How do you go from corporate marketing to answering a challenge to face paint your own face every day for a year? Join Greg as he chats with Diane Spadola, Connext Nation graduate and Chief Encouragement Officer. Along the way, we find out about her double pandemic pivot and her one-sentence/one-paragraph relationship marketing plan.

Resources:

- Website: https://www.accelerateyoursuccessprogram.com

Also Mentioned:

- New Jersey Women’s Business Owners, https://www.linkedin.com/company/njawbo/

Comments:

https://www.facebook.com/TheReluctantNetworker/

https://www.facebook.com/connextnation/

Listen for:

[1:50] The double pandemic pivot

[4:10] Diane’s extreme face-painting marketing challenge

[6:00] One sentence and one paragraph marketing

[7:40] Who does she serve and how can she help?

[9:30] Her goal to be a professional volunteer

[12:30] The Director of Fun Programming

[13:25] When networking came to the rescue

[16:10] How she became a great networker

[18:00] The groups that she attends

[23:20] Where she’s going next and resources she offers

[27:50] One piece of advice

More Information:

If you'd like more information about our virtual training programs, go to: https://www.connextnation.com/mini-course/

"Porch Swing Days - faster" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

It’s good to know where you stand in each of your networking relationships. Equally important, though, is to know what to do with that information. One of the biggest challenges we face in networking is in asking too much of our connections. Join Greg and Debby as they discuss what you can ask at each level of the relationship without worrying about burning that connection.

Mentioned in this Episode:

- Tonya Peto, Marketing Strategist, Mimi Vanderhaven, https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonyapeto/

Resources:

- 21-21-21 Networking Training: "The ART of Relationship Measurement", https://www.linkedin.com/events/21-21-21networking-theartofrela6760312213916975104/

Comments:

https://www.facebook.com/TheReluctantNetworker/

https://www.facebook.com/connextnation/

Listen for:

[2:15] The ART of Networking refresher

[5:30] The technical term for jumping the levels of a relationship

[10:30] What can you ask at the “A” or Awareness level?

[12:05] What about at the R(a) or Early Relating phase?

[14:05] At R(b) or Middle Relating stage, sharing information and expertise is the name of the game.

[16:45] High-level Relating (R(c)) means actively helping each other

[18:45] The Ickiness Factor

[19:45] The Transitive Property of networking relationships

More Information:

If you'd like more information about our virtual training programs, go to: https://www.connextnation.com/mini-course/

"Porch Swing Days - faster" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

We have been so inundated with advertising in our everyday lives that it’s hard to avoid the feeling that every contact is someone who wants something from us. How do we get past this mental barrier when we are the ones reaching out to network? Join Greg and Debby as they talk about the techniques they’ve found to get past the “cold call” wall.

Thank you to ConvoSparkers:

- Linda Sattler, Dungeon Momster, https://www.linkedin.com/in/linda-sattler-ph-d-23972b61/

Also Mentioned:

- Joe Marr, Sandler Training – Ann Arbor, https://www.linkedin.com/in/marrsales/

Resources:

- Third Generation Networking Podcast, EpisodeXX, “How to give better referrals”

Comments:

https://www.facebook.com/TheReluctantNetworker/

https://www.facebook.com/connextnation/

Listen for:

[0:10] Greg blows the intro.

[5:05] Instead of saying you can help, ask if they can help.

[7:50] Research leaders of organization to see if you (or someone you know) already knows them.

[10:20] Have resources that might be of value that you can share.

[12:55] Seek to be of service before you sell.

More Information:

If you'd like more information about our virtual training programs, go to: https://www.connextnation.com/mini-course/

"Porch Swing Days - faster" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

We’ve been doing this remote networking thing for almost a year now. With an abundance of caution for many of us, this means Zoom events, Zoom coffees, and Zoom conferences. Once you have the technology in place, how do you make sure the networking is still working? Join Greg and Debby as they discuss the techniques that have been working well for them.

Mentioned in this edpisode:

- Steve Hopingardner, Business Owner at The Exercise Coach®, https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevehopingardner/

Resources:

- Connext Nation Mini Class, https://www.connextnation.com/mini-course/

Comments:

https://www.facebook.com/TheReluctantNetworker/

https://www.facebook.com/connextnation/

Listen for:

[5:00] Boost the level of engagement in your existing groups.

[8:00] Use the chat box more than you think you need to.

[9:00] Follow up with those who you meet and with those who aren’t there.

[11:20] Join the committees that are still meeting.

[13:45] Donate a door prize.

[17:00] Fully participate in the virtual event.

[19:40] Save the chat box transcript for later.

More Information:

If you'd like more information about our virtual training programs, go to: https://www.connextnation.com/mini-course/

"Porch Swing Days - faster" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Serendipitous referrals can be a wonderful surprise. Unfortunately, you can’t count on them to be there every week or month over the course of the year. How can you eliminate the unreliable results from everyday run-of-the-mill networking? Referral Teammates!

Join Debby and Greg as they talk about these valuable members of your network, what qualities to consider in such a close relationship, and how to develop them.

Mentioned in this episode:

- Phil Rudolph, Vice President Business Development at Rudolph Libbe Group, https://www.linkedin.com/in/philip-rudolph-jr-86320610/

Resources:

- Connext Nation Referral Pursuit: https://www.connextnation.com/referral-pursuit/

Comments:

https://www.facebook.com/TheReluctantNetworker/

https://www.facebook.com/connextnation/

Listen for:

[3:50] The difference between a referral source and a referral teammate.

