Project: LLC

All this talk of networking got me thinking: “what am I doing it for?” I don’t even have a goal; goals and objectives are key factors in establishing and maintaining a focus in life. They give direction. With that said, here are my short term goals (1-3 months) relevant to this blog:

Right now those are my main goals as far as networking goes. Since they are short term goals that gives me until early March to accomplish them; that’s about a month before my 22^nd birthday so if I can pull this off I’ll be happy and satisfied…then come up with new goals =)

A post on goal setting will be coming soon; there is actually some technique to it. Check back soon for updates on that. In the meantime, play the Fill-In-The-Blank game <--click over in the forum!

Lets face it, live events are a great networking tool. So if you want to get ahead, sign up for and attend your next local networking event; almost any event can be used for networking so don't limit your options to only events labeled as "networking event." In any case, before heading out the door to your selected event read these networking tips I compiled from my own research, experience, and knowledge.

There are plenty of networking tips floating around out there, but if you only follow the five (5) + three (3) below you will still be in pretty good shape to get the most out of the event. So...

Know the guest list. Many event guest lists are public (such as the ones on Facebook). Take some time before the event to take a look at who may be in attendance and note all the people you will want to make a connection with. Go one step further and even try to make a few connections prior to the event; send a small message saying you plan to attend the same event and hope to talk business (or whatever) with them.

Plan ahead. Have a few different things ready to talk about (sports, weather, entertainment, business). Not only have topics and ice breakers ready, but also prepare your elevator speech. Go one step further and even rehearse it. Rehearse with a friend and try to improve it.

Take notes. Whenever someone hands you their business card jot down the name, date and place of the event so that you remember how you met this person. Go one step further and jot down something you'd like to remember about them; this gives you the option to personalize a follow up message. Plus, the recipient will feel special that you remembered something specific about your conversation.

Work the room. This one is very important and keeping this in mind will help you maximize your connections. DO NOT TALK TO THE SAME PERSON THE ENTIRE TIME! Your goal should be to make 3-5 new connections at the event so have meaningful conversations, but do not monopolize guests or allow yourself to be monopolized by someone else.

Encourage conversation. Ofcourse you want to get your story out to the other person, but people love to talk about themself and this is beneficial to you too! You will be able to find out how valuable of a connection this person can potentially be to you.

A few other tips to help get you through...

Arrive early

Bring plenty of business cards

.::SMILE::.

Hopefully this crash course in event networking will help out my fellow networkers because I know I will be referring back to this list as the big night approaches. If you have any other tips that may be helpful and are usually looked over, please, I encourage comments. Knowledge is power and I am trying to learn all I can.

The last post I made highlighted an event and networking opportunity to be held on December 11th at The Standard <--click. In preparation for that event, I will be publishing a series of networking posts that I hope Project: LLC readers will find useful, especially those that may be attending this event or similar ones. The holiday season is a great time for networking with all the holiday parties and events that take place so take advantage of it.

Some of what to expect is...

A crash course in event networking

Post-event follow up

Virtual vs. In Person networking

What to wear, what to say

I am also open to reader suggestions so feel free to comment this post or send me a private message. Otherwise, stay tuned for updates!

I'll be attending a launch party Saturday December 11th. This will be a great opportunity for me to NETWORK! I've been to actual networking events before, but they have all been more formal and Siena sponsored so Im excited to attend something more "grown up" and professional.

I was invited by my mentor Marvali Garcia; she owns her own local event planning company, Marvalous Events <--click, and is one of the sponsors of the event.

The launch party will take place at The Standard, a classy 1950s/1960s style restaurant and lounge. It is a fairly new establishment tucked away in Crossgates Mall and I have been longing to check it out.

The invitation says there will be a classy dress code which on a broke students budget may be a challenge. I don't remember the last time I went shopping so my current wardrobe is an embarrassment. Confidence is easier to come by when you look good so I'll need to figure something out.

Here's my running list of essential items to carry with me:

1. Confidence and a smile - because no one wants to approach a grouch

2. Business cards - which I have yet to order

3. Company - because I don't want to go alone!

Wish me luck!

In the meantime, comment (below) and share helpful networking tips (especially in a bar/lounge type setting). Also check out the forum section of the blog and Join the Discussion! <--click on what makes a good business card.  

It is important to keep your end goal in mind; I think about my goals and objectives everyday ----- and no, that's not obsessive. Im not saying I sit and contemplate for hours (although I do sometimes), I just try to constructively and critically analyze my ideas. I try to be ready and aware of opportunities that might help me achieve my goals.

Everything I learn (formally or informally), I apply it to my business ideas. This helps to create a better product/service because you're taking into consideration different perspectives.

I TALK TO EVERYONE about my business plans giving only enough detail to communicate my idea, not enough so that someone can steal it. My objective when talking to people is to gain feedback on my ideas from the general public (especially my target market). You never know who might be able to help you with your goals.

The point here is to not rush into (officially) writing your business plan. Take some time to just think about your ideas and gather your thoughts. Collect as much feedback and research as possible (this includes focus groups and surveys).

At one point I thought I was ready to write my plan, but I stopped writing as soon as I started; it only confused and frustrated me. I realized that my ideas were not concrete enough (lacked credible back up information). Your own opinions and ideals are not enough to create a successful product/service for segments that even you belong to. No matter how knowledgable you are you are going to need outside research and feedback. Once you step back and realize how many little details go into a business plan you will see that it is no project to rush into or give a half assed completion.

Consider these three questions while conceptualizing your plan:

1. Who is my target market? Everything following the answer to this question will reflect the groups interests, demographics, and preferences. So research, research, research!

2. What am I offering them? (i.e. what are my products and services) Be very specific. You want to be sure that every aspect of your product/service is tailored to meet the need of your target market so the more detail, the better.

3. Why will my products/service be successful? This response should be based on on the research you conducted. It will answer sub questions such as if there is a large enough market to be profitable. You can also take into account your personal ability; however, not all entrepreneurs manage the business they create.