The inspiration for this post actually came from one of our NetWorks! Boise Valley members who was struggling with his decision whether or not to remain with his group. I’ve heard the arguments (excuses) many times before …. “I’m just not getting enough out of the group” or “The people in the group are not really the people that I need to be networking with. I need people (industries) more like …..” As it turns out, this individual consulted others and made the right decision to stay. I have no idea what pearls of wisdom he received but, here is what I have would have told him and others … Continue reading “Leverage What You Have & Get What You Need”
Category: NetWorks! Boise
Diversify Your Networking For Maximum Results
Last Thursday really brought to my forefront the necessity of having a diversified networking plan. NetWorks! Boise Valley fills what I like to call the “Business-Social” networking slot that many folks are accustomed to. Our groups meet weekly and our focus is business. Still, I am always encouraging our members to get out and network outside of our group settings. These activities should include: Continue reading “Diversify Your Networking For Maximum Results”
NetWorks! Boise Valley – Investment or Expense?
Basically, my entire business career has centered around sales. I have managed local and regional sales forces. I have owned or partnered in businesses. I even taught salesmanship at both the university and business levels. I know that NetWorks! is a great investment and have every confidence that our members will echo this sentiment.
Your investment in NBV is $348 per quarter which works out to $29 per meeting. For this investment, you will receive ….
- A meal valued at over $12 which means that you are now only investing $17 per week to attend. Do you eat out at least once per week? Why not do it with us?
- You will invest your business lunch hour with 15-20 (or more) other business professionals who are committed to helping you increase your revenues. It’s like taking 15-20 clients out to a business luncheon each week and they all pay their own way. How can you beat that?
- Every new member receives a free behaviors and motivators assessment and a LinkedIn profile review. Together these services are worth $322.00 after your 25% discount on my additional services. You will also receive an annual free company workshop valued at $225.00.
- Check with your accountant but, your dues should be tax deductible. In full. Now let’s work those numbers. In a 30% tax bracket your $29 becomes $20.30. Take away even $12 for the meal and now your total weekly investment is under $9 which is roughly equivalent to two lattes or adult beverages.
- You will be featured and publicized on our website as well as through a variety of social media channels. Free advertising and marketing services.
- You will not be asked to be President, Secretary-Treasurer, of Sargent of Arms. I will do all that for you.
- While we are a business group and not a social one, your dues investment also covers any social events.
Continue reading “NetWorks! Boise Valley – Investment or Expense?”
The Evolution of Face-To-Face Networking Groups
My very first blog post on February 8, 2009 featured this same image and it is only fitting that my first post of 2010 do likewise. More importantly, the topic of this entry is the “Evolution of Face-to-Face Networking Groups”. The times, they are a changing.
If you have previously been to this site, you will know that I am a huge proponent of all forms of business networking and actually run B2B networking groups as a business. We began with one group in November 2007, added another in the last quarter of 2009, and launched our third group at the beginning of this year. I am planning at least one extra group for this year and will then decide whether to continue the expansion. Only so much “Craig” to go around. Continue reading “The Evolution of Face-To-Face Networking Groups”
Your First New Investment Should Be In You
The economy continues to languish and, if you are like me and a lot of other folks, whatever investments you did have prior to this recession took a major hit. Suddenly, your plans for early retirement have been …. “modified”. Certainly, there are signs of life and we all know that things will someday be back to “normal”. Personally, and I tend to be very conservative, I am watching the economic indicators climb back up and am awaiting the right time to jump back in. The real question is … “Jump back into what?”. I’m a little queasy on stocks and not that much more comfortable with real estate. Precious metals are interesting, I just really wish that I had bought gold when it was at $400. Continue reading “Your First New Investment Should Be In You”
Hello Social Media – Buh Bye Networking Groups?
Disclaimer: I am a traditional networker who has been studying social media heavily for the last six months only. And, I am still learning more and more daily. My expectations and feelings about this phenomena change just about as often. As such, certainly what follows is merely my perceptions on this topic at this specific snapshot of time. There will quite likely be those who will read this and say “That idiot just does not get it yet!”. To which I would respond…. “O.K.” (smile). I also enjoy playing “devil’s advocate” and the devil in me just loves to “stir the chili”.
Let’s see now, traditional networking groups have been around since ……. well, a real real long time. Dinosaurs were around a long time too. And now? They be gone (smile). Evolution is a funny thing. So are the axioms “survival of the fittest” and “only the strongest will survive”. Therefore, with the explosion of Social Media, Business-Social Media, Internet Networking, whatever you want to name it, how does that bode for the traditional networking group? It’s gonna’ “bode” one way or another. The question becomes ….. will it bode well, bode badly, or have little or no affect? Continue reading “Hello Social Media – Buh Bye Networking Groups?”
What Do You Do To Invest In Your Success?
Wouldn’t it be nice if we could all have a money tree? Well, maybe you can. But, you first have the plant the seed and water it regularly. These are the investments that you make in order to ensure your success. The question is, how many of us are willing to make that investment and the effort in so doing? I’m constantly amazed by folks who think that this all just happens magically. It’s hard work and sometimes you need to invest some funds in order to reap even greater returns. Sorry, life is like that. Continue reading “What Do You Do To Invest In Your Success?”