[5:15] What kind of commitment is involved?

[9:57] How do you propose a referral teammate relationship?

[14:45] Qualities of a good referral teammate

[17:30] Why this all makes sense

More Information:

If you'd like more information about our virtual training programs, go to: https://www.connextnation.com/mini-course/

"Porch Swing Days - faster" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

The members of your network range from your newest acquaintances to those whom you’ve known for years and are in your inner circle – and everything in between. The level of each relationship defines the level of benefits you can gain from that connection. Ask too much and you can damage that connection, ask too little and you could be wasting an opportunity. So, wouldn’t it be nice if you could analyze where you stand? Join Debby and Greg as they discuss the various levels of a networking connection and provide you with a tool from the Referral Pursuit Training program that will help you objectively evaluate the connections you have.

Mentioned in the episode:

- Liz Vertosik, Realtor at Howard Hanna Real Estate Services, https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethvertosick/

Resources:

- Connext Nation Mini Networking Course: https://www.connextnation.com/mini-courses

Comments:

https://www.facebook.com/TheReluctantNetworker/

https://www.facebook.com/connextnation/

Listen for:

[4:30] The ART of Networking: Awareness

[6:00] The ART of Networking: Relating, level 1

[7:55] The ART of Networking: Relating, level 2

[10:10] The ART of Networking: Relating, level 3

[14:40] The ART of Networking: Team

[17:25] Putting numbers to it

More Information:

If you'd like more information about our virtual training programs, go to: https://www.connextnation.com/mini-course/

"Porch Swing Days - faster" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Having conversations with your networking contacts is great, but it’s not enough. You need to capture and act on the information you gain from every networking opportunity. Unless you have a photographic memory, you’ll need some other techniques to be successful. Join Debby and Greg as they discuss what methods they use to keep track of their networking connections.

Thank you to ConvoSparker:

- Chanel DeGuzman, Founder & CEO at Hearts on Learning Academy, https://www.linkedin.com/in/chanel-f-deguzman-ph-d-44894221/

Also Mentioned:

- Less Annoying CRM, http://lacrm.com

Comments:

https://www.facebook.com/TheReluctantNetworker/

https://www.facebook.com/connextnation/

Listen for:

[2:45] Look for the serendipity

[4:00] Take notes with pen and paper

[7:19] GIFTS and INFER to prompt for good information

[8:45] Have a system to record this information

[10:30] The challenge of the tickler file

[14:00] Put the follow-up in your calendar

More Information:

If you'd like more information about our virtual training programs, go to: https://www.connextnation.com/mini-course/

"Porch Swing Days - faster" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

What’s a simple step you can take to warm up your connections in any group? Sponsor an event – and it doesn’t have to break the bank. Join Greg and Debby as they discuss why you should be getting on the sponsorship train and how you can make it work to build your network within the group.

Thank you to ConvoSparker:

- Kristin Meyer, Executive Director at Maumee Chamber Of Commerce, https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-meyer-9125a2164/

Also Mentioned:

- 21-21-21 Networking Training, http://connextnation.com/212121

Comments:

https://www.facebook.com/TheReluctantNetworker/

https://www.facebook.com/connextnation/

Listen for:

[1:30] Why should you sponsor?

[2:45] How do you choose the right opportunity?

[6:30] Negotiate for the benefits you find of value

[9:00] Unexpected benefits

[10:30] The expected costs

More Information:

If you'd like more information about our virtual training programs, go to: https://www.connextnation.com/mini-course/

"Porch Swing Days - faster" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

You are an expert in your field. People would love to hear about your perspective and how you understand the world from your unique point of view. What a great opportunity for networking! Now you just need one or two tools to make your efforts go more smoothly. Join Greg and Debby as they go in-depth to discuss one of those tools – your introduction.

It might not seem like much, but it can make a real difference in your speaking success.

Mentioned in this episode:

- Connext Nation Mini Course, https://www.connextnation.com/mini-course/

Comments:

https://www.facebook.com/TheReluctantNetworker/

https://www.facebook.com/connextnation/

Listen for:

[2:30] Why speaking is a part of your networking practice

[4:40] Your intro is not your bio

[6:50] Let your host know the difference between the bio and intro and when they should be used.

[7:50] Prepare it in advance so they can prepare in advance

[8:50] Verify, verify, verify

[12:40] A formula for a great speaking introduction

More Information:

If you'd like more information about our virtual training programs, go to: https://www.connextnation.com/mini-course/

"Porch Swing Days - faster" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

The members of your network are more than just representatives of their jobs or businesses. They are real people with needs and wishes that go beyond the bottom line at work. Join Greg and Debby as we discuss a few creative ideas on other ways we can be of benefit to our network.

Mentioned in this episode:

- Patty Cavins, Owner of HGA Consulting, https://www.linkedin.com/in/patty-cavins-b651124a/

Comments:

https://www.facebook.com/TheReluctantNetworker/

https://www.facebook.com/connextnation/

Listen for:

[2:35] Help them on social media

[7:00] Connect them with speaking opportunities

[13:00] Making personal gifts of our time

[16:15] Alcohol. Lots of alcohol!

More Information:

If you'd like more information about our virtual training programs, go to: https://www.connextnation.com/mini-course/

https://www.connextnation.com/212121

"Porch Swing Days - faster" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)