Comments on: Guest Opinion: Enough with the business card shuffle http://www.richmondbizsense.com/2009/11/20/guest-opinion-enough-with-the-business-card-shuffle/ Richmond's Homepage For Business News Fri, 10 Feb 2012 02:28:40 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Renee' Hall http://www.richmondbizsense.com/2009/11/20/guest-opinion-enough-with-the-business-card-shuffle/comment-page-1/#comment-11412 Renee' Hall Fri, 08 Jan 2010 23:48:37 +0000 http://www.richmondbizsense.com/?p=13496#comment-11412 sounds like there is plenty of interest, research, talent, and suggestions here among all of the responses offered. I submit The first meeting is as soon as you START YOUR OWN. What's stopping you? sounds like there is plenty of interest, research, talent, and suggestions here among all of the responses offered. I submit The first meeting is as soon as you START YOUR OWN. What’s stopping you?

]]> By: Entrepreneurs Can Benefit from One Other as Much as Referrals | Recovery Resources for Individuals http://www.richmondbizsense.com/2009/11/20/guest-opinion-enough-with-the-business-card-shuffle/comment-page-1/#comment-10985 Entrepreneurs Can Benefit from One Other as Much as Referrals | Recovery Resources for Individuals Fri, 04 Dec 2009 21:36:25 +0000 http://www.richmondbizsense.com/?p=13496#comment-10985 [...] of delivering elevator speeches to build a network of referrals. A recent opinion piece from BizSense examines the shortfalls of this model, and calls for a new sense of community among business [...] [...] of delivering elevator speeches to build a network of referrals. A recent opinion piece from BizSense examines the shortfalls of this model, and calls for a new sense of community among business [...]

]]> By: Entrepreneurs Can Benefit from One Other as Much as Referrals - Mid-Market Blog http://www.richmondbizsense.com/2009/11/20/guest-opinion-enough-with-the-business-card-shuffle/comment-page-1/#comment-10984 Entrepreneurs Can Benefit from One Other as Much as Referrals - Mid-Market Blog Fri, 04 Dec 2009 21:33:08 +0000 http://www.richmondbizsense.com/?p=13496#comment-10984 [...] of delivering elevator speeches to build a network of referrals. A recent opinion piece from BizSense examines the shortfalls of this model, and calls for a new sense of community among business [...] [...] of delivering elevator speeches to build a network of referrals. A recent opinion piece from BizSense examines the shortfalls of this model, and calls for a new sense of community among business [...]

]]> By: Entrepreneurs Can Benefit from One Other as Much as Referrals | CB&H's Small Business Blog http://www.richmondbizsense.com/2009/11/20/guest-opinion-enough-with-the-business-card-shuffle/comment-page-1/#comment-10983 Entrepreneurs Can Benefit from One Other as Much as Referrals | CB&H's Small Business Blog Fri, 04 Dec 2009 21:31:55 +0000 http://www.richmondbizsense.com/?p=13496#comment-10983 [...] of delivering elevator speeches to build a network of referrals. A recent opinion piece from BizSense examines the shortfalls of this model, and calls for a new sense of community among business [...] [...] of delivering elevator speeches to build a network of referrals. A recent opinion piece from BizSense examines the shortfalls of this model, and calls for a new sense of community among business [...]

