Business Networking – A little less conversation, A little more Action
Action-oriented networking
ActionCOACH of Connecticut, part of the world's largest business coaching network, held the ActionCoach Business Networking Night at the Splash Restaurant and Bar at Longshore Park and Country Club in Westport, Conn. on Wednesday August 4, 2010. Photo: Christian Abraham / Connecticut Post
Wednesday August 5th we hosted our annual summer networking event. It was held at Splash Restaurant at Longshore Park and Country Club in Westport. What a beautiful location to get together with a group of business professionals and generate leads. Despite the hot summer sun these 100 smart people came out to introduce themselves and did something proactive to grow their business. They invested their time to learn about other people in hopes they might develop a relationship that could lead to a new opportunity.
Effective networking can lead to one of three things:
- A follow up appointment
- A referral or
- A strategic partnership.
Giving someone your business card is only the first step. Actually I don’t think you should hand someone your card until you have had a conversation and connected.
My philosophy about selling is that no one cares what you are selling, until they know you care. If you ask the right questions and listen carefully to the others person’s needs you will show compassion and demonstrate trust. And we all want to do business with people we like and trust.
But in your quest to be a good networker, if you feel that the person you are talking to does not realize they should ask you similar questions, it may be a sign that they are not ideal people to network with. In this case, DO NOT be afraid to move on, networking is a two way street.
Here is what a few of our guests had to say about our Splash networking event.
“I had a wonderful time at your party at Splash!”
“In fact, I had such a good time and met so many nice people that I ran out of business cards. I hope I get invited to one of your next functions.”
“Great event! Met some nice folks, exchanged at least a dozen business cards and enjoyed a beautiful venue. As a newbie in CT trying to reinvent my music marketing and consulting business, it was great to meet new people and learn more about business in CT.”
“I came away with two possible leads, thanks for reminding people to keep moving.”
“Nice meeting you last night!”
“Thanks for the invite-good food and contacts.”
“Looking forward to next event”
“Thank you for a well-run event”
“I had a lot of good connections and conversations. – actually did give some good referrals, and I will be meeting with 3 people who want to become clients with me!”
“It was a success!!”
Thanks to everyone who attended but remember, the most important thing about networking is the follow up! So make that phone call, return the email, LinkedIn, Friend Someone on Facebook, but take some kind of Action.
As Elvis would say a little less conversation, a little more ACTION.
And don’t forget to check out our next upcoming event at www.ActionCoachnow.com.
Need a Business Strategy Guru?
Don’t Worry Be Happy
by Geri Sutton, Business Development Manager and Professional Worrier.
Song By Bobby McFerrin
“Here is a little song I wrote you might want to sing it note for note
Don’t worry be happy
In every life we have some trouble
When you worry you make it double
Don’t worry, be happy.”
In our last blog posting we talked about positive affirmations and the negative thoughts that can sabotage your business. Being a good Irish catholic I was always taught give my problems to God. My doctrinarian to prayer started at a first seven when I made my first holy confession. I think they call it reconciliation now. I recently realized that are people in this world who don’t pray. It’s not because they are against it, they never learned how to pray.
I am reading EAT, PRAY, LOVE by Elizabeth Gilbert. The #1 New York Times Bestseller. Although this book came out in 2006, I am just getting to reading it now. Maybe because the movie is coming out next month, starring Julia Roberts or maybe because when it was published four years ago, I wasn’t worried all the time! As you probably know the book is about a conflicted woman who travels around the world and discovers the powers of nourishment, prayer and love.
(click photo or link to view movie trailer)
Eat Pray Love
Happily married Elizabeth Gilbert (Roberts) takes a right turn in her life by enduring a painful divorce and proceeding to take a round-the-world journey of self-enlightenment and fulfillment.
The learning from this book for me is there really is power in prayer, or mediation or affirmations, whatever you want to call it. In the book the author describes the difference as praying is talking to God, while mediation is the act of listening to God.
Listening to others is important especially in the today’s business world. There is so much information available on the internet, but how do you know who or what to believe?
Who do you listen to?
I think the answer is you listen to your inner voice. The one that tells you that maybe you need to go to a marriage counselor before you get a divorce, the voice that says that the mole on your leg is a weird shape, the one that says I need help getting my business back on track.
Yogis say that Ham SA is the most natural mantra. In Sanskrit it means “I AM THAT”. At ActionCOACH our mantra is “I AM BETTER THAN THAT”.
A business coach is a trusted guide who will LISTEN to your hopes and dreams in confidence. He will be your business strategy guru. And you don’t have to go to an ashram in India. Call us at 203 210 7003 for a complimentary coaching session and stop worrying.
“The land lord say your rent is late
He may have to litigate
Don’t worry, be happy
Look at me I am happy
Don’t worry, be happy
Here I give you my phone number
When you worry call me
I make you happy
Don’t worry, be happy”
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