Creative Chat Cafe - Optimizing the Value of Networking.

This week on CCC!

This week Zef Zan, host of Creative Chat Cafe with cohosts Lirone Glikman of LironeGlikman.com, Scott W. Anders of Eagle Strategies LLC, and guest, Ashleigh Nails, a Junior at Troy University, discuss “Optimizing the Value of Networking.”


Conversations on:

• Why networking is important for your business.
  
• How networking can impact your marketing efforts.
  
• Using LinkedIn and LinkedIn groups to build better global connections.

The conversation.

LIRONE GLIKMAN
www.LironeGlikman.com

"Lirone Glikman is an energetic business networking coach, blogger and international speaker. She shares her networking knowledge and philosophy in order to help others take control of their lives, reach their goals, succeed, and most importantly, enjoy doing it! She is based in Tel Aviv, Israel and works with audience worldwide."

1. Lirone, will you be willing to share the story on how you and I met with our audience?

• I first saw your profile on the Connecticut Small Business Networking LinkedIn group and loved your great videos and personality.
• Later on I was asked to participate on an online telesummit - “Ignite your business." As a networker, I offered the organizers to share my connections with them and recommend on other good speakers to join this telesummit. I didn’t know you very well but was very impressed, so I told the telesummit organizers about you and they wanted you as a speaker at their telesummit immediately.
• As we connected more, I believe I also gave and offered you an opportunity to get more exposure and spread your knowledge. When you give, it always comes back in various ways and as a result, we got to know one another more and here I am a panelist on your amazing show!

2. Do you use LinkedIn for your marketing efforts?  How big an impact was it on your total business last year?

• I regularly  share interesting information related to networking but mainly I share my article on different groups that address small business owners and entrepreneur. I usually address a question related to the article’s topic which intrigues comments. I got to know interesting people through that process. The impact has been that people got to know me and my expertise. I have also learned so much from others.
  

3. So Lirone, you’re a Business Networking coach and I am certain you hear this often, “It’s either you have it or you don’t” - is this a myth when it comes to the topic of networking?

• "You either have it or you don’t" – so not! Everyone can learn how to network. You don’t have to be a social butterfly to network. Introverts can also be amazing networkers. People only have to want it enough understand WHY they are networking and how meeting new people can change their lives, help them grow and succeed. They must be willing to face their fears. It’s possible and the benefits to on's life and business are so big!
• The networking tips we can learn:
• Be pro active - create your opportunities!
  
• Make good mutually beneficial connections for others
  
• Give value to others
  

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1. You’ve created a great opportunity for local members of the group to meet up with some of those online connections at your live events. Let me ask you this Scott, how have you developed effective business relationships using this online tool?

• This online tool has been of great benefit to help me expand my business and my networks.  I have developed relationships primarily by initial conversations online.  For the most part it will be participating in a discussion on a topic, and then following up with a direct message to someone who was involved in the discussion.  As schedules permit, we schedule a coffee or lunch at the diner to visit, and then build the relationship from there.  In some cases I’ve met people at the face to face monthly meetings, and after a meeting or two they have approached me for specific financial questions.  The group settings enabling a relationship and trust to build before moving to discuss a business issue.
  

2. Do you use LinkedIn for your marketing efforts and if yes, how big an impact was it on your total business last year?

• The LinkedIn group has been a significant part of my business last year.  Perhaps 30% of my new clients originated from people I met through this group, and people they subsequently introduced me to.  In terms of revenue, over 60% of my annual revenue was driven by relationships initiated through the group.  From these results you would think I would be an expert in this marketing strategy.  I feel I’ve just scratched the surface and  need to focus more on being more effective in developing this group.  My business is built on building relationships and trust.  By helping others succeed in their efforts to network and build relationship FIRST through this network, I benefit because that help and interest to support my business is reciprocated.

3. Scott, do you have any suggestions on how to stand out in a crowd when you attend those big networking events?

• Wearing a clown nose is one sure fire way!!  No, seriously, I think you have to be yourself.  I think people are thirsty for authenticity.  Whether it is your style or not however I believe that you have to focus on being genuinely interested in other people first.  Who they are, where they are from and what they are trying to do.  It is a great way to get to know others and build relationships.  And it is easy too, since you don’t have to worry about what you are going to say.  You are just asking questions.  If there is commonality then the person you are speaking to will in turn feel the need to ask you about your business.  That gives you the opportunity to explain your business in the context of what might be of interest or relevance to the person you just met.

4. Have you seen anything ridiculous that people have done at your live events that you think they should NOT be doing at a networking event? Maybe you can help them avoid doing the same mistake next time?

• I haven’t seen any “oh my gosh” moments that were too embarassing just yet.  For the most part, I just see nervous people that end up talking too much.  You gain so much more by being a good listener, frankly in all relationships, not just networking.

SCOTT ANDERS
www.WScottAnders.com

"Scott is a financial advisor with Eagle Strategies. He is an expert in financial matters and he helps people choreograph their financial happily ever after. He works with business owners and individuals to help them review where they are ad make adjustments to maximize their peace of mind and enjoyment."

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ASHLEIGH NAILS
Junior at Troy University & Graduate of SOAR Internship Program

1. Ashleigh, I recall in one of our last conversations prior to your internship graduation, you had mentioned that one of the biggest value of the internship for you is networking. Would you share the experience a little with our audience?

• Yes, while interning with you I thought it was great how I was able to network with so many people located not only around the U.S. but around the globe; and what I also found to be great is that each person was coming together for certain projects, but were many different business owners, or students who had other projects. This allowed me to gain knowledge I feel I would’ve never gotten.

2. Ashleigh, how do you think LinkedIn will help you network better?

• Being a student, I feel Linkedin will help me let the world of business owners, employers, and others know who I am, in a professional manner. Not only does it serve as what I like to call an “amped” up resume, but provides me a community who can not only give me tips and advice during my career path, but possibly open up opportunities with them.
  

Support Ashleigh's dream of living and studying in London.

3. So Ashleigh, what motivated you to start a crowdfunding campaign on GoFundMe.com?

• I’ve always wanted to go back to London, being a military baby I use to live there, but I was young and don’t have any memories and I would love to go back and make some of my own while going to school.
  
• However, I have complex partial seizures so unfortunately I can’t work yet to earn the money, until I get them more under control. My parents have always been my support system, but I wanted to achieve this goal independently, and I am grateful for any donations I may receive, because it will make my ambition a reality. I would love to have raised the money by the end of December.
• If I am able to accomplish what I’ve set up to do, I feel that I will have crushed the fear of allowing myself to be vulnerable to others, as well as being able to experience being independent as I live in another country on my own. Which I consider to be amazing since my epilepsy has hindered that.
• I chose GoFundme because I loved that it allows you to tell your story, engage with those who help you in your journey, and encourages the use of  social media.
  

Click on the image below to help support her project on GoFundMe.com or here's the direct link: www.gofundme.com/83yrrs

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