Posts Tagged ‘duvall’

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6 steps to turn your new contact into business (or give a referral)

May 27th, 2010

After you have met someone at a networking event – now what? Your follow up process is key.  Here are the steps I recommend.

  1. Send a thank you card. Thank the person for the time they spent with you. Include your business card.
  2. Put a reminder for you to call in one week to set up a coffee appointment.
  3. At the appointment, get to know their business better. Why did they start? What problems are they having? (You may not be able to help them, but you may be able to connect them to someone who can (opportunity to give a referral)) Don’t push your product. Just listen and taken notes. They’ll ask about your business so just be patient.
  4. Send another thank you note for their time.
  5. Review your notes and look for opportunities to help them. If you can’t help them that is okay. Ask permission to include them in your newsletter or some other form of contact.
  6. If you can help them, call and set up another coffee appointment. Show how you can help them.

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Posted in Making connections, Networking Groups, Referrals

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Business Class – Networking 101

May 21st, 2010

Colleges, high school, any business program should have a section on networking. They need to explain how to do it, how to follow up and how to make it effective. Many think they just need to show up and pass out business cards. This doesn’t work.

Others think they need to talk with everyone and sit back and expect the phone to ring. This doesn’t work.

My experience has shown that you need to repeatedly make contacts, follow up and provide a referral yourself. Have a plan on next steps. Be interested in what the other person does. Networking isn’t so much about yourself, its about making connections and helping others. When you do this, then they’ll be motivated to help you.

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Posted in Making connections, Networking Groups

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I’ve already met you – now what?

May 18th, 2010

I recently attended two networking groups where people kept asking the question, I’ve already talked to you, now what?

If you attend several networking meetings you’ll see that some of them have the same people who attend over and over again. So the question is, do you ignore them and only talk to the people you don’t know or do you go talk with them again?

For me, it’s a great opportunity to get to know the person better. Networking is about:

  1. building long term relationships
  2. finding ways to give referrals
  3. growing your own business

If you keep seeing the same people, you know they are committed to their business. You also have an opportunity to learn more about them and deepen the relationship (which will make it easier to refer them to others and easier for them to refer people to you.)

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Posted in Making connections, Networking Groups, Referrals

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Networking Event – Speedy in Duvall

May 5th, 2010

Do you want to meet other business owners or try your networking skills. Here is a great event (partly because I’m the one running it!)

This Thursday, May 6 at 7:30 a.m. a speed networking event will be hosted by the Duvall Chamber of Commerce.  The event is located at the Grange Cafe in Duvall.

We wanted to make this a very successful event, so we sent Duvall Chamber members far and wide (okay, Monroe, Carnation, Bellevue and Woodinville) to find the best way for our members to connect with one another. We learned a lot of different ways to make this a successful event, and some things we’ll want to avoid.
 
Please remember to bring business cards, and be prepared to talk about your business. Our goal is for every member to find someone they can meet with after the meeting to either build their business or receive a referral.

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Posted in Practice Networking

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LinkedIn – how to use it for networking

April 27th, 2010

Check out these two videos about LinkedIn. I did several searches, but I had trouble finding one that I really liked. The whole point with linkedin is to connect professional. For me, the key is to build out your network – and then use your network to grow your business, find a job or find a referral to a local business.

To really use LinkedIn, you need to decide the businesses you want to connect with – job referral, business referral or a person who can help you connect with a job or potential client. The most powerful part of LinkedIn is the “Get Introduction” link. It allows you to use your network to be introduced to other people. Most often you can ask to meet the person, and they’ll usually accept because they get a personal introduction to you from your network. You get the face to face meeting, and the potential job, client or next introduction to your goal.

The key to LinkedIn is to use it. Search out those contacts and then ask to be introduced. If you’d like more information, let me know.

