QFF: How Michael Preece, Director of Business Networking Advantage Australia, Turned His Passion for Connection Into a Thriving Statewide Network With 6 Groups Driving Business Growth Across Tasmania for Over a Decade. (Episode 667 - Michael Preece)

QFF: Quick Fire Friday – Your 20-Minute Growth Powerhouse!

Welcome to Quick Fire Friday, the Grow A Small Business podcast series that is designed to deliver simple, focused and actionable insights and key takeaways in less than 20 minutes a week.

Every Friday, we bring you business owners and experts who share their top strategies for growing yourself, your team and your small business. Get ready for a dose of inspiration, one action you can implement and quotable quotes that will stick with you long after the episode ends!

In this episode of Quick Fire Friday, host Amanda Jones interviews Michael Preece, the Connector in Chief at Business Networking Advantage Australia. Michael shares how he built a thriving statewide network of six groups across Tasmania over the past 11 years. Starting as a photographer, he leveraged his passion for genuine relationships into a powerful business referral system. Michael offers practical tips on networking, building trust, and the importance of making one meaningful new connection each week. Key Takeaways for Small Business Owners: Focus on Relationships Over Sales: Networking is not about pitching—it's about building genuine, value-driven relationships that lead to long-term business opportunities.

Set Realistic Networking Goals: Don't aim to meet everyone in the room. Instead, target 3–4 meaningful conversations at each event to build quality connections.

Consistently Grow Your Network: Make it a weekly habit to meet at least one new person in business. Over time, this compounds into powerful referral and support networks. Our hero crafts outstanding reviews following the experience of listening to our special guests. Are you the one we've been waiting for? Never Underestimate Who People Know: A contact may not become a client—but they might introduce you to someone who is. Treat every connection as a gateway to broader networks.

Use Simple Tools Effectively: A well-organized contact system (like Outlook synced to your phone) can act as a lightweight CRM to manage relationships and follow-ups.

Track and Show the Value of Networking: Leverage tools or systems that give transparency into referrals and business growth so you can clearly measure the ROI of your networking efforts. One action small business owners can take: According to Michael Preece, one action a small business owner should take is to meet one new business contact each week with the genuine intent to build a relationship—because you never know who they know or where that connection might lead. Do you have 2 minutes every Friday? Sign up to the Weekly Leadership Email. It's free and we can help you to maximize your time. Enjoyed the podcast? Please leave a review on iTunes or your preferred platform. Your feedback helps more small business owners discover our podcast and embark on their business growth journey. 👇

Quotable quotes from our special Grow A Small Business podcast guest: You don't know who people know—every connection holds untapped potential – Michael Preece Success in business starts with showing a sincere interest in others – Michael Preece

One meaningful conversation is more powerful than fifty business cards – Michael Preece