Networking for Dummies

In our last ABRA Business Booster, we discussed a few of the various reasons why, as a Professional of any business or service, it is so important to be attending networking events. Whenever I discuss this topic with fellow business professionals, I generally see the nod of consensus that says "yes, I agree". Unfortunately, not many of those nodding are also attending those networking events. Why? Take out a piece of paper, and I'm sure we could each make a list of excuses, aka "reasons" why we don't.

Networking and the growth of your business are almost always paired in a direct correlation to one another. I say almost always, because the manner in which you attend and get involved is what makes the difference. I have often run across individuals that have told me that they "just don't get Networking" or that "networking just is a waste of time" for them. (Perhaps you're one of them?) Here are my main-stay questions that have to be asked in turn:

1. Are you running around collecting business cards only quickly add them to your mass emailing system and then straight into your junk drawer OR are you taking the time to write notes about the conversations you had with the potential contacts you made and then following up with a personal email, letter or phone call?
2. Are you taking the time to meet face to face with the contacts you make? and
3. Are you showing up and getting involved in the party or do you bee line to the bar and stand in corner waiting for someone to come talk to you and really wishing you had just gone straight home?

The "bottom line" to networking is this: Personal follow up is crucial to making networking work and turn into revenue. Taking an hour or two each week to meet with the people you met at an event could turn into countless business and a fantastic relationship down the road, but you'll only reach that point if you're willing to do what it takes. Sometimes it may mean an extra hour in the morning or evening devoted to finding the right events for your industry, but they do exist, and they do work if utilized efficiently. If you feel intimidated by a crowd- fake it! No one but you knows if you're nervous so just "fake it 'till you make it" and eventually speaking with strangers will become a breeze.

So, here is my version of networking for dummies:

• Be personable, not annoying.
• Be a person, not a template.
• Be more interested, than just interesting. After all, lets face it; some of us just aren't talkative or interesting people. HOWEVER, what we DO might be interesting and important to someone who needs your services if you just take the time to listen to their individual needs.
  

The quote "Wherever you are, there you are," carries over every part of life. So if you decide to go to a Networking event, BE THERE! That means get out to your meetings, events, and workshops with 110% energy, enthusiasm and ready to rock it. Successful professionals everywhere are waiting to meet you!

San Diego County Personal & Business Development Workshop

The San Diego ABRA District will be presenting an informative and interactive workshop to help local professionals master the fundamentals needed to develop their business and reach their goals. Jack Cohen of KPI Dynamics, LLC. and Jeff Klubek of Get A Klu, Inc. will be teaming up to present "Expanding Self & Business" Thursday August 6, 2009 at The Del Mar Marriott. This event will start promply at 6pm, and is open to ABRA Members and non-member professionals from the community. For more information and to register for this event, click to visit our ABRA Workshops page today!

We look forward to seeing you there!

Seats are limited, so we highly suggest that you RSVP in advance.

Between a Rock and a Hard Place

As the numbers of independent professionals and companies continue to face the "Boom or Bust" decision board, the options and abilities for choosing to grow rather than bust may seen increasingly rare. However, the option are out there for those willing to put in the necessary amount of time and effort that goes along with the changing economy . Unfortunately, a lot of professionals just don't seem to be willing to adapt to these changes. Over the past few months we've seen countless numbers of feedback groups and blogs that seem to speak nothing but doom to up-and-coming business professionals.

At ABRA, we'd like to proudly state that we disagree. No, good things DON'T often come to those that just sit back and wait. However, they will and DO come to those that are willing to stick it out and go after them even when it means going outside of their traditional comfort zone. Instead of complaining about the rock in front of you and the wall beside you, why not use the two to step up and climb on out of your uncomfortable position?

Get with the times. Gone are the days when having a sign out front and advertising in the yellow pages was actually enough to bring you business. If you're not on the internet or using some form of social marketing, you're walking straight to financial extinction. Instead of complaining that you hate the computer, find your local community college or small business association and sign up for their next social media class (or whatever else you know you need to learn about for that matter). These classes are inexpensive and fit in both the time and financial budget of almost any busy professional. Today's marketing trends are not as hard as they may seem as long as you know what you're doing!

