The Professional Networker, Inc. Newsletter

January 22,  2007

Dear Member,

"Whenever there is chaos, it creates wonderful thinking. I consider chaos a gift." Septima Poinsette Clark

It is the start of a new year in most of our businesses, and the time to reflect on the past years strengths and things that need work on. (In my mind there are no weaknesses - only strengths that need some work.) It is time to think about your marketing strategy for 2006 compared to what will be in 2007.

Do you go to an event just because it is convenient to your schedule? Or do you plan the events you NEED to attend and then schedule your day around these events?

Do you go to an event because you are a member of a group and it is an event they are hosting? Or do you choose the events that the group hosts dependent on who the event is targeted towards?

Time is valuable, and we each ONLY have 24 hours in a day. Choose where you are going to spend your time and money. Choose wisely.

Sharan Tash

Try Something New These Two Weeks

January is a great month to look at new organizations for building your database. I have added a few different organizations on our weekly glance. Check The Professional Networker calendar for the month and see what NEW Associations and groups you should attend to test new waters.

Here are some events that will be occurring within the next two weeks. Be sure and call the organization before attending to be sure the time or location has not changed.

BNC Resolution Party - January 23rd
IWC - Helen Gallagher on Blogs : Their Value to Professional Writers - January 24th
EMA - Professional Development Program Breakfast - January 25th
Catalyst Ranch - Match Books - January 30th
DWC - Kicking Off the New Year is Kinda Sweet - January 30th
Wilmette Chamber - Multi-Chamber Networking Breakfast - January 31st
Downers Grove Chamber - Friday Morning Fix - January 2nd

E-Directory Briongs Efficiency to you Home and Office

The perfect way to promote your business has finally arrived. The Professional Networker E-Directory is here!

You, the members of The Professional Networker, now have the opportunity to advertise through the internet at a VERY reasonable rate.

 I get emails and phone calls daily from people that are looking for specific referrals - a roofer, an electrician, an insurance agent etc... Now with the new E-Directory, I can send all these people to the website to look you up. And, in the Spring, people will be able to write testimonials about your work. Isn't that what referrals are all about?

Kris and Kurt Schroeder of I Know Tek are working hard to keep the E-Directory easy to use and provide it with the same feel as the calendar. You can search for providers by zip code, and then by category.

We are hoping eveyone will advertise, then we know who you are and can write a testimonial about your work. This will be an interactive E-Directory that anyone on the internet can see.

For more information, send Sharan an email. Prices start at $120 for the year.

The Old Dog is Learning a New Trick

Technology is scary for someone that is not in the field. There are webinars, podcasts, and who know what else. The past 18 months have been filled with people asking for webinars, and being of the Baby Boomer generation, I was unfamiliar with the technology needed for that. I thought I had to do everything myself.

Well, low and behold, Angelika and Michael Coghlan of Catwalk Consulting have explained the technology of webinars and I am jumping into the 21st century.

I have asked Angelika and Michael to send me information about the system requirements for computers, so I have that information available for everyone. I will be hosting my first in a series of Webinars starting in March. The first one will be "First Impressions: Do I Hit The Mark?"

Ask Sharan - The Professional Networker

Do you have a question about Relationship Networking that you would like answered? I am collecting questions that I will answer in future newsletters and blog posts. Please send me your questions and check back for the answers.

The Blog

 Don't forget to check out The Professional Networker Blog. Comments are always welcomed.