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.

High Desert Network Solutions | Todd Vinson

High Desert Network Solutions is owned and operated by Todd Vinson. He is a Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer with over six years of experience in network consulting, security and computer troubleshooting and repair. Most recently he held the position of Technical Account Manager at Symantec Corporation. providing Security consulting and troubleshooting to numerous Fortune 500 companies.


The idea for HDNS was hatched in early 2000 when Todd was working for a small networking company in Bend, Oregon. He saw the need for a network consulting firm that provided a more personal and customer support driven business model. In January of 2005 he made the dream a reality by opening High Desert Network Solutions for business.

HDNS is determined to provide Central Oregon with a unique combination of technical expertise and outstanding customer support. By keeping only a managable client base, we will be able to provide our customers with the support that they deserve and we feel that this will separate us from our competition.

Services...


Catering to the Customer...
HDNS offers a virtually unlimited list of computer and security services to help our customers keep their businesses running smoothly. When it comes to our business, we offer our customers a powerful resource and a recipe for success. Listed below is a comprehensive list of services we offer our clients.

• Network Consulting - We will analyze your network and give you very specific recommendations to make sure that it is secure and trouble free.

• Virus and Spyware removal - As a former Technical Account Manager for Symantec Corporation, there is no-one in Central Oregon that is more qualified to keep your computers free of these security threats.

• Software Installation and Configuration - From setting up an entire network server to installing your own proprietary software, we can get all of your applications up and running smoothly.

• Computer and Network Troubleshooting - If you are experiencing strange or unexpected computer or network issues, give us a call. We will track down the problem and get your systems back up and running at peak performance.

• Firewall and Router Installation and Configuration - Protect your systems from hackers by letting us install and configure a firewall/router for you. Whether you are looking to set up a wireless network in your home or a full featured firewall in your business, we can provide you with the solution that is best for you.

• Custom Computer Sales - Just tell us what you need and we will provide you with a computer built to your exact specifications. Whether you are looking for a basic personal computer or a high end workstation. All of our computers come with a 3 year parts and 1 year labor warranty.

• Network Design and installation - HDNS's Technology Planning services can design and implement solutions that will enable your company to have a comprehensive standards-based architecture that will allow you to achieve your business goals and objectives.

• Computer Maintenance and Cleaning - Keep your machines runnig smoothly by letting us update all of your drivers and Operating System files and regularly clean out the inside of the boxes.

• Hardware and Software sales - We can provide you with all of the hardware upgrades that you need as well any piece of software on the market.
  
• Wireless Network Setup - We can set up you business of home with a secure wireless netwok.

High Desert Network Solutions
20064 Crystal Creek Court
Bend, Oregon 97701
PHONE: (541) 788-HDNS (4367)