow the signs to The Doghouse Improv up the stairs! Kitchen and toilets available upstairs. Please note: This workshop is for ages 18 and over. **RSVP: Spots are limited, don’t miss your chance to give improv a go!**

We all recognize that if things were better organized, people would be better off. We have all had experiences with a business or government, school or a group that was not well organized and we experience the confusion, delays and upsets of trying to deal with disorganization. On a personal level, trying to get something started - a plan, some new bright idea you had, perhaps starting a new business - without organization can be a nightmare. Organization is a key and often missing factor in personal success. It is also essential for a flourishing family, group, organization or business. Attaining one's goals, no matter how large or small, requires a knowledge and application of organization.

Discover the joy of making stuff up! Our Williamstown improv group is where Melbourne's west comes to play, connect, and unleash creativity. Improv isn't just about being funny (though you'll laugh heaps). It's about: ✓ Building confidence in social situations ✓ Improving listening and communication skills ✓ Meeting amazing people from Hobson's Bay ✓ Reducing stress through play and laughter ✓ Discovering your creative side ✓ Having a screen-free, present-moment experience No theatre experience? Perfect! No prepared material? Even better! The only rule is 'Yes, And...' - supporting each other's ideas and having fun. Drop in any Wednesday, 7-9pm. Location: **Williamstown Community and Education Centre Inc 14 Thompson St, Williamstown VIC 3016**. Suitable for ages 16+. First time is free, and its $10 a class after. ***Free parking out the back. Please come to the front, and we will open the door.***

Smashing! Try something new Thursday Interactive workshop - Become the charismatic leader Serious about improving your leadership - **Why mess, come to the best** Why is Smashing different to other speaking clubs? Passion!!! 1\. Fast\-paced\, energized and exciting meets 2\. We practice **bold, confident** and **dynamic** leadership! 3. **Everyone talks** multiple times during super-interactive workshops every meet - Plus the chance to speak on the big stage for those that are keen 4. **FAST LEARNING** **Free parking** close-by: O'Connell and Cobden streets **IMPORTANT: Be on time, as doors close when the show starts** “Proudly Australian" – Free-flowing leadership & teamwork Multicultural Hub, 506 Elizabeth St (Opposite Queen Vic Market) Level 1, Purple Room (End of corridor) More to come...

Join us for a relaxed networking drinks with other couples who value meaningful conversation, intentional living, and want to work on a business or a project together (or already are). This isn’t your average couples’ Meetup. 💡 **Please note:** This event is specifically for couples attending together. RSVPs without a +1 (partner) will be cancelled to keep the balance of the group. 📅 **il Mercato Centrale Melbourne** **📍 Limited to 10 couples** so grab your spot early 🍷**Happy Hour** drink specials from 5:00pm **💬 Conversation Starters** Each time we meet includes a few rotating topics to spark insight and great chats: * A habit that made your life better as a couple * A travel story with a twist (funny, unique, or unexpected) * Something you’re learning right now * A tip on how to work with your partner's personality and communication styles No need to prep, just come ready to connect. We’ll mix up seating halfway through so you meet more than just the couple beside you. **🧠 Who This Is For** * Couples into growth, learning, and intentional living * Those building something together, or who want to * People who want deeper connection, not surface-level chat This isn’t networking. It’s real people and real convos. Just bring yourselves, curiosity, and an open mind. We’ll take care of the rest. **👥 Hosted by Matt & Justine Stuckings** Matt & Justine are the kind of couple who live for deep chats over food, spontaneous adventures, and connecting with people who live life on purpose. Matt’s a 6’4 ex-photographer turned marketer and entrepreneur. He’s into Pickleball, boutique breweries, and discovering weird restaurants and books that make life (and business) better. If it helps him grow or gets him thinking differently, he’s probably already into it. Justine’s a connector at heart. She’s a uni teacher and entrepreneur who loves mentoring, dancing, dark hot chocolate, and surrounding herself with people who think big and care deeply. Together, they host events that feel relaxed but intentional, welcoming but meaningful. They started this event to find more of their people. Curious, kind, growth-minded couples who want more than just small talk.

