Networking That Works, Part I: "Why Your Networking Sucks and What You Can Do About It"

Feeling depressed because all those networking events you're attending feel like a total waste of time?

Confused about how food, cocktails and door prizes can get you more (quality) clients?

I understand how you feel.

And, I have to say, it's not your fault. You just haven't learned a better way.

As an entrepreneur, time is your most valuable nonrenewable resource.

When it comes to networking and creating lasting, profitable relationships, you need a strategic plan that both maximizes your time (and your money!) and that works how you work best.

In this first of our two-part workshop series, "Networking That Works, Part I: Why Your Networking Sucks and What You Can Do About It", we don't pull any punches.

In our time together, you'll learn:

• The difference between a networking event and a social gathering and why you must approach each differently, as it pertains to your business

• Why "speed networking" or "fast networking" is like flushing your money down the toilet

• How (and why) to position yourself as the host of every event, whether or not you personally put it on

• Why your goal is NOT to give out as many business cards as possible

• The two major reasons why traditional models of contacting your "spheres of influence" for referrals generally do not work

• Why what happens after the networking event is more valuable than the networking event itself

• How to identify key referral partners to create a win-win-win for you, them, and your clients

This workshop will be a mix of educational content and interactivity, so come prepared to share and participate. You will leave with fresh ideas you can implement right away to improve your networking skill and your results.

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SPECIAL NOTE: The owner of the restaurant is graciously providing the space and Audio/Video resources at no charge to us, so I am strongly encouraging everyone to thank her by purchasing an appetizer or light snack and a beverage.

Nona Rosa's menu consists of a variety of delicious appetizer-type items, sandwiches made with freshly carved meats and cheeses and the handmade bread they bake daily, as well as full meals, full bar, and non-alcoholic beverages.

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  Posted by Jack McCallum, Bellingham, Washington | Aug 05, 2008

  Looking forward to it.
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  Posted by Trina Bol, Mount Vernon, Washington | Aug 05, 2008

  Hi Tshombe! I'm looking forward to getting together.

  destinations, incentives, event production
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  Posted by Tshombe Brown, Portland, Oregon | Aug 06, 2008

  Hi Jack and Trina!

  I'm looking forward to the event, too, and to experiencing your energy.

  We are going to have a TON of fun :)

  Bellingham Business Coach
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  Posted by Molly Zalman, Bellingham, Washington | Aug 06, 2008

  Nice work, Tshombe! This sounds like a great event.
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  Posted by Tshombe Brown, Portland, Oregon | Aug 07, 2008

  Hi Molly! I'm very excited you'll be there. I know you'll contribute a lot to the workshop.

  Bellingham Business Coach
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  Posted by Lori Richardson, Bellingham, Washington | Aug 08, 2008

  hi Tshombe, I've cancelled attending an event somewhere else to come and hang out with you and the rest - looks like a fantastic group. I know that you are being a bit dramatic with the title - I see some strong, successful connectors in this list. It should be a lot of fun.

  B2B sales coach and fundraising auctioneer
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  Posted by Marianna Paulson, Surrey, British Columbia Canada | Aug 08, 2008

  Looking forward to meeting my neighbours to the south while learning something new and having fun. Thanks, Tshombe, for your creative efforts and time to put this together so that we can all learn and grow.
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  Posted by Tshombe Brown, Portland, Oregon | Aug 08, 2008

  Wow! This is going to be so fantastic, all these amazing people coming together in one place. I'm really excited!

  Lori, I was hoping you could attend. You are one busy lady, and I am proud and honored that you will be there.

  I did want to capture attention with the title (me? dramatic?), but truth be told, most of us are not shown how to effectively network or even why we're doing it in the first place.

  Marianna, I especially thank you for arranging your schedule to come across the border to be with us.

  You mentioned to me that you would like to come, but weren't sure if you'd be able to, so I very warmly and humbly thank you. I can't wait to meet you!

  Bellingham Business Coach
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  Posted by Tshombe Brown, Portland, Oregon | Aug 08, 2008

  Hi Everyone,

  Just a note to be on the lookout for Networking That Works, Part II.

  Part two will be on how to add targeted fuel to your networking by creating alliances with Power Partners. We'll learn and practice a process on how to do that.

  The event is scheduled for Monday, August 25, so SAVE THE DATE and watch Biznik for upcoming details.

  Bellingham Business Coach
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  Posted by Joe Hage, Seattle, Washington | Aug 09, 2008

  Tshombe,

  I have a conflict that evening, but I am delighted to read your workshop. Strong positioning, great copy.

  Congratulations! Joe

  >> An inbound link for you if you need it <<
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  Posted by Tshombe Brown, Portland, Oregon | Aug 09, 2008

  Hey there, Joe,

  What an endorsement! Thank you!

  Tshombe

  Bellingham Business Coach
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  Posted by Paul Anderson, Redmond, Washington | Aug 10, 2008

  Hi Tshombe,

  Will you be hosting anything closer such as Seattle or Bellevue? I have a office in Bellevue you can use for this type of event on the Eastside. Let me know, I'd love to help.

  Take care
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  Posted by Tshombe Brown, Portland, Oregon | Aug 10, 2008

  That is very generous of you,Paul, and I'd love to offer the workshop at your space.

  Let's connect and decide on a day/time that works for both of us.

  Thank you for thinking of me.

  Tshombe

  Bellingham Business Coach
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  Posted by Lori Richardson, Bellingham, Washington | Aug 12, 2008

  Tshombe, this was a great event. Thanks so much for your slide presentation and great tips and strategies on more effective ways to connect with others and grow personally (and in business) than how many people typically think networking is about.

  The term itself is a broad topic, and like sales, which is my forte', people make sweeping generalizations and common errors. Thanks again. The venue was fun and it was a nice time.

  B2B sales coach and fundraising auctioneer
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  Posted by Marianna Paulson, Surrey, British Columbia Canada | Aug 12, 2008

  I agree with Lori! Thanks for making me feel welcome!
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  Posted by Tshombe Brown, Portland, Oregon | Aug 12, 2008

  Thank you, Lori, for your encouraging words of affirmation.

  You always bring great energy to every event and interaction I have with you, and I am so grateful for your support.

  Marianna, You traveled the longest distance and braved the border crossing to share with us. Thank you!

  I'm very glad you took away something of value from the event. I hope you can join us again soon, and we look forward to when you host your first event.

  Bellingham Business Coach