Monday, March 7, 2011
The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Networking can be crucial to finding that next job
Here are some more tips from David Makar, consultant with the Referral Institute of Ithaca, on how to network effectively:* Be selective about which networking events you attend to make the best use of your time."Go to networking events where there will be people you can help or who can help you," he said. "Whatever your skill set is, you should try to find a group of people that matches that."For instance, people who are interested in starting a high-technology business might want to consider attending a meeting of the Finger Lakes Entrepreneurs' Forum.* "Use the networking event to set yourself apart from the competition," he said. "Clean your suit. Get a haircut. Get a car wash. ... This is your chance to make an impression on people. You want to look good."* "Treat the event like you would treat your first day on the job," he said.If the networking event will occur from 5 to 7 p.m., show up at 4:45 p.m. Arriving late means you've lost time you could have used to connect with people.* "Bring your networking tools with you," he said.That includes business cards, even if you don't have a job. Make sure they include your name, phone number, e-mail address and website -- if you have one -- that features your resume.Offering your own business card is an easy way to prompt someone to give you their business card in exchange.Also, bring your calendar so you can immediately set up meetings with people you meet at the event. It's easier to do this face-to-face rather than play phone tag later.* Follow up after the initial meeting by phone, note card or e-mail."Follow up in some way that they're going to remember who you are the next day," he said.For instance, if you offered to help someone, perhaps by providing them with some kind of information, include that information as part of your follow up.
Friday, February 25, 2011
Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce hosts Your Chamber is Your Goldmine, sponsored by Moscato and Associates
Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce hosts Your Chamber is Your Goldmine, sponsored by Moscato and Associates  March 10 9am - 11am, Tompkins County Chamber Office, 904 E. Shore Drive, Ithaca. Facilitated by David Makar, Referral Institute Ithaca $25 for Chamber Members $30 for non-Chamber Members Are you getting the most out of your investment of time and money in the Chamber? Networking is like mining for gold. You can strike it rich and find a vein, or end up with a few nuggets. Having knowledge of referral marketing turns the casual networker into a power networker. This session will help you: - Effectively network to get more referrals. - Interact with people in a way that builds positive word-of-mouth about you. - Measure your time investment and return from the Chamber. Don't miss this opportunity to get the most out of your Chamber membership! Considering joining the chamber? Please contact Rob LaHood, Director of Membership, Events & Communications: rob@tompkinschamber.org or 607-273-7080. |
BNI Cayuga Lake Connections - Visitor Day!
BNI Cayuga Lake Connections - Visitor Day! March 10 7:30am - 9am, Elks Lodge at 124 Coddington Road, Ithaca No Fee to participate in this visitor's day RSVP: Chapter Vice President Jackie Gartenman, 607-280-0286 or jackie_gartenman@yahoo.com  Professions already filled in this chapter: Acupuncture Automotive Sales Bank Services Certified Public Accountant Chiropractor Dream Catalyst Financial Advisor/Consultant Fire Walk Leader General Contractor Interior Decorating Life Coach Massage Therapist New Home Builder Payroll Services Photographer Physical Therapist Property & Casualty Insurance Real Estate Agent Security Systems Web Design Are you looking to meet other business professionals to develop a strong referral relationship? This chapter is starting its 4th year this spring and is a great place to connect with other business owners who believe in 'Givers Gain!'. |
BNI's Third Ithaca Area Chapter
No fee to visit this emerging group.
RSVP: Dana Carruth at danacarruthacupuncture@gmail.com or (607) 592-9021.
One of the benefits of BNI is that when you join, you lock out the competition. You have the opportunity to network within a group of business professionals where no one in the room is directly competeing with you. Instead, each member has a vested interest in helping each other to achieve great business results. We call it 'Givers Gain'!
Check out this new and growing chapter any Thursday, including March 10th.
Bookkeeping
General Contractor
Health Insurance and Medicare Insurance
Real Estate Agent
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Networking: Tompkins County Young Professionals
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Relationship based business development benefits all consumers
Imagine that every time you made a purchase, spent your own money, made an investment in your business, your health and wellness, or your home you knew and trusted the person who was providing the service. You knew they would go beyond customer service, because your were connected to them by someone you both knew and you both trusted. Would that make your business interactions better, more comfortable, and more at ease?
What is Relationship Based business development?
Relationship based business development is growing your business through referrals. Referrals are traditionally thought of as something you ask clients for and hope they know someone they can direct your way. In the Referral Institute we teach 8 sources of referrals. There are many people business owners have relationships with that they can support by referring their own clients and prospects and building strong relationships through giving.
Is Relationship Based sales a fad?
Relationship Based is the oldest form of sales. You need help with something for your house, your company, or your family - and you ask someone you know for advice on who to use. We may have strayed from this connection to the people we are asking for services from, but we can go back to having a relationship based on trust with the people we exchange our money for their services.
What kinds of business can be helped with Relationship based sales?
Almost any kind of business where you are spending a lot of money, or investing in your business, or your family, or your finances, or your health. Service businesses like financial planners, massage therapists, painters, web designers, and mortgage brokers are just the tip of the variety of types of businesses that rely on relationships with their clients and referral sources to be successful.
What about retail?
I love the idea of trusting my retailer enough to ask them for advice on other products and services. Does the person who sold me my office furniture have a recommendation for someone who can lease me office space like a commercial realtor? Do they have a relationship with someone who can steam clean the carpets or someone who sells office supplies? These businesses form natural relationships and can easily support one another with referrals at the retail store level.
How does this benefit consumers?
Consumers asking for advice from a trusted vendor (be it a payroll service provider, a life insurance agent, a life coach, or a public relations specialist) can know that the first contact with the needed service provider is opened by a relationship. The consumer has an ally when working with a new service provider. They no longer have to enter the business transaction on their own. Each time money is invested or spent there is a higher level of comfort and more ease in the transaction.