U.S., HAWAII: Six ways to bomb during your networking effort

By Danielle Lum

U.S., Hawaii Bureau Chief

I had the pleasure of hearing Dr. Ivan Misner speak at a special event for BNI members in Hawaii. If you ever get the opportunity to hear him, jump at it. He is a fantastic speaker. He peppers his talk with anecdotes, examples, and live demonstrations to keep the mood upbeat and the audience energized. He was even undaunted and unfazed by two (not just one!) fire alarms during his hour-long talk. To top it off, he leaves the audience with very solid information that you can use pretty much right away.

His talk centered on his new book, “The 29% Solution,” and he gave the audience many different -- and easy to implement -- tools and tips on how they could become better networkers. If you want to know some of his tips, pick up the book, go read his blog, his Web site, or his article in The National Networker, or attend one of his speaking engagements.

What I want to focus on in this article is the networking event that surrounded Dr. Misner’s speech. It being a BNI event, naturally there were a couple of hours before and after the talk specifically dedicated to networking.

And there was a lot of networking going on. The room was loud, with many people talking, laughing, and doing what they came to do: networking. There were many connections being made that evening.

And while there were so many people doing things right, there were a few who could use a refresher course in Networking 101. So I thought it would be fun and different to do a list of things I observed during the networking portion of the meeting that are perfect ways NOT to be an effective networker:

1. Hang out only with the people you know...either from your chapter or your company. It’s natural for people to want to be with the people they know. I know this from experience. I’m shy so I prefer to be with the people I know because it is comfortable and safe. Others justify that they don’t get to hang out with their friends from work or from BNI, so something like this is a good time to catch up. My advice is simple: Make a date with them to socialize later. Networking time is work time. 

   
   
2. Don’t bring business cards. Common mistake, and I’m sure it’s happened to all of us at some point or another. I saw it quite a bit at this event, though, so be aware and prepare.

   
   
   
3. Don’t wear a name tag. The corollary to this that the name on your name tag be so hard to read that people need a magnifying lens to see it. BNI provides plastic name tags that are the size of a business card. People put their business cards in them, thinking that their name, company, and phone number information is now available if someone wants it. Wrong! I saw people squinting to see the names in 12-point type. Your name tag is your calling card when meeting someone for the first time. So your name should be easy to read from at least five feet. So if you really want to use the BNI name tag holder, create a special insert that has your name in large, easy to read letters. 

   
   
   
4. Arrive to the event late. This is self explanatory. You can’t network if you’re not there.
   
   

5. Spend your time outside the room. This is a corollary to #4. Again, you can’t network if you’re not there. Besides, you made your way to the event, on time, why not go inside the room and meet people? 

   
   
   
6. Spend the whole networking time standing in line for food. The line for hors d'oeuvres was poorly thought out by the hotel staff so the line snaked across the room. Yet people insisted on standing in line for food, bypassing an opportunity to network with anyone other than those standing directly around them. Is there another way? Can you eat and network at the same time? Yes. Wait for the line to get shorter. Keep an eye on it and when it’s reasonable and there is a break in the networking action, excuse yourself (if need be), and step away. 


In all, the Ivan Misner event was excellent. The speaker was second to none and the energy and excitement in the room was unparalleled. If Dr. Misner ever stops in your city, be sure to attend. And be pack your best networking skills when you go.



Danielle Lum is the president of NK Design, Inc., a public relations, advertising, and marketing company in Honolulu. A boutique agency, NK Design specializes in assisting small and new businesses to create memorable message strategies and reach potential customers.

Learn more about Danielle and NK Design:

http://nkdesignhawaii.com/
http://www.linkedin.com/in/nkdesign
http://prponderings.blogspot.com/

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Posted to THE NATIONAL NETWORKER. To subscribe for your free newsletter, go to www.TheNationalNetworker.com. For the complete National Networker Relationship Capital Toolkit and a free, continuous RSS feed (available either by traditional RSS or by direct email), go to: http://thenationalnetworkerweblog.blogspot.com. You are also invited to click our buttons:


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U.S., HAWAII: Six ways to bomb during your networking effort

TNNW, December, 2008, Week 3: "'Tis the Season"

By Adam J. Kovitz
CEO, Founder & Publisher

OK...we know it's been a challenging year economically and things have seemed to be gloomy and dark, yet we are now knee-deep into "Holiday Season". This time of year, despite the "darkness" around us, we find ways to create light wherever possible, hence the various "festivals of light" all over the globe. This is the time of year where we do our best to think of others. If you work in a more corporate setting, you might be delighted to find people behaving a bit more civil despite month-end/year-end pressures. You may find holiday parties and folks bringing in cookies, cakes and other "goodies". In a smaller, more non-corporate setting, you might be getting deluged with holiday cards from friends, family and business acquaintances.

