"Wow, I really liked this format." and "This kind of group is right up my alley." Those were comments from two new visitors to BRN today at Majestic Plaza. Today's networking meeting was about...networking. We networked by discussing the history of networking and how we overcome the challenges of both online social networking and "live" networking.
Dr. Shinaver introduced a diagram he put together on online social networking. This information map helped to illustrate how the various social networking tools like Twitter, Facebook, Ning, LinkedIn, Stumbleupon and others can intertwine to help propagate information throughout the various network and elevate a company in organic online searches.
The first discussion question focused on how we currently use online networking in our businesses and what challenges we face implementing social networking. The experience ranged from not at all to moderate use. But many people admitted that they were reluctant due to lack of understanding how to properly use it, as well as time constraints. Some people initially thought it might not be beneficial to their business. But, further discussions led to examples of how any business could use social networking as a tool to tell their personal contacts about what they do and direct them to information about their business. And we talked about using Facebook to tell those who already know you about your business, but cautioned against bringing business associates and clients into a relaxed, online environment where your friends/family may reveal more about you than you'd like.
I focused on live networking and asked who was familiar with William Dawes. Only one member was able to tell about the role Dawes played in American history. Paul Revere and William Dawes were both sent to warn John Hancock and Samuel Adams that the British army were coming. Both men were from a similar economic and social background, yet it is Revere who raised the militia and later had a poem written about him. A Harvard Business Review article suggests the reason behind Revere being remembered and Dawes being largely forgotten is due to the type of social network each man had developed. We talked about the importance of building a trusting network.
The questions on this topic led to discussions about the amount of time we invest each week in networking events and maximizing that networking experience. We also talked about how hard it is to get to the people we'd like to meet. This led to a discussion about narrowing our focus and telling others exactly who we'd like to meet or, at least, specific job titles within a specific company. Often times, we are so general that it's hard for others to run through their mental lists to point us in the right direction.
As always, we ended the meeting with a commitment to meet with one other member and help them. This week we'll connect to here exactly who they'd like to meet and determine how we can help them make that connection through our own networks.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Friday, February 20, 2009
Other meeting highlights from this week.
Our roundtable discussions always lead to something interesting that we can apply to our own businesses. Here's a recap of the meetings from the week of 2/16/09.
The questions was asked, "How do we get people (prospects/customers) to make a committment in this economy?" We talked about the need to stick to basic selling principles and to not be tempted to make deals that are/appear to be desparate. We all need to add value and keep moving others toward a "yes". We talked about making sure we used the If/Then statement in marketing and advertising. And one of our members became the teacher when he explained the NEADS approach to selling.
We also talked about cultivating organic leads via the Internet. We really didn't have an SEO expert, but there were several experiences, tips and tricks that members shared with others. We made the commitment to learn more about this in an upcoming BRN meeting.
Finally, we talked about how we can take this great secret called BRN and grow it. Quite frankly, every single business owner and professional could benefit from what we have to offer and we would all value from their participation and input. The commitment was made to invite and bring a guest to next week's meeting. We currently have a 30-day guest membership. We just need to work harder to invite and attract people who are serious about building long term, strategic relationships.
The questions was asked, "How do we get people (prospects/customers) to make a committment in this economy?" We talked about the need to stick to basic selling principles and to not be tempted to make deals that are/appear to be desparate. We all need to add value and keep moving others toward a "yes". We talked about making sure we used the If/Then statement in marketing and advertising. And one of our members became the teacher when he explained the NEADS approach to selling.
We also talked about cultivating organic leads via the Internet. We really didn't have an SEO expert, but there were several experiences, tips and tricks that members shared with others. We made the commitment to learn more about this in an upcoming BRN meeting.
Finally, we talked about how we can take this great secret called BRN and grow it. Quite frankly, every single business owner and professional could benefit from what we have to offer and we would all value from their participation and input. The commitment was made to invite and bring a guest to next week's meeting. We currently have a 30-day guest membership. We just need to work harder to invite and attract people who are serious about building long term, strategic relationships.
Instant Gratification vs Strategic Relationships
It's been a while (25 years) since I've been in the dating scene, but this week's BRN meeting got me thinking about that whole ritual and how it applies to what we are doing at BRN. It comes down to instant gratification or strategic relationships.
The "Aha!" moment came during our North Carmel meeting at Old National Bank on Wednesday. But the seed was planted at Tuesday's meeting. The question was, "Is BRN really a business networking group?" As we discussed it more, we basically came to the conclusion that we really aren't - although networking is the underlying current.
What we are and should focus on is that we are a "Master Mind" group that facilitates community building by allowing business owners and professional to come together to discuss topic relevant to helping themselves and their businesses grow.
