Networking to Next Level

It is truly amazing the kinds of business relationships that can be formed as a result of networking.  I attended a business mixer a while back entitled "First Thursdays Business Mixer".  I found out about it via another mixer I attended both events were held in Norfolk.

The business mixer I gained the most networking connections from was "First Thursdays Business Mixer".  I actually connected with some of the attendees after the mixer and learned where they went to college.  A couple became my FACEBOOK friends. Even others dropped off packets with more information about their business after the first mixer I attended.

I like the Networking Events which turn into Network Connections.  I always enjoy being around positive upbeat people.  Some of the perks include getting treated out to lunch or dinner. 

Well the organizer of the event I have gotten to talk to on several occasions.  I was the sponsor for the event in August.  There will be a different sponsor in September.  I want everyone to enjoy the success I had with the event last month.  I have connected with a few more business people. 

Today I got a special treat.  I met with Lawrence and we did something I have not done before.  To make a long story short, we set together and put together a flyer with both our business information and we went door to door distributing prospecting material in a neighborhood I had farmed once before years ago.  It has been a while since I did any prospecting on foot and I never prospected with someone who sells insurance before.  The last time I farmed a neighborhood it was with a lender.  The times before that it was always with real estate agents for a co-listing. 

The flyer contained information on my newest listing at 7408 Adele Drive in Norfolk, Virginia .  It also included a section on the insurance products/services Lawrence has to offer.  It was a joint effort and putting together and distributing the flyers.  It was even raining at one point but it did not deter either of us from distributing the flyers. 

I had my hair pulled back so I wasn't concerned about it getting my hair wet.  He didn't seem to care about his hair getting wet as well.

With the business mixer last month we had more people show up by his word-of-mouth advertising with flyers than with marketing online.  We set up a MeetUp group on MeetUp.com in an effort to connect with other business professionals in the Hampton Roads area.

I really enjoy networking and going to different networking events.  It provides the opportunity to meet with new people.  Friends of your network contacts.  And to take our networking efforts outside the regular meetups and work together to generate more business.

Since I have been attending networking events I can surely say my list of business contacts has significantly increased.  I really enjoy networking and meeting with other business professionals and making our connections a win-win relationship.

If you're not doing anything the First Thursday of September you may want to consider coming out to Dreams Southern Cuisine at 3376 S. Military Highway in Chesapeake, Virginia and partaking in the Business Mixer.  You can sign up on http://www.meetup.com/First-Thursday-Business-Mixer.  RSVP is not required. 

Most of the attendees come from Lawrence passing out flyers and inviting people face-to-face to the event.  I tell him he is the works the hardest I've seen to generate leads.  He really gets out and recruits for new business and new business contacts.  His energy is contagious.  I've been trying to encourage him to bring some of his offline promotional efforts online with the vision being combining the best of both worlds.  

It's a rare find to see someone put so much heart into what they do nowadays.  It seems like it's a circle of folks who do just that.  I am a hard worker too.  I like staying on top of what is happening and being out in the forefront of new and upcoming things.  It just amazes how people can work so hard but have a whole different perspective on delivery and approach.  The ultimate goal being to seal the deal.  It definitely takes all types to make the world go round.