It Only Takes One
It Only Takes One – Anything Can Happen if you Just Show Up!
by LuAnn Buechler, CMP, PMC Events & Travel
It just takes one good connection to make a huge impact in your business. If you just show up and participate you might very well find that one perfect contact or connection that will take your business to the next level. Having just returned from the international networking conference Get Connected 2010, I can give you plenty of evidence that when you participate in networking events the opportunities to “get connected” are very powerful.
Gordy Pillar owner of Dreamhouse Interiors, a BNI member from Wisconsin came away with three potential business deals that he said will more than pay for the expense of being at the event. In addition, he received intensive networking education that he will apply to his business throughout the year which will further increase his success. Sue Henry of SueHenryTalks.com, an Area Director for BNI Minnesota made a contact to the Dr. Phil show to promote her Tiara Experiment. James Russell, an entrepreneur from France, made connections that will help him open a new BNI Region. These are just a few examples; you will be hearing more testimonials in the weeks and months to come.
The point is you must be present to make those connections. You also must be able to “articulate” what it is your looking for, what is the connection you need to make to take your business to the next level.
Mike Macedonio of the Referral Institute works with the conference speakers and sponsors prior to the event to coach them on how to get the return on investment they would like out of the conference. These same principles apply to the participants. In advance of attending any conference set goals for what you would like to achieve. How many contacts/connections would make the conference a success for you? Rather than merely collecting business cards, be sure to identify the type of person you are looking for. Be able to describe them to other participants. Then seek out those individuals and connect to them. Be able to describe what a good referral is for you or better yet a good referral partner. Bring other members of your team to spread your message, and be able to edify you and your business to the other participants who may be looking for you…
As I write this I realize, that many of the presentations spoke to developing these very skills. So, whether you need work on these skills or would like to “get connected” in a more powerful way through networking. Show up to networking events prepared to participate. It just takes one strong connection as a result to make the time spent well worth it for your business success!