21 best places to Network | Kathy Temple

IT’S NOT WORK

IT’S NETWORK

THE 21.5 BEST PLACES TO NETWORK.

1. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS EVENT AFTER HOURS

Tried and true. They always net a few contacts and renew old friendships.

2. A HIGH LEVEL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE EVENT

Board of directors or advisors meeting. Annual dinner.

3. ANY BUSINESS JOURNAL EVENT

Forty under forty, power breakfasts, seminars. Places where movers and shakers go.

4. A NETWORKING CLUB OR BUSINESS ORGANIZATION WHERE SOLID BUSINESS CONTACTS BELONG AND PARTICIPATE.

Sub for another BNI group.

5. SOMEPLACE WHERE LIKE-MINDED PEOPLE BELONG.

The Touchdown Club, your college alumni club, the ACT users club. Having common ground always gets a conversation going.

6. ANY TYPE OF CLASS YOU TAKE TO LEARN MORE AND MAKE YOURSELF BETTER.

Toastmaster’s Dale Carnegie, even learning a foreign language. Other people who want to improve themselves will be there. You will improve and make lifetime friendships.

7. A CIVIC ORGANIZATION

Rotary, Kiwanis, Elks, Moose, Lions. Any civic animal will do. Meetings are a great place to build relationships with others.

8. ATTEND A CULTURAL EVENT.

The theater attracts people with class and money. Take in a show and meet them.

9. GET INVOLVED WITH A CHARITY OR BE A COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER.

Everything from the American Cancer society to the Humane Society has people who help behind the scenes. Be one of them.

10. YOUR TRADE OR PROFESESSIONAL ASSOCIATION.

This is the best place to learn about your product, your competition AND your customers at the same time.

11. YOUR BEST CUSTOMER(S) TRADE OR PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION.

This is a great place to learn more about your customers AND get introduced to your prospects.

12. TRADE SHOWS

Both industry specific and general business shows are excellent places to get known, get sales, and get ahead.

13. JOIN A PRIVATE CLUB

A golf country club, a food and networking club, or a small private club.

14. MEAL NETWORKING

Invite a prospect to dine. Then invite a prospect for him or her. While in the restaurant, see who else is in the bar. Hop around without being rude.

15. HEALTH CLUB

Exercise and network. Get healthy and wealthy at the same time.

16. SPORTS EVENTS.

Both games and tailgates

17. PARENTS OF YOUR CHILDREN’S FRIENDS

If you have a big prospect whose kid plays ball in the same league as your kid, you’ll have a big advantage to make him a big customer.

18. HAPPY HOUR

Can be a great place to make a quick connection. Just don’t get too happy.

19. KARAOKE.

Not only do you have a blast and meet people, you also improve your presentation skills every time you sing a song.

20. NEIGHBORHOOD HOMEOWNER’S ASSOCIATION/CONDO ASSOCIATION.

Get to know your neighbors and who they know.

21. THE AIRPLANE

I don’t mean that you need to meet every passenger but get to know your seatmate.

21.5 BEING READY TO NETWORK WHEN YOU GET THERE.

Woody Allen says 90% of success is showing up, and he’s almost right .Ninety percent of success is showing up PREPARED. Having your personal commercial, or cocktail commercial, or one minute hook ready to spin at a moment’s notice is evidence of your networking prowess – or not.