Overcome Your Fear of Public Speaking with Southbank Toastmasters! Ready to transform nerves into confidence? Join us for a fun, interactive workshop to: ✨ Conquer your fear of speaking 💡 Learn pro tips from experienced mentors 📈 Boost your business and career through powerful communication Whether you're a newbie or a seasoned speaker, this is your chance to grow, connect, and shine! 🌟 Don’t miss out—step up to the mic and join us! 🎤

Come join us and practise public speaking! All levels are welcome. Take the first step to overcome your fears, build confidence and learn to speak with impact in a friendly, supportive and encouraging environment. Start you public speaking journey with us now to improve your communications skills and elevate all aspects of your life. Please arrive 10 minutes early so we can settle everyone in for a 5.30pm start. See you soon!

We are now Meeting at ResQ BBQ in Leesburg \*\*help us track guest attendance, please register here please: https://www.bniconnectglobal.com/web/open/visitorRegistration?chapterId=16801 \*\* *** Thanks for visiting our meetup group for information for BNI Potomac Business Alliance where I am honored to hold the Title Insurance seat. During this meeting you will meet other local business professionals from a wide variety of industries who commit to providing excellent service to people within our shared networks. We will pass over 1.5 million dollars of business in 2022-2023. and we want you to consider applying to be a part of our referral network. So come out, enjoy an excellent breakfast, learn a little more about me and Title Insurance, and consider being a part of a fantastic group of business professionals. Be prepared to tell everyone about your business in about 30 seconds or less. We want to know what you do but have to keep it short so we can complete the meeting's agenda, we want to honor your time! • 30 second elevator speech? What do I say?! Your Name Your Company's Name What your company does (in basic form) One key difference maker (deliver on-time, on budget. or We close complicated cases. or We can sell your home quickly and for top dollar. Etc...) Who you would like to meet in the room or in the area (so we can refer you business :-) ) Keep it short and sweet, there will be plenty of time after and before the meeting to get to know other people in the group and even opportunities to schedule "one to one/1:2:1" meetings. We love to grab our coffee and go out to a spot in the lobby afterwards in one on ones to discuss how we can work together, get to know each other, get business done! So plan a little extra time to meet if need be.

## **1 Million Cups Loudoun Workshop: How AI Can Work for Your Business** **Wednesday\, January 28 \| 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM** **Venture X Loudoun – Ashburn** Artificial Intelligence is no longer just a buzzword — it’s a practical tool that businesses of all sizes can begin using today. Join **1 Million Cups Loudoun** for a special **workshop-style presentation** led by **Victor Meer of AI Prime** and **Jay Jay Billings of Band Gap AI**, designed to help entrepreneurs understand how AI can realistically support their business operations. This workshop will provide: * A clear, practical overview of what AI actually is * Real-world examples of how businesses are using AI today * Insight into where automation can save time and reduce friction * Guidance on how to start leveraging AI without needing technical expertise Whether you’re AI-curious, overwhelmed by the noise, or ready to explore automation in your business, this session will help you think clearly about where AI fits — and where it doesn’t. As always, coffee, conversation, and community are at the heart of 1 Million Cups Loudoun. ### What Is 1 Million Cups? 1 Million Cups is a national program powered by the Kauffman Foundation that brings together entrepreneurs and community members for weekly conversations that educate, support, and inspire. Loudoun’s chapter meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month. Join us on **January 14 at 9:00 AM** for coffee, connection, and a meaningful conversation about reimagining after-school education in Loudoun County. **We look forward to seeing you there.**

A weekly networking meeting where we have a lot of fun and of course, meet other busy professionals!

