Tshombe and group...I was looking forward to connecting but am going to be unable to as of today. Sorry! I know we will connect soon. 2009 is off to a running start.

Tshombe...hope to see you soon. I am waiting to confirm a client session but feel pretty confident I can attend.

Thanks for this great overview for the social networking newbie. I moderated a panel of active social networkers for a local chamber of commerce last week and found many questions from the floor were very basic such as what is Social Networking, what is LinkedIn, what should I do with all these invitations, and the like.

It is a misconception that everyone is networking online. They aren't. It is good to note while formulating your online strategy that it is important to maintain communication of some sort with your network of clients and professionals who aren't as active online!

Hi there,

2nd Wednesday is the eWomen Network Luncheon so I won't be able to attend. I hope to connect with you Tuesday and set up a time to chat off line.

Hope you have a great turnout!

Kathie

Hi Tshombe, I hope to swing by Stumptown following another networking event for the Portland Alliance at the Rose Garden. Thanks for getting these set up!

Kathie

Thanks for great reminder to schedule blocks of time for this highly valuable activity.

After attending your Publici-Tea in Portland in September and your VIP Publici-Tea in Bellevue last week, incorporating these new practices into an already busy schedule has been the challenge.

I appreciate the additional resources and wanted to let you know I am working closely with Tia Ribary, Ribary & Associates (another Biznik-ite & Publici-Tea graduate) to get articles distributed and press releases out using your DIY approach. Thanks a million!

PS For those of you who have not attended a Publici-Tea or availed yourself of Nancy's DIY PR materials, I have to tell you, hanging out with Nancy is priceless. She is generous with feedback and pearls of practical wisdom fall from her lips often. I saw many participants benefit from her flashes of brilliance during her programs.

Tia,

Great list. Another tip to recapture time for those on the go, "busy people", like me is to have tasks they can complete in 15 minutes such as calls to return, calls to prospects, clients, network, etc. or thank you cards to write. Why not make time spent waiting even more effective? When I speak to those in sales who tell me "I just don't have time to make all the calls" we talk about how they can use the 15 minute rule to shake things loose. It works.

Thanks for sharing. Kathie

WOW! Looks like everyone is all a-twitter about twitter. I've been hearing about it for awhile and several months ago committed to testing the social networking/business networking overlap...but guess what! I don't have enough time at my computer to be following all the social networking on top of my paying work! My work is split between in house, on site client work, and physical business networking & marketing...I totally fell off the wagon in terms of testing where the two intersect.

I will book mark this stream and read it on the weekend or evening when I am not totally wrapped up in paying work.

Thanks for capturing this all in one place. Sounds like you've hit a hot spot.

Kathie

Great question! You made me stop and think about what HAS created the biggest impact this year.

1. Revisit strategic partners. [Purpose: update on projects (new and completed), share the type of work I most appreciate, and see how I could help them.]
2. I received referrals to three large projects that are both profitable and enjoyable reminding me that I can work smarter by power partnering and serving others.
   

I have one more... 1. Saying NO. I am declining anything that is not fun or easy (or fits within my values) 2. I am finding "margin" in my life. Space to think, dream, and enjoy the rest of the summer and kick off a killer 2009 despite the economy.

Great content. You hit the nail on the head.

The only thought I would add to your first comment about the business you start out with is not necessarily what you end up with is this:

I wish someone would have told me how hard it would be to let go of things I LIKE to do to do more of what I LOVE to do (and makes me more money). For some reason I thought that it would be easier to distinguish and let go but 6 years into this, I find myself doing things because I can do them and I like them...but they keep me from doing more of what I love. I am working on this right now so it is a high on my response list.

And....that takes us to the continuous personal growth topic. The never ending cycle. Gotta love it...and I do!

Thanks for putting this out there.

Mindy! You nailed it. These are great reminders now....and ANY time. A strong network makes business growth easy in and upward cycle but is absolutely essential in times like these.

I recommend "Dig Your Well Before You're Thirsty" by Harvey MacKay for those just beginning to think of building a network that works. Harvey's perspective is to network like an owner...not like a sales person.

Keep up the great work!

Michael,

So true! You nailed it. I find my work with clients in creating what we call a "working busines plan" helps them focus on what matters.

