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Thankful for Inside919

February 14, 2013 by

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you know that it’s Thanksgiving this week – probably the biggest holiday on the US calendar.  Although I’ve been aware of the holiday for many years, not being a native, celebrating Thanksgiving is fairly new to me.

Last year, I was given a fairly last minute ‘gift’ of a turkey by my husband (he’s never been very good with presents!) which I dutifully cooked and we, along with our 2 kids (age 7 and 5), all took a moment over dinner to say what we were thankful for.  It was very touching to hear neither child make mention of material possessions and instead opt to talk about our family and friends.  Actually, I think the dog came out tops!

This year as I prepare to be given the gift of poultry again, I wanted to take a moment to say how thankful I am for the great community of business owners that is Inside919.  I have thought about how different my business would be now without it – if I had truly remained “virtual”.

  • How many ‘quality’ clients would I have if I’d never listed on the site or attended a networking event?
  • What shape would my business be in if I’d never met fellow VAs face-to-face to connect and brainstorm with?
  • Would I have followed the advice I give to others and continued blogging without the comments and encouragement of this community?
  • And not to mention how much I have gained just from reading the blogs of others.

If you are not a member of Inside919 and are within that area code, I strongly recommend you join.  If not, check to see if your area code has a ComeOnInside group you can join.  If they’re as supportive as the people within area code 919, you won’t regret it.

Thank you to all fellow small business owners who continue to encourage and support each other.  Sincerely wishing everyone a great Thanksgiving!

Filed Under: Gaynor Fries Tagged With: ,

Network and Growth Make Cents Within Inside919

February 6, 2013 by


It is that time. You are now ready to grow your career or business and make it even better in 2013. You have not networked a lot over the years, but you are seeing people more successful because of it. Especially for solo professionals, micro and small business, networking is a very smart thing to do.

Just as in Algebra, networking is a numbers game. Here in Insider land and across the our networks there is a multitude of events to go to. Chambers, Kiwanis, BNI, Rotary, Business After Hours; the list goes on and on.

It is not who you know or what you know. It is simply who knows you and who will recommend doing business with you. Visibility and engagement are critical. Regular attendance is essential so people see you, get to know you, and start trusting and referring you.

As you add up the growing list of contacts, you will find that good things will happen. Momentum is key to building opportunity. Relationships are indeed everything. The best way to grow is through your present clients and the new people you meet. This is the critical combination for success.

Selling yourself, your products and your services should never be in your event discussion. Give a business card when asked, and always just get to know the other person. It is essential to always remember that no one has ever ruined a relationship by listening. Out listen like you would out run or out jump someone. If asked, be very clear about the things you do and the services you offer. People will remember you the next time they hear of someone who could use your services.

It is human nature for us to do often something and quit it because of boredom or lack of focus. But being a persistent networker will pay off over time. By attending as many socials and events as possible over JUST 90 days, will bring a degree of success to a career or a business.

Remember the best thing anyone can say: “Really? I know someone that does just that!”
**

Photo: IMU Social Media

IMU Social Media</p>

Jim Vogel’s Posts – The 919 Local Business Network

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5 Strategic Advantages Convey Media Group received from Inside919

July 30, 2012 by

When I decided to begin my business 10 years ago, one of the most influential books was Daniel Pink’s “Free Agent Nation.” This book offers a number of resources for the micro business owner to use to get started and explains how to use them. One of the most critical is a networking structure.

From the beginning Inside 919 has provided my company, Convey Media Group, with a unique way to network. Through my participation, I have met people in person and been able to strengthen these relationships both on-line through digital communication and off-line at various events. These people can tell others about our offerings including branding, marketing through video and social media, and communications and customer service training. Our company helps our clients by recommending these businesses. In turn, we provide more knowledge and value to our clients.

Let me list a few of the advantages my company and I have received:

1. Model On-line/off-line Relationships
In-person meetings followed by on-line communications have enabled me to extend my marketing reach by forming critical relationships with established and new micro-business owners. I have formed relationships with coaches, social media gurus, web development professionals and a number of other business people who have helped grow and promote my business and whom I can recommend for their services. This has increased my profits.

2. Leverage from Events
Some of the events my staff and I attend are more formal like the monthly Big Lunch and Final Friday. These offer an opportunity to meet new business owners and catch up with old friends. I find less formal, more locally-oriented events are often even more valuable. The Tuesday morning Coffee Break and one-on-one lunch meetings and getting together for a drink have provided an opportunity to experience another business owner’s brand first-hand to know what he or she does in detail.

3. Create Critical Alliances
Convey Media Group has created alliances with three or four individuals and has translated directly to business inside and outside the network. These business relationships have paid many times over for the time and money invested in the Inside network.

4. Extend our brand
The business brand for my company and my personal brand are blended in the network and fashion a powerful mixture so that people on the network know what I do but also know something about the kind of person I am. This combination makes it easier for them to buy from me because we have built trust based on a whole-person and business relationship. These connections are longer lasting.

