Dear Skålleagues,

'Doing Business Amongst Friends (DBAF)' doesn't mean it has to always be chit chat about work and closing deals, sure there is some wheeling and dealing to be done but the ethos of DBAF is all about taking advantage of the membership base to make connections that will hopefully turn into lifelong friendships.

You don't need to be travelling internationally every month, but by connecting locally and nationally you will be surprised by the opportunities that present themselves to you; I personally can vouch for both business and friendship connections that I have made during my time in Skål.

Treat every Skål event as a launch pad to get yourself known amongst your Skålleagues, sure this may lead to more business, a future job perhaps but I can guarantee that you will absolutely make a couple of new friends.

One of the reasons we feel so strongly about Skål Students and Young Skål Professionals is that this creates solid grounding to making the important lifelong connections within the industry. Seeing Skål Students move from being a fresh face in the network to then getting a job and growing with our members is a great and proud achievement of our networking organisation. You certainly don't need to be young or new to make these connections but its taking the steps and confidence to promote yourself that will see the returns by DBAF.

Your local club committees go to great lengths to ensure that you have great events that promote networking, friendship and DBAF... it's the efforts you contribute that take the events to the next level!

Now, think about your local events and times it by 10, 20, 60 or even 100% and you're looking at our national events that we hold twice a year!

Which brings me to the National Assembly in Cairns; this event is going to be huge... with over 100 members just from the Cairns Club alone we are expecting a huge turnout from local, national and international Skålleagues to network and connect.

Friday will be our Business Expo (free to you to exhibit) and the Welcome Function. Saturday will be our National Assembly where we will have great activities and discussions, followed by the Gala Dinner at a secret but exclusive location.

So, think about what Skål can offer you in making important connections, and all you need to do is put in that first bit of effort to make the membership base your colleagues and more importantly your friends.

See you in Cairns.

Taylor Spinks
Vice President - Skål International Australia
Membership Development & Young Skål