Have you considered adding public speaking to your networking repertoire? You should! Join Greg and Debby this week as they talk about some of the reasons why and a few techniques you can use to make it more successful. And, no, none of those techniques is about imagining your audience in their underwear!

Also Mentioned:

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

Resources:

- National Speakers Association, https://nsaspeaker.org/

Comments:

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

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

Listen for:

[1:26] She’s not the only Debby Peters???

[3:30] Verbal direct mail

[4:34] Share yourself

[5:50] They don’t have to be big stories

[9:20] Follow up mechanism with audience

[16:05] You aren’t speaking to a whole room full of people

[18:14] Modularize your stories

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 both the Executive Director of the Rocky River Chamber of Commerce and a freshly-minted (and happy) Dog Mom. While the latter doesn’t really help us understand how to make connections, the former definitely does. Having the opportunity to watch people network “in the wild” she has a pretty good feel for what works and what doesn’t when you show up to the networking event. Join us as we find out not only her tips for successful networking, but also how crayons can make for a colorful end product.

Also Mentioned:

- Ann Loparo, Annie’s Signature Sweets, https://www.linkedin.com/in/ann-loparo-092b08131/

Resources:

- Restaurant Raffle & Business EXPO, https://www.rockyriverchamber.com/signature-rrcc-events

Comments:

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

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

Listen for:

[1:45] On being a Dog-Mom

[4:40] What makes the Rocky River Chamber so great?

[10:59] When you know the Chamber is doing a good job.

[12:29] Tips for good networking: Be curious

[14:07] Tips for good networking: Make the first move to connect

[14:40] Tips for good networking: Ask permission to connect

[20:00] Jungle Bob

[26:30] Two pieces 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)

Our jobs, our businesses, they keep us so busy, how do you chase that next referral or the next referral source? It seems like if we take our eyes off the ball for even a minute, we suddenly find ourselves in the dreaded feast or famine cycle. Join Greg and Debby as they discuss some of the tactics to develop your referral relationships while you do your work.

Thank you to ConvoSparker:

- Connie Kelly, Family Heritage Life Insurance Company, https://www.linkedin.com/in/connie-kelly-919a2827/

Also Mentioned:

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

Comments:

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

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

Listen for:

[3:00] Developing your referral sources IS your job

[5:00] Plant the seeds

[7:05] Be of value and build the relationship

[10:30] Advice on how to meet similar prospects

[12:20] You can only “just check in” once a year

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 has surmounted formidable obstacles in her life, but, according to her, the network of connections she’s developed over the years was always there to support her. In one case, when she suddenly found herself without employment, she received 18 job offers without having to send out a resume. Join Debby and Greg as they chat with Krisi Vadnais who not only is an amazing networker, but is also one of our trainers at Third Generation Networking.

Resources:

- Coach Krisi Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/CoachKrisi

Groups Mentioned:

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

Comments:

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

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

Listen for:

[2:00] We have a sword? The joy of boys.

[5:50] Knowing how valuable you are

[9:05] The catalyst for change

[10:50] Becoming a Negative Believe Clearing Technician

[14:28] Googling “thingamajig” failure. Networking success

[16:40] Tips on maintaining positivity.

[19:15] Strive for better, not perfection

[22:30] Prioritizing the day-to-day

[24:24] The wasp sting story

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 want to know a few good ideas about networking? You should talk to the guy whose business it is to create opportunity for thousands of business people to connect and help each other through passing referrals. We did! Join us this time as we chat with Jason Madasz, the Executive Director of Business Network International (BNI) Northwest Ohio. Learn great tips on networking and also where this networker’s networker finds his greatest relaxation.

Also Mentioned:

- Sandy Pirwitz, Director Consultant & Trainer at BNI, https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandypirwitz/

Resources:

- Third Generation Lunchtime, https://bit.ly/tgn-Jul21-lunch

Groups Mentioned:

- BNI Northwest Ohio, https://bninwo.com

Comments:

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

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

Listen for:

[3:00] Networking tools and mentors

[4:13] Becoming the Executive Director

[7:25] Who should consider BNI (or any closed referral group)?

[13:15] Tip #1: Dig your well before you’re thirsty

[16:50] Tip #2: Go deep into your relationships

[19:41] Tip #3: Set micro and macro goals in networking

[23:01] Bonus Tip: Be interested, not interesting

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)

Networking is a marathon, not a sprint and no one exemplifies this one better than Heidi Hooper. She tells the story of connections she made in her early life as a restaurant server coming back to benefit her in her work with Ultimate Air Shuttle. Join Debby and Greg as they chat with Heidi about the tips she has for making better connections for the long haul.