Go back to the whole dating ritual. People will gather in a social setting, business event, church event, college...whatever. They will introduce themselves and engage in small talk. If there's attraction and chemistry it might result in a date. Initially, it's very superficial and all about the instant gratification of finding someone to hang out with in the short term. Maybe a more meaningful relationship will develop...maybe it won't.
It's the same in business networking, especially when there are large numbers of people gathering at once. We find someone to introduce ourselves to. We engage in small talk. We might trade business cards. And we say, "Hey, let's get together sometime for a one on one." Most of the time...that never really happens. For many networkers, it's about the instant gratification of finding that person who will do business with YOU. We don't go into networking saying, "Hey I need to find an computer guy, a financial planner and a image consultant." We are trying to sell to people who are trying to sell to us. Right?
Where BRN comes into the picture is when you are looking to transform those casual business encounters into long-term, strategic relationships. We provide a setting where you can discuss issues relevant to you and your business. As you participate in the roundtable discussions, others get to know you and how you operate. They learn more about the person behind the business. You learn about the successes and failures of others. You learn about work/life balance. You learn about marketing, technology, and sales. You get to meet experts in business law, accounting, and business operations. Most importantly, you'll soon find yourself collaborating with others who share your passion to succeed.
If you're looking for instant gratification, BRN is probably not the environment. If you are looking to develop strategic relationships and are willing to commit to participating, then BRN has a lot to offer.
The "Aha!" moment came during our North Carmel meeting at Old National Bank on Wednesday. But the seed was planted at Tuesday's meeting. The question was, "Is BRN really a business networking group?" As we discussed it more, we basically came to the conclusion that we really aren't - although networking is the underlying current.
What we are and should focus on is that we are a "Master Mind" group that facilitates community building by allowing business owners and professional to come together to discuss topic relevant to helping themselves and their businesses grow.
Go back to the whole dating ritual. People will gather in a social setting, business event, church event, college...whatever. They will introduce themselves and engage in small talk. If there's attraction and chemistry it might result in a date. Initially, it's very superficial and all about the instant gratification of finding someone to hang out with in the short term. Maybe a more meaningful relationship will develop...maybe it won't.
It's the same in business networking, especially when there are large numbers of people gathering at once. We find someone to introduce ourselves to. We engage in small talk. We might trade business cards. And we say, "Hey, let's get together sometime for a one on one." Most of the time...that never really happens. For many networkers, it's about the instant gratification of finding that person who will do business with YOU. We don't go into networking saying, "Hey I need to find an computer guy, a financial planner and a image consultant." We are trying to sell to people who are trying to sell to us. Right?
Where BRN comes into the picture is when you are looking to transform those casual business encounters into long-term, strategic relationships. We provide a setting where you can discuss issues relevant to you and your business. As you participate in the roundtable discussions, others get to know you and how you operate. They learn more about the person behind the business. You learn about the successes and failures of others. You learn about work/life balance. You learn about marketing, technology, and sales. You get to meet experts in business law, accounting, and business operations. Most importantly, you'll soon find yourself collaborating with others who share your passion to succeed.
If you're looking for instant gratification, BRN is probably not the environment. If you are looking to develop strategic relationships and are willing to commit to participating, then BRN has a lot to offer.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Marketing - What we really don't know.
This week, we discussed marketing and what we really don't know. Sometimes it's hard to admit what we don't know as business owners. But, BRN is really getting people to open up and honestly discuss what they need help with. Even with nearly 25 years in marketing, I'm perplexed when it comes to marketing in this economy.
In my introduction, I referred to a blog posting that referenced an OTO Research Report about consumer reaction to our current economic crisis. It talked about how we need to move away from marketing to the middle; people are either looking for highest quality or best bargains and not much in-between. Click here to read more.
I also summarized a Ezine article on the 7 Myths About Marketing in Economic Downturns.
The first question that I asked everyone to write down and discuss was, "What is it that you don't know about marketing but would like to learn more about." The reason for this was two-fold. First, it would give everyone a chance to be honest in an environment that promotes being open and candid. Secondly, it gives me a better idea about what topic we can dig deeper in future meetings or in our online discussions.
So, what don't we know? We had a few members that openly admitted, "I don't know squat about marketing." That's a good start...but not specific enough. I'm providing a list of the questions below.
As you can see, we could have spent an entire day on discussing each of these questions. But, at least we got the cards on the table. Now, we can start chipping away at each of these and help get your businesses pointed in the right direction.
The second question was "What is the single biggest marketing challenge that you face right now?"
Again, if you have thoughts, questions, suggestions, or would like to tell us your biggest marketing challenge, please feel free to participate in the discussion.
For more information on Business Roundtable Network, visit http://www.brncommunity.com.