5. Educate about the Social Media landscape
I cannot over emphasize the importance of what I have learned through the network. Whether through articles posted by experts, in live training or in casual conversations with other members, I can keep up with the latest information about business techniques and social media strategies and tactics.

What advantages has your company received?

Drew Becker’s Posts – The 919 Business Network – Local Business Networking

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Changes on Inside919

June 30, 2012 by

CHANGES IS GOOD! David Bowie has, Facebook and Google constantly changing, are you?

I recently looked at my ‘About Brenda’ page of my website and it seemed out of date. I took a few minutes to update with current events, add a few new tweaks, access my searchable key words and give a general new feel. This overall re-fresh does not effect my brand or my mission/vision of my business. You could possibly give the analogy of giving a new coat of paint to a room, not changing the size but just the feel of the room.

As a business owner, change and being able to adapt is essential to my survival in this & any market. I can decide today to change anything about my business, the payment method, the prices, the logo, or the website. If I was a huge company, I would have to assemble a committee, do a test-study, test market, analyze the changes and perhaps a year or two later we could initiate the changes.

You would not want to water-down or dilute your brand or image often, as you might lose your message. Too many changes too fast can be confusing and dangerous, especially if you already have your target audience. Stale is boring and not memorable.

Now that I have made those small changes, I plan on looking at my other profiles; Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. These are some of the venues clients find me. I want current and fresh information.

VERY soon, Inside919 is changing.  Pat Howlett is not diluting the brand but how members interact ;honing, perfecting and refining.  I have made changes in my profile.  I still have the same message, pen & ink artist.  I made a financial commitment to move from a participant to an INSIDER.  I post at least bi-monthly and participate in conversations.

What are your plans for Inside919?

Brenda Priest
Your Door & More

Brenda Priest’s Posts – The 919 Business Network – Local Business Networking

Filed Under: Brenda Priest Tagged With: ,

5 Ways to Network Effectively within Inside919

June 13, 2012 by

This is the Triangle and we understand the critical importance of business networking in this economy. Regardless of what we do for a living, it is critical for us as solo, micro, and small business professionals to meet others and build both opportunity and business. Across this area there are several networking events each week that bring professionals together in both informal and formal settings to meet and greet each other.

The adage that, “It is not who you know, or what you know, it is who knows you that is essential” has never been more valid. When a reputation is made with someone you meet, there are no cold calls to struggle with, only recommendations and referrals to act upon.

The purpose of any networking event offered by Inside919 and others is to build awareness and traction for the possibility of commonality and focus. The two main reasons to meet new people are to build strategy and gain the possibility for referrals. Learning from others and getting opportunities to build business just makes sense for everyone.

Positioning yourself for networking success takes strategy, time, process and planning. Here are some things you should do to create that successful interaction:

• Weigh every word: Every word you speak says volumes about you. Words can change your perception to negative very quickly.
• Actions are important: Remember that people watch you in every situation and in every networking event; your non verbals can show your intention.

• Dress for success: First impressions are essential. Don’t over dress and don’t under dress. Appearance means a lot so be neither sloppy nor slick; just be yourself. People judge you by the way you look.

• Attitude is everything: Are you self- serving or people serving? Treating everyone with respect and adding a sincere smile goes a long way in networking. People respond to niceness.

• Your best networking partner is you: The way you think and see yourself is critical. It affects the way to meet and the way to network. Others always pick up on your level of confidence and outlook.

Remember that these local networking events are a blend of business and social, so it is critical you do not treat these situations as a time for bad jokes and noticeable drinking. Just be yourself and follow the principle of continuing to focus on others in a positive way.
Networking in the right way with the right message will always bring continued success.

**

Photo Credit: thecoachingzone.co.uk

Jim Vogel’s Posts – The 919 Business Network – Local Business Networking

Filed Under: Jim Vogel Tagged With: , , , ,

Thankful for Inside919

May 6, 2012 by

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you know that it’s Thanksgiving this week – probably the biggest holiday on the US calendar. Although I’ve been aware of the holiday for many years, not being a native, celebrating Thanksgiving is fairly new to me. 

 

Last year, I was given a fairly last minute ‘gift’ of a turkey by my husband (he’s never been very good with presents!) which I dutifully cooked and we, along with our 2 kids (age 7 and 5), all took a moment over dinner to say what we were thankful for. It was very touching to hear neither child make mention of material possessions and instead opt to talk about our family and friends. Actually, I think the dog came out tops!

 

This year as I prepare to be given the gift of poultry again, I wanted to take a moment to say how thankful I am for this great community of business owners. I have thought about how different my business would be now without it – if I had truly remained “virtual”:

 

  • How many ‘quality’ clients would I have if I’d never listed on the site or attended a networking event?
  • What shape would my business be in if I’d never met fellow VAs face-to-face to connect and brainstorm with?
  • Would I have followed the advice I give to others and continued blogging without the comments and encouragement of this community?
  • And not to mention how much I have gained just from reading the blogs of others.

