Powerful business connections

Despite wild winds and sweeping rain, 38 local entrepreneurs gathered at Umina recently for a powerful business gathering.

REACH founder and marketing and mindset mentor Mandy Millan said The REACH Movement’s in-person session at Margarita Daze proved that even storms couldn’t dampen the power of human connection.

Formed two-and-a-half years ago, REACH is growing fast.

The session ran from 9.30am-11am, with Central Coast Mayor Lawrie McKinna as guest of honour.

He shared his belief that business isn’t built on cold calls and transactions, but on relationships.

“When we focus on community first, trust, collaboration, and real business momentum follow,” he said.

Millan led the group through an interactive workshop based on her signature REACH Formula™, a values-driven approach to growing a business through visibility, authenticity and sustainable scaling.

Participants explored: how to grow an audience into an engaged community; the power of vulnerability and storytelling in marketing; why community-led growth is the antidote to burnout; and how to scale using aligned strategies and ethical automation.

Conversations ran deep as attendees opened up about the loneliness of entrepreneurship, the traps of comparison culture, and how essential it was to have others walking alongside you.

“This is exactly why REACH exists,” Millan said.

“When I started my business, I felt isolated – like I had to do it all alone, even though I had so many ideas I wanted to share with the world.

“Growing up in a household of entrepreneurs and watching my family collaborate with other local businesses, I was inspired to build something here on the Central Coast; a community that’s heart-led, fun, relaxed, deeply connected – and super inspiring for anyone chasing their entrepreneurial dream.

“Over the years, I’ve seen the power of partnerships – not just in my own businesses or the hundreds of business owners I’ve supported, but also during my decade-long corporate career.

“When people come together with shared vision and real trust, it can completely reshape what’s possible in business.”

The REACH Movement is now active in multiple Central Coast locations – with Avoca Beach and Toukley events coming up next.

For more information go to www.mandymillan.com/reach-membership or follow Reach on Facebook (facebook.com/Mandyjmillan) or Instagram (instagram.com/mandy_j_millan/).