Networking Insight

What Does Networking Mean to You?

Each of us thinks about networking in a different way.  Our thoughts usually revolve around the success (or failure) that we have experienced from relationship building.  Has networking had a positive or negative impact on your life? Your answer will be a major factor in how you network as well.

Many people don’t fully understand the value or power of networking. It takes time and effort to effectively and efficiently build relationships. Is networking short-term or long-term for you?  Again, your answer will dictate to a certain extent how much ime you devote to relationship building.

Below are some questions for you to answer about networking. Your responses will help you determine what networking really means to you.

• Do you network to look for a job?
• Do you network to find customers?
• Do you network to find employees? 
• Do you network to find strategic partners?
• Do you network to find investors?
• Do you network to expand your Rolodex?
• Do you network to find friends?
• Do you network to keep up with your industry trends?

For most people, you will have answers to multiple questions. Which one do you focus on more when networking? By answering this question, you will have a good idea of what networking means to you.

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EFactor Presents: Mobile App Development - Chicago Event

The new buzz word around town is mobile app. In 2010 mobile applications brought in $2.2 billion. That’s right…billion! Even more impressive is the fact that figure is up 160 percent from 2009! The mobile app industry is exploding right before our eyes! 

In this day and age of instant gratification it’s no longer a question of whether your business should have a mobile app or not. Businesses across the planet are creating mobile applications for consumers.  Add to that the fact that there are more people in the world who own cell phones than credit cards! If you don’t have one you may be leaving money on the table! 

Don’t get left behind! This is an event for business owners as well as for developers. In addition to learning from CEO’s and industry leaders from the mobile app industry, you’ll also get the chance to meet potential partners to help get your idea off the ground! 

Speakers Include

• Chris Cain, Partner, Foley & Lardner
• Jonathan Ozeran, VP Product & Mobile, RECSOLU
• Kilton Hopkins, CTO, 5Degrees
• Dan Parsons, Partner, Ora Interactive

Event Details

Date: 6/28/12 
Time: 6:30-9:30pm 
Location: Catapult Chicago, 321 N. Clark St., Suite 2250, Chicago
Price: $10 Early Bird, $15 regular, $20 at door 

For more details and to register, go to EFactor.com

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Business Networking Humor

Greater Chicago Networking Extravaganza - Next Week!

The annual Greater Chicago Networking Extravaganza is the premier business networking event in Chicagoland, bringing together the business community for an incredible evening of relationship-building opportunities.  The 11th one in 2012 will feature the anticipated informative, interactive presentations by Lillian Bjorseth and Jason Jacobsohn, two of Chicago’s preeminent relationship-building experts plus a panel of experts who leverage and live the networking process to grow their businesses. Real-world examples you can emulate in your business/career! 

Panelists

• Brent Novoselsky, Vice President, GCG Financial (moderator)
• Elliot Richardson, President, Small Business Advocacy Council
• Sherrin Ross Ingram, CEO, International Center for Strategic Planning
• Corliss Garner, Vice President, Commercial Banking, BMO Harris Bank

Event Details

May 23, 20125:30-8:45pm

The Metropolitan Club, 233 S. Wacker, 67th Floor, Oak Room, Chicago

Sponsors:

The Metropolitan Club, Small Business Advocacy Council, Taylor Group Insurance Agency, Precision Payroll of America, Meyer Law Group, Leavitt Siegal LLC.

For more details about the event and sponsoship, go to Greater Chicago Networking.

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Ten Reasons to Nurture Your Network

In order to build long term relationships with those in your network, you need to spend time nurturing your relationships. You need to stay relevant and visible. If you are effective, then you will reap the long term rewards. 

Below are ten reasons as to why you should spend the time and effort nurturing your network:

1. You will receive introductions and business referrals

2. You will be seen as an expert in your field

3. People will find value in staying connected with you

4. New opportunities will come your way

5. You will feel good about the value you are providing to others

6. You will be building one of your greatest assets – your network

7. You will have others to call upon in time of need

8. You may find strategic partners, employees, or investors

9. People will seek you out

10. You will have fun finding creative ways to stay relevant

What other reasons can you think of?