 

Thank you to all fellow business owners who continue to encourage and support each other and particularly to Pat and Angel for keeping the network ticking over.

 

Sincerely wishing everyone a great Thanksgiving!

Gaynor Fries, Virtual Assistant’s Posts – The 919 Business Network – Local Business Networking

Filed Under: Gaynor Fries Tagged With: ,

Network Partnerships on inSide919

January 18, 2012 by

Just wanted to say how honored I am to be in collaboration with a group of more than 30 network partners on this network. I signed on as NP when I had no idea what I would ‘get’ for myself and my business. It was an intuitive move and I liked the design and Pat Howlett’s way of doing business.

Now it’s 3 years for this Network Partner and I can share honestly that a large part of the revenue I have generated over the past years has been as a result of THIS NETWORK. My friends, playmates, and business partners are right here and I use the services of those on this network consistently and over time.

If you are on the fence about grabbing what may be the last spot or two as a NP, I would say fall on the side with Pat because the education and value he has given each of us is valued in the thousands of dollars. Nuff said.

Leslie Flowers’s Posts – 919 Business Networking – Local Business Owners & Professionals

Filed Under: Leslie Flowers Tagged With: , ,

Thank You for making me a Super Connector of inSide919 – Martin Brossman

January 5, 2012 by

Thank You for making me a Super Connector of inSide919
- Martin Brossman

Here is the recognition in inSide919
http://inside919.ning.com/page/super-connectors-wall-of-fame

Here is the Press Release in The Carolina Business Connection
http://bit.ly/4oVtQ7

As a thank you for all of you that put me down as the person that brought you to inSide919 (the question was: Who referred you to inSide919?) I am offering a free coaching session, by phone, on getting the most out of inSide919.com . I just ask the you schedule it by the end of January 2010! Just call me at 919 847-4757

Also check out my video here on using inSide919.com
http://inside919.ning.com/video/using-insideareacodes-like

Also, thanks to Pat Howlett for all he had done!
And I am also honored to be one of the original inSide919 Trustees!
http://inside919.ning.com/profiles/blogs/a-big-thanks-to-the-original

Thanks
Martin Brossman
http://www.ProNetworkingOnLine.com
Martin Brossman’s Posts – 919 Business Networking – Local Business Owners & Professionals

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inSide919 is referenced in my “Green” articles for Natural Awakenings of the Triangle

January 5, 2012 by

inSide919 is referenced in my “Green” article from Natural Awakenings of the Triangle

See it on page 36 and 37 of the on-line guide or pickup at a local location:

Also see my Poken article on page 41





Martin Brossman
http://www.pronetworkingonline.com




Martin Brossman’s Posts – 919 Business Networking – Local Business Owners & Professionals

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New to inSide919? 5 Easy Steps to Get Started

January 5, 2012 by

You need to make a few key changes to your default profile so you can be found easily by others

1) Photos:  Use a real photo of YOU, not a logo or your dog or a picture of your shop. One of the biggest competitive advantages of a small business is the People!!! It is also a violation of the 919 Membership Guidelines

  • Click My Page, My Settings



2) Profile Detail:  On your 919 Profile, to the right of your photo you can click and add your business name otherwise it will say something like John Smith’s Page.

Click My Page, the box at the top of the page can be edited with information about your business.

I have my profile titled:  Martin Brossman -Success Coach, Author & Trainer


3) Customer Questions Answered:  Think about the questions your customers are asking.  Whatever those questions are, be sure that your 919 profile answers those questions.  Use the “keywords” or “trigger words” that your customer would use to find you. If you have a business phone number post it and make sure all the social media links you add work.

4) Movable Sections:  Notice that every section has a ‘bar’ at the top and when you put your pointer (mouse) over it it change into 4 directional arrows. You can move these sections up or down and I recommend putting “Latest Activity” all the way at the bottom by dragging it down.

 

In my profile, I put my events section at the top, for example.

5) Get in involved and lead by helping others:  In order to truly connect with people, don’t spam people on the network with your latest widget / savings.  Truly engage, comment, connect and be genuine.  Being authentic will truly allow you to build more lasting relationships.

 

6) Connect Offline after meeting Online:  Once you relate with other business owners online, when you meet them in person you already have a connection.  Take the time to connect with other business owners, you will find that these relationships really are mutually beneficial. The power is in the combination of on and off the web relationships.

 

Want more?

 

As the Trainer for Inside919, I am offering a free class (limited seating) on Thursday, April 28th.  If you would like to learn more about Inside919, please register here!

 

See my other blog post on Using Inside919 at:
http://inside919.ning.com/profiles/blogs/getting-the-most-out-of-the

 

And Pat Howlett’s new video:
http://inside919.ning.com/video/how-to-use-inside919-tour

 

See the New Forum discussion on what do you want to know about inside919?
http://inside919.ning.com/forum/topics/what-do-you-want-to-know-about-1 

Martin Brossman’s Posts – 919 Business Networking – Local Business Owners & Professionals

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