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Posted in 30 Second Commercial, Making connections, Networking Groups, Referrals

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Local Referal: Rental equipment

April 20th, 2010

Yesterday, my wife and kids worked to get our garden ready for spring planting. We put some seedling starter kits together, worked on the border of the garden (grass was creeping in) and rented a tiller to break up the dirt. We rented the tiller from GSR Rentals in Duvall, Wa.

I had called on Saturday about reserving the tiller for Monday. The response I got was they only make reservations the first hour they are open and they currently didn’t have any. I had to clarify that I was asking about Monday and they reiterated their policy. He did say however, that he felt they’d have something in the afternoon on Monday.

On Monday, I just went by mid-afternoon and they had a tiller, so I got it for four hours. (Their price is either for four hours or all day). I was almost done with my tilling when a belt went out on the machine. I called up GSR rental and they offered to either replace the tiller and I could have it all night at no charge to finish my project or reduce the initial rental fee. I was almost done with the project and felt like it wouldn’t be worth my time to make another trip, so I opted for the reduction in rental fee.

Gunner Mulloy is the owner. I’ve found their prices to be reasonable and the equipment works just fine. (Yesterday was the first time I had an issue and they resolved it quickly) I appreciate the help they give in lifting the equipment into my truck.

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Posted in Local Businesses, Rental equipment

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Local Referal: Great Meeting space, wonderful Art

April 14th, 2010

Several weeks ago, I approached The Laurel Treeto host an event for me. They are a local art gallery that features local artists. The event was for a Duvall Chamber of Commerce activity where we delivery welcome bags to people who move into the area.

It was a fantastic event. They had everything set up the way I needed it. The art, jewelry, and paintings made an excellent decor. We even talked about a few of the pieces on display while we waited for people to show up. I highly recommend The Laurel Tree if you are in need of a meeting space, or are interested in finding a unique gift for a family member or friend.

Here is an Example of one the local artists they feature at The Laurel Tree. In addition, Dan Cautrell just happens to live in my neighborhood.

 

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Posted in Art Gallery, Gifts, Local Businesses, Referrals

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A little late – Networking in Duvall

April 8th, 2010

After-Hours Networking “Mixers” this Thursday, April 8th!

Make new business connections and visit with old friends. The purpose of these “Mixers” is providing a fun, relaxed event for “Shameless Self Promotion”.

Dennis Schauls of John L. Scott is providing the venue at the Cottonwood Grove Community by CamWest. See what these new homes have to offer!
 
Stop by between 5pm-7pm this Thursday, April 8th and enjoy a little wine and appetizers. Costs: $10 (proceeds to benefit local community events)

Please RSVP to the Chamber Duvall office @ info@duvallchamberofcommerce.com or call 425-788-9182.
 
Directions from Hwy 203:
Go East on 145th (at Thrive Fitness)
Straight through stop sign
Left on 270th.

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Posted in Making connections, Networking Groups, Practice Networking

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Duvall Welcome Bags – Three tips for success (Event)

April 6th, 2010

Miss out on the last Welcome Bag? Would you like to maximize your return on the next Welcome Bag? Come learn how you can make the most of your advertising dollar with the Duvall Welcome Bag. At this meeting you will learn:
 
1. What people want
2. What people don’t want
3. How to make your item stand out from the crowd
 
Join us on Tuesday, April 13, 6 p.m. at the Laurel Tree to learn the Three Best Tips on how to make your advertising dollar work for you!
 
The Duvall Welcome Bag is hand delivered to individuals who buy a home in the Duvall and Carnation area. The delivery team welcomes the person into the community and answers any questions about the area. In addition, the team invites the person to look at the items in the Welcome Bag.

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Posted in Chamber Meetings, Local Businesses, Making connections, Networking Groups, Practice Networking

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Funny tips for your next business card!

April 1st, 2010

I cracked up when I saw this video. Thank you Scott Thomas for sending it my way. Some valid points are made in this video – what does your business card say about you?

I’ve thought about redoing my business card and turning it into a coin. A little easier on the pocket book than this guy’s card and still unique.

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Posted in Biz Cards, Making connections

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