Meeting at Meetup

 

I’ve been hearing a buzz about Meetup.com so I checked them out recently. This social networking site has meetings for just about any type of social, hobby, sport, or business interest group out there.

They are loosly structured groups for a low cost. There are 753 groups listed within 50 miles of San Diego with membership ranging from just a few to several hundred.

There are some networking groups too, but not all of them appear to be active. However, the largest one, the San Diego Entrepreneurs Meetup Group , meets on the 2nd Monday of the month for a speed networking event. The group’s organizer is Doug Means who I have known for years as the host of my favorite online community, the Baja Nomad Discussion Board.

For someone who wants to organize their own group they may want to take a look around Meetup. There is one group, The Carlsbad Business Networking Meetup Group, that 54 people initially joined. It needs an organizer or it will be dissolved. There is no charge to join but organizers are charged $12 – $19 a month. (??)

In my experience, it is the less structured, lower cost groups that struggle the most. I guess it is human nature to place less value on lower cost activities…People are more likely to stay involved when they have an investment on the line…thus, $$ = committment. Of course there are exceptions to every rule. You just have to investigate for yourself!

 

Dee Sanford’s All Business Women’s Celebration of Women’s History Month

What a party! Dee’s events are full of passion and lots of smiling and laughing people supporting each other.  This is a group shot of us with Dee (bottom center) and San Diego’s top Networking Women representing 16 different networking  organizations.

You will notice two women that I have spotlighted in this group as well…Gail Spivey, President of the Black Business Association and Michelle Butler, President/CEO of the Women’s Business Center of California.

To see the whole album, visit http://tinyurl.com/36gldv 

Every month on the 3rd Friday, Dee hosts the African American Business Women of Vision Breakfast.  On Sept 7th, they will be celebrating 10 years! More Information

 

Sheila McDonnell – Women in Business Symposium

This dynamic woman is a familiar face in the Del Mar area.  She works full time for the Del Mar Race track in Corporate Sales but once a year pulls off an event of her own design.  This month hosted the 8th annual Women in Business Symposium bringing women (and men) together for a day of:

•   3 Fabulous Speakers
•   10 Exciting Roundtables
•   65 Exhibitors

 …in 1 incredible day of fun!

She also is a member of the Del Mar Kiwanis Club.. originated and organizes the yearly Ugly Dog Contest at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, one of their most popular events.

I asked her recently how the WIB Symp got started.  Sheila related how, WAY back in 1999, she said that she really loved to hear great presentations by fabulous women…and lamented that there were very few opportunities to hear great presentations by fabulous women.  Right then and there she decided to do something about it.

Six months later the first Women in Business Symposium was born.  The first presenters were Mary Ellen Drummond and the contributing authors from Women’s Way to Incredible Success in Business. The next year they added the exhibitor booths, and it has been growing ever since.

Sheila is also a very active member of the Del Mar Chamber of Commerce  having served as President and is currently on the Board of Directors.  She and her husband John also own electronic retail store in El Cajon.

Sheila’s willingness to make connections is what makes her stand out.  I have personally witnessed…more times than I can count.. her saying…oh…you need to meet…..   then takes them by the hand and personally introduces them.

That type of introduction is worth its weight in gold!  

 

The Art of The Business Lunch

This book is a must for anyone who conducts business at lunch. I recommend it to all who go through The Link System Training….since one of the most important components of building relationships is the actual sit-down to really learn about each other, the perfect scenario is the Business Lunch. What I do not teach is are all the details that go into a successful lunch…restaraunt selection, etiquette, all the do’s & don’ts….as well as some of the funny stories she has to tell from her years as a top rep for a large advertising firm.

I met Robin a few months ago and she was gracious enough to pose with me (that’s her on the right). She speaks in the San Diego area a couple of times a year. If you ever have the opportunity to hear her, do it! AND buy her book…

 

The Dark Ages

Disclaimer:  This is a bit of a rant…I promise to keep it short.

Periodically I  will call the networking groups that I list on my calendar to verify that their information is still accurate.  Since most groups have leadership changes throughout the year, I always seem to talk to a different person every time.  After I explain that they are listed free of charge, I ask if they could please let the group members know of this free resource.  Most are very appreciative of the free listing and are happy to pass the word along.

I called one group and talked to a gentleman who was in retail sales.  He immediately sounded suspicious of my motives…why would I list his group?  What did I want?  Well…nothing other than to let you know of this free resource for you and your group.  Could you let the others know about The San Diego Networking Guide? 

His answer?  “No, I don’t think so.”  Then he went on to explain.  “What if someone in our group found another group they liked better and left?”   

The dead silence was caused by my jaw dropping to the floor.

SOMEBODY GIVE THIS MAN A COPY OF “THE SECRET” !!!  He is living in a  serious world of fear and lack. 

I asked if there were women in his group and he said there were.  “Ok..here is a good example of how this type of information could benefit your group.  In the last issue I talk about an upcoming event called The Women in Business Symposium…have you heard about it?” (I already knew his answer – no).  “Let’s say a woman from your group attends this event…there she will meet perhaps a hundred different business woman and men…many of them would be good contacts for you or your other members.  The more your people expand their network, the better it is for your group.  Do you see how that could work for your group?” …………………………………………..