1. Their end game (vision)
2. Their position (who they are in the crowd)
3. How they make money...and how much (packaging & pricing)
4. Who is their customer and the best way to reach them (marketing & sales)
5. Calendar Control

I applaud those coaches and consultants who take the business plan off the shelf and makes it a working, living document.

As you state in your article...this process helps the business owner, whether solopreneur or organization, gain clarity and objective so they view their entity as apart from themselves.

Now that I re-read this, I may be projecting into your article. ;-) Nonetheless, thanks for contributing good stuff!

PS I (probably like you) use the same model for my own business as my clients. Which is a great reminder for all of us to revisit our working business plan on a regular basis.

My favorite Brian Tracy quote: Every minute spent in planning saves nine in execution. (The only solution I know for busy people to gain more time!)

Albert, This sounds like a great program. I am out of town until the 15th. Depending on how my day goes on the 16th, I hope to be there.

Where are you holding this event?

Kathie

Love it! I am planning a new office in my home right now and have been playing with some of these ideas. Based on your tips, I have some new thoughts to add to the mix.

You are absolutely right! As Indie Professionals it is critical we have a space that give us energy instead of draining us.

Thanks for this bright idea!

Chuck, great perspective!

I typically suggest my clients ask themselves what level of service they think their clients expect, even performing some informal surveys to get the real scoop on what the clients really desires and thinks about them as a service provider.

As a solopreneur, when you are the service as well as the delivery person, this can be a little touchy unless you can get over yourself and really focus on giving the customer what they want and more.

It requires brutal honesty with yourself when you are the break in the delivery chain. I speak from experience. I hate it when I am the problem in delivering great service. But...my desire to serve my customer keeps my on the continuous improvement track.

Once defining what exceptional service is for your business...the systems and support are essential. Your service is part of your brand.

Thanks for providing multiple angles from which to discover the solution.

Oops! I realized I didn't address the original question.

Conversations that are question driven in a natural manner can convey your expertise far more effectively than most practiced presentations. It also communicates your understanding that networking should be mutually beneficial.

Not intending to be random in my comment...just posting on the fly.

Lauren, great starter question! Great responses.

You and I share the same philosophy of networking. Here's some additional thoughts.

Networking takes time. Time is money. Those using networking to build new business can't afford to misuse time. It costs in dollars and lost opportunities when done haphazardly. Hence, I promote planning.

Think of your networking as part of your marketing mix. Network strategically to gain exposure, build your credibility, and do your own market research.

Great networking conversations are built around discovery. Not selling! If you get around alot like Jeff, the conversations do become second nature. If you don't it pays to plan.

After doing the homework that Lauren recommends (knowing who you are, what you do, how you can serve others) you can show up, ask good questions, and learn far more about another person in a very natural conversation than you would by talking about yourself.

Here are a couple of things I do to increase my payoff and leverage time when networking.

I choose events by the following criteria:
1. Target market rich (potential business development) 2. Target strategic partner rich (potential opportunties, cross marketing, and resources) 3. Fun (we are whole people, not just our work) 4. Contribution (attending events to give back to the community, people group, or individuals makes me feel good) 5. Professional Development (I always want to be increasing my knowlege base)

Here is another quick list. As I ask questions I try to discern the following: 1. Is this a prospect? (not so I can sell them on the spot but I can know how best to follow up) 2. Is this a potential partner? (I am always looking for people who do exceptional work) 3. Is this a connection to opportunity, resources, or information? (We can learn alot from from other people's experiences) 4. Is this a great person to know. (Sometimes the person you are speaking with is just "cool". I like to know cool people.)

David, I wholeheartedly agree with you. When I hear elevator speech, I cringe. I think it is overated in most networking environments. Good questions can overcome many a botched opening introduction. I know. It still happens to me.

Happy Networking!

Kaya, I am working on booking a trip to Colorado that may conflict with this date. If I am in town on the 12th, you can count on me!

I hope to attend but need to confirm an afternoon appointment. Look forward to meeting you!

Thanks, Mikelann. I didn't realize I got on such a roll. You inspired me. ;-)

Lori's comments remind me...the same challenges exist with trade. When doing trade, it is important to be clear about the value exchange or one or both parties can end up feeling cheated.