Definition of Networking (from the Small Business Glossary): Developing business contacts to form business relationships, increase your knowledge, expand your business base and serve the community. How to be an “effective networker”: Need a positive and supportive attitude. Belonging is not enough- you need to participate.  Be active! Effective networking requires you to develop relationships- […]

Don’t Overthink It – the person you are talking to might not be as skilled in talking to new people as you think Pretend You are in a Game – the rules are to meet as many people as possible. Pretending it is a game can make conversations easier. Practice Active Listening Skills – listen […]

Start with a Smile – it signals friendliness and approachability. A smile encourages and helps to make the first step. Master Eye Contact – this simple trick tells other people we are open and having nothing to hide. Initiate the Conversation – it is tough but being the first to say something gives you an […]

TEAM does regular Speed Networking events. Participants have 30 seconds to get their message across. Your standard One-Minute Commercial won’t work in this exercise. You have to be able to describe what you do in 30 seconds. You don’t need to be witty, clever, whimsical or even original to get the results you want. In […]

Whether it’s scheduling a virtual meeting on Zoom, forming a connection on LinkedIn, meeting in person for a coffee, or attending events — effective networking is essential for entrepreneurs and is responsible for the success of 78% of startups. However, despite how accessible networking has become today, it can be difficult to execute effectively for even the most […]

1. ATTENDANCE – It is crucial to be at every meeting (on time) to develop relationships with members and get the referrals you need. Out of sight is out of mind. 2. WELL PREPARED 1 MINUTE COMMERCIAL – You must communicate effectively to your networking partners what your needs are so you can get the […]

Just about everyone knows a Realtor/Mortgage Broker/Financial Advisor/Insurance Agent/ Accountant/ etc. When I joined TEAM as a Realtor and stepped up to be President of our new chapter, I found that recruiting was difficult when I told people what I did for a living – the conversation always turned into “How’s the market?”. That was […]

Every February, the movie Groundhog’s Day is seen more than any other, often played on a loop for 24 hours. The main character, Phil, is stuck in a time loop, repeating the same day (Groundhog’s Day) over and over. After hundreds of repeated days, Phil goes through the expected stages. He denies that it is […]

Do a Coaching Session with EVERY member in the chapter! During the session, lead-in with wanting to know more about THEM and THEIR business. Ask lots of questions. People love to talk about themselves. Your attentiveness will help you stand out in their minds and can result in more referrals for you. Create several versions […]

Don’t try to be everything to everyone Your business will evolve – and that’s ok A difficult client does not reflect anything Systems don’t have to be complicated There is no one-size-fits-all marketing plan Your best ideas require space – take breaks There is a solution to everyone problem Rest is necessary At the end […]