I have always been sceptical about the value of Networking Groups, but after almost 3 years with Lawrence’s Sydney group I am a committed convert. Real businesses with great CEOs looking for real relationships with other like-minded organisations. The members have been a terrific source of referral work but, as importantly, their knowledge and experience have provided insights that have been valuable for my business and to me personally.
Ian Hyman OAM, Chief Executive Office - Hymans Values and Auctioneers
I have been a member of the Sydney CBD group for over 6 years now. All the members of this group have extensive experience in their fields and are genuinely committed to doing the best for their clients. The round table discussions are an excellent way to keep up to date with news and developments across different business sectors and glean insights from experts in the industry. Being a part of this group has not only increased my knowledge but also connected me with members I may not otherwise have crossed paths with. This group has been a great way to expand my professional network and receive quality referrals. I can also refer my clients, colleagues, and friends to professionals I have a relationship with and whom I trust.
Tijana Petkovic, Director - Branchfield Nicholls (current President of the City of Sydney Law Society)
I have been a member of Professional Meetup’s for many years. I have had the opportunity to refer work to many participants over that time and have received many valuable leads and referrals in return. I have developed long-term clients and relationships from the group – one dating back over 14 years now. For a relatively small financial outlay, the return on investment has been extremely positive. As with all networking groups It is important to understand that this is a two-way street – if you don’t think of and refer opportunities to others in the group, you should not expect them to think of you. I have referred many opportunities to others and as a result Professional Meetup’s has been a very positive personal, financial and business experience for me.
Tal Williams, Partner - Holmanwebb lawyers
I have been a part of Lawrence’s Friday group for over eighteen months and have found it to be both professional and genuinely enjoyable. What truly stands out is the warm, welcoming atmosphere. The group is made up of friendly, highly skilled professionals who are generous with their knowledge, support, and referrals. It has been an invaluable source of industry insights and trusted connections. I especially appreciate the camaraderie and shared understanding among members who understand the challenges and rewards of running a business. I would highly recommend this group to anyone looking to grow both personally and professionally.
Mark Zigouris, Director - Loan Market
I have been a member of Professional Meetups Sydney CBD Group for over a year now. Over the past 14 months I have had a chance to meet some amazing business owners and develop excellent relationships with them. I have received a number of qualified leads from them and also had a chance to refer some members. The quality of service from the members is exceptional and I have no issues referring them again. It is a very fun and relaxed setting which makes it even more attractive. All in all, I do recommend that if you are considering a networking group that does not have a sword hanging on your head, you must consider one of Lawrence’s group.”
Pulkit Agrawal – Managing Director, UR Digital
I have been lucky to be a member of Professional Meetups for the last 4 years.
I have gained a great insight into other businesses and some great input about my business from other businesspeople. It's like having your own board of directors who provide a much wider business experience and different ideas. I can trust these people, and many have become good friends. I have received some wonderful referrals.
Mark Livingston, Director – (Steadfast) Livingston Insurance Brokers
I have been a member of the Sydney CBD group for over 10 years.
Belong to a network of like-minded professionals has been of significant personal and business value which has enabled me to deliver a higher degree of holistic service and value to my clients.
The open sharing of ideas amongst peers with wide-ranging industry experience is a great source of professional development and learning. The insights into the technical expertise held by my fellow members give me the utmost confidence in recommending their services. Ultimately the personal relationships I have developed with current and past members will stay with me throughout my career.
Jakin Loke, Director - Ecovis Clarke Jacobs Accountants
The name 'Professional Meetups' speaks volumes.
Lawrence gathers like-minded professionals to attend, participate, refer and network in the fortnightly meetings.
Professional Meetups can lead to many valuable benefits for the members such as enhanced networking, increased exposure for your business, referral opportunities, both giving and receiving, mentoring and long-term acquaintances and friendships.
Angelina Torrisi, Director - Family Law Practice Australia Pty Ltd
I have been a member of Lawrence’s Friday group for a number of years, and I thoroughly enjoy every session.
They are run in a relaxed professional manner, always finishing on time, the team in this group are all highly credentialed professionals and I would have no hesitation in recommending any of them.
I would not hesitate recommending participating in this group.
Tim Bishop, Aussie Broker - Aussie
I have only been a member of a Sydney Meetup group for approximately 18 months. However, I have already found the breakfast meetings to be a rich source of information about all sorts of industries and professions. I especially enjoy the mutual understanding that comes from a group of individuals who appreciate the rigours of self-employment. In addition, I have received a range of referrals that have contributed to my business growth while meeting highly qualified professionals to refer my clients to knowing that they will be appreciated and dealt with the same care they receive from within my own business.
Peter Foley, Director - Thirdview Financial Planning
I have enjoyed participating in Lawrence’s Professional Meetup’s for several years.
I find the meetings to be very productive and enjoyable use of my time. I like the diverse range of views and discussions generated from our discussions. It provides us with insights and perspectives that broaden our knowledge across a range of professions.
The meetings are respectful and informative and managed in a very effective way, providing structure that encourages open participation. They are a great opportunity for each of us to broaden our professional network to advantage our clients and respective businesses.
Hugh Williams, Director - Marketstrat Business Advisors
The Professional Meetup Group has been excellent for me. I have gained not only referrals for my business but also learned from other professionals at the very top of their game.
