Building Long Term Business Relationships

Building long term business relationships is one of the more powerful and successful ways you can market yourself and your business. Some of the ways you can start to build these relationships is to join business and community groups such as the Kiwanis, Rotary, the Chamber, Lions Club, foundations and non-profits in the community such as the KBA. The thing to remember is that these are long term relationships and they don't happen over night.

One of the mistakes some people make when attempting to utilize this form of marketing is to assume that once you join an organization, the business will just start flowing in. It takes time and dedication to make the events on a regular basis, make use of the benefits of the organizations and finding the ones that is a good fit for you and your business.

Another important thing to remember is that your endeavors will not be successful if you aren't enjoying the events offered or if you don't feel welcomed by the people who make up that group or organization. For joining an organization to make your business successful, you must find one you look forward to attending. To make your business successful you must find an organization that makes you look forward to attending the events.

If you are not the type of person who is comfortable walking into a room and immediately introducing yourself to everyone, you don't have to feel alone. If you have found an organization that is a good fit you c an let them know your feelings and the executive director will see to it that someone will introduce you around. At the KBA we have many benefits you can utilize as a member. You can see what those benefits are by going to our website. Just click on this KBA website url: http://www.kirklandbusiness.org/benefits.

The most important rule to remember is that this will take time. Give yourself at least a year to start to see the results you want and make sure you get involved. Going to a few events every now and then just doesn't cut it. Remember, everyone's marketing budget is tight these days, so invest wisely and give it a chance. I have built numerous business and personal relationships over the years through the Kirkland Chamber, the Kirkland Downtown Association and the KBA just to mention a few. These relationships I have forged are priceless to me and my business. Feel free to contact me if you have any needs or questions. As always, have a great month and I hope to see you at the events!

KBA Calendar of Events

May Prime Time
Tuesday, April 8th, 2008
5:30 pm to 7:30 pm
Gregorek and Associates
3450 Carillon Point
Kirkland, WA 98033

Please join us for the Kirkland Business Association's May 2008 Prime Time Business Networking Social at Gregorek and Associates, hosted by our very good friends, Rick and Debbie Gregorek!

Rick Gregorek is proud to announce the establishment of Gregorek and Associates, PLLC a boutique law firm conveniently located in Carillon Point in Kirkland. Rick is joined by Scott Ralston, JD, Kathleen Allen, JD and Wally Croasdill, CPA along with the best paralegal and administrative staff in the business. The firm provides legal, tax and accounting services to individuals, families and closely held businesses. Practice areas for the firm include: accounting and tax preparation; asset protection; business formation and succession; contract law; civil litigation and personal injury; elder law; estate planning, wills and trusts; family law and residential and commercial real estate.

Rick is the co-host of the Legal Guys on 570 KVI Fox News and Talk Radio a live call in radio program airing every Sunday morning from 9 – 10.

Rick is a founding member of the Kirkland Business Association and invites all KBA members to attend the upcoming after hours.

The firm offers a free initial consultation to all KBA members as well as a 10% discount on legal services up to $500.

The evening includes great appetizers and refreshments, a lot of networking, great door prizes and a whole lot of fun!

So join us for a great networking opportunity and celebrate one of Kirkland favorite eating establishments! Make sure to R.S.V.P. early.

Cost: $10.00 members, $15.00 non-members

Guests are very welcome and encouraged to attend one or two events.

Please R.S.V.P. to: Mario@KirklandBusiness.org Or (425) 820-6373

KBA Workshop Luncheon

The KBA Workshop Luncheon is held every third Wednesday of the month from 11:30 am. to 1:00 pm. at Hector's Restaurant in Downtown Kirkland.

Our May Workshop Luncheon will be held on Wednesday, May 21st, 2008.

Our guest speaker will be Karen McKnight of Keller Williams Realty

The topic will be: "Are You Focused on What Really Matters?"

The Luncheon will cost:
$18.00 Members (in advance)
$23.00 Non-Member (in advance)
$23.00 Members (at the door)
$26.00 Non-Members (at the door)

Please R.S.V.P. to the KBA office at (425) 820-6373 or email to mario@kirklandbusiness.org.

Friday Morning Networking Breakfast

Please join us for the Kirkland Business Association's Friday Morning Networking Breakfast every Friday from 8:00 am. till 9:30 am. at George's Place. The address is 108 Kirkland Ave. in Downtown Kirkland.

There is no formal agenda. Just come and get to know the other members of the KBA. This is a great way to let other members know about what you do and to learn how you can help market each other.

There are no expectations of you to bring a certain amount of leads, no consequences for being late and best of all, no cost to attend! Just pay for what you order. George's Place is a Kirkland landmark, known for their great down home breakfasts.

So come on by and make some connections which will be sure to do some good for your business as well as making you some great new friends! For more information and to RSVP, call Mario at (425) 466-2746. See you there!

May KBA Workshop Luncheon Speaker: Karen McKnight

"Are You Focused on What Really Matters?"

By Karen McKnight, Keller Williams Realty

Synopsis: You will learn how to use a powerful tool that will systematize your business so that you focus on what's most important to your business. It is a simple tool, that if you use it to its full potential, you will rely on it daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly to keep you on track to achieving your goals and solving your problems. This simple process will overflow to results in your life

What Does Karen's Expertise Mean to You?

Named one of the "100 Most Powerful Women in Real Estate" by the National Relocation Association, Karen McKnight has built a noteworthy career in the real estate sales industry commencing in 1983. Through her expertise and dedication, she guarantees:

Impeccable Service; the Clout of her Golden Reputation in the industry; Astute Knowledge of Legal and Agency Issues; Smart, "Trend Aware" Marketing; Negotiating Finesse; Conflict Resolution; Problem Solving Adroitness; Technology Solutions to Keep You Informed; and Realistic Counsel to help you achieve your Lifestyle Visions.

By providing the most caring and effective service available in the Real Estate industry today, she and her partners offer Peace of Mind to their clients.

Quote of the Month

Two things a person should never be angry at:

what they can help, and what they cannot help…

-Thomas Fuller

Take care,

Mario A. Morales

Founder/Executive Director

Kirkland Business Association.