The spirit of collaboration amongst Entrepreneurs is thriving!
1st OCEC Member Meeting click to enlarge
Since the shift of the old ways of doing business, more business owners are finding ways to work together to help each other grow professionally and personally.
The internet has created endless opportunities and resources for people to discover and explore their dreams. Although it has brought us closer to more information and people than we ever imagined, it has isolated us from the true value of doing business in person.
Utilizing popular social media tools and online networking sites to bring people together offline, the Orange County Entrepreneur Community became the fastest growing community of business professionals in its first year.
Members are introduced to each other at networking events based on their industry and needs to form many successful lasting connections. Building relationships by meeting with people in person regularly is the best way to grow a business and gain new resources.
The OCEC has been supporting entrepreneurs and business owners since 2005 by bringing them together to teach, learn, network and partner together.
Starting out as an online networking group and developing into a thriving entrepreneurial community, the OCEC has held monthly workshops teaching people how to improve their business, develop their sales skills and inspire them to pursue their goals.
The popular online social networking site, Meetup.com, supported the success of the community and showcased the OCEC at the 2009 Warrillow Summit to some of the top Fortune 500 companies.
Corporate sponsors such as American Express, Microsoft, GE and HP got on board to support the Orange County Entrepreneur Community Members by providing advice on best business practices, valuable resources and invitations to exclusive events.
Gaining momentum and expanding its reach, the community grew and hosted events for members with well known speakers, Angel Investors and nationally recognized companies.
Congressman Dana Rohrabacher & OCEC Founder, Michael Banks
Local Congressman Dana Rohrabacher was also generous enough to offer business advice to the community during a private recording of a public television show exclusively for OCEC Members.
Entrepreneurial interviews were recorded to offer peer-to-peer advice for other members looking for a real world approach to building a business.
Collaborating with other successful organizations to support businesses, the OCEC has partnered with Trade American Card, a goods & services barter company, to provide cash alternatives for business services.
A strategic alliance was also formed with the Largest Mixer networking events which brings together over 300 exhibiting businesses and 3000 attendees at the largest annual business trade show in Orange County.
Presentation Room at the Business Expo Center in Anaheim, Ca.
Today, the OCEC is preparing for the new ways of doing business by supporting the development of a world class business facility to provide a headquarters for independent business owners. The Business Expo Center is the best place for business events in Orange County. Home to many local organizations and prestigious events, the Business Expo Center is your home for business.
You can get involved with the Entrepreneur Community and the Business Expo Center in Anaheim, Ca. Contact them at 714.978.9000 or contact Michael directly at 949-484-4834.