Is Face Time Important To You?

Is Face Time Important To You? Networking Events can truly grow your business. We all know that.Why? Because you get face time with likeminded business people through affiliations like your local Chamber of Commerce or an organization like <a href="http://www.biznik.com">Biznik.com</a>, a business-building social network for indie professionals.Now, the "networking" is generally accomplished under some agreed-to terms at some agreed-to location and then you get to mingle; exchanging familiarities and, of course, business cards and the occasional referral.This is smart business because if done properly what you are ultimately doing is expanding your marketing efforts through "attraction" and personality opposed to cold-calling and imposing yourself and your products/services upon an unsuspecting market. This face time permits you and your business efforts to be compounded by friendly referral to those that require your products/services; and you are then approached by an eager market instead of you stalking a wary target.It is an entirely different paradigm. You are transformed into the authority. You are free to simply concentrate on customer service and perfecting that which you provide. You no longer need to fear sales "objections" because they simply do not exist within this paradigm.So, proper utilization of the Networking Model can multiply your marketing efforts.There is also the other type of networking. This type is more or less a social face time networking once reserved for the golf course and country club; however that's the social face time networking of the past. Many a deal has been struck before the ninth hole and celebrated on the nineteenth.But how effective is that networking model?The Networker's New Golf however, is Poker Tournaments. Not only are there the traditional Home Games (now in tournament format and multiple tables), but many of those business related poker events are full of business associates, partners, clients, prospects and even competition.Why? For the very same reason Joe Average can end up playing a world champion in the World Series of Poker. It wouldn't happen in golf! It couldn't. It couldn't happen in baseball or NASCAR or basketball either. But virtually anyone can put up the buy-in and sit down and play in the poker tournament.So, like it or not, businesses have caught the same fever the rest of the world has. Poker is the rage!!Just imagine, a foursome on the golf course had a wonderful view, but limited time between shots and few people to interact with. At one of these Networking Poker Events, there are at least 6 to 8 players per table and perhaps 3 or 4 (or more) tables per tournament. You do the math!I know. I know. The golf course scenario had perhaps, a different purpose in that it was trying to close a deal or clinch a partnership of some kind. Networking events have become a great way to connect with others in business to develop a relationship with other likeminded business owners; and in that regard, they are parallel.One of the best venues for networking in the last few years is to have a poker tournament. Whether you make it a cash event or utilize it as a means to raise funds for your favorite project or charity, you end up creating an atmosphere of friendly competition and excitement that is incomparable and will benefit all concerned.You say you don't have tables, chips, cards or dealers? No problem. There are local event planners that can completely supply the needs of a Networking Poker Event. One in the Seattle area is <a href="http://www.luckyladyevents.com/">Lucky Lady Events</a> in Kent. But if you wanted to go big time, with a world known, branded image like the <a href="http://www.worldpokertour.com/About_us/WPT_Corp_Events.aspx">World Poker Tour</a>, they have even began a corporate division to provide just that service.But many businesses have found this to be such an effective form of networking that they have acquired or made what they needed to have regular tournaments. Some of these are exclusive to their business and their network, while others are open to whoever wants to take a seat, pay their money and play.The point is, what really is a Networking Event and how can you use it to better your business?  That is the question at hand!Everyone knows that advertising gets your name out to the public and becomes a way of growing your name recognition, but the only true way comes of growing your business is by relationship building.Point in fact, 60+ million people in the US play poker and poker is a game played by all ages and both genders, in fact it's not just a man's game. 30% of players are women.If your game isn't what it should be, you can always find a good poker coach to mentor you or your group in advance.<ul><li>NOTE: The following is advice is for those dedicated networking poker tournaments. Some players that attend those open to the public may be there simply to play poker. This a great place to network, but not all attendees are armed with a pocket full of business cards. You must be sensitive to that fact.</li></ul>Attending Networking Poker Events with business card in hand is a must.  With the poker tournament structure, the players will be rotating throughout the event so have your business cards at the ready. You don't want to slow down the action, but pre-tournament and during the breaks you can always exchange information and take advantage of that valuable face time.Look for interesting people to interact with and take advantage of the time prior to the tournament, lulls in the action and during the breaks to make contact.  Focus on meeting 3-4 people at the most to exchange business cards with.  Any more than that and you will have a hard time remembering them.You are not there looking to gather as many cards as possible, you are looking for something in common that your businesses could offer one another.  Collect several cards from each person, so that when the need arises, you can refer your new found "partner" to a new customer.  As we already know, referrals make your business move forward!Make sure when you get home from the tournament to drop a card in the mail with a note about your encounter at the event. Poker talk always makes for solidarity talk and a means of resuming a relationship. The reason for that is because you're talking on a "skill" or talent level that you both shared in - win or lose.  Make it personal, recall a particular play if you can and make sure to include several more of your business cards as well.At your next game/event, do the same thing, growing your contact list and continue developing the relationships of those you have already met.  Soon you will have a great circle of contacts and referrals from the new "players" you have met.Developing your business this way is a sure fire winner.  Becoming known in your community is another great way for name recognition and in the end, growth for your business.And again, the better you are at the game of poker - that is, the longer you remain in the tournament - the better your image and chances of influencing those you encounter. So if you or those in your group need additional poker coaching you can always find a good poker coach to boost your poker prowess.Soon, you'll be hosting your own Networking Poker Event! Best of success,~ LeeThe Poker Coach  2008-05-30T07:03:52Z