This is the time of year when people turn to giving to those in their networks. It's a great way to show appreciation and continue to build relationship capital amongst those most important to us. So as the festivities begin I wanted to personally wish all our subscribers, our writers and everyone else reading this a wonderful, joyous Holiday Season!

Moving on...

To reiterate last week's note to you, TNNW is undergoing some significant and exciting changes for 2009...

Membership

TNNW is available and will continue to be absolutely no-charge. Starting in 2009, however, TNNW will be offering a yearly membership, which will be a nominal yearly fee - $18/year for an individual membership and $30/year for corporate members. While membership is optional, you will want to join right away (call it our "offer you can't refuse"), as it will include access to members-only services which you won't find anywhere else, including:

1.) Press release, publicity and public relations services - imagine sending up to three of your own press releases to over 20 premium newswire services with an aggregate of over 25,000 national and international publications (online and traditional) all for less than $100/month.

2.) Webinar and broadcast programs - produce your own fee-based webinars!

3.) Custom text messaging programs

4.) Trade and non-bank financing for growing businesses

5.) Post up to one event per week on the TNNW calendar at no additional charge

Plus many more to follow...

We have spent the past several years building a network like no other...membership in TNNW will grant to access to this network and open a whole new door of possibilities to you and/or your business!

Stay tuned for more.

Surveys and Polls

Yes...you've been making your voice known to us! Now you can do it even better with our new site devoted to letting us know what's on your mind. We will also be making your collective opinions be known. Click here to find out more.

New Delivery Options

You mean I can get TNNW articles emailed to me? I can listen to them on the web? I can put all the TNNW articles (and then some) up on to my own website or blog? Click here to find out how!

TNNW Calendar

We have a new calendar and it's open to you! To post your event, send it to info@thenationalnetworker.com (being certain to write "TNNW Calendar" in the subject line of yourmessage). The one-time service fee for posting an event is $5.00, but Members may post one event per week at no charge.

As always, I look forward to networking with you!

- Adam
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Posted to THE NATIONAL NETWORKER. To subscribe for your free newsletter, go to www.TheNationalNetworker.com. For the complete National Networker Relationship Capital Toolkit and a free RSS feed, go to: http://thenationalnetworkerweblog.blogspot.com.
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TNNW, December, 2008, Week 3: "'Tis the Season"

Promote Yourself Through Captive Audiences

By Danielle Lum

Hawaii Bureau Chief

The economy is hitting many below the belt. A number of my clients have had to tighten up the bottom line and have asked me to fashion public relations plans out of shoestring and no-string budgets.

My goal for clients is usually the same: increase the public profile of the company or individual. How we go about attaining that is different for each client and depends on a number of factors.

So the present dilemma is this: How to increase public profile without spending a lot of money.

It's not a hard question, actually. The answer is one that effective networkers should also be considering and pursuing.

Speaking engagements.

Speaking engagements are wonderful opportunities:

• You can showcase who you are and what you do. You're in the spotlight the whole time.
• You have more than 60 seconds to explain why you are an expert in your field.
• You have more than 60 seconds (usually between 10 - 20 minutes actually) to create a connection.
• You have a captive audience that is hanging on your every word, waiting for you to share nuggets of wisdom
• It's low cost - maybe even free if the organization you're speaking to picks up the cost of your lunch or conference fee

Go. Do. Don't Come Back Undone

The mere mention of public speaking can make even the most confident person break into a cold sweat. In fact, a great majority list public speaking as their number one fear -- ahead of dying.