]]> By: Mark Deutsch http://www.richmondbizsense.com/2009/11/20/guest-opinion-enough-with-the-business-card-shuffle/comment-page-1/#comment-10855 Mark Deutsch Tue, 24 Nov 2009 13:45:26 +0000 http://www.richmondbizsense.com/?p=13496#comment-10855 Thank you for posting this excellent Guest Opinion Deanna. I believe you are absolutely right in there being several paths of networking developing - and it is not possible to find one group that fulfills both areas of business development and entrepreneur development. I know exactly where you are coming from, as I've had the opportunity to start more than a dozen companies over the past 20 years and I have yet to find a group that truly fills both needs at the level of excellence that I would like. So I treat my business support resources like a team of medical professionals - I seek specialists. Unfortunately most people see networking as 'selling' - and real networking is about 'connecting' - so as long as I am focused on that connection, I believe you are always networking. In addition to this philosophy, my specialist in networking with the intent of growing my business through referrals is BNI (who's model is based on the idea of Givers Gain & the most successful networkers truly live by this belief). I'm an active participant in a small business mastermind group (A BLR group through the Richmond Chamber - which I believe is the most valuable program the Chamber offers for small businesses). I have been a very active Rotarian for a number of years, where I get my expertise in community service (Rotary's motto is 'Service Above Self'). I have a business coach who is an expert in my business and coaches several of my peers around the world. I have also created a local advisory board and I have a number of personal and professional mentors who have had the kinds of success that I aspire to. I've also met with Dave Ingram to see how I may be of service in developing a group of seasoned business advisors that may kick the entrepreneur development up a notch - email him at Chris@capitaltechsearch.com to learn more. Like you and many other entrepreneurs like us, I have found that no one group can be a specialist in all of the areas critical to my success - so I seek the best expertise in each area. I’m sure most people would agree, when my business (or life) is on the line, I want only the best working with me. Thank you for posting this excellent Guest Opinion Deanna. I believe you are absolutely right in there being several paths of networking developing – and it is not possible to find one group that fulfills both areas of business development and entrepreneur development.

I know exactly where you are coming from, as I’ve had the opportunity to start more than a dozen companies over the past 20 years and I have yet to find a group that truly fills both needs at the level of excellence that I would like. So I treat my business support resources like a team of medical professionals – I seek specialists.

Unfortunately most people see networking as ‘selling’ – and real networking is about ‘connecting’ – so as long as I am focused on that connection, I believe you are always networking. In addition to this philosophy, my specialist in networking with the intent of growing my business through referrals is BNI (who’s model is based on the idea of Givers Gain & the most successful networkers truly live by this belief). I’m an active participant in a small business mastermind group (A BLR group through the Richmond Chamber – which I believe is the most valuable program the Chamber offers for small businesses). I have been a very active Rotarian for a number of years, where I get my expertise in community service (Rotary’s motto is ‘Service Above Self’). I have a business coach who is an expert in my business and coaches several of my peers around the world. I have also created a local advisory board and I have a number of personal and professional mentors who have had the kinds of success that I aspire to.

I’ve also met with Dave Ingram to see how I may be of service in developing a group of seasoned business advisors that may kick the entrepreneur development up a notch – email him at Chris@capitaltechsearch.com to learn more.

Like you and many other entrepreneurs like us, I have found that no one group can be a specialist in all of the areas critical to my success – so I seek the best expertise in each area. I’m sure most people would agree, when my business (or life) is on the line, I want only the best working with me.

]]> By: Joyce Davis http://www.richmondbizsense.com/2009/11/20/guest-opinion-enough-with-the-business-card-shuffle/comment-page-1/#comment-10851 Joyce Davis Mon, 23 Nov 2009 21:02:22 +0000 http://www.richmondbizsense.com/?p=13496#comment-10851 Yes, I think I am among the many business owners who have come to similar conclusions. The generic business networking event just doesn't cut it for me any more -- if it ever did. I've learned the best networking you can do is for the benefit of your few, truly connected strategic partners. In other words, when you network, your priority is finding referral business for them, not yourself. Besides, it's more fun that way. In fact, bring them along! I've attended Jim Roman's free Small Business Insight luncheons, and they work on a few levels: First, you can invite your referral partners, prospects and friends to join you, and it feels more productive and inspiring than just another business lunch. It's also a chance to share your experiences, help others and get some good ideas from the other businesses attending. The lunches are a productive break, and motivate you to implement new ideas, not just sit through another luncheon seminar. Yes, I think I am among the many business owners who have come to similar conclusions. The generic business networking event just doesn’t cut it for me any more — if it ever did. I’ve learned the best networking you can do is for the benefit of your few, truly connected strategic partners. In other words, when you network, your priority is finding referral business for them, not yourself. Besides, it’s more fun that way. In fact, bring them along!

