Sometimes It Just Appears

I always say ... every opportunity is a networking opportunity and yesterday was a great example. I attended a seminar on the topic of social media sponsored by the Small Business Develop Center in our town. There were approximately 25 people who attended. The seating was theater style. 

Upon entering I scoped out the room, surveying the "lay of the land" to position myself for optimal networking opportunities. Once in position, I began by introducing myself to those around me, learning about what type of work they spend their day doing and why they might be attending the seminar. Then the seminar started.

A lovely lunch was provided and included in the seminar. Not very healthy I must say however that is another discussion all together.  The room was arranged with small tables to accommodate 6 people. I sat by 2 people I had not met earlier in the day and began the conversation pretty much the same, what brings them to the seminar, what type of work ect.

Then a wonderful thing happened!  Not only did I really like one of the new friends I had made, I found we had similar business interests and set an appointment to get together today.  I have found jumping right on the appointment scheduling is best because we are all busy and forget, oops!

I bet you are wondering what happened next? We met for coffee, explored possibilities, provided each other with great leads and decided to work on a project that will result in a great money making opportunity for us both!

So there you have it. Sometimes it just appears, networking for fun and profit! YAHOO!

You've gota love it!

Your networking partner,

Cindy Cohen RN

C2 Your Health LLC

Cindy Cohen Networking Moment!

10 Reasons to Network

If you ask 10 people what networkng is, you will most likely get 10 different answers. Everyone uses networking for different reasons. Sometimes networking is used to find a good deal. Such as now I'm looking for great running shoes, so I asked a runner I know where to shop. What about a good movie, or bad one? Help a friend looking for a job position? Information about a project you are working on? Many think networking is about making that immediate sale, instant customer. Nope. Networking is about creating added value to your life through making connections and developing relationships with others over time. What value does networking bring to you?

Here are my top 10 reasons to network:

1. Make a connection

2. Help a friend find a job

3. Add a customer

4. Make a friend

5. Gather information

6. Increase mailing list

7. Learn/share new ideas

8. Make referrals

9. Advertise

10. Have fun

Why a networking blog?

Why do I write about networking? I love networking, connecting and developing relationships.Why? Because it's a great feeling being of service to others, helping them along their way. As I look around I see in my life people who are fun, interesting and share the same goals and aspirations. 

It's my hope as I travel along my networking journey what I learn about networking will help you too! In sharing my own personal networking journey with my friends, colleagues, and professional contacts it is my hope we will all learn how to help each other to grow a successful business and personal life together.

Remembering what Zig Ziglar (author and motivational speaker) has shared for decades

"When you help other people get what they want you get what you want too!"

Expo Exhibitors...Missed Opportunity

Well, it is the morning after the 2010 Expo for Women. 125 exhbitors, 4688 people later the expo hall is empty, the booth space is just space, participants back to their sunday routine, exhibitors driving back to their homes and organizing for the coming week. If you were with us in person or virtually, thank you for participating in this wonderful event.

Reminising about the conversations with exhibitors I find it interesting the exhibitors do not see each other as potential networking partners and customers. At the Expo for Women there were 125 booth spaces with one, two, three or 4 staffing the booth. With 3, that's 375 potential customers, cliets and networking partners in the room before the door opens to the public.

Missed opportunity? Start now. Begin the conversation... connect.... add value .... help each other develop a successful business ... the opportunities are endless.

Here's to Serendipity

There is something to be said for being at the right place at the right time.

I traveled to Indianpolis last week for a series of wellness presentations. Some I presented others I attended. At a networking luncheon/ Prevention Plus+ wellness seminar I met an independent insurance agent. During our conversation I asked it she could help me with event insurance as I am coordinating, promoting the Expo for Women this weekend which requires liability insurance.

The short of the long story is I did purchase event insurance from this meeting! If you spend any time networking to increase your business this almost never happens. Usually business happens over time. Really, when you think about it when networking you are positioning yourself to be in the right place at the right time.

Here's to serendipity!

The Manuscript is Done!

The manuscript is done well, more like a ruff draft on the topic of networking is done. Until now I did not really ever consider myself a writer of anything. Although, I have written programs, policies, procedures, marketing plans, newsletters and brochures. I have written seminars, power point presentations and even co-authored an organizational fundraiser cook book,In my mind none of this really qualifies me as an author. Funny how our thoughts shape our realities. In my mind writing a book was something quite different, but maybe not.

My friend Karen, who is an accomplish author shared some of her words of wisdom on the topic "If you knew how much work it would be to write a book you would not do it." She might be onto something.

The experience of writing a book for me has become something similar to a difficult pregnancy. Long, laborous, painful and in the end something short of a beautiful miracle. I have more insight, see more and share more of my experinces with others. Even if the book never becomes published, I have met wonderful people, shared experiences and become a better person along this journey.

I look forward to sharing with you my networking experiences and I hope you share your's with me!

WOW Networking!

For those of you who don't know me I am known around these parts as the "Networking Queen". It is a title I hold with honor, whimsy and fun.

For those who do not know me, you may not know I have spent enough time studying networking over the last 8 years to have completed a college degree in networking and recognized as an expert. I have accumulated enough knowledge to write a book (in development), develop networking groups, present seminars, webinars and teleconferences.

In this blog I will share with you information I am learning that may be of assistance to you in your networking travels. Networking is a skill you can learn just like skillfully dating. It requires study, practice, trial and error, practice, finding your voice, practice and some serious follow-up oh, did I say practice?

Please feel free to share with me your networking stories, experiences, calamities and successes!

Happy Networking!

Your networking partner,

Cindy