3 Tips to Become a Better Networker

So you just attended a small business mixer and can't help but wonder whether you were successful. You met a handful of very nice people, ate great sushi, exchanged information and business cards. Was that it? You're left wondering if you've actually accomplished anything. Were you persuasive enough to convince people to use your product or service? Will you ever cross paths with these people again?

They say that networking is essential to developing your business. So how do you know you are networking well? I like to keep it simple with these three tips:


Have a goal in mind
Approach the event as an opportunity to achieve a specific objective. Whether it's to meet a specific supplier, potential customer, or even just to practice your "elevator speech". Setting a goal keeps you focused on being productive. The more specific the goal the better. For example, in my case "meet 5 people tonight that have not used any photography services in over 60 days" would give me the opportunity to meet 5 potential customers and discuss ways my services would benefit them.


Relax
At a networking event everyone is there to do the same thing! There will be experienced networkers as well as newbies. All are trying to meet people and establish relationships, so there is nothing awkward about it when you put it in this context. For the most part they all have a high-level grasp of the protocol. Introductions, brief discussion, exchange information and cards and move on to the next introduction. So relax and enjoy the event, but keep your goal in mind.


Follow up
This is the most important part of networking: developing the relationship. At the very least a follow up email or note to let your contact know you were glad to meet them, enjoyed the chat, etc. You may want to propose a meet where more formal business can be discussed. Another extremely effective approach to this is to understand where they need help. Then look for ways to help your contact. You may not be able fulfill their need directly but maybe you can refer your contact to another person in your network who can. Now you are helping them AND leveraging your network. Whoa, I think we may have crossed into advanced networking!

Networking is essential but that doesn't mean it can't be fun. Approach networking opportunities with a goal in mind, don't put too much pressure on yourself and most importantly - develop the relationship. Don't expect to be an expert networker from the start but you'll see once you put a little effort into it that it's not that hard!

The Entreprenurial Spirit is alive and well at Lehigh University

Over 50 small businesses were on display as Lehigh University hosted the Lehigh Valley Micro enterprise Expo. I was able to meet entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds representing a wide variety of industries. Companies representing industries such as alternative energies, document imaging, interpretive services, coffee roasting, and salsa. There was a full spectrum of products and services. I was only able to spend about an hour at the event and wished it could have been more.



A few of the more memorable businesses I met were:

Easton Salsa Company. Arthur Skrzenski has spent years developing his salsa recipes and brought samples along to prove it. The pineapple salsa I sampled was out of this world!

Ashmore Systems. Jim Flamisch (pictured with his wife Tina) started this computer sales and service company in 2005 and has grown it steadily mostly through word of mouth.




Omniwind Energy Systems. Lowell Neff is the Sales Manager for Omniwind, maker of the Prowind 650 wind turbine which produces energy more efficiently than traditional windmills.



Milou Couture. Genny Perez (pictured w/sister Doris) is a dog apparel designer who's fashions have been featured on the Univision network morning show "Dispierta America".




One of the common traits I noticed in these individuals was their passion and enthusiasm for their product or service. The way they sort of lit up and came to life as they talked about their business was something they probably share with the Gates', Jobs' and Bezos' of the world.

I'd be remiss if I didn't at least give a holler to all the businesses I was able to spend a few minutes with at the expo.

Andreas Trivets - Decorative Silicone Trivets

Arrow Document Imaging - Copying and Scanning Services

Carvin Foods Distributors, LLC - Distributor of products from South America

Dutch Springs - Scuba Diving and Aqua Park

Global Arena - Language Translation and Interpreting

Grindhouse Coffee Roasting Company - Roasters of specialty coffees

Happy Paws - Dog Walking and Pet Services

Moyer-Drabick & Associates LTD - Accounting and IT consulting

Perla Lopez Baray, LLC - Women's Perfume

Rocking Chair Studio - Puzzles and games

So I was reading yesterday....

I saw some interesting stats in Time magazine (March 19th, 2010 issue) yesterday. The paper version - not the online version. These stats were in a sidebar and don't appear in the online version of the article.

"50.2% of all US workers are employed by small businesses"

Small businesses employ just over half of all American workers. This is a testament to how much influence small business have to our economy

"595,600 Small businesses closed in 2008"

To me this is an astonoshing number - over half a million small businesses closed down.

"43,546 Small Business Bankruptcies in 2008"

This number, while large, is somehow easier for me to fathom. Considering the state of the economy that year and the collective credit freeze that ensued you can see the impacts to small business. However when it comes to action by our government it appears the immediate focus was on bailouts for big business and banks.

Small businesses while critical to our economy are left to fend for themselves. We don't ask for bailouts, we figure out a way to keep going - or die trying.

It's a gutsy thing to own and run your own business. It's demanding and practically insane to some extent. However these are the stories I'd like to share on this blog. The inspirational stories of the people who have the passion and will to run their own business. If you have a story like this then I would love to hear from you.

Here's a link to the Time Magazine story.

Microenterprise expo at Lehigh U.

Microbusinesses will rule the day as Lehigh University will host the 2^nd annual Microenterprise Expo on March 24^th. The event will be held in the Rauch Business Center at Lehigh University and will provide local businesses an opportunity to network and gain exposure for their products and services and attract new customers.

A microenterprise is defined as a small business with employees ranging in total of five or less. Microenterprises include a variety of businesses in the products and service sectors such as repair and cleaning services, specialty foods, jewelry, arts and crafts, gifts, clothing and textiles, computer technology, child care, and environmental products. The Microenterprise Expo is run by a group of Lehigh University students who have an interest in small businesses and want to see them succeed. These dedicated group of students have made themselves available to assist the businesses with preparing marketing materials, samples, etc for the event.

According to the Association for Enterprise Opportunity there are more than 24 million microenterprises in the U.S., representing 18% of all private employment and 87% of all businesses. One out of six U.S. private sector employees works for a microenterprise.

The Lehigh University Small Business Development Center provides consulting services and educational programs to entrepreneurs wanting to start or grow a small business. SBDC consultants work with entrepreneurs to help test a new business proposition, shape a business plan, or investigate funding issues. Addressing topics ranging from financing to issues to marketing tactics, SBDC programs serve to inform and assist entrepreneurs with the many tasks that business owners face.

For more information contact the Small Business Development Center at insbdc@lehigh.edu