Mentalsidewalk

How often do we hear knowledge is power.  We are in the information age, knowledge is nothing but clutter in our minds.  Its what we do with the knowledge that makes us effective.

That is the same with networking events, they honestly are nothing but clutter in our lives due to the quantity of them around us.  If we can understand the principles of networking than and only than can we tap into the potential of that knowledge.

Networking is one of the corner stones of building a business.  Networking can be our best friend and our worst enemy at the same time.  If we do not understand the principles of networking it can cost us a lot of our time.

In times like these, uncertainty in the economy, it is more important to be face to face with our clients and potential clients.

The only consistency in this market right now is the unknown, the greatest economist and advisers have said we have no idea what to expect anymore – all logic has been proven wrong.

I was doing a presentation for Investors Group recently and I heard a client say “Only the gods know what the markets will do tomorrow.”

In times of unknown people need to feel secure and connected with those they choose to do business with.

Networking can be extremely powerful and effective to the growth of our business.  Unfortunately most networking events I have attended through out the years I realized that most people are not aware of what true networking entails.

Networking for most gives them a false sense of accomplishment, how many cards can I give out and how many can I collect.  Just because you are busy does not mean you are effective.

We all know those people that enter the room with presence, they carry themselves with confidence and have a look of genuine caring for others.  Those are the same emotions I felt when I went to the Kelowna Signature Business Network event.

Now I know it is one thing to have a feeling but the true question is, are those feelings justified?  This was by far one of the most effective networking events I have ever attended.

No one ran around giving and exchanging business cards.  People were having genuine conversations and building the foundation of a future relationship.  It was not about how many people can I get to in the next 10 min.

I had the opportunity to meet people that without this event I would never have access to.  The people that attended this event do not seem to attend typical networking events.

The owner Darlene R. Brûlé and her staff, physically went around the room connecting beneficial like minded people with each other.  Not only were there influential people but more importantly as a guest we were introduced to each other effectively.

Even though I was at a member event that had guests, through invitation only, they also hold events for members only with top influential people in the community. The connections I made, not just swapping business cards, were priceless to my business.

A big seller was their exclusive portfolio of members, very classy and beneficial.  These portfolios that showcase the members with a full color page go out to businesses in the community.

The event it self, all I can say is wow! It felt like I was at a Gala event.

Darlene, thank you for a great event and I look forward to attending your next event in June.  Rumor has it that it will be at a breath taking location.

Fred Sarkari