I’ve attended Jim Roman’s free Small Business Insight luncheons, and they work on a few levels:
First, you can invite your referral partners, prospects and friends to join you, and it feels more productive and inspiring than just another business lunch. It’s also a chance to share your experiences, help others and get some good ideas from the other businesses attending.

The lunches are a productive break, and motivate you to implement new ideas, not just sit through another luncheon seminar.

]]> By: Linda Singleton-Driscoll http://www.richmondbizsense.com/2009/11/20/guest-opinion-enough-with-the-business-card-shuffle/comment-page-1/#comment-10847 Linda Singleton-Driscoll Mon, 23 Nov 2009 14:49:36 +0000 http://www.richmondbizsense.com/?p=13496#comment-10847 What a great article, Deanna! I hope to see you at one of Jim Roman's Business Owner's Institute lunch workshops. It really is that next step you and so many others are seeking. His multifaceted approach is particularly effective, no matter what your learning style. It includes: (1) A short email a few days in advance to spur your thinking, (2) a refreshingly honest talk, based on years of experience (covering the good and bad), (3) the perspectives of a wide range of fellow entrepreneurs who freely share their insights and experiences (what worked and what didn't), and (4) an opportunity to mingle one-on-one with other entrepreneurs (and do some traditional networking, if you are so inclined). It happens every Wed. from 11:30-1 for anyone who wants to trek out to the Richmond Country Club and pay for lunch. I can't believe how much insight it has provided in the few months I've been attending. What a great article, Deanna! I hope to see you at one of Jim Roman’s Business Owner’s Institute lunch workshops. It really is that next step you and so many others are seeking. His multifaceted approach is particularly effective, no matter what your learning style. It includes: (1) A short email a few days in advance to spur your thinking, (2) a refreshingly honest talk, based on years of experience (covering the good and bad), (3) the perspectives of a wide range of fellow entrepreneurs who freely share their insights and experiences (what worked and what didn’t), and (4) an opportunity to mingle one-on-one with other entrepreneurs (and do some traditional networking, if you are so inclined).

It happens every Wed. from 11:30-1 for anyone who wants to trek out to the Richmond Country Club and pay for lunch. I can’t believe how much insight it has provided in the few months I’ve been attending.

]]> By: Jan Tatangelo http://www.richmondbizsense.com/2009/11/20/guest-opinion-enough-with-the-business-card-shuffle/comment-page-1/#comment-10845 Jan Tatangelo Mon, 23 Nov 2009 07:29:13 +0000 http://www.richmondbizsense.com/?p=13496#comment-10845 I so agree with your article and so many of the comments in the stream of thoughts. I'm from So Cal and it's the same in every community. In the 'networking' goal, sometimes the people side of the customer is forgotten for just a 'sale'. What a turn off. The F.O.R.M. is truly the best way to do business. If we can't relate to each other than it's not going to last too long. I want my customers to be more than someone who just takes my notary classes. I want a relationship that will continue and be mutually beneficial for a long long time. We have a new network lunch program here for small lunch groups called Let's Do Lunch AV. It's not tied to a Chamber or any specific group, but is valley wide to get mixin' and mingling on a smaller scale of 4-5 people with more than a 30 second commercial. We'll see how it grows. I so agree with your article and so many of the comments in the stream of thoughts. I’m from So Cal and it’s the same in every community. In the ‘networking’ goal, sometimes the people side of the customer is forgotten for just a ‘sale’. What a turn off. The F.O.R.M. is truly the best way to do business. If we can’t relate to each other than it’s not going to last too long. I want my customers to be more than someone who just takes my notary classes. I want a relationship that will continue and be mutually beneficial for a long long time. We have a new network lunch program here for small lunch groups called Let’s Do Lunch AV. It’s not tied to a Chamber or any specific group, but is valley wide to get mixin’ and mingling on a smaller scale of 4-5 people with more than a 30 second commercial. We’ll see how it grows.

