Out and About Networking

I recently was invited by Ray Rodriguez of Diversified Human Resources to attend the Northern Pima County Chamber Networking Breakfast. I was amazed to see about 100 people at this 7am breakfast. Wow, what energy that early in the morning before coffee. This was a good meeting (if you can get up that early) with ample time to network with the crowd and have conversation at the table over breakfast.

Networking Skills

When I go to an event, I go with an agenda. If possible, which isn't often, I find out who will be there that I have not already met and make it a point to try and meet that person. But in most cases what has worked for me is to find a person that is standing alone and feeling out of place, and I go up and have a conversation with them. I find that this works quite well. It is much easier to approach one person than a group of even two or three for me. I also find that the person standing there alone is uncomfortable just standing there and this engages them in the event.

Expanding Your Network Through Volunteering

Make a Difference Day is the national day of helping others. This year, it is October 25th. As all the folks here at the Nextrio office prepare for a Computer Recycling Event, I am reminded of the phrase, “Be the change that you want to see in the world”. Don’t think that your contribution won’t mean something if it is not a massive contribution.

So what does this have to do with networking? Being involved with an organization that make a contribution is a wonderful way to expand your network. Doing something to help others can also lead to amazing and unforeseen results.

So give volunteering a try. Here are a couple of tips to help you get started.

• Start small. Do not feel you need to be a huge player. Find a small way to contribute. Just remember that one person cannot fix all the world's problems, so just do what you can.


• Find Your Passion. We are more likely to participate if we have a personal connection to an organization or cause. Find something that interests you.

Not only can volunteering expand your network, you may also find that it makes you smile.

Making A Good First Impression

In networking many times you have one opportunity to make a great first impression. Factors that influence this initial impact are your handshake, facial expressions, interest in the other person and your overall attentiveness. Develop a great handshake, approach people with a natural, genuine smile and make eye contact. Listen carefully to their name. If you don’t hear them or understand exactly what they say, ask them to repeat it. Many people do not speak clearly or loudly enough and many of us are very nervous at networking events. Make a powerful impression by asking them what they do before talking about yourself or your business. A good rule is to first to understand the other person and secondly to be understood. Comment on their business or have them explain something in more detail. As they speak, make sure you listen intently to what they tell you. Once you have demonstrated interest in someone else, they will – in most cases – become more interested in you.

The Importance of Domain Name Registration for Your Business

Many people miss out an important item when they first start out with a business . They make the mistake of not purchasing a domain name and set up their email address with that new domain.

You are telling people to invest in an business so image is key. One of the most basic ways to appear more professional and to establish trust is to purchase a domain name. Thus to be seen as profession in your business, register a domain and set up your email with that new domain.

Registering a domain is the first step anyone should take when you embark on starting a new business and should not be taken lightly. Take your business to a new level today!

Nextrio can help with domain registrations. Check out their Quick Business Kit at http://www.quickbizkit.com/.

MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR MEMBERSHIP IN ORGANIZATIONS AND ASSOCIATIONS

How do people get more out of professional associations and networking groups than others. I've seen time and again that it's simply not enough to pay your membership fee and hope for the best.

Even if you go to just a couple of events throughout the year you won't get you very far in most cases. Sure, you may meet some interesting people, but unless your profession is uniquely non-competitive, or you make an overwhelmingly positive first impression, it's unlikely that much will come of it. So when you join an organization make an investment of both time and money. Here are some things you can do to make the most of your investment:

• Limit your memberships. Don't spread yourself too thin. Maximize your experience by going for depth of involvement.


• Go to meetings and events on a regular basis. Build a base of support with regular members and position yourself with new members as someone in the know.


• Join a committee. Take a leadership role in the group and interact with members at a more meaningful level. Show them what you can contribute.


• Raise your visibility. Offer to find a a speaker or greet people at meetings. We always notice the host at a party more than the guests.


• Invite friends and associates. Share the learning and experience. It can be a win-win for you, your friend and the group.

If you're involved in an organization give these tips a try and help increase your satisfaction with your group.

Leads Groups in Tucson

Have you ever tried to find a group to join that you could network with only to find that you didn't like any of them? I found myself exactly in that situation. I had been looking for that true business-to-business group for sometime and have finally found a group that has potential to become just that group.


I recently joined a newly formed group in Tucson called Arizona Business Leads (ABL) of Tucson North. The goal is to have a a leads group does not need to be stuffy and always a round of sale pitches from companies that you may not be interested in. We also receive networking training to help make the most of our networking efforts.

Great Group. For more info go to http://www.businessleadsofamerica.com/