(Hello?  Anybody home?)

He remained unconvinced and I thanked him for returning my call. But there is a part of me that wants to sneak into a meeting, pass my flyers out saying  “Save Yourselves!!…There’s a big, bright networking world out there ..Get out while you can!!

<end of rant>

 

The Millionaire’s Handbook

The Millionaire’s Handbook
by Mel Kaufmann

In the fall of 2004 I received a phone call from a man named Mel Kaufmann.  He had been told about my networking event calendar and called to get more information about it and my business.  He told me about his book and asked if he could send me a copy.  I said “Sure!”

The little book arrived soon after.  A few days later I put it in my fanny pack for a morning hike up Mt. Woodson.  I sat on a boulder overlooking the Ramona Valley and started to thumb through it.  It didn’t take me long to realize this was a different type of book. 

I had read many books on networking…all made a very good case for the value of making connections…long on success stories of life-long friendships and profitable business deals.  But none so systematically outlined the strategies and tactics to use in order to optimize each event and qualify each new contact…

In the words of the author, Mel Kaufmann: “Each page of The Millionaire’s Handbook is designed to increase your net worth by $10,000 before the end of your career. It is the graduate school of networking. Instead of looking for a prospect, you search for a professional who has a Rolodex full of prospects and you form a LINK. If you select twelve LINKs and exchange productive information continually and immediately with all of your LINKs for the remainder of your career, you will be a millionaire. GUARANTEED!“

Kaufmann Corollaries
The Millionaire’s Handbook is comprised of 100 “Kaufmann Corollaries” which he defines as “Profitable business truths that never vary”.  They form the backbone of The Link System philosophy.  In his words, the book is “a quick read, but a lifetime study”.

The reader is walked through the preparation prior to an event and then given valuable “nuts & bolts” strategies to leverage your networking time and investment for the expressed purpose of finding business relationships.

The book has been self-published for over 20 years and only available from the author or my website

 

Gail M. Spivey, Pres. Black Business Assoc.

Gail M. Spivey
President
Black Business Association

Gail M. Spivey is the President of Black Business Association of San Diego County (“BBA”), a non-profit organization dedicated to advocating for, and increasing, resources for black businesses to facilitate their growth and success.  The BBA, which was formed by Gail and a few other business owners in San Diego, embodies her vision of a dynamic force for positive change. 

Ms. Spivey directs the organization’s development and coordinates its various activities.  As of the end of April 2007, BBA’s membership consisted of 51 businesses.   Ms. Spivey also serves as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Gail M. Spivey & Associates, a public relations and consulting firm.  Gail develops creative marketing concepts for her clients and assists them with the implementation.  Other services include Research and Development, and Community Outreach. 

Ms. Spivey began her career as a sales consultant for The Miami Herald Publishing Company.  She later worked for the U.S. Postal Service for 22 years.  Throughout the latter part of this period, Gail honed her public relations skills by conducting freelance work that included organizing major public events and marketing of manuscripts to underwriters of film production. 

In 2004, Gail retired from the US Postal Service to pursue her own business as an independent consultant for telecommunication company ACN.   Ms. Spivey relocated to San Diego from South Florida in December 2005. 

 

Michelle Butler – President & CEO – WBCC

Michelle S. Butler
President/CEO
Women’s Business Center of California

The Women’s Business Center of California (WBCC) originated as an SBA program at National University.  After three years, the WBCC was formally established in August 2006 in order to meet an increasing demand in the community, becoming the first women’s business center in the country to become its own organization! 

Michelle’s achievements in her first year of running the center have been:

• Moved the organization from operating in the red to the black in just 4 months;
• Created the first annual Small Business Services Expo and Awards Luncheon which drew over 800 people;
• Increased overall event attendance by 75% while simultaneously decreasing marketing and advertising expenses by 90%;
• Increased individual counseling and training capabilities;
• Increased program revenue and sponsorship by 30%;
• Revamped the strategic marketing plan, increasing organizational awareness and support;
• Founded the WBCC as its own non-profit organization, recruited a new Board of Directors, wrote new policies, procedures and bylaws;
• Increased Spanish-speaking capabilities 

Michelle holds a Masters in Pacific International Affairs from the Graduate School of International Relations and Pacific Studies at the University of California San Diego and graduated magna cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa with a B.A. in Communication and Spanish from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.  She looks forward to continually growing the WBCC and expanding its services and has maintained a strong presence as a small business advocate with numerous community groups and organizations throughout San Diego County. 