Don't let this deter you! The benefits of speaking engagement s are limitless and, well, no one has ever died from speaking in public. None that were recorded anyway.

Booking a speaking engagement is often easier said than done. Most organizations won't schedule a speaker unless s/he has something -- information, wisdom, etc. -- to offer their members. And the bigger groups won't book you without knowing that you will do a good job and not bore their members to tears.

So you need to create a track record. First thing you need to do is to figure out the topics about which you can speak. Make a list. Which of those topics can you expound on for 10 minutes? Which of those topics will be exciting and interesting to others? Put those at the top of the list. Look for different and new angles to topics that others have already covered.

Once you have your topics set, make a list of the organizations in your area. Look for organizations that have interests similar to those about which you can speak. For example if you are a massage therapist with an expertise in ergonomics, consider groups whose members are human resource managers or business owners. These people will want to hear you so they can pass the information to their employees. They might even hire you to talk directly to their employees.

Now you have your topics and your target organizations. Make your calls. Sell yourself. Get booked!

Prepare for negative responses. And definitely keep going because someone will want to hear you or give you a chance. Stay positive!

Along the way, practice, practice, practice.

When you think you know your presentation, practice it again. Practice until you feel comfortable and the presentation is second nature to you. Solicit your friends and family to serve as surrogate audience. Ask for their critiques to help you improve.

When you do get a booking - and you will get a booking - remember that the audience is captive. You want to make a good impression and boring them to tears is not the best way. Instead, wow them with your brilliance, your confidence, and your ability to connect.

One last tip

Be sure to bring business cards and a flyer/brochure about your business. I've attended many luncheons where the speaker doesn't leave way to contact him/her after the day is done. Talk about missed opportunities!

Instead, be sure to bring a "leave behind." Something your audience members can take with them to remind themselves about how much they enjoyed listening to you and how much valuable information they learned. And, most of all, give them a way to contact you to book you for something else, purchase your services or your product, or just create a deeper connection with you.

Happy speaking!

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Posted to THE NATIONAL NETWORKER. To subscribe for your free newsletter, go to www.TheNationalNetworker.com. For the complete National Networker Relationship Capital Toolkit and a free RSS feed, go to: http://thenationalnetworkerweblog.blogspot.com.
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Promote Yourself Through Captive Audiences

Something Novel for Busy Networkers

By Danielle Lum

Hawaii Bureau Chief

We are busy people. We work. We raise families. We participate in hobbies. We coach teams. We run businesses. We volunteer. We go to church. We make a difference. We cram so much into a day that were nearly exhausted as we collapse into bed to prepare our bodies for the next day.

It’s no wonder that businesses and activities that save us time are so successful. Things like fast food restaurants, 30-minute fitness, instant printing, 1 hour picture developing, and 60-minute dry cleaning. We even have speed dating for the single person who wants to find a mate but can’t take he time to go on actual dates.

Tammy Chang, an officer of the Hawaii Chapter American Marketing Association, was brainstorming ideas for chapter gatherings one day and did what great marketers tend to do: she put a fresh spin on an existing idea.

So move over speed dating. There is something new for networkers. Are you ready for Speed Networking?

Setting Up

In speed dating, one gender sits in the inside of tables arranged in a circle. The other gender sits in chairs on the outside of the circle. They sit in pairs as they talk for a specified time, with the goal of exchanging enough information to determine whether there is potential for a love connection.

At the end of the allotted time, a bell rings and the gender on the outside of the circle rotates clockwise to meet another potential love connection.

Speed Networking

The AMA Speed Networking event was similarly set up, with a small modification. Those who sat in the “inner circle” were selected by random drawing of business cards from a hat as opposed to gender.

Pairs sat for three minutes (a bell ringing at the halfway point to remind participants to let the other person talk, too), then rotated.

There was only one glitch: The people on the outside were never paired with each other, ditto for those on the inside. It was a minor problem that will, no doubt, be corrected next time.

After a full rotation through the circle, those on the inside chose a business card from those remaining in the hat. They then introduced the person whose card they selected. And here is where there was definite room for improvement.

