If you are in New York City, you should consider taking part in a new business networking series beginning this upcoming week. In light of the troubled economic climate, EMRG Media has announced the launch of a series of networking events.
The first event is taking place at Arena (135 West 41st Street) on Wednesday, March 11 from 6:00pm to 11:00pm. This networking event is open to all. Areas of concentration include advertising, law, public relations, publishing, fashion, cosmetics, finance and marketing.
When people arrive they will be given color coded badges that will indicate a certain area of business as to …read more

During the week of March 9 – 14, “Make a Referral Week“ will be conducted to help small business owners receive project referrals. Basically, those who participate in the event will blog about other business owners and refer business contacts to them.
I found out about this event from John Jantsch of Duct Tape Marketing as he is encouraging many to participate. The important thing to remember is that this is about giving a referral to help a small business owner grow their business. My expectation is that I will find many resources who I will be able to not only …read more

Networking is a two-way street. I really can not say it enough. Many people think, “I need new clients. I need more money. I need to network!” While all of that might be true, don’t just network when you need something. As you work on your goals for networking (you are working on them, right?), make sure you also keep in mind ways that YOU can help others. What do YOU bring to the table?
Making everything about what others can do for you or give to you is the quickest way to see your network dry up. Wondering why the …read more

There are many keys to success. This year make networking one of your most important keys.  We have a fresh calendar in front of us. Now is the time to make plans for your business this year. In addition to marketing efforts or hiring quality staff, having a strong network is important to the success of your business. here is some of my advice for networking this year:
Set Goals
Setting goals is incredibly important for any aspect of your life that you want to be successful in. Networking is no exception.  What are your networking goals? Join a professional network or …read more

When people asked you what your major was in college, you probably told them the vaguest answer possible.

English
Math
Business

If you liked the person you might have thrown them a bone and told them your minor as well. Getting excited about school was not encouraged nor was it rewarded. You either looked like a dork or you didn’t.
Now, having this drummed into you for years, you’re expected to give elevator speeches and discuss what you do with a level of interest designed to get the other person excited too.
See the paradox? You are supposed to suddenly be amazing at …read more

If you ever wondered how savvy Londoner Mike Butcher came to be head of TechCrunch UK, go check out the live interview of Mike Butcher by Donna Jackson over at Digital Money World!
I’ll give you a hint…networking…

Depending on your company, you may find that the people you’re encountering in networking situations aren’t as advanced as you need them to be in order for them to be an ideal client.
For example, say you work with small businesses, but all you’re running into are sole proprietors. They’re interested in what you do, but they can’t afford your services and aren’t right for your company where they’re currently at. If what they need is too much for you to give, then by all means, move on. Your business is not a charity and while giving away free information …read more

Image details: China Releases New Bank Note For The Olympics served by picapp.com
When you go out there and meet people, you will find that talking about your business becomes second nature. You’ll know how to explain what you do, how your business runs, and how to assess what you can say that will sell you as a potential business colleague to your fellow business owners.
But there are dangers to becoming the belle of the ball. Make sure you keep these tidbits in mind when you go out  there to keep yourself from getting lost in the crowd.
Keep your boundaries …read more

Today is my birthday.
Of course, I wouldn’t have a party on Monday night, so we had it this past Saturday when people were off work and available to attend. One of the things I’ve done the past couple years is to invite both business and personal acquaintances/friends to the birthday party at my home. I find that this is a great way to get to know people better and it gives me a chance to get them all soused while they stare adoringly at my amazing margarita maker.
One of the people attending was someone I had only met during …read more

You probably read the title of this post and think that a speaking engagement is a “thing” – like a bus pass or a lawn mower. But let’s look at it a little differently.
Engagement is the word I’m questioning. To engage is obviously to get someone involved. To have a speaking engagement is not to just be engaged by an organization to speak for them, it is also to engage your audience by speaking.
We’re going to be doing a series this week on how to engage your audience and turn a speaking engagement into a networking extravaganza!
Ask questions
While …read more