As the old Andy Williams song goes “It’s that time of year…” when we all come together to network and be a little more social. We enjoy the food and sometimes spirits and, in general, enjoy the lighter side of networking. We need to be careful, though, because there are pitfalls waiting to ensnare the unwary. Join Debby and Greg as they discuss best practices when dealing with the end of year events that seem to go with every networking group.

Mentioned:

- Terry Brennan, Gym on the Park, https://www.facebook.com/thegymonthepark

Groups Mentioned:

- Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Regional Chamber of Commerce, https://a2ychamber.org/

Comments:

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

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

Listen for:

[0:30] Why Debby doesn’t feel retired

[2:12] Remember: It’s Business/Social

[3:00] Set your goals

[3:40] Opportunity to meet others you wouldn’t meet

[8:20] Prepare conversational questions

[10:05] Breaking into a group

[13:20] What do you talk about?

[14:10] Thank the host

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)

Staffing your booth at the Business Expo can be a venue for success, or a monumental waste of time, depending on how you approach it. Listen as Debby and Greg discuss their recent experiences at the Maumee Chamber of Commerce Business to Business Expo. Learn the behaviors they witnessed that could lead to or limit the vendor’s success at the event.

Also Mentioned:

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

Resources:

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

Groups Mentioned:

- Maumee Chamber of Commerce, https://www.linkedin.com/company/maumee-chamber-of-commerce/about/

Comments:

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

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

Listen for:

[0:30] Prepping for Thanksgiving at Grandma Debby’s

[2:35] It’s a conversation, not a sale

[4:05] Setting up your booth for multiple levels of connection

[5:35] Positioning yourself for success

[8:45] It’s still about them, not you

[11:55] Know with whom you want to connect

[15:05] The fish bowl isn’t the be-all end-all

[18:17] Don’t sell to the vendor

[88:88] Tell Greg that you actually read this far ([email protected])

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)

Becoming a member of a Referral Passing group can be a huge payoff to your networking efforts… Or it could be a giant waste of time. Join Debby and Greg as they discuss the benefits of these types of groups and the process you should follow to maximize your chances of success.

Resources:

- 52 Connection Tips, http://52ConnectionTips.com

Groups Mentioned:

- Business Network International (BNI) - https://www.bni.com/

Comments:

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

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

Listen for:

[0:30] All hail the Apple Princess!

[3:30] Know your target market

[5:15] Is it the right type of group?

[8:05] Meet with a member or one of the leadership

[10:50] Visit and talk

[13:35] Visit a second time

[14:10] Other considerations: Time and budget

[18:10] Other requirements you might experience

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 happens when you lose in your first election to public office? Do you quit? Or do you decide that you need to make better connections in your community and try again? Join us as we interview Barry VanHoozen and learn how he combines a legacy of service, friendships from over the years, and a simple piece of advice from his daughter into success in business and politics.

Resources:

- Dale Carnegie, https://www.dalecarnegie.com/en

Groups Mentioned:

- Business Networking International (BNI), https://www.bni.com/

Comments:

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

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

Listen for:

[1:20] Welcoming half of the power couple “HallieBarry”

[2:40] Legacy of service

[7:30] Upside/Downside of politics, networking, and business

[9:05] Networking from scratch and joining for success

[11:45] Tip #1: Be purposeful and strategic

[13:10] Tip #2: Pay attention to names

[15:62] Tell Greg you saw this Easter Egg ([email protected])

[14:10] Tip #3: Don’t hang out with those you know

[17:55] Driving little red cars, just for fun!

[19:05] There’s a group for everything

[23:20] Live with integrity and pick up the baton

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)

If you’ve ever attended a networking event, whether a Chamber lunch, Association conference, or social after hours, you’ve likely met this person. They are the Deck Dealer. Their sole goal, it seems, is to rid themselves of as many of their own business cards as possible. Join Greg and Debby as they discuss why this process doesn’t work and how you can deal with them.

Mentioned:

- Louise Kahle

Resources:

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

Groups Mentioned:

- Rocky River Chamber of Commerce, https://www.linkedin.com/company/rockyrivercc/

Comments:

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

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

Listen for:

[0:45] Why is Debby doing laundry in the middle of the week?

[2:30] Deck Dealer #1: Handing out the deck to every seat

[8:15] Deck Dealer #2: Handing out multiple cards

[10:30] Networking has evolved

[88:88] An Easter Egg! Tell Greg you saw it!

[12:30] Deck Dealer #3: Forcing one or more cards on everyone you meet

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 underlying activity in any great networking practice is the art of making introductions. If you aren’t connecting new people to your network, then you probably aren’t networking. Join Debby and Greg as they discuss the three different types of introductions and how to navigate each one.