In my introduction, I referred to a blog posting that referenced an OTO Research Report about consumer reaction to our current economic crisis. It talked about how we need to move away from marketing to the middle; people are either looking for highest quality or best bargains and not much in-between. Click here to read more.
I also summarized a Ezine article on the 7 Myths About Marketing in Economic Downturns.
The first question that I asked everyone to write down and discuss was, "What is it that you don't know about marketing but would like to learn more about." The reason for this was two-fold. First, it would give everyone a chance to be honest in an environment that promotes being open and candid. Secondly, it gives me a better idea about what topic we can dig deeper in future meetings or in our online discussions.
So, what don't we know? We had a few members that openly admitted, "I don't know squat about marketing." That's a good start...but not specific enough. I'm providing a list of the questions below.
- How do you track non-specific advertising such as ads, networking, non-Internet?
- How do you attract your target audience to your website?
- How do you know what your marketing mix should be based on your industry?
- Which mediums are better...radio, TV, print, Internet, etc...?
- How do you know what your customers are feeling right now (psychographics) and what makes them buy?
- Why are there so many different telephone books and does anyone use them?
- What is the best Internet search engine and how do you position your business in the search?
- How do you implement a PR plan?
- How do you find your ideal target market?
- What is social media?
- How do people find time to participate in social networking?
- How do you track Return on Time/Energy?
- How do you leverage your participation in booth events/trade shows?
- How do you get a company's corporate marketing and local marketing to come together on a geographical marketing initiative?
- How can you provide a UVP (Unique Value Proposition) that will trigger a response?
- How can I get over my reluctance to set pricing and charge fees that I feel I deserve?
- How can I place myself (brand awareness) in the market place?
- How can I generate organic leads from my website?
- How can I distinguish/separate myself from my competition?
- How can I better market myself instead of my company's brand/products?
As you can see, we could have spent an entire day on discussing each of these questions. But, at least we got the cards on the table. Now, we can start chipping away at each of these and help get your businesses pointed in the right direction.
The second question was "What is the single biggest marketing challenge that you face right now?"
Again, if you have thoughts, questions, suggestions, or would like to tell us your biggest marketing challenge, please feel free to participate in the discussion.
For more information on Business Roundtable Network, visit http://www.brncommunity.com.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Tackling the BIG question...
As you can imagine, Dr. Shinaver (Charles) and I have been getting a lot of questions and comments from people involved in other Indianapolis-area networking groups. The questions come in all forms but they all basically boil down to this one single complex question, "What makes Business Roundtable Network different and why should I join?"
The short answer is simple, "Because we ARE different and we will help you build stronger business relationships." But most of you want some long, drawn out, magical answer. It's one that I can't really give in a 10-second elevator pitch. Here are some of the things that I think makes BRN special.
For more information on Business Roundtable Network, visit: www.brncommunity.com Sign up for a FREE 30-day guest membership. Just click on the Join BRN link and select the 30-Day Guest membership. When you are asked for a promo code, enter: FREE30.
The short answer is simple, "Because we ARE different and we will help you build stronger business relationships." But most of you want some long, drawn out, magical answer. It's one that I can't really give in a 10-second elevator pitch. Here are some of the things that I think makes BRN special.
- Our members are people who ask "What can I do to help you and your business become successful?" We focus on helping others first. Honestly, if you come into BRN expecting to transact business with everyone in the group on day one, BRN is probably not right for you. If you have a "You do business with me frist and then I'll do business with you" mentality, there are other groups designed for you.
- Our members are open, honest and candid in our roundtable discussions. You'll hear some amazing stories about successes and failures. You'll be intrigued as another member shares what motivates them. You'll learn from others what it takes to succeed in business and how easy it is to fail lose everything. We get real.
- You will forge friendships as well as business relationships. Something that somebody shares in our discussions will strike a chord with you and start that bonding process. Unlike other networking groups, you'll collect business assocates - not business cards.
- BRN educates. We discuss topics that are real and can be applied immediately. We talk about current trends in marketing, technology, business development and self-improvement. We are real and genuinely interested in seeing to it that you apply what you learn at our meetings and that you succeed.
- We are all about accountability. At the end of every meeting, we commit to doing something to help one other member in the group. This is a contract we make in front of everyone. It may be a phone call or email to make sure someone is staying on task. It may be a specific referral or introduction to others in our personal networks. Or, it may be as simple as meeting over coffee just to listen and offer our perspective.
- BRN is new. It's refreshing. It's different.
- But the real difference is YOU. If you are a quality business professional that wants to make a difference in the community and impact the lives of others, then BRN is worth investigating.
For more information on Business Roundtable Network, visit: www.brncommunity.com Sign up for a FREE 30-day guest membership. Just click on the Join BRN link and select the 30-Day Guest membership. When you are asked for a promo code, enter: FREE30.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
