The Professional Networker, Your Online Resource for Expanding Business Relationships

The Professional Networker, Inc. Newsletter

September 18,  2006

Dear Member, 

"Any change, even a change for the better, is always accompanied by drawbacks and discomforts." Arnold Bennett

Relationship networking takes time and patience. Those are two qualities that 95% of the people in the "networking" world don't have. Those people want to meet a lot of people, and start doing business immediately. They say things like: "I go to so many networking events and I never get anything out of it." "I have been networking for months and no one is giving me business." "Everyone is so fake. I hate networking."

I am asking everyone who feels that way to change their philosophy and try relationship building which leads to networking. Take the time to meet with people for coffee or a meal and really get to know them. What makes them interesting? Listen to what makes them unique in their industry. Listen to what they are looking for, and try to search in your database for someone to introduce them to.

Is that uncomfortable? It can be, but sometimes change is good and can reap great rewards as you will read in the last article below.

Sharan Tash

CONNECT

The website is up and running and we are close to 3000 members. Now it is time to start CONNECTing member to member.

The Professional Networker will be hosting several events next year and would like to invite like minded individuals, power partners, and similar interest members to meet each other. In order to provide this quality service, we need you, the member, to complete your registration information. Please edit your profile at The Professional Networker website and include the CONNECT piece along with the demographics if you have not done so. Our advertisers like to see the demographics of the members. Thank you in advance.

C - Category - What business category are you in? (Accountant, Web Designer, Travel Agent etc...)

O - Organizations - What organizations do you belong to? (Chambers of Commerce, Professional, Charity, Social etc..)

N - Needs - What do you need right now? (Accountant, new web site, a receptionist etc...)

N - Neighborhood - What neighborhood did you grow up in and are you living in now (Lincolnwood, Bucktown, West side etc...)

E - Enjoyment - What do you do outside of work that you enjoy (Football league, knitting, travel etc...)

C - College - What High School and College did you attend and graduate from and what year did you graduate? (Niles West - 1970 and Northeastern Ill - 1990)

T - Target Market - Who do you want to meet? (Corporations, Consumers living in the west loop, At home moms)

Power Partners - State your Power Partners. These are businesses that compliment you, but are not in competition with you. (A travel agent would have power partners with hotels, airlines, car rental agencies etc...) Birthday - I don't need a year, but a month and date would be nice.

The Next Two Weeks In Networking

September is here and the events are piling up on a daily basis. With over 250 organizations listing business, networking, expos, and fund-raising events, we are busy adding new events 7 days a week. The calendar never goes a day without being updated, so be sure and check it often.

  • The Second Chicago Blogger Meet-Up - Sept. 18th
  • Get Your Mojo Working - Sept. 19th
  • Chicagoland Chamber - The Exchange - Sept. 20th
  • Carol Stream Chamber - ''Seven Secrets to Improve Your Marketing'' - Sept. 21st
  • Elk Grove Chamber - EFFECTIVE MARKETING STRATEGIES - A PANEL DISCUSSION - Sept. 22nd
  •  Effective Communication Skills - Sept 25th
  • NSACI - Business Expo - Sept. 26th
  • WBDC Entrepreneurial Woman's Conference - 2 Days - Sept 27th
  • Lincoln Park Chamber- Speed Networking - Sept. 27th
  • PWN Annual Conference - Sept. 28th

Powerful Conversations - Powerful Connections

  • Are you looking for a new way to build business relationships?
  • Are you tired of spending time and money at events that don't help your business?
  • Do you want to meet dynamic business people and hear conversations that can have an impact on your business?

The Professional Networker is planning its first dinner discussion group entitled, "Powerful Conversation - Powerful Connections". The location is Cafe LaCave on Mannheim in Des Plaines and will be in early November from 6-9 pm. The cost for the evening is $75 which includes a four course meal. To be considered for this exclusive invitation, you must meet these requirements: 1. Own your business 2. Be an owner for a minimum of 5 years 3. Understand relationship networking by giving first 4. Be willing to share problems and solutions with others 5. Be willing to participate actively in discussions 6. Follow confidentiality guidelines

If you would like to be considered for this group, please email sharan@thepronetworker.com and provide the following information:

 • Name • Business Name • Business Category • Email address • Phone number • Years in business • Power Partners

Blog Your Way Into A Book

Be sure and check out The Professional Networker blog http://blog.thepronetworker.com. This has been a great avenue for everyone to write about the good, bad and ugly side of networking. Everyone's comments are welcome and you may be asked if we can use your comment in a book.

Where is Sharan Speaking?

Sept. 19th - Get Your Mojo Working in Evanston

Sept. 21st - IAAP Private Event

Sept. 25th - Effective Communication Skills at Wilmette Library

October 5th - Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce

October 5th - Successful Relationship Networking in Buffalo Grove

October 6th - Action International Coaches Private Seminar

Affordable Zip-Code Specific Online Advertising

We have made many changes to The Professional Networker website in the past year. This next one is the result of 100's of requests. It will knock your socks off.

You have asked for a way to know other people on the website. You have asked for advertising to specific markets. You ask, and we provide.

The Professional Networker is partnering with Michael Richmond and Megaque and Shoppers4m websites. Imagine the ability to cross-market with other member businesses and be zip-code specific. These listing are "spidered" every 14 days by the major search engines. Or the power of having mini-websites that list all subscribers on as many as 50 different web- directories that we control. Imagine all this for under $500/year. THAT my friends, is the power of networking and relationship building. Watch your email in the next 2 weeks for more information, or contact Sharan at sharan@thepronetworker.com

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