Better Business Networking – Part II

By Peter Biadasz
Southern Plains Bureau Chief
(Missouri, Arkensas, Louisiana, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Colorado, New Mexico)

In March of this year I reported to you about a great monthly networking function in Colorado Springs, Colorado called BUZZ WITH THE B’S, hosted by the local Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Business Network International (BNI). I am happy to report that in July I was not only able to attend this great function, but was also the featured speaker, presenting my Networking 101 speech. A fun and informative time was had by all.

To remember all of the background information on the BBB and BNI I refer you to the March article. For current insights read on.

BUZZ WITH THE B’S is held the Second Friday of every month from 7:15 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. The meeting is in a great setting, a golf clubhouse, with large windows overlooking a golf course with the mountains in the background. I will admit that while I am partial to the ocean, but this is a beautiful setting. I arrived early to set-up my books and other speaking items and found everyone very friendly and helpful. I point this out, because amazingly, there are venues I speak at in which the people are not friendly and helpful. This always puzzles me, especially in networking settings.

Diane Stevens, Director of the BBB Foundation, not only made me feel right at home, but clearly demonstrated that she runs a very well organized event. No detail was overlooked. I cannot thank her, her staff, and the meeting attendees for their hospitality and professionalism. What a great group of people.

Networking began at 7:30 am as everyone ate a buffet style hot breakfast. You could tell by the volume level of conversation that there were some great networking connections being made or strengthened. Diane then introduced a group member who gave a very good 15 minute presentation to highlight their business. Then Diane introduced me as Southern Plains Bureau Chief from The National Networker/Author/Speaker, and I presented my Networking 101 speech, complete with trumpet. The audience was very attentive and receptive. They took a lot of notes, always a good sign, and asked some great questions.

Then we had some real fun as everyone gave their 30 second commercials. During my presentation I have a section on how to give your most effective 30 second commercial, also known as a elevator speech. Well, it was obvious that some people not only took good notes, but re-wrote their commercial on the spot. I witnessed some very entertaining and informative commercials. This is obviously not a shy group. Even the first timers presented like experienced networkers. Lots of laughing too!

Many times I gauge the success of a network meeting by how many people either stay and network after the meeting is dismissed or by how many people make networking appointments with each other after the meeting. At the conclusion of BUZZ WITH THE B’S networking continued for over 30 minutes.

In talking recently with Diane she noted to me that in subsequent meetings the quality of both the 30 second commercials and networking have increased. Additionally, the group is getting bigger. Outgrowing their current location is a problem many networking groups would like to have.

I will be speaking to BUZZ WITH THE B’S again in May of 2009. Maybe I will see you there.

For additional information on how you can participate in this as well as other networking activities of the Better Business Bureau of Southern Colorado feel free to visit www.bbbsc.org. No matter where you live, visit your local BBB to learn is how it is promoting networking in your community.
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Better Business Networking – Part II

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New England 2-1-1 Call Centers have now Expanded to include New Hampshire

By Noelle Southwick
New England Bureau Chief
(Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut)

I visited Hampton Beach this summer and learned that Hampton Beach, NH received acknowledgment as one of the cleanest beaches, with highest water quality in the United States. Hampton Beach, NH was one of only 3 beaches given 5-star ratings in the 2008 National Resources Defense Council report.

I also learned about a great networking resource now available in New Hampshire. It is the Dial 2-1-1 NH Call Center. 2-1-1 offers person-to-person assistance to find services and support groups that are available in New Hampshire. The New Hampshire Call Center accessed by dialing 2-1-1 is a connection to thousands of resources. Its mission is to strengthen the way people access help & engage in civil life.

When I called the 2-1-1 NH Call Center I found their Referral Specialist to be very helpful & thoughtful about what services could support me in finding networks.

As a businesses owner the referral specialist offered me the numbers for Small Business Development Center 603-358-2602 and the Small Business Administration 603-225-1400. She asked for my location to be able to offer specific support groups and community services in my local area. The Call Center can help a business owner locate local Chamber of Commerce, business consulting organizations, business assistance centers, community economic development centers, local licensing requirements and much more.

If you are looking to network into career organizations they can help with that as well. Employment resources, career development, career counseling and education organizations are all part of the resources in the 2-1-1 database. They can also help direct employers who are looking to fill jobs to needed resources.

If you are new to New Hampshire the NH Call Center can offer support in finding local child care, parenting groups, library resources, community health centers and other resources a newcomer may need. The Call Center can also offer organizations that can assist individuals and family who need financial support.

The 2-1-1 Call Center is part of a national initiative. United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta launched the first 2-1-1 call Center in 1997, and the service is now available in 41 states. Each of the New England states has a 2-1-1 Call Center that is available statewide.

The NH service was officially launched in June 2008. Currently they handle just under 600 calls a month however, those numbers are expected to double by winter as more residents become aware of the service. Currently Maine, which has been available for 3 years, handles about 3600 calls a month & Heather Aicholtz, Director 2-1-1 NH Call Center, expects their monthly number to soon be in that range as well.

Ms Aicholtz also pointed out that the Call Center can direct people who are interested in giving back. The Call Center can offer a variety of volunteer opportunities if an individual or a business is looking for ways to contribute to their local community.

Ms Aicholtz reminds people 2-1-1 is a free and confidential service. She says they will help you find anything you are looking for, “Give us a call.”.

When I asked Heather Aicholtz if she had anything else to add about networking she said “we wouldn’t even be here if it wasn’t for the networking ability of the United Way and their relationship with the Public Service Company of New Hampshire. They are providing us support with the space to operate, technology and IT support.” She added that it was a collaborative effort that brought 2-1-1 together.

I did find it easier to locate the resources related to networking by calling the toll free number rather than searching on-line. The people I spoke with at the call center have all been extremely personable & caring.

If you are looking for resources in New Hampshire contact 2-1-1 NH toll-free by dialing 2-1-1 in state or 1-866-444-4211 from out of state. Access their resources on-line at http://www.211nh.org/ or the national site for access to the service in any of the New England states at http://www.211.org/.

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New England 2-1-1 Call Centers have now Expanded to include New Hampshire