Here's the way my friend Alfred Poor describes it:
"Think about using the term “ally”. People often feel isolated in business settings, in need of a supportive friend. A customer prospect is a quick fix, but it’s still a lonely connection as the polarization is in one direction. Instead, look for potential allies. They can be advisors, cheerleaders, and ambassadors who generate quality referrals. They become emotionally invested in your success, and want you to succeed. Note that these can even be competitors; at craft fairs, we find that other potters are some of the most supportive contacts that we make, sharing advice about other shows, offering ideas for products or display (and “stealing” ideas from us with our blessing). It’s a rising tide and all that. So I’d encourage you to have networkers look beyond just referrals and develop contacts who can become true allies. The good feeling will last a lot longer, and your business is likely to be stronger for it."
Like he said, you gotta have allies or at least you oughta to have the most fun, to have your own "team", get the most from networking, and then later, after you count the money, you can ALL go bowling.
This post is one in a series on how to make the most of in-person networking events. If you're going to go (and I suggest you do if your business benefits from relationships), you might as have the most fun possible and give and receive the greatest benefits from the occasion.
If you know want to know about upcoming business networking events in the greater Wilmington Area [which means to me anywhere from Topsail Island, NC to North Myrtle Beach, SC], check out David Merrill's Networking Event Calendar . And if you know of or are planning a networking event you'd like included in the calendar, e-mail David at david.m.merrill@gmail.com