## **1 Million Cups Loudoun – January 14 Business Presentation** **Featuring Eric Wojtkun of Focal Point Coaching** **Wednesday\, January 14 \| 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM** **Venture X Loudoun – Ashburn** Join us for our **January 14th 1 Million Cups Loudoun** meeting as we welcome **Eric Wojtkun**, founder of **Focal Point Coaching**, for a powerful conversation on leadership, resilience, and preparing businesses to thrive before challenges arise. **About the Presenter** Eric brings a rare and compelling background to entrepreneurship. An **Army BRAT, Army Veteran, and FBI Agent**, Eric has lived in 17 places, served two overseas deployments (Bosnia and Kosovo), and worked across nearly every major FBI discipline — from violent and white-collar crime to cyber, counterintelligence, crisis response, and national security. After decades of leadership in high-stakes environments, Eric launched **Focal Point Coaching** to focus on what mattered most to him throughout his career: **helping people and organizations build resilience in the face of change and adversity**. Through executive coaching and team development, Eric helps leaders move from survival mode into what he calls **“BEAST mode”** — prepared, confident, and proactive. His exclusive resilience-focused coaching framework supports leadership, teams, processes, culture, and cyber readiness before a crisis occurs. **Where Eric Is Seeking Community Feedback** * How do you effectively market **resilience preparation** *before* a critical incident occurs? * What helps leaders and business owners clearly understand the **ROI of resilience coaching**? * How can resilience training be integrated into the flow of **normal business operations**? * What motivates leaders to prepare mentally and emotionally for the inevitable challenges of business? **Who Should Attend** Eric is especially eager to connect with: * Small to mid-sized business owners in the **hospitality industry** * Leaders responsible for teams, culture, and operations * Entrepreneurs experienced in scaling service-based businesses * Anyone interested in leadership, preparedness, and sustainable growth Come ready to listen, learn, and offer meaningful insight to support a founder building something impactful. ### What Is 1 Million Cups? 1 Million Cups is a national program powered by the Kauffman Foundation that brings together entrepreneurs and community members for weekly conversations that educate, support, and inspire. Loudoun’s chapter meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month. Join us on **January 14 at 9:00 AM** for coffee, connection, and a meaningful conversation about reimagining after-school education in Loudoun County. **We look forward to seeing you there.**

Attendance is $35 (cash, credit/debit card, or ApplePay - paid at the door), which includes water/soda/coffee, bread, choice of a plated lunch entrée, and a dessert assortment. Parking is also validated in the Reston Station garages (3 hours of validation). Join one of Northern Virginia's most successful business networking groups (part of BNI). Open to the public and is typically attended by business owners, business developers, and entrepreneurs. Meetings are typically attended by 30-40 members and guests. \*\*\*PLEASE RSVP here: [REGISTER HERE](https://square.link/u/0WvC6Eir) \*\*\*If you do not register on the BNI website, there may not be a seat available for you.

Come join local improv troupe, the ***Home Improv Mints***, as we run through some of the basics of short form improv. Wear clothes you can move around in. We will start at **7:15**. We will run until just after 9 pm. Bring yourself and a willingness to try new things - like (insert audience suggestion here)! We try a different topic each session to see if it changes who sees the announcement. There might not be bobwhite imitations, hyena butter, lava floors, trans livestock, thalidomide twinkies or inflatable turnips (all things that HAVE come up), but we can promise something *random*. But we encourage you to bring cookies. NOM NOM NOM! We only have so many slots available. **Please don't RSVP as a yes *until* you are certain.** We limit the class size so everyone gets a chance to play, and ask for RSVPs so we know how many outlines to print and cookies to bring. We understand things change sometimes. Please message us if things change and you can't make it, rather than being a No-Show. Multiple No-shows get you put on the naughty list and may get you ejected from the group. Please don't make us do that. Please donate - *running* a Meetup group ain't free folks. Suggested Donation is $10/session. And feel free to bring more cookies. Everybody likes cookies. Hope to see you then!

*TOPIC:* **Is growing your company organically too slow? Learn how to buy cash flowing companies and understand what it takes to have a successful exit.** **Guest Speaker: [Erika Baez-Grimes CM&AP](mailto:erika@erikathebroker.com)** Stop waiting for organic growth and learn how to scale instantly by acquiring established businesses. Erika Baez Grimes will break down the "Silver Tsunami" market shift and equip you with the exact due diligence and exit planning strategies required to buy, scale, and sell with confidence. Recognized by Fortune 100 organizations for exceptional results, Erika believes every entrepreneur should have the tools, strategy, and confidence to buy, scale, and exit successfully. Learn more about Erika here: [https://thebphgroup.com/](https://thebphgroup.com/) **Entrepreneur Breakfast Club 🥓☕** *Fuel your business. Feed your soul.* Welcome to the **Entrepreneur Breakfast Club** — where small business owners come together over coffee, connection, and contagious energy. We’re not just here for pancakes and pep talks (though we love both). This is a morning meetup built for the dreamers, doers, and difference-makers in our local communities. Whether you're launching your first side hustle or running a seasoned shop, you belong here. Our mission? Connect. Inspire. Grow. We believe big things happen when passionate people sit at the same table. So come grab a seat, swap stories, share wins (and fails), and leave each meetup a little more fired up than when you came in. Join us if you’re looking to: ✅ Meet like-minded small business owners ✅ Get real-world advice & fresh ideas ✅ Build meaningful partnerships ✅ Start your day with purpose and inspiration No suits, no sales pitches — just good people, great conversations, and hot coffee.