Most couldn’t introduce the person they selected. Not well anyway. They stumbled and fumbled and eventually the person being introduced was allowed to assist by introducing himself or herself to the group. The whole process was a bit clumsy and could mean a couple of things:

1.) They weren’t listening during the other person’s 90 seconds

2.) The 90 second introductions weren’t memorable enough

3.) They have poor memory and recall skills

4.) They didn’t know they would be tested and froze up!

Lessons Learned

Speed Networking is a novel approach to the (yawn) standard network mixer. Attendees will certainly remember it as an exciting new method of connecting with others and learning their businesses.

At the end of the event it was a great way for a networker who faces a busy day of raising a family, saving the world, and making a difference to remember two things:

1.) Our sixty-second elevator spiel must be memorable (practice, practice, practice!); and

2.) Making connections requires a healthy dose of listening. It’s often said that we have two ears and one mouth and should use them proportionately. It’s sage advice, indeed.

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Something Novel for Busy Networkers

Mrs. Mo's Networking

Cyberian's Note: For our many readers in the Princeton, New Jersey area, here's a "great blog about stuff".
-Wdk

Mrs. Mo's New Jersey

Fashion, Food, and Fun. All things New Jersey...and more!

This past week or so I've let up on the daily blogging. Partly because we are switching from Verizon to the Comcast Triple Play and haven't had Internet for a few days (I am at the library now on my new laptop). I've also had a less than exciting few weeks giving me even less to blog about.

Rob and I are in major money saving mode right now. Since I am not working full-time in the fall and have yet to pick up tutoring clients, our savings are in top priority right now. Normally, I'd be out and about, scoping out new places to eat and widow shopping. But all of that is too hard, especially when I can't spend the money. I am hoping that once school is back in session, parents will also want to get a jump-start on their children's success and give me a call! I'm also at work thinking of low cost ways to advertise my tutoring services.

I have put business cards up at whatever supermarkets allow it. I have been in touch with the private school heads in the Princeton area. I have an ad in St. Paul's Roman Catholic Church bulletin in Princeton. I even sent out 15 flyers to random professionals in the area: Lawyers, realtors, wedding planners, CPAs, etc. My next step is Direct Mailing. I know you have to spend money to make money, but I'm hesitant to dish out $300 for mailing addresses. However, the benefit of direct mailing is exactly what it sounds like. I can send flyers directly to the homes of families with students in the age range I want to work with. If I were to use this service, I can send out a flyer when the first round of grades go out and then again at the holiday break. Private schools get 2 weeks off and you know parents want to keep their kids busy, especially if grades are low. I definitely have my work cut out for me. I just hope it's not gong to be as hard as what it seems now. I hope that once the school year starts, I will start to get calls. I realize that's a passive approach, but it's one way. Another way is networking, which unfortunately, require more money.

My husband belongs to an international networking group called BNI (Business Networking International). It's actually THE largest networking organization in the world. There are numerous groups here in the Princeton area and there are a plethora of professionals who are members: lawyers, accountants, insurance reps, realtors, painters, electricians, chiropractors, etc). I have visited with Rob a few times and tried out a soon to be chartered group based out of Robbinsville. The group has many benefits and is a great way to pass your business around. Our chiropractor, Allison Scharf, is a fellow member. I can definitely get a lot out of joining, but the only problem now is the money. All groups have a member fee and right now, I need to save my money. Maybe in a few months, if business is building. But if you are someone who can afford the opportunity, look into at least visiting a chapter in your area. Networking never hurt anyone.

In addition to networking myself, I'm also busy working on ways to network my husband. Call it PR practice. He's trying to market his specialty: Estate Planning, Wills and Trusts. With my 2 semesters of "Writing for the Media" at Rider, I have some tools to help him with press releases, brochures, and the like. In addition to working for Rob and I am also busy planning events for the Bucknell Club and doing volunteer research for the Morven Museum 4th of July party in 2008. I have a lot of my plate, but very little movement at the moment. Summers are definitely slow, but I'm trying to get moving on my new career and waiting is not my forte.

