How Networking has worked for me.

By John Butruccio

Executive Business and Life Coach

Professional Business networking has been a critical factor in the growth of my Company for many years.

I have had the pleasure to be a part of several Networking groups dating back to 2006 as a visitor or as a dedicated participant. My first experiences were, basically in my back yard, in the Seacoast area. As a visitor, at BNI in Greenland NH, I recognized a great way to get my name and business out there. Wanting to experience other options, I then attended several One More Referral chapters, Newfound Networkers and Showcase Business Networkers for about18 months.

Wanting to expand even more, in 2010, I ventured west, out to Manchester, Concord and Nashua visiting several referral groups including 3 different BNI’s, SSING, many different Chamber of Commerce mixers and LeTip. Expanding my circumference of travel was the best thing I could have done for myself. My circle of influence has grown immensely and business had more than doubled. I am committed to travel for 60 or more minutes to attend events. 

Expanding my networking horizon again in 2012, I have joined two Friends of Kevin’s groups and visited other new network organizations. Kevin’s events have helped me extend my presence to Northern Massachusetts as well. The level of interest in my services has increased dramatically.

I have learned that the title of a group is not as important as the people who attend. I have been committed to a Group in Manchester called Gold Star Mill City Networkers, for over two years. This assembly of 12-15 committed professionals totaled over $500K in exchanged business in 2012. I am convinced that the same results would be had regardless of club title. However, I give generous credit to Gold Star for providing a great guiding platform for us.

The most important part from my networking experience is how many wonderful relationships I have created. 

We have so much to learn from each other, from dressing for success, confidence, public speaking, receiving feedback and being a great listener. For what I have learned and who I have become, I am grateful to the people I have met. I am committed to professional business networking because it works and it creates results. Thank you all for the support.

To your Success

John Butruccio

Executive Business and Life Coach

True Choice Coaching

603-244-2318

Hi my name is Lyndie Shaw and I am an introvert who dislikes the thought of networking. When Kevin first approached me about hosting networking events at the Farm my first thought was oh my God he will expect me to speak to the group and there is no way I can do public speaking. Now I realize, like all business owners, that networking is the key to growing my business. Still, I didn’t know how to get past my fears to learn how to network.

Now as most of you know Kevin is a pretty persuasive guy so he just chuckled and said you will be fine, my friends will love the farm, it’s a great way to spread the word about the farm and home delivery. How could I argue with his logic? He was right it would be good for my business.

Now I have to admit the first event was a little rough and I hid behind the counter as best I could. There was no way Kevin and his friends would let me stay there. They kept coming over and introducing themselves to me and telling me how great the farm is. That really made me feel great and allowed me to start talking with them and it was then that I realized ‘hey I am networking I can do this’.

We have done a few events together so far and each time I find it a little easier to come out from behind the counter. So my networking tip is please don’t let being an introvert stop you from becoming a successful business owner. It is easy to say I am an introvert and networking is too hard for me, but I have found that is gets easier each time I do it.

For more information about Shaw Farm please visit them at 204 New Boston Road in Dracut Ma or check out their website at www.shawfarm.com

When I first started my own printing company two years ago, I really had no idea how I was going to find new clients.  That is when I was introduced to Kevin Willett, and his networking group Friends of Kevin.  I can honestly say, like some people, I thought what can a group like this do for a profession like mine?  After being a part of this group for two years, my sales in 2012 have doubled from 2011, I guess we can say the question answered itself.  I recommend any business owner from any type of profession to join Friends of Kevin. Believe in him, believe in yourself, and you will see great results for your business. 

When It Comes to Giving, Cecile is the Real Deal!

In January 2009, I made a promise to myself: ten percent of EVERY dollar I make as a speaker goes to a non-profit, as quickly as possible. This goes for sales of my books as well. A last-minute event recently garnered a few book sales. The charitable share was ten dollars.

What can you get for ten dollars?

An amazing life experience.

A recent hectic afternoon already included getting my snow tires mounted and casting my vote in the election. Time was tight. As I made my way up Mast Road in Goffstown NH I saw the Hannaford parking lot approaching on my right. A quick game of mental volleyball drew my finger the directional, and I entered the lot.

With a soon-to-be-activated gift card in hand, I found myself standing in the ’14 items or less’ aisle with one person ahead of me. Then I heard a nearby cashier open her lane. From behind me, a sweet little voice told the gentleman behind her: “You go ahead, this young man is paying for my groceries”.

A gallon of milk and small bag of apples then thumped onto the belt.

With a smile, I turned to see an adorable senior smiling at me.

“Okay”, I replied with a smile, reaching for my wallet.

“Oh, no dear, you don’t need to do that, I was just joking” she nervously backpedaled.

“No worries, I do positive things for a living…and you’re the first person that ever said that to me!” With a laugh, I shook her hand. “I’ve got you covered”.

I then made her promise to pay it forward by sharing a smile with someone in need that day.

She agreed.

As we walked toward the exit discussing random acts of kindness, she pointed wistfully out the large glass windows. “A few months ago, I collapsed out there…a nice young woman came to help me and called 911.”

A few steps later, after the automatic door whooshed open, I introduced myself and she clasped my hand, informing me that her name is Cecile.

“Cecile, it has been a pleasure meeting you and making you smile today!”

With steps much lighter than the hurried ‘gotta get to all my errands’ ones of my entrance, I got to my black Honda CR-V. The rear-view mirror revealed a smile a mile wide. As I uncrinkled the receipt in my hand, I discovered this amazing experience had cost me just $7.93.

Cecile, THANK YOU! You showed me that we are ALWAYS in a place to commit and act of kindness for a fellow human being, as long as we keep our eyes and ears open.

I am so glad she was the person behind me that day.

Besides, the guy behind HER had a carriage which tested the limits of the 14 item rule...and I think one of them was a lobster!!!

How can YOU reach out this week and share your goodness and energy?

I bet it won’t cost much…and the rewards will be amazing!

It Pays To Plan. Create a Marketing Plan. When you take the time to think about how you are going to gain exposure to your customers, you should have a laid out calendar of events for the year. Note the holidays, note the weekends, note the possibility for events throughout the year; include your vacation weeks, and write on the calendar. Mark it with the important weeks for you to campaign and once you have done this you should mark the same calendar with the results of your effort. Now you have a documented track record of what you did in previous years and how you may adjust for the coming year. Remember to note the weather and any occurrence that may have had an effect on your event or campaign. Having this valuable tool in front of you helps to plan the execution in a timely manner so that you are not scrambling for ideas and are better prepared to meet any deadlines. Our planning is targeted to each business and the sales season of each individual industry. By stating an early plan you are better prepared with marketing collateral and products needed throughout the year which can be well thought out and applied with an effective strategy.

Wayne Gelardi  
ADServices Unlimited 
11 Gordon Ave., Salem, NH 
Tel: ( 603)  898-0050