Mentioned:

- Tim Householder, Owner, Timothy Wells Photography, https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-householder-a854671a/

Resources:

- ART Scale, https://anchor.fm/3rdgennetworking/episodes/Are-You-Overstepping-the-3-or-5-Levels-of-a-Networking-Relationship-epcmj4

Groups Mentioned:

- National Speaker Association, Michigan Chapter, https://www.nsamichigan.com/

Comments:

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

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

Listen for:

[0:30] Debby’s “Retirement”

[2:10] You are the host of the introduction

[4:00] In-Person introductions – the most powerful introduction

[88:88] Are you reading these timestamps?

[10:25] 3-way Zoom call

[12:00] Email introductions

[14:38] Greg has a template

[17:40] The protocols of an introduction

[19:28] Introductions at a networking event

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)

Our guest this week is currently a successful realtor in the Cleveland, Ohio area. Prior to that, she was the Executive Director of the Rocky River Chamber. Prior to that she martialed the people she knew to uncover and land an amazing job in the Chicago area. What does that all have in common? Networking, of course! Join Greg and Debby as they chat with Liz Manning on the secrets to her success in so many areas.

Mentioned in this episode:

- Casey Ryan, husband and bungee cord expert at Lowe’s

Resources:

- Cobblestone Cottage, https://www.canandaiguacobblestonecottage.com/

Groups Mentioned:

- Rocky River Chamber of Commerce, https://www.rockyriverchamber.com/

Comments:

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

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

Listen for:

[0:30] Yes, Debby still has apples

[3:40] Bungee cords and networking

[5:30] Family and friends of friends lead to success

[7:50] Your inner circle can lead to referrals

[11:40] Tip #1: Networking takes time

[13:20] Tip #2: Be a good listener

[14:45] Tip #3: Keep in touch

[16:50] Tip #4: Networking is a two-way street

[20:10] How many networking groups should you belong to?

[23:00] Check out the real estate app

[27:50] PMOC

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)

Robbie Samuels is a multi-passionate entrepreneur or what some would call a “multi-hyphenate.” In his case, this means he's a professional speaker – business growth strategy coach – virtual event design consultant – executive Zoom producer – emcee – podcast host – author – and virtual presentation skills trainer. He has been recognized as a “networking expert” by Harvard Business Review, Forbes, and Inc, and as an “industry expert in the field of digital event design” by JDC Events. Join Greg as he chats with Robbie about his upcoming book and how to achieve great things through the strength of your network, not your mailing list.

Resources:

- Book launch team, http://www.robbiesamuels.com/booklaunch

Comments:

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

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

Listen for:

[3:30] Peer mastermind can push you to greatness

[5:05] Shifting your business again and again

[6:22] That target market thing that Debby is always talking about

[7:58] First get your mind in the right place

[9:00] It’s not just for authors

[11:00] How do you use your network to develop your project?

[14:25] It’s all about business development (that’s networking)

[16:00] It’s not a newsletter. It’s a letter from a friend.

[18:42] How to build the launch team

[22:50] Small “p” problems and big “P” Problems

[31:17] Avoid the noble obstacles

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)

Our good friend Andrew Stainbrook stopped by our virtual studio to chat with Debby and Greg. He tells us how a failed aptitude test led to his success as a business owner. He gave us a few tips that have served him well as he built his business and one very important tactic on how to keep your data safe. We also talk about the thrills of board games and mountain biking. Yes, he’s that kind of computer nerd.

Also Mentioned:

- Jason Conklin, Owner at J.Conklin Consulting and Take Command, https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonsconklin/

Resources:

- dotnet technologies, https://dntech-us.com/

Groups Mentioned:

- Connext Nation Community, https://connextnation.com

Comments:

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

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

Listen for:

[0:52] How many bushels of apples?

[5:14] Slight mistake makes for a memorable story

[9:10] Tip: Have a plan for your networking and business

[9:50] Tip: Trust the plan

[10:37] Tip: Celebrate our success

[17:17] Classic board games

[21:30] Some cybersecurity 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)

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again. Networking is more than just a means to get more business. It can also be a resource to help you grow in your personal and professional pursuits. Join Greg and Debby as they discuss how your web of connection can support you through mentoring, shifting careers, or even as you advance up the corporate ladder.

Also Mentioned:

- Parker Sherman, Communications Student at the University of Michigan, https://www.linkedin.com/in/parker-sherman-53068b205/

Resources:

- Bowling Green State University, https://www.bgsu.edu/

Groups Mentioned:

Comments:

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

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

Listen for:

[2:30] Mentoring: Reach out to those who are successful

[4:00] It’s OK to not know everything

[6:45] Help to shift careers

[9:40] Networking within the corporation

[13:25] Reach out to the ones you think will never take your call

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)