From June 2016
In 1958, Eddie Cochran sang a very famous rock-n-roll chorus:
"Sometimes I wonder what l'm-a gonna do
But there ain't no cure
For the summertime blues"
For the summertime blues"
Ah, Summertime. That time when we look forward to the weather, family, vacation, relaxation, beach, and the fun that comes along with the season.
Every once in a while I hear a BNI member say that their chapter slows down during the summer months. I also know of many chapters that flourish in the
summer with new members and referral growth! So why are some up and some down? It is a matter of gearing towards the season. Winter coats sell better in December than July and bathing suits sell better in June than January! So have you changed your networking season?
Have you re-tooled your networking machinery? Are you being intentional with your networking? I subscribe to the philosophy that every event can be a networking opportunity as long as you honor the event.
As intentional networkers, we must step outside of our networking comfort zones and look in other places to find new networking opportunities.
Where does an intentional networker start? Begin by searching for your new referral partnership where you spend your time during the summer months.
The FOUR hour one to one!
Any place you go with family, friends or strangers is a networking opportunity! (as long as you honor the event).
As intentional networkers, we must step outside of our networking comfort zones and look in other places to find new networking opportunities.
Where does an intentional networker start? Begin by searching for your new referral partnership where you spend your time during the summer months.
What summertime networking activities are you attending?
... Bar B Que?
... Pool Party?
... Picnic?
... Wedding?
... Wedding?
... Golf... Boating...Ball Games...Tennis... Gardening?
Pool Party Networking! Remember that a good networker has two ears and one mouth and uses them proportionately! Listen to what everyone is really saying.
Are they complaining about business?... Invite them to your BNI chapter.
Are they excited about a wedding?... Who in your chapter will that be a good referral for?
Do you have a frozen drink in your hand... Talk about your HVAC member!
Do they need work on their home or need a new home? It's Referral time!
Are you talking about the stock market and your BNI financial planner? Referral Anyone?
Sports Fields. Kids play baseball, softball, and soccer. Parents spend night after night at practices, games, or volunteering at the concession stands. These parents/athletes are business people-people who may share your target market. Discussions can range from vacation, work, home repairs, to neighborhood politics. A simple conversation or offer to help amid the extