About New Beginnings

New Beginnings Network Group began on August 18, 2008, and 29 local business men & women attended.  From there we grew rapidly, and have had to find new locations to hold our ever-growing group!  Since our humble beginnings nearly 2000 different businesses have crossed our threshold.

Our mission:  Helping businesses of all sizes and types continue to grow and prosper through good times as well as the tough times!  And….we do this with FUN!

Each Chapter regularly meets two times per month. Doors open for Networking at 10:30, and lunch is available at 11:00.  The “meeting” portion of our gathering begins at 11:30.

Our lunch meetings are fast-paced and fun.  We have three focus segments.  The first is a 10-minute “Business Spotlight” - an opportunity for one of our members to tell us about their business, their products and services, and information about special offers or upcoming events.  The second is the “Education Segment” - a 10-minute presentation designed to share tips, information and knowledge about a business-related topic – “Marketing 101 & Back To Basics”!  Oftentimes, the “Education Segment” is very interactive.  During the “Education Segment”, our presenters are asked NOT to talk about their own businesses.  No matter how long one has been in business, there are ALWAYS new things to learn.  With the recent turn in the economy, even seasoned business people enjoy the “Everything Old Is New Again” learning experience.

Each meeting also has a segment called J.T.'s Corner, that varies from one meeting to the next.  It might be a quick game or activity, it might be a list of helpful hints, or it might be something completely off the wall.  But each one is designed to help the members build relationships and create partnerships with each other. 

Unlike many other Networking groups, we then go around the room and EVERY ATTENDEE introduces themselves, and their company/business name.  We don’t do the traditional “Elevator Speeches”….they get BORING!  Jot down the names of those you would like to meet or want more information from.  Next we have a brief Q&A section that is aimed at fellow attendees.  After that, we award Door Prizes that are generously donated by those in attendance … another great way to advertise your company.  Then comes the wrap up and MORE NETWORKING!!!

Our Fearless Leaders

Jeff Aames is one amazing, dynamic creature! Having “retired” from his Theatre & Music career (for the time being at least), Jeff is able to keep his creative and performing talent alive through his role in New Beginnings!  As co-owner of J&J Creations, Inc. Jeff’s initial goal with NBNG was to just create another business networking outlet for small businesses like his own.  He envisioned a networking format that wouldn’t be, in his words, “all corporate and stodgy”.  But NBNG soon took on a life of its own, and Jeff now hopes to spread the word and the networking possibilities throughout Central Florida…and even BEYOND!  He’s a firm believer in the “pay it forward” motto!

Jeff has had the opportunity to work with – and learn from – a long list of celebrities over the years. One of his fondest memories is having a private lunch with Betty Davis.  He says, “The major thing I learned from Ms. Davis is that ‘Stars’ are just people too!  And no matter your sex, religion, politics or lifestyle … at the end of the day, we are all just people!”

Jeff’s very open and giving, and he’s just plain fun to be around.  In his free time, he enjoys music and theater, genealogy, reading and “just chillin’ out” in front of the TV.

JT has a true servant’s heart – always seeking to help other people and to promote and develop what’s good in the world.  When you meet JT, you’ll instantly be impressed with his openness.  What you see is definitely what you get!  He has a strong sense of what’s right and what’s wrong, and his whole life is a testament to his honesty and integrity.  

JT loves the NBNG format because it allows him – and all their members – to meet people from all walks of life & businesses, while participating in networking educational games that help break the ice.  In his free time, JT enjoys gardening, meditation, biking, socializing, and of course volunteering.