I come away from each meeting with insights and strategies that I can share with others or use for my own enterprise.
In addition I have found Lawrence to be an excellent facilitator, well informed with a keen sense of humour”.
Jamie Wilson, Managing Director - Full Circle ‘Managed IT Solutions’
Hi All,
After much consideration, I wanted to let you know that I won’t be returning to the group next year. I’ve decided to join a group closer to my office in Strathfield to better balance my growing business and growing family. While I’ve absolutely loved coming into the city once a fortnight and having breakfast with you all, it’s becoming less practical for me to manage the commute and then rush back to the office afterward.
I hope we can all stay in touch, as I’m sure at some point I’ll need your services in one way or another!
Simone, hopefully I won’t need your services, but you know I’ll always refer my clients who are in need of the best family lawyer in Sydney. Thank you for trusting me with your personal mortgage needs, I loved helping you and Michael and look forward to continuing to work with you for years to come.
Tal, thank you not only for the professional insights you’ve shared but also for the thoughtful questions you ask when others are presenting. When I was nervous while presenting, your constructive questions gave me a chance to breathe and lifted my confidence in what I was presenting, I really appreciated that.
Hugh, your countless lessons on planning, tracking data, and the importance of preparation have been invaluable. You’ve been a key part of our breakfasts, and I’ve missed seeing you at the past few meetings. I hope you’re back to full health soon!
John, although your attendance has followed a similar trend to the RBA reducing the amount of times to meet throughout the year, when you’re there, we all wait anxiously for your jokes and great tips on navigating the business world. I’ve learned a lot from you and even recycled a couple of your jokes. Thank you for the laughs and wisdom!
Jamie, while your insights into the “underworld of cyber” have certainly scared the living daylights out of all of us, I’ve really appreciated the awareness you’ve raised. I look forward to working with you in the future to ensure my business is protected.
Sina, your updates on disputes and opposing counsel have been both eye-opening and secretly entertaining (though maybe unintentionally funny sometimes!). Your clients are lucky to have you on their side and not with the “other” lawyers who sound like they relied on Ask Jeeves or ChatGPT to get through law school!
Ben (And Peter we can't forget you), even though you’re relatively new to the group, I feel like our businesses will complement each other well. A good accountant and a half-decent mortgage broker are a natural fit, and I’ve already learned so much from the short time I’ve known you.
Helen, your note-taking during meetings inspires me to be more present and wish I’d brought a notebook myself! From everything I’ve seen, anyone needing help with visas, residency, or citizenship would be crazy not to work with Total Visa Pty Ltd.
James, thank you for your input at our breakfasts and for our catch-ups outside the group. Like Ben and Blackwattle Tax, I hope to refer many clients your way in the new year and look forward to helping yours when the time is right. We still need to do that podcast! I haven't forgotten.
Mark, I think we only shared one breakfast together, but your production of a presentation with the second screen and all was impressive. I look forward to staying in touch and getting to know you better in the new year.
Pulkit, our award-winning marketing genius! It made me so proud to see your name pop up on LinkedIn for various awards. Your service sounds second to none, and it’s clear your recognition is well-deserved, thanks to your incredible work ethic.
Pera, I’m forever grateful for the way you made us all feel special by remembering my order every week. Your service has always been fantastic, and I can’t thank you enough for that.
Although I know I’ve gone on for far too long, I wanted to express how much of an impact you’ve all had on me during what have been two of the biggest and most challenging years of my life (in the best way!). None of the lessons I’ve learned from you have been forgotten, and I look forward to still working with you and anyone else who could use a half-decent broker trying to keep up with Pulkit’s work ethic!
Lastly, Lawrence, none of this would have been possible without you bringing me on board and your amazing commitment to these fortnightly meetups. Thank you so much for everything, and I look forward to seeing you in the new group in Strathfield.
Merry Christmas to you all, I hope you enjoy a well-deserved break!
Warm regards,
Joseph
And remember ... Anything is possible, With Finance.
Joseph Khalil, Managing Director – With Finance
Joining Professional Meetups Sydney CBD has been a game-changer for me! After two years with the group, the bi-weekly meetings have become a staple in my busy calendar. What really sets this group apart is the mix of professionalism and friendliness. The members are not just experts in their fields; they’re also genuinely interested in helping each other succeed. The smaller group size means we really get to know each other’s businesses, which makes referrals feel more personal and meaningful. If you’re looking to connect with trustworthy people who truly take the time to understand you and your business, this is the place to be!
Tracy Gandu, Leadership Coach – Life Craft Coaching
Professional Meetups provides a relaxed setting to be able to network with people from a range of experiences and backgrounds. Though my involvement with this group I have developed some great connections and grown my client base. The format generates some great discussions as the group members provide insight into an issue from the perspective of their respective professions. It is often a learning experience as will as a good way to build a referral network. I enjoy the format and the way Lawrence runs the meetings.
Ethan Brawn, Special Counsel - Holmanwebb Lawyers
I joined Professional Meetups back in 2009. Today, our staff participates in four different Professional Meetups groups. We value the interaction, information sharing, and the different perspectives on current business affairs given by experienced executives and directors from a broad range of industries. Over the years, we have received and provided productive leads. For us, it has definitely paid off being a part of Professional Meetups.
Gabriel Robledo, Director - ITworx Consulting Pty Ltd