Sunday, May 31, 2009
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Friday, May 22, 2009
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Friday, May 8, 2009
Cures for the Summertime Networking Blues
by: David Crumbaugh, CPA, Co-Founder Nspired Networking Enterprises, LLC
Summertime. We look forward to the weather, family, vacation, relaxation, beach, and the fun that comes along with the season. In the networking world, summer brings challenges we fail to see at other times of the year. Referral partners take longer to follow up, are out of the office, or are less intentional in their networking. Also, it is difficult to find new referral partners in our normal spots. We, as intentional networkers, must step outside of our networking comfort zones and look in other places to find new partners.
Where does one start? Begin by searching for your new referral partnership where you spend your time during the summer months.
1. Sports fields. Kids play baseball, softball, and soccer. Parents spend night, after night, after night in the stands, at practice, or volunteering at the concession stands. These parents are business people, homeowners, those who may share your target market. Discussions can range from vacation, to work, to repairs to the home, to neighborhood gossip. A simple conversation or offer to help, on top of the screams at the umpires, may lead to growing your business. Remember, the only way to get to know the people these sport parents know is to get to know them first.
2. Vacation. We love our time off to recharge and relax. Usually networking is left off of the vacation agenda. We are missing an opportunity to see networking in another area or even another country. This is a great chance to pick up new networking ideas, share things that work for you so that you become part of the group, and maybe, find new markets for your product or services. It is a safe bet you can attend a networking meeting and be back to your room before the family is even out of bed!
3. Neighborhood festivals. Summer is the time of festivals and county fairs. Time for rides, music, games, elephant ears and good greasy food! It can also be the time to talk to neighbors in more detail. We can build relationships beyond the visibility stage, beyond the friendly waves while mowing grass. Take the time to get to know your neighbors. They may hold the key to your ideal referral partner.
Fun abounds during the summer. Networking can too. It requires you to make an intentional effort to make the most out of the event. Remember, networking can occur anywhere, anytime. Avoid the summertime networking blues and make the most of the fun (and networking) in the sun! It's ok to be a networking N.E.R.D., because as my business partner and Nspired co founder Amy Kilpatrick defined, Networking Everyday Requires Dedication! Be a summertime networking N.E.R.D!
Summertime. We look forward to the weather, family, vacation, relaxation, beach, and the fun that comes along with the season. In the networking world, summer brings challenges we fail to see at other times of the year. Referral partners take longer to follow up, are out of the office, or are less intentional in their networking. Also, it is difficult to find new referral partners in our normal spots. We, as intentional networkers, must step outside of our networking comfort zones and look in other places to find new partners.
Where does one start? Begin by searching for your new referral partnership where you spend your time during the summer months.
1. Sports fields. Kids play baseball, softball, and soccer. Parents spend night, after night, after night in the stands, at practice, or volunteering at the concession stands. These parents are business people, homeowners, those who may share your target market. Discussions can range from vacation, to work, to repairs to the home, to neighborhood gossip. A simple conversation or offer to help, on top of the screams at the umpires, may lead to growing your business. Remember, the only way to get to know the people these sport parents know is to get to know them first.
2. Vacation. We love our time off to recharge and relax. Usually networking is left off of the vacation agenda. We are missing an opportunity to see networking in another area or even another country. This is a great chance to pick up new networking ideas, share things that work for you so that you become part of the group, and maybe, find new markets for your product or services. It is a safe bet you can attend a networking meeting and be back to your room before the family is even out of bed!
3. Neighborhood festivals. Summer is the time of festivals and county fairs. Time for rides, music, games, elephant ears and good greasy food! It can also be the time to talk to neighbors in more detail. We can build relationships beyond the visibility stage, beyond the friendly waves while mowing grass. Take the time to get to know your neighbors. They may hold the key to your ideal referral partner.
Fun abounds during the summer. Networking can too. It requires you to make an intentional effort to make the most out of the event. Remember, networking can occur anywhere, anytime. Avoid the summertime networking blues and make the most of the fun (and networking) in the sun! It's ok to be a networking N.E.R.D., because as my business partner and Nspired co founder Amy Kilpatrick defined, Networking Everyday Requires Dedication! Be a summertime networking N.E.R.D!
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)