Vancouver, BC – written October 31, 2024 – Quick recap thanks to the new AI Feature of Zoom, where your transcript and meeting can now be recorded.
The team discussed the current real estate market, the potential for fixed rates to drop, and the importance of understanding the customer’s needs and pain points for a more comprehensive project approach. They also explored the potential impacts of global events on business, the importance of networking and building personal relationships, and the potential for international business matchmaking. Lastly, they discussed the possibility of organizing a holiday event, the potential for Heidi to join their organization, and the importance of effective communication and collaboration for project success.
Next steps
- Elke to organize a holiday/Christmas brunch meetup for December, with a buffet option
- Christian to consider presenting on his new business concept in February or March, 2025.
- George to provide guidance to Heidi on structuring spons
- Elke to explore sponsorship opportunities for attending the Hanover Messe in March
MEETING SUMMARY
Real Estate Market and Networking
Elke Porter, the West Coast German News representative, introduced herself and the West Coast International Business Club, which she founded for international matchmaking. Ozzie Jurock, who writes a free newsletter with 26,000 subscribers, discussed the current real estate market, emphasizing the high mortgage rates in Vancouver and the potential for fixed rates to drop. He also warned about the increased penalties for early mortgage repayment. Elke mentioned her recent speaking engagements, including a presentation at the World Referral network. George, who has known Ozzie for many years, expressed his interest in speaking at the Southern Cultural Center, a venue Ozzie suggested.
George’s Entrepreneurial Journey and Networking
George, a seasoned entrepreneur with a background in finance and marketing, shared his journey from launching a chain of restaurants to forming a private equity firm, Empresario, with offices in Vancouver, London, Budapest, Kampala, and soon, Doha. He discussed his experiences in capital raising, networking, and investing in various sectors and verticals. George emphasized the importance of networking and building personal relationships, stating that his network equals his net worth. He also highlighted the potential of Vancouver’s tech industry, expressing his intention to bring some of Empresario’s capital back to Vancouver to support local startups.
Improving User Experience and Planning
The team discussed the need for a more comprehensive and detailed approach to their project, with a focus on improving the user experience. They agreed to create a new project plan that includes a detailed timeline, specific tasks, and a clear understanding of the project’s goals and objectives. The team also decided to involve the product team in the planning process to ensure alignment with the product’s vision and requirements. The next steps include scheduling a meeting with the product team and finalizing the project plan.
Improving Project Structure and Communication
The team discussed the need for a more comprehensive and detailed approach to their project, with a focus on the importance of understanding the customer’s needs and pain points. They agreed on the necessity of a more structured and organized process, with clear roles and responsibilities assigned to each team member. The team also emphasized the importance of effective communication and collaboration to ensure the project’s success. They ended the conversation with a commitment to work on these aspects and reconvene to review progress.
Real Estate, Networking, and Entrepreneurship
Elke Porter introduced herself and the West Coast International Business Club, which she founded for international matchmaking. Ozzie Jurock discussed the current real estate market, emphasizing high mortgage rates in Vancouver and potential fixed rate drops. He also warned about increased penalties for early mortgage repayment. Elke mentioned her recent speaking engagements, including a presentation at the World Referral network. George, a seasoned entrepreneur, shared his journey from launching a chain of restaurants to forming a private equity firm, Empresario, with offices in various locations. He emphasized the importance of networking and building personal relationships, and expressed his intention to bring some of Empresario’s capital back to Vancouver to support local startups.
Global Events, Investments, and Networking
George discussed potential global events and their impacts, including a potential Gulf war, oil price spikes, the Chinese market collapse, and the rise of right-wing movements. He suggested Canada could benefit from a Trump presidency due to the reopening of the pipeline. George highlighted his referral network’s value proposition, free events, and networking opportunities, differentiating it from traditional organizations. He mentioned strategic alliances offering member benefits and encouraged attendees to experience the network firsthand. George discussed his company’s investment strategies, focusing on disruptive technology and social programs, with a long-term approach and support for startups. He mentioned the possibility of setting up a second fund focused on social programs and purpose-driven initiatives.
Professional Updates and Networking Plans
Elke, Christian, Nick, Ravi Jain, and others discussed their professional and personal lives. Christian shared his plans to become a consultant and work with Barbara J. Kirby on a new business concept focused on seniors advocacy and later life planning. Elke offered to support their venture with marketing or writing. The group also talked about the impacts of recent flooding in Vancouver and planned a Christmas dinner at the Yacht Club. The meeting aimed to introduce participants, feature a speech from George about the World Referral Network that Elke joined, and have a Q&A session while being recorded.
Geopolitical Landscape and International Business
George discussed the geopolitical landscape, predicting a potential Gulf war and a significant spike in oil prices. He also mentioned the potential collapse of the Chinese market and the rise of the right-wing movement in Western countries. George suggested that Canada could benefit from a Trump presidency due to the potential reopening of the pipeline. He also mentioned the importance of networking and the potential for international business matchmaking. Elke asked about the World Referral Network’s role in international business, to which George responded that they could provide connections and support for businesses looking to expand globally.
Heidi’s Potential Join, Event Planning, and Real Estate
Elke and George discussed Heidi potentially joining their organization and learning from other race organizers, with George offering his expertise in sponsorship and fundraising. They explored organizing a holiday event, possibly at the Pan Pacific Hotel or a German-themed restaurant, though Elke mentioned there are none in Vancouver. Elke and Christian shared their experiences at Kitsilano meetups. Elke discussed her initiative to create the West Coast International Business Club for international matchmaking. Ozzie Jurock shared concerns about the current real estate market, highlighting decreased mortgage rates and potential risks of fixed rates due to increased bond market tenure rates. He cautioned about banks’ increased penalty clauses for early mortgage repayment.
It is easy to join the Westcoast International Business Club for only $27, $97 or $197 a year! Contact Elke through Whatsapp or text: 604 828 8788
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