My association with the Institute of Business leaders started when my daughter Ashleigh, a journalist and consultant in our practice, told me with considerable enthusiasm that she had met some interesting people from the institute at a social function.

Ashleigh said institute bosses, Jevena O'Brien and Peter Watkins, were really nice people and that they needed some public relations help – followed by her immediate advice that Spence Consulting should become an institute member.

As a former senior journalist and public relations consultant on the Gold Coast for 30 years, and having been exposed to other “networking organizations” I was somewhat cynical with my response.

“Are you sure they're not just trying to sell me a membership,” I said, continuing, “...in the past I've found groups like this a waste of time and money.”

My daughter's rebuke, attacking my negativity, was entirely justified, because I could have made a very costly business by not taking her advice. I then contacted Peter Watkins (who I now know as a most affable, service oriented and hard working professional). Peter invited me to an executive lunch with 11 people, who he felt had some synergy with Spence Consulting, making the comment that there could be people there that needed my services.

What an eye-opening experience that was. All attending were there to talk about business and the kind of services they needed help with, and Peter was right! At that lunch I made appointments with two prospective new clients – Peter, at no cost, delivered me two qualified business leads. On return to my office, and after congratulating Ashleigh on her initiative and almost choking on my previously negative statement, I wrote a cheque for the institute's membership fees.

Since this time I have been employed on three retainers via the institute.

The value of this work over the next 12 months will exceed $100,000, and that is just a start. At the time of writing, I have been a member for six weeks.

In fact I am very confident that the Institute of Business leaders can help me to meet all of my current growth needs – for an investment of around $1600, as absolutely brilliant outcome, especially in today's challenging business environment.

The institute isn't just a networking group – it is a strategic business generator, with highly professional, friendly people at the helm who work very hard to help members.

I am happy to talk to any prospective member about the benefits that can achieve from the Institute of Business Leaders and to give Jevena, Peter and their team my highest recommendation.

Rod Spence Testimonial
Managing Director
Spence Consulting