Resources:

- Meiers-Briggs Test, https://www.16personalities.com/free-personality-test

Groups Mentioned:

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

Comments:

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

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

Listen for:

[2:50] Staying connected in trying times

[7:44] Networking before you need it

[11:15] Tip #1: First impressions. Lasting impressions.

[12:20] Tip #2: Support others. It’s not all about you.

[12:49] Tip #3: Always be ready to network.

[20:45] Giving up her shoes for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society

[22:45] Building a business expo

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 today claims that the greatest compliment one of his clients paid him was that he doesn’t seem like an insurance agent. Maybe that’s because he’s also an accidental digital marketing expert. In a wide-ranging conversation with Greg and Debby, Jayson tells about his winding path to starting his second business, how kids can make live video way more exciting, and the one piece of advice that a client gave him that has defined how he approaches both his insurance practice and working as a digital marketing expert.

Also Mentioned:

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

Resources:

- Contact information

Groups Mentioned:

- NetWORKS Café, https://www.facebook.com/groups/networkscafe

Comments:

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

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

Listen for:

[2:20] Split Personality

[4:25] Video lessons – Don’t chew gum

[5:40] Be authentic with your audience

[7:30] I can get paid for this?

[9:56] Building relationships while making coffee

[11:20] Social media-ing wrong

[15:00] Social media should be social

[21:00] NetWORKS Café

[25:36] His phone phobia

[27:20] How his kids help with Live Video

[27:35] The importance of being yourself

[31:10] Greg learns he has something new  in common with his grandmother

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)

Do you know when it’s safe to interrupt another conversation at the networking event? It’s been a while since we’ve been in person to network. Some of us may have forgotten the conversational tools to be successful when at one of these gatherings. Join Debby and Greg as they talk about the one behavior that can destroy your reputation when we return to in-person networking.

Thank you to ConvoSparker:

- Asandi Connor, Founder + CEO of Say It Write, https://www.linkedin.com/in/asandiconner/

Also Mentioned:

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

Comments:

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

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

Listen for:

[2:40] Interrupting, don’t do it!

[3:40] It’s not all about you!

[5:30] Don’t ruin it for someone else

[6:40] Look for the smallest group – start with one

[9:30] Body language

[11:40] What is your focus, sales or connection?

[13:40] Joining larger groups

[16:15] The joy of conversational mirroring

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)

Are you an introvert, too? Sometimes, those of us who don’t get our energy from being in a crowd can feel like we aren’t adequate to the task of networking. That doesn’t have to be the case. Take our guest today, Lori Cannon – self-admitted introvert with a lead foot (which led to a better connection at one point). She has proven to be tremendously successful as a networker and financial planner because she is there to listen.

Also Mentioned:

- Debby Robinson, Financial Advisor at Edward Jones, https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbie-robinson-cfp-69b00320/

Resources:

- Edward Jones, https://www.edwardjones.com/us-en/financial-advisor/lori-cannon

Groups Mentioned:

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

Comments:

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

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

Listen for:

[1:30] Setting and reaching your goals

[13:05] Speeding through life

[15:00] The importance of networking when selling memorials (or anything)

[18:50] Tips on great networking: Be authentic, Listen, Be reliable

[24:00] The challenges of being a networking introvert

[27:30] Dreams and goals for the future

[29:30] Being present in the moment

[30:46] Alzheimer’s Association

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 do you do when you are trying to grow your business, but can’t find a networking group that serves your target market? Why, if you are Michelle Pommeranz, you make your own. For the past two years, despite the pandemic, Michelle has been running a monthly networking gathering called “Hump Day Happy Hour”. When we could still meeting in person, she had themed refreshments and great speakers. During lockdown, she still ran the program, to great success. She simply moved online. Join Greg and Debby as they learn more about how this financial planner worked to create her own networking community.

Also Mentioned:

- Lee Ann DuBois, DuBois Accounting, LLC, https://www.linkedin.com/in/lee-ann-dubois-14491137/

Resources:

- Lehner Carroll Shope Capital Management, http://lcswealth.com/

Groups Mentioned:

- Women of Toledo, https://www.womenoftoledo.org/

Comments:

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

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

Listen for:

[4:00] She didn’t always want to be a financial planner until…

[6:05] The creation of Hump Day Happy Hour

[7:55] Setting goals for the networking event

[11:00] 3 Tips to creating your own networking opportunities

[16:25] Working with Make-A-Wish

[19:50] Not for women only

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)