Hudson Valley Networking Pros Share Tips
By: Lisa Kaslyn, president, Kashen Communications
When you're with Laura Moritz time seems to stand still. All at once you're talking about big business, what's driving the economy up or down (usually a real estate discussion) or how social media is bringing new meaning to the art of connecting -- personally and professionally.As the head of a burgeoning enterprising women's organization, the National Women's IN Network, and author of The Winning Connection, Laura knows a little bit about how networking can and should work. People need to be connected to themselves first, says Moritz. What that means is you have to genuinely know what you are good at; what makes you, as a person, different and able to help others -- it's your business and career bargaining chip.It's not good enough to say, "I'm John Smith and I'm the best printer in town," you might as well have your secretary show up and hand out your business cards.You need to connect authentically by sharing what makes you special, "I'm John and I may not be a great speaker, but if you need someone who can create calm from chaos, that's what I do best." Now, that's a person I want to know more about, added Moritz. According to Moritz, the key to successful networking is to go in with a giving heart.And once you know what you have to give, and you're there to give it, reactions to you will shift. Instead of going into an event expecting to get something, and asking for things from people you don't even know, you are presenting yourself as a giver and an authentic connector, which is a much more effective relationship building strategy.
Social Media Sites Add Oomph to Traditional Networking Approaches
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--> The Internet is making the world a smaller place. The number of people that I've met on social networking sites, like Facebook, but would never have crossed paths with otherwise is amazing. The exponential possibilities created and multiplied by these connections with other charismatic, energetic, and passionate go-givers is unlimited. You just never know if the person responsible for your biggest deal yet is friends with the person you just added as a friend on Facebook, added Moritz. While social networking continues to generate buzz, both Laura Moritz and Joe Corbalis agree it will never replace the warm and fuzzy emotional connections that are built from face-to-face engagement. When asked about how he saw traditional forms of networking blending with new online forms of social networking, Joe Corbalis, co-founder of the Westchester Business Connection, says there's a lot of potential. Social networking allows people to be visible, to get their message across, and to reach out to new prospects or friends, says Corbalis. Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter are all different forms of social media:
<!--[if !supportLists]-->o<!--[endif]-->Facebook provides instant messaging, event announcements, Fan Pages for business, and the ability to sell without selling -- just be who you are <!--[if !supportLists]-->
o<!--[endif]-->Linkedin is strictly business, and allows you to build a contact base, as well as an opportunity to demonstrate your expertise through group participation (common interest or industry related) <!--[if !supportLists]-->
o<!--[endif]-->Twitter is a microblogging site where you can dish out thoughts, news, expertise, brand and product messages in 140 characters or less to your followers.
Combining face-to-face networking with social media is an art, as well as a science.It takes vision, creativity, hard work and a long-term plan, says Corbalis. To make both work you must understand that the main goal of social media is to expand your network, get your message across and then sell yourself (what makes you special) in a more direct, personal way.You have to solidify the relationship based on rapport, personality and emotion.
Connect with the Westchester Business Connection and the National Women's IN Network
The Westchester Business Connection (WBC) is about to celebrate its first anniversary.The WBC is a unique business networking group that keeps in touch with members by hosting events all over Westchester, as well as traveling to other counties, such as Rockland and New York (Manhattan).After creating a stable base of members, Joe and his co-founders, Grace Borrani and Jaime Garry, integrated social media to cast a wider net.In less than six months, their efforts have been successful with over 400 members on their LinkedIn Group, 270 on Facebook and 249 Twitter followers as of this interview -- it grows larger every day.They've successfully implemented social media as a way to keep members connected to the organization and each other. The National Women's IN Network (NWIN) has more than a dozen chapters in the tri-state area, and was founded in Orange County, NY.The chapters meet regularly; check the NWIN site for information: www.nationalwomensinnetwork.com.The Putnam/Westchester chapter is meeting at Restaurant 353 in Mount Kisco on Tuesday, November 3rd from 6-9pm.Come and learn about the organization.We'll also be presenting a discussion on SEO & Social Media for Short Attention Spans. RSVP in advance to info@kashencomm.com.
The Westchester Business Connection hosts a number of events each month.Check out their site at: www.wbconnection.com and join the group for some fun and business networking.
Kashen Communications is a marketing communications firm based in the Westchester County area.We add lift to clients' traditional marketing tactics by increasing their visibility, building website traffic and conversion through blended PR and new inbound marketing strategies, including search engine optimization (SEO) and social media. Contact us for a consultation and free SEO analysis: www.kashencomm.com.
