When I started networking, I was terrible at it. Speaking to strangers felt uncomfortable and I didn’t understand how it could bring value to my business. It took several bad experiences to realize that I’d been my own worst enemy. I had mistakenly thought that...
As with any marketing effort, a strategy is required for networking. Networking can easily turn attending random events into making random new acquaintances. In Northwest Arkansas there are a number of valuable and vibrant networking groups and opportunities. However,...
Pastors are often, by nature, networkers. We seek out people to connect with and build up, it’s what we are born to do. So I don’t know why it never occurred to me to be in a “networking group”. When I moved to NWA to take over a dying church I had a very successful...
Maybe you are a new business; maybe you are an established small business. You could be one of many entrepreneurs that are looking for an edge. You may be looking for a way to grow your business, and to penetrate your local market. Many sink thousands of dollars in...
It's 8:15 am, time for networking. I pull into the parking lot of Firehouse Subs at 1364 E Augustine Lane, right behind the Lindsey building on Joyce. This is where Creative Referral Network has been meeting for over 8 of its 14 year tenure here in Fayetteville. There...
As I looked around the room, I realized that I knew everyone there. And that a year ago, I knew none of them. About three years ago I left the security of a corporate job for the gig life – the no sales, no money, 100% commission existence of a travel consultant –...
Anyone who reads this website understands the value of networking and how, in today’s relationship economy, networking is vital to your business’ success. Networking can take on many forms and what works for one industry, size of business, or personality, may not fit...
One of the biggest truths that I have learned in growing a network is vitally crucial but often overlooked. Not to say that it is forgotten on purpose, we just are not wired for this naturally. Since the invention of man, we have focused on our needs. If you are a...
One of the side effects of consistent networking is business cards. They will take over your purse, your car, and your office if you don't proactively prevent it. If you’re in a business where you network regularly or exchange a lot business cards, you could benefit...
Social Media… It’s sooo nice. You are behind your screen and no one sees you. You can use an Avatar or shots of others but you don’t have to have a personal facial identity to the public or make awkward small talk. It’s really great for introverts. Until… Until your...
People do what they want to do. If that's really true, in our case you have to want to network in order to be halfway effective at it. You've heard me say that you know you need to network, but do you really? In case you are on the fence, here's some interesting data...
I first discovered networking in October of 2013 when my mentor told me I needed to go meet other business people. I had recently relaunched my graphic design business, and wanted to do more business locally instead of just crowdsourcing online. As an introvert, I was...
You're out networking! That's great... ...but going to events and eating free food alone will not help you get ahead. Knowing what to do when you go to networking events is the other half of the battle. Here are some practical ways to set yourself up for the best...
Networking comes in many different varieties. You will likely have a different experience at each event you go to. Knowing what to expect when you get there is key to feeling comfortable and successfully making connections. First, there are two ways to describe...
