April 2005 | Issue 8

BE THE BRAND

by Judy Austin

In today’s fast food world we are constantly bombarded by COMMERCIALS, SPAM and TELEMARKETERS .. it’s everywhere…all promoting some product or service. 

How many do you actually remember?  
How many do you trust? 
How many more are plain annoying?

Consider which images and brands stand out in your mind.  Why?

Think of yourself as a brand. How do you rise above the noise and the clutter so that people remember You? (click here to read the entire article)

FEATURED EVENTS

Friday, April 22, 3:45pm - coffeeCONNECT, Nashville's Largest Coffee Break @ Global Cafe, 322 Broadway
Leave the office  a bit early on a Friday and join us for a jolt of caffeine, snacks & QuikConnect!  Jumpstart your weekend by networking among Nashville's leading business professionals.  Register NOW!

Thursday April 28, 5:15pm - WANTED:  Nashville's Movers & Shakers for Network NOW @ Old No. 7 Club, 501 Broadway
Join the Nashville Business Journal and Strategic Business Network for this highly effective networking event drawing Business Owners, Entrepreneurs, Executives & C-level managers.  GoodRover.com, AXIOM Sales Force Development, Office Depot & Byrd Proctor & Mills CPAs as they present an evening of networking that will far exceed your expectations!  Register NOW!

NETWORKING TIP
HOW you follow up with a new connection is as important as WHEN you follow up. To be unforgettable people follow up quickly, utilize the other person's preferred communication method and mention specific comments about your interaction.  24 to 48 hours is the maximum amount of time you should allow to initiate a follow up, especially if you are interested in furthering the relationship.  Determine which method to use for follow up by listening to cues.  Some examples:

*  "I love my blackberry!! My emails are always at my fingertips."
*  "Today's generation relies on technology; I used to write a personal note to everyone I met."
*  "I am a road warrior.  In and out of airports & hotels. Always on the go, but accessible to my clients via my cell phone."

In each of these statements there is a message.  The first connection wants to communicate via email.  The second desperately wants a personalized a note card and the last prefers a phone call.  You may not get it right every time... but listening for clues help guide you. 

And, when you are following up, remember to reconnect, reestablish why you sensed common ground and explore  - DO NOT SELL!  You still aren't at a point where the new contact is ready to hear you launch into a sales pitch. Focus on how you can help them and putting them in touch with others in your network.  Engage in meaningful dialogue. (Remember F.O.R.D.) Ask questions about their Family, Occupation, Recreation and Dreams.

How can SBN work for you?

We provide opportunities for professionals to connect with the right people, cultivate the right relationships and ultimately achieve success in their career and community. 

Our training seminars empower you with the essential tools and techniques to forge & maintain key relationships.  Maximize your networking time and energy!!

Our events provide you with unique opportunities to engage in meaningful one-on-one dialogues with leading professionals.

Our online resources include current articles, tips and information to continually advance your networking knowledge and skills.

Please click here for our calendar.

April 19, Tuesday 8:45am checkin 9:00am start time CULTIVATE SERIES Enjoy coffee with three new people and begin cultivating relationships today! $15 - register now! Sales Executives & Professionals

April 19, Tuesday 5:15pm checkin 5:45pm start time QUIKCONNECT SERIES Meet more people at this one event than you normally meet all month long! $35 - register now! Sponsored by The City Paper and Sales & Marketing & Executives International Healthcare Industry Lattimore Black Morgan & Cain, PC April 27, Wednesday 5:15pm checkin 5:45pm start time QUIKCONNECT SERIES $35 - register now! Sponsored by The City Paper, Lattimore Black Morgan & Cain, PC and supported by Leadership Healthcare

Contact details
615-474-1952
carol@strategicbusinessnetwork.com

615-319-9393
adam@strategicbusinessnetwork.com

FEATURE TESTIMONIAL

"I enjoyed the event! It was a first for me and quite productive. Met quite a few new people and even some potential candidates for future search assignments. Four minutes is a sufficient amount of time for gaining basic information.  Leaving time afterwards is good for following up with individuals with whom you want to speak further. The concept of speed networking is great." - Deborah Story of ESS Group, Inc. about the March 29 HR/Recruiting/Training Industry QuikConnect Event.