Get with the community. If you're already on board with ABRA, you've got a let up on this one. If you're not, find your nearest open chapter at The Official ABRA Website and then go join a local social, fitness, or non-profit group that suits your interests and passion. If you want the community to support you, you need to be supporting it. The best things come to those that give, and if you're passionate about it, the experience will be even better.

For additional tips on how to get out of your latest business obstacle course, check out our next issue of ABRA Updates Monthly, or contact us to learn more!

A Tweet of Thanks

We'd like to send out a huge "Thanks!" to all who presented and attended last night's ABRA Regional Workshop in San Diego. The night was packed full of ready-to-use information thanks to the generous wealth of knowledge shared by Chris Husong of Real Voice Media. If you were among those of us that attended, you've probably already started trying out his tips and ideas. (I know I have!) We also know you may have thought of a few more questions in the meantime. Don't worry though, you can still have them answered!

In case you missed the ABRA workshop, have more questions, or want to get more in depth about how to use social media to spread the word about your business, here's your chance: Real Voice Media has an upcoming 2 Day Social Media 101 Workshop taking place June 9th and 16th. For more information about this workshop, please contact them at Melissa@RealVoiceMedia.com or by calling 858.361.2139.

Thanks again, and happy blogging!

San Diego Regional Business Development Workshop: Social Media

The San Diego Region of the Affinity Business Referral Association extends a warm welcome to all area professionals seeking to learn more about Social Media. Their upcoming June Business Development Night entitled "Social Media Workshop: You're Almost An Expert" will be presented in conjunction with Real Voice Media of San Diego. This event will take place Wednesday June 3, 2009 from 6:00pm-8:00pm and will provide today's professional a straightforward workshop about various current social media platforms such as Twitter, Flickr, Facebook and more, and how to easily put them to work for your business.

For additional information and to reserve a seat at this event please visit the ABRA Workshops Page at https://goabra.com/WorkshopRegister.aspx

Denver Area ABRA Up and Running

Thursday May 11th, 2009 marked the kick off of the Denver-Cherry Creek Region ABRA Chapters. Regional Assistant Stephanie Berlin and Denver chapter President Brett Story welcomed interested professionals during their Networking Mixer held at Dougherty's which proved to be both informative and entertaining for guests until late in the night.

The Denver-Cherry Creek ABRA Chapter will be meeting every other Thursday afternoon from 1:30-3:00pm. For more information about this growing chapter, or to learn more about the ABRA Networking groups in your area, please contact us today!

http://www.goabra.com/Chapter.aspx?NetworkingGroup=denver-cherrycreek

The ABRA Networking Groups Blogspot

Welcome to our ABRA Networking Group Blog! If you're like most people, you're first question was probably, "How do you say that? Like Abra-Cadabra?" Exactly. Hence, why we believe we help professionals like you to make referral magic! To answer your next question, we are
ABRA | The Affinity Business Referral Association.

ABRA generates quality client referrals for sales professionals and business owners from various industries with a balance of innovative technology and traditional word-of-mouth networking events in local communities. As a member of ABRA, you’ll benefit from our innovative technology to support your business and local chapter. We offer exclusive chapter websites for members to post their profile, exchange referrals, articles, promotions and more! Members have the opportunity to view their Return on Investment (ROI) from their membership. ABRA is proud to be the first Referral Association in the U.S. to offer the 24/7 Referral Engine and also allow all members to opt in on receiving referral notifications via text message.

Check out the links to the right for additional details about our organization on our main website, www.GoABRA.com. On this blog, we hope to keep you updated with some of the latest developments, events, and newsletter features from ABRA. We welcome you to contact us with your thoughts, comments and questions. At ABRA, we believe that you are more than just another business card. Isn't it time a networking group start treating you like it? Our teams are located throughout the U.S., and we invite you to visit and find out the ABRA difference for yourself!

Thanks for your interest! We look forward to meeting with you soon!