Every OBN Thursday meeting is structured, purposeful, and designed to deliver real value in exactly 60 minutes — so you leave with new connections and actionable referrals every week.
Here's exactly how each OBN meeting unfolds — a proven structure that keeps things focused and ensures every member gets value from every session.
Doors open and members settle in. The meeting chair welcomes everyone, introduces any first-time guests, and briefly outlines the evening's agenda. A great time to exchange a quick hello before the formal session begins.
Every person in the room gets 60 seconds to introduce themselves and their business. This is your opportunity to tell the group who you are, what you do, and — most importantly — what a good referral looks like for you. Keep it crisp, clear, and specific.
One member is selected each week to give a deeper 10–15 minute presentation about their business. This is a chance to really showcase your expertise, the problems you solve, your story, and the kind of clients you work best with. Members rotate through this spotlight over time.
The heart of every OBN meeting. Members openly share qualified referrals — real names and contact information of people they know who could benefit from another member's services. Referrals are tracked and celebrated, building a culture of generosity and reciprocity within the group.
Members share brief announcements relevant to the group — upcoming events, milestones, business news, or opportunities. The chair may also highlight any OBN-wide news or upcoming special sessions.
The chair closes the formal session with a summary of referrals passed and any key takeaways. The floor then opens for informal one-on-one conversations — often where the best connections are made. Members are encouraged to follow up on referrals and schedule one-to-one meetings.
OBN meetings are designed to respect your time and maximize your results. Whether it's your first meeting or your fiftieth, every session offers something valuable.
A few simple habits that separate the members who get the most out of OBN from those who are still warming up.
The more specific you are about who you're looking for, the easier it is for members to refer you. "Anyone who needs accounting help" is harder to act on than "small business owners in Mississauga who just incorporated."
Trust is built over time. Members who show up week after week become known, liked, and trusted — and that's when referrals start flowing naturally. Consistency is the single biggest factor in your OBN success.
The best referral relationships are built one-on-one, outside of meetings. After a meeting, invite a fellow member for coffee to learn more about their business — you'll refer each other far more effectively as a result.
Your 60-second introduction is your most important marketing moment in the room. Prepare it, practise it, and refresh it regularly so members always hear something new and memorable about your business.
The members who give the most referrals tend to receive the most in return. Come to every meeting thinking about who you can help, not just who can help you — the results will follow.
Volunteer for the featured member presentation. It's your best opportunity to educate the whole room about your expertise in depth — members who have presented almost always see a jump in referrals afterward.
Reserve your spot at this Thursday's meeting — it's free, welcoming, and one of the best hours you'll invest in your business this week.
Fill in your details and we'll confirm your spot at our next meeting.