Think about something you want to achieve but need some help.

Maybe you need information or a skill or access to a person or network. Something you don’t have but someone else might.

Imagine if a room full of people wanted to help you.

University of Sydney MBA students invite you to join Elegant Village: networking that adds value to every person in the room. Elegant Village is networking with purpose.

Friends and colleagues welcome.

Snacks and drinks will be provided.

Presented with support from eMBAssy and the Sydney Business School.

How it works

1. Everybody brings a request for help. It could be something big like "I want to work at Google" or something small like "I want an authentic gumbo recipe". Broad or specific, whatever it is you want to achieve. Requests are written up at stations around the room.

2. See where you can help. Everyone walks around the room and adds value where they can: adding a note and contact details. The goal is to move them a step closer to their goal: "My sister-in-law used to be a Googler -- I could introduce you." "I can copy my deep South cooking class notes for you."

3. Follow up promising leads. At the end you have a list of people you might want to follow up with, and some traditional networking time to connect and have a chat.

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The goal of an Elegant Village networking event is to create that environment and move every person closer to their goal. A small step or a giant leap forward.

Elegant Village was created by Pete Lead for University of Sydney MBA students as a follow up to an “elegant currencies” exercise in the introductory unit of study Leadership Practice and Development taught by Professor Mike Jenner.

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Feedback from past events:

"elegant village was the most purposeful networking session I have ever been to!"
"I love it, and can't wait to do it again, and invite some others"
"Immediate practical benefits"
"I'm actually getting my problem solved!"
"Surprised by how many offers I received."

Outcomes from past events:

Average of 5-7 offers of help received per person
One job interview and two invitations to apply
Election to Board of Directors
New housemates

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FAQs

What should I bring?

A request for help. A pen. Maybe some business cards.

Where can I contact the organizer with any questions?

Contact Pete Lead (MBA cohort 6) at pete@elegantvillage.net

What's the deal with this format?

The format has been released into the wild as an open source / creative commons product for anybody to use at conferences, workplaces, community events. As well as being a great way to move people forward and build connections, it will help put the University of Sydney MBA programs on the map. See elegantvillage.net