About Us
BUILDING BUSINESS
THROUGH REAL CONNECTIONS
At SBC, we believe business success is built on trust and real relationships. Our mission is to create a thriving, supportive community where professionals and entrepreneurs connect, collaborate, and grow. Networking should not be about cold calls or transactions but about building genuine, lasting partnerships.
To be a trusted global networking community that empowers professionals with authentic connections, business opportunities, and mentorship. We strive to help individuals expand their reach, build strategic alliances, and achieve long-term business success.
- Authenticity
We believe real success comes from genuine connections, not sales pitches. SBC is built on trust, collaboration, and shared success. - Community First
Business is personal. Our approach prioritizes relationships over transactions, creating a supportive network where members grow together. - Action & Impact
Networking should lead to real-world results. Whether through exclusive events, industry collaborations, or mentorship, we focus on turning conversations into business growth. - Growth Without Borders
Success shouldn’t be limited by geography. SBC connects local and international professionals, offering the tools and support to expand beyond borders. - Real-World and Online Growth
Networking should lead to tangible results. SBC offers both in-person and online events that foster valuable business relationships.
SBC was founded to redefine business networking by shifting the focus from transactions to trusted relationships.
After years of working in business development, recruitment, real estate, and training, Phil Bedford saw that the most successful professionals were not just experts in their fields but also knew how to build strong networks. Michelle Bedford, a dedicated educator and leader, understood the power of mentorship, collaboration, and community support.
Together, they launched Strategic Business Connect to help professionals make real connections, access opportunities, and grow through valuable business relationships. Today, SBC is a space where business owners, professionals, and entrepreneurs come together to build meaningful partnerships that create long-term success.
Meet Phil & Michelle
Phil Bedford
Phil started his career working multiple jobs while putting himself through university, eventually earning a BEng (Hons) in Civil Engineering and a Master’s in European Construction Engineering.
He has lived and worked in both the UK and Dubai, gaining experience in recruitment, real estate, exhibitions, and coaching. Throughout his career, he developed expertise in relational marketing, growing businesses through referrals and strategic networking rather than cold calling.
After discovering BNI, Business Network International, in 2007, Phil became a Consultant Director, helping entrepreneurs grow their businesses through networking. His success led him to Asentiv, an international training franchise focused on teaching professionals how to build referral-based businesses.
Phil is passionate about helping people grow their businesses through effective networking strategies. When he is not training or speaking, he enjoys food, travel, and bringing people together over great conversations.
Michelle Bedford
Michelle has been an educator and school leader for over 30 years, working in Australia and Dubai. She has spent her career recruiting, mentoring, and leading high-performing teams, always focusing on putting people first.
After stepping away from school leadership, Michelle combined her passion for food and education to launch Homecook Me, a business designed to inspire and empower home cooks to create healthier meals.
As a new business owner, Michelle quickly realized the importance of quality networking in growing a business. This led her to co-found SBC with Phil, using her leadership and management skills to create inclusive, supportive networking experiences for professionals.
She is especially passionate about SBC She Connects, an initiative that supports and empowers women in business through networking and mentorship.
When she is not running networking events or trying new recipes, Michelle enjoys reading, yoga, fitness, and exploring new cultures through food and travel.
Phil Bedford
Phil started his career working multiple jobs while putting himself through university, eventually earning a BEng (Hons) in Civil Engineering and a Master’s in European Construction Engineering.
He has lived and worked in both the UK and Dubai, gaining experience in recruitment, real estate, exhibitions, and coaching. Throughout his career, he developed expertise in relational marketing, growing businesses through referrals and strategic networking rather than cold calling.
After discovering BNI, Business Network International, in 2007, Phil became a Consultant Director, helping entrepreneurs grow their businesses through networking. His success led him to Asentiv, an international training franchise focused on teaching professionals how to build referral-based businesses.
Phil is passionate about helping people grow their businesses through effective networking strategies. When he is not training or speaking, he enjoys food, travel, and bringing people together over great conversations.
Michelle Bedford
Michelle has been an educator and school leader for over 30 years, working in Australia and Dubai. She has spent her career recruiting, mentoring, and leading high-performing teams, always focusing on putting people first.
After stepping away from school leadership, Michelle combined her passion for food and education to launch Homecook Me, a business designed to inspire and empower home cooks to create healthier meals.
As a new business owner, Michelle quickly realized the importance of quality networking in growing a business. This led her to co-found SBC with Phil, using her leadership and management skills to create inclusive, supportive networking experiences for professionals.
She is especially passionate about SBC She Connects, an initiative that supports and empowers women in business through networking and mentorship.
When she is not running networking events or trying new recipes, Michelle enjoys reading, yoga, fitness, and exploring new cultures through food and travel.