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Book Review: Kiss That Frog! by Brian Tracy and Christina Tracy Stein

Kiss That Frog! was written by Brian Tracy and Christina Tracy Stein. Brian is the Chairman and CEO of Brian Tracy International. He is a sought after speaker who addresses more than 250,000 per year. In addition, he is the bestselling author of more than fifty books. Christina is a psychotherapist who helps her clients to create more fulfilling relationships, develop ways to handle stress and anxiety, and find greater enjoyment and satisfaction in life.

The book is broken up into the following chapters:

• Seven Truths About You
• Imagine Your Handsome Prince
• Look Your Frog in the Face
• Clear the Pond of Ugly Frog
• Drain the Swamp
• Change the Water in Your Pond
• Look for Beauty in Frogs
• Leap Forward Confidently
• Kiss Your Ugly Frogs Good-bye
• Expect the Best of  Your Frog
• Let Go of Those Painful Frogs
• Seven Keys to a Positive Personality

Just like the fairy tale with the lonely princess and the frog, many of us have obstacles that stop us from realizing our dreams. The book discusses how our negative thoughts, emotions, and attitudes can hinder us from achieving our dreams. 

The authors provide practical and proven strategies to help you turn your negative frogs into positive princes. They do a great job explaining the core concepts with the frog analogy.

In this book, you will be able to:

• Find the root causes of negativity
• Discover mental obstacles
• Transform mental obstacles into stepping-stones to achieve greater potential
• Change your mindset to find something good in everyone and every experience

If you want to learn about a new way of thinking about life, then this book may be a worthwhile read. Many of the principles taught in this book can be used immediately to change your life. 

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Greater Chicago Networking Extravaganza - Two Weeks Away!

The annual Greater Chicago Networking Extravaganza is the premier business networking event in Chicagoland, bringing together the business community for an incredible evening of relationship-building opportunities.  The 11th one in 2012 will feature the anticipated informative, interactive presentations by Lillian and Jason, two of Chicago’s preeminent relationship-building experts plus a panel of experts who leverage and live the networking process to grow their businesses. Real-world examples you can emulate in your business/career! 

Panelist

1. Brent Novoselsky, Vice President, GCG Financial (moderator)
2. Elliot Richardson, President, Small Business Advocacy Council
3. Sherrin Ross Ingram, CEO, International Center for Strategic Planning
4. Corliss Garner, Vice President, Commercial Banking, BMO Harris Bank

Event Details

May 23, 2012
5:30-8:45pm
The Metropolitan Club, 233 S. Wacker, 67th Floor, Oak Room, Chicago

Sponsors include: The Metropolitan Club, Small Business Advocacy Council, Taylor Group Insurance Agency, Precision Payroll of America, Meyer Law Group, Leavitt Siegal LLC.

For more details about the event and sponsoship, go to Greater Chicago Networking.

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Soak Up Information to Help You Connect with Others

When you meet someone new it is important that you are able to carry an intelligent conversation. You don’t want to come across unprofessional and uninspiring. Therefore, become a sponge and read business books and magazines so you stay current with the trends.

You don’t have to be an expert in all areas to have a good conversation. It is helpful if you know of the current business trends and what is in the news.  By staying on top of this information, you are demonstrating that you pay attention to what is happening around you.

Not only should you soak up the news around you, but also you should soak up what others are sharing you with you about themselves and their businesses. Let people talk so you can learn. Take notes on the back of business cards so you can remember what was said.

If you take good notes, then you will have great information for a follow-up conversation.  By mentioning some of what you talked about in your follow-up, you are showing that you pay attention. 

The initial impression of you by others is critical for your personal brand. Make sure that you do what it takes to have a positive image.

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