So, going back to my original point of the post. Since I am in budget mode right now, my posts will have to take a little break. My ideal situation would be that I get a part-time job blogging for a local publication where I have to shop or eat or whatnot and then get reimbursed for my services. That would be great! So hey, if you're reading this and can help me out...pass me along! Hook me up! Or just wish me luck!
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Mrs. Mo's Networking

First International Real Estate Blogging Initiative, From PR Web

Blogging Systems Group, Leading Provider of Blogs and Social Networking Technology to the Real Estate Industry Partners to Create the First International Real Estate Blogging Initiative

In a first-of-its-kind approach, Blogging Systems Helps Buy Property In Israel provide real estate blogs, social media lead generation features and MLS-like listing tools to real estate professionals in Israel.

Princeton Junction, NJ (PRWEB) August 23, 2007 -- www.bloggingsystems.com - Blogging Systems Group, the leading provider of blogs and social networking technology, has partnered with Buy Property In Israel (BPII) to offer blogs, social networking and MLS-like tools to the Israel real estate industry.

Blogging Systems, led by founder and CEO Richard Nacht, offers a unique technology platform that includes a variety of blog and social networking tools enabling real estate professionals to communicate directly and personally with customers, prospects, employees, and website visitors.

We are dedicated to helping real estate professionals world-wide realize the potential and power of blogging for lead generation, search engine optimization and community building.

With their new partnership, Buy Property In Israel has exclusive rights to sell Blogging Systems' blogging platforms in Israel to the real estate industry.

BPII is the leading website about all things related to buying property in Israel. BPII helps put buyers around the world directly in touch with Real Estate Agents in Israel.

"Blogging Systems is excited to partner with BPII creating the first push to integrate blogging into overseas real estate," said Nacht. "We are dedicated to helping real estate professionals world-wide realize the potential and power of blogging for lead generation, search engine optimization and community building."

Blogging Systems and BPII are working together to offer the Israel real estate industry the following blogging platforms:

• Single agent blog sites
• Lead capture and listing features
• Enterprise blogs & social networking platforms
• Company blogs
• Intranets

"Blogging Systems' unique blog and social networking technology allows Buy Property In Israel participating real estate professionals to reach out and engage with potential buyers," said Lyle Plocher, Director of Buy Property in Israel. "We are excited to offer agents a platform in which they can create a unique blog, post property listings and generate inquiries from interested buyers."

Interested agents have the exclusive opportunity to be one of the first agents to launch a blog in partnership with Buy Property In Israel. Contact Lyle Plocher at 1+602-373-3725 today.

Others interested in launching a blog for their overseas real estate initiatives outside of Israel, please contact Richard Nacht, at 1+609-203-3300.

About Buy Property in Israel
Buy Property In Israel was conceived and founded by Lyle Plocher, a U.S. Resident and Real Estate Broker. His desire to see people outside of Israel have information about purchasing property in Israel and access to actual Real Estate Listings in Israel was the driving force behind this website. Think of Lyle and Buy Property In Israel as matchmakers putting buyers around the world directly in touch with Real Estate Agents in Israel.

Lyle is the owner and Designated Broker of Urban Connection Realty in Phoenix, Arizona and is also an Associate Broker with Venice Properties in Venice, California. In addition, Lyle has earned the designation of "Certified International Property Specialist" from the National Association of Realtors in the U.S. During Lyle's visits to Israel, he has traveled throughout the country and met personally with many of the Agents whose Listings appear on this site. If you have any questions or comments about the site or about buying property in Israel, those are always welcome. You can reach Lyle by e-mail at lyle(at)buypropertyinisrael.com or by phone at 602 373 3725 in the U.S.

About Blogging Systems
Blogging Systems provides blog and social networking platforms that produce a low-cost, high results tool for Community networking (both offline and on the internet), effective communication and collaboration, competitive marketing, lead generation, sales and customer relations.

Blogging Systems provides turn-key blog and social networks which are the ultimate communication, collaboration and marketing tools. Ours is a "soup to nuts" approach with experienced blog and social networking professionals who guide clients through the process step-by-step. Not only do we provide the most robust blog and social networking platform on the market today, we back it up with training and technical support. Clients receive a turn-key system and the training and knowledge needed to use it as a complete marketing system.

For more information about how to add a blog to your real estate marketing tools, visit: www.BloggingSystems.com or call: 800-985-BLOG (800-985-2564).

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First International Real Estate Blogging Initiative, From PR Web