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ISSUE #57
November, 2003
The volume of networking and social events right now is amazing. If you haven't used networking as a tool to help you build your business, now might be a good time to give it a try because there is such a variety of events to choose from.
Think about who you'd most like to meet. Then determine how and where you might meet them and select one or two events where you can feel comfortable introducing yourself and your business. Just go to meet the people and find out who's there. If you feel comfortable and there appears to be potential for building valuable relationships, plan to go back.
Many organizations that sponsor events have member and non-member prices. It's worth the extra non-member charge for the opportunity to do your research. Take this tiny step out of your comfort zone and see what rewards await you.
The Feature Article this month is "The Secrets of Building a Useful Network". It's actually an update of an article I wrote for the February, 1999, issue of Small Business Leader. The meat of it is so timeless, it didn't need much work to make it totally current.
November 20th is the date for this month's Roundtable. It's called "Is Networking Working for You?" Our guest expert is Rosetta Stone, web and branding diva, who has recently started to expand her own network by creating Dynamic Business Divas. Rosetta is a brand unto herself and leads a great session. Hope you can join us.
Have a Peaceful and Thankful month.
To your success,
Marian Banker
Publisher
Small Business Leader
mailto:marian@primestrategies.com
http://primestrategies.com
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FEATURE ARTICLE: Secrets to Building a Useful Network
"Networking* has become a small-business buzzword. The beauty of today's networking is that you can do a lot of it globally--through the Internet.
But it's not enough to network. You want to build a network that serves your needs.
Start with a plan. Who do you want to meet? Potential new customers, of course, but who else? What about suppliers and providers of services you need? What about a connection to a government agency or educational institution?
Review your operating plan to see what kinds of people might support your goals and open doors for you. Target your networking just like you do your marketing. Ask your existing network if they know anyone who fits your criteria. As you meet new people in networking situations, ask for
referrals. Most people enjoy being able to provide useful contacts.
When you meet someone who doesn't seem to fit into your network, determine if they might be useful to someone else in your network. Being known as a resource for what is needed reinforces your value.
In addition to the obvious exchange of business cards or information, follow up with each new person you meet within three days by sending an e-mail, a hand-written note or a post card. Don't neglect this step. It strengthens the memory of having met you.
If you think there might be a reason to initiate more personal communication right away, either call them or arrange a phone appointment to get acquainted and explore the possibilities. Follow
the conversation with a *thank you* regardless of the outcome.
If you have a mailing list, let your new contact know you'd like to add them to your list, and then do it. Periodic communication through one or more media is critical to building and maintaining a network. We won't go into details this time, but almost any business can benefit from a communication plan.
Maybe you're a one- or two-person enterprise and you need specialized assistance but don't want to hire an employee. Why not explore your network to see who might provide what you need or be able to offer a referral? That's how a lot of businesses are growing today. Rather than hiring employees, small business owners are opting to subcontract. Some subcontract everything they don't want to do themselves.
Reap the full benefit from your network. Plan to network--with a plan. And, of course, be willing to respond to all those in your network when called upon. Reciprocity is how the game is played.
Happy networking!
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November Lunchtime Telephone Roundtable
Moderator and Discussion Leader: Marian Banker, MBA, Business Leadership Coach
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Topic: "Is Networking Working for You? "
Guest Expert: Rosetta Stone, President, RSNY Interactive, http://www.rsny.com,
Web, Print & Brand Solutions for entrepreneurs and small biz owners.
Date: Thursday, November 20, 1 to 2 p.m. EDT
There is NO CHARGE for the Roundtable.
To register and receive the call-in number,
send an e-mail to marian@primestrategies.com
with the Subject as Roundtable 11-20-03
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Rosetta Stone has over 25 years successfully running her own business in fields of dreams like the Music Business, Madison Avenue Advertising, Wall Street and Fashion Avenue. Rosetta knows how to make it in the real world of business. She¹s an expert "solo flyer" and her clients benefit from this first hand experience. Now she's applying this expertise to the virtual world of the Web.