]]> By: Dr. Phil http://www.richmondbizsense.com/2009/11/20/guest-opinion-enough-with-the-business-card-shuffle/comment-page-1/#comment-10841 Dr. Phil Sun, 22 Nov 2009 02:00:23 +0000 http://www.richmondbizsense.com/?p=13496#comment-10841 Happy Holidays to all, I have had the pleasure of attending networking groups and functions for the past 13 months. The format and faces of those attending rarely change but there is 1 constant, Learning. If you don't learn something about business or how to meet people, you are probably in the wrong place. Chamber of Commerce events, Jim Roman's business lunch talk and workshops specific to my industry continue to be the best source of personal growth. I just attended my first 4 for lunch event setup by the Richmond Chamber of Commerce, it was awesome. Here is my networking 2.5 cent: Try to connect with 1-3 people at any event using F.O.R.M (Family, Occupation, Recreation and Motivation) The more you can relate to them, The more they may be willing to help you. Listen to the positive power of Joel Osteen, Jim Rohn, Dr. Joyce Meyers and more at www.danieldevelopmentgroup.com. Dr. Phil Happy Holidays to all,

I have had the pleasure of attending networking groups and functions for the past 13 months. The format and faces of those attending rarely change but there is 1 constant, Learning.
If you don’t learn something about business or how to meet people, you are probably in the wrong place. Chamber of Commerce events, Jim Roman’s business lunch talk and workshops specific to my industry continue to be the best source of personal growth. I just attended my first 4 for lunch event setup by the Richmond Chamber of Commerce, it was awesome.

Here is my networking 2.5 cent:
Try to connect with 1-3 people at any event using F.O.R.M (Family, Occupation, Recreation and Motivation) The more you can relate to them, The more they may be willing to help you.

Listen to the positive power of Joel Osteen, Jim Rohn, Dr. Joyce Meyers and more at http://www.danieldevelopmentgroup.com.

Dr. Phil

]]> By: Jim Roman http://www.richmondbizsense.com/2009/11/20/guest-opinion-enough-with-the-business-card-shuffle/comment-page-1/#comment-10839 Jim Roman Sat, 21 Nov 2009 13:56:43 +0000 http://www.richmondbizsense.com/?p=13496#comment-10839 Deanna, I loved what you had to say... I agree It’s hard to find a place where you can: Engage fellow entrepreneurs, Learn and grow, Share your experiences & be encouraged with like-minded business owners focusing on strengthening the entrepreneur. That’s why we have been, for 2 years doing weekly FREE talks (the only cost is lunch at $13) at various locations. We do these every Wednesday at 11:30 at the Richmond Country Club. We have on average 25 people. Our goal is to give Entrepreneurs (business owners) a place to discuss their challenges and get real world, practical advice that you don’t get in school and it doesn't cost you a fortune. Feel free to visit http://www.businessownersinstitute.biz/ for a list of our topics. Again I loved what you had to say. Deanna,
I loved what you had to say… I agree It’s hard to find a place where you can: Engage fellow entrepreneurs, Learn and grow, Share your experiences & be encouraged with like-minded business owners focusing on strengthening the entrepreneur.

That’s why we have been, for 2 years doing weekly FREE talks (the only cost is lunch at $13) at various locations. We do these every Wednesday at 11:30 at the Richmond Country Club. We have on average 25 people.

Our goal is to give Entrepreneurs (business owners) a place to discuss their challenges and get real world, practical advice that you don’t get in school and it doesn’t cost you a fortune. Feel free to visit http://www.businessownersinstitute.biz/ for a list of our topics. Again I loved what you had to say.

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