Community Involvement and Awards
▪  San Diego Regional/Metro Revolving Loan Fund Advisory Board
▪  Co-founder and co-host of the San Diego Small Business Community Coalition
▪  2006 Best Small Business Advocate, San Diego Supplier Development Council
▪  Marketing Chair, Organization of Women in International Trade San Diego
▪  2007 Small Business Advocate of the Year nominee, National Association of Women Business Owners San Diego (winner to be announced May 17, 2007)

Prior to accepting the position with WBCC she was a full partner and CEO in the Navarretta Group, facilitating trade between the U.S. and Cuba.  She lead the first official trade delegation to Cuba on behalf of the World Trade Center Association Los Angeles – Long Beach, securing a $10 million trade pact for the state of California. She has collaborated with members of the U.S. Congress on trade policy with Cuba and has been a guest speaker and interviewee for various print, radio, and television media regarding U.S. – Cuba relations. 

www.wbcc-sd.org
Tel: 619-921-6881
Fax: 619-353-9900

 

Marketing Wisdom From Bazooka Joe®

At a recent Business Expo a vendor was giving away Bazooka Joe® bubble gum at her booth.  Later that night as I sat at my computer, entering in all the new SDNG subscribers (Over 30!), I unwrapped a piece, popped it in my mouth and relished the nostalgic taste from my youth. However, reality caught up to me when I found I could not read the comic without my reading glasses! 

At the bottom of the comic was this fortune: Don’t Waffle; You’ll Get Pancaked.  Of course…I usually find myself relating everything to marketing, and this is a common theme in coaching. We all have marketing ideas & strategies that are “on the back burner” or, in effect that we are “waffling” on. In today’s crowded market we need every advantage working for us to keep our competitive edge sharp & cutting.  Or you will, indeed, get “Pancaked” by your competition.  What might you be “waffling” on?  Try some of these out:

1. Writing out a marketing plan for the next 6 months 
2.  Developing “back end” products or services to offer     existing clients.
3.  Joining a networking group.
4.  Writing that article for your local Chamber or other organization.
5. Starting a joint-venture campaign with someone with your same target market.
6. Marketing to clients you’ve not heard from in a while.
7. Entering that stack of business cards into your database.
8. Exploring different advertising avenues.
9.  Developing 2 or 3 “signature speeches” and address groups on your area of expertise.
10.  Publishing a newsletter to stay in contact with your prospects.

Ok…did any of these ideas hit home? Would you like some help? Email me for a complimentary coaching session to get you jump-started on your next endeavor. There is no time like NOW to get started…no waffling or pancaking allowed… except at your local IHOP!

© 2007 Mindy Selinger, All rights reserved. You are free to use material from SanDiegoNetworkingGuide.com E-zine or blog in whole or in part,as long as you include complete attribution, including live website link and email link. Please also notify me where the material will appear. The attribution should read: 

By Mindy Selinger of PowerPartner Connections. Please visit Mindy’s web Sites: http://SanDiegoNetworkingGuide.com and http://TheLinkSystem.com for more information on her other material.  MindyS@SanDiegoNetworkingGuide.com

 

 

Speed Networking? On Your Mark…Get Set…NETWORK!!

First there was speed dating – now speed networking – it’s all about the numbers, right? Maybe yes, maybe no. If you have an ineffective approach, all the numbers in the world won’t help! (On either front!) I recently attended my first speed event and I learned that to fully utilize this format, preparation is in order.

Speed networking is gaining in popularity and it works like this:  half of the participants are seated for the entire event and the other half move from seat to seat at regular intervals.  Each participant has a couple of minutes to “pitch” to the other before moving on.

No matter what industry you are in, the odds dictate that there will be very few people at any given event actively looking for the solution you provide with your product or service. Whether or not you believe they “need” your solution is another issue. I am always dismayed when I encounter someone trying to convince another, at a networking event, that they are in need of whatever product or service they are selling. No one likes to be on the receiving end of an unwanted sales pitch.  Here are some guidelines when attending a speed-networking event:

When they are pitching and you are listening:

• Ask relevant questions about their business. Who is their best type of client? Who is their best referral partner? What type of connections do they need to further their business? Take notes on the back of their card and get back to them with any connections you can make. When you connect them with someone who can be of value to them, you will have a business friend for life (if they are smart!).

When you are pitching: (When possible, I let the other person go first. The more I know about them, the better I can tailor what I say so that it is relevant to them)

• The most important point to get across is the solution you offer and who you offer it to. Minor details do not matter – not how long you have been in business, not your dedication to customer service or your location.
• Tell them your best type of client, your best referral partner and who you need to meet to further your business.
• Have something of value to give them. It doesn’t even have to be related to your industry; as long as it is something they can use to increase their business.  I have free resources on my TheLinkSystem.com and SanDiegoNetworkingGuide.com websites – articles on networking skills, networking event calendars, and lots of contacts to hook them up with.
• DO NOT add them to your mailing list without their explicit permission. I am very careful to get permission to send something to them.  I tell them the name of the publication and when they can expect it.

Preparation is the key…know exactly who you need to meet, the information that you need to build your business, then ask for those contacts.  Being vague, general, or trying too hard to sell your services to everyone one you talk to, will not produce the results you want.  Offering to help others find the contacts they need will be an approach that will get their attention. You will be the only one asking these questions…AND the only one who did not try to sell to them in two minutes or less! 

©2007 All rights reserved. Mindy Selinger publishes The San Diego Networking Guide and is an authorized Link System Trainer.  She is available for speaking and can be reached at 760 788-9524.  For free networking tips, please visit her on the web at http://TheLinkSystem.com