Rosetta is also the founder and president "Dynamic Business Divas", http://www.dynabizdivas.com, which is based on her own brand of strategic networking and promotion for female small biz owners, independent consultants and entrepreneurs.
"Tough times call for cool plays. Time to CASH IN AND WIN by turning yourself into a Cool Referral and a Hot Prospect. Networking is a vital key to building strategic relationships and making sales. Networking is all about showing your USS -- Unique Savvy Style."
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Here¹s just one of the many Testimonials about our popular Roundtable.
"Today¹s program was chock full of useful thoughts, inspiring energy and good ideas and examples."
Jonathan Flaks, Jonathan Flaks Coaching
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MEDIA BUZZ:
This month, two of our own received big-time media exposure.
LENA WEST of xynoMedia Technologies was featured in an article in Entrepreneur Magazine this month. "Use what you've got to get what you need to do what you want" is how Lena approaches her business and her life. She was approached directly by the article's author and attributes her being contacted to the fact that she has numerous articles on the web and was featured on the cover of Black Enterprise magazine last year.
http://www.entrepreneur.com/Magazines/Copy_of_MA_SegArticle/0,4453,311490,00.html
Lena will be getting more exposure in an article on Technology Leadership in Cisco's iQ Magazine December 2003 issue.
JENNIFER SHAHEEN of E-Business Creations was interviewed for an article in the New York Times published November 2nd. The article about Jennifer highlights the plight of many executives today who find they can no longer effectively do their job without knowing how to use the computer. She has built a niche for herself by filling this market need. She works with high level individuals on a one-to-one basis, often without the awareness of other staff, to get them up to speed on the computer.
http://www.e-businesscreations.com/nytimes.htm
Jennifer also had recent exposure on a CNN television broadcast. She has created a unique brand using her Technology Therapist image and that is seen as newsworthy by the media.
Congratulations, Lena and Jennifer.
INVITATION: I'm sure there are more of you who have received recognition in some fashion. We'd love to know about it. Submit news about your own media coverage, special awards, honors or other achievements of note, to marian@primestrategies.com with the Subject as Subscriber PR and I'll contact you for an interview.
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SPECIAL OFFER:
MARKETING PLAN FOR 2004
Want help creating a solid Marketing Plan with clear achievable goals for 2004? Register for our three session coaching series and be guided through the process of writing your 2004 Marketing Plan.
In this series you'll...
- Create a realistic Plan designed to jumpstart your 2004 income.
- Learn how to get your Plan into Action.
- Gain the confidence to follow-through.
NOVEMBER SPECIAL OFFER
Three (3) one-on-one Telephone Coaching Sessions and Unlimited E-mail.
Regular Price = $350 NOVEMBER SPECIAL = $250 (must register by Nov. 30th.)
Send e-mail to marian@primestrategies.com with the Subject as November Special. We'll get you registered and on the schedule, plus send your preliminary assignment that will get you started right away.
Do it NOW!
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E-BUSINESS CREATIONS PRESENTS:
Is Technology Holding You Hostage?
During this two hour workshop, you will learn about some of the popular technologies in or around your life that make it difficult to grow or change as a business.
Date: November 19th, 2003
Location: 440 Ninth Ave - 8th floor
New York, NY 10016
Between 34th / 35th
Time: 5:30 - 8:00pm
Cost: $40 - bring a friend and you both save $5
Call Joyce Banks at 212-252-8900 x328 to Register!
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ABOUT THE PUBLISHER:
Marian Banker has been publishing Small Business Leader since January, 1999. Her focus is on bringing to the busy entrepreneur a quick look into the current world of small business from the perspective she's gained from coaching, consulting and training entrepreneurs in both service and product based businesses.
Marian offers individual coaching, business support groups, seminars and workshops on topics of critical interest to small business owners. Her monthly Lunchtime Telephone Roundtable has proven to be a popular way for business owners to come together around a specific business topic without leaving their office. See notice about this month's topic in the content above.
To learn more about her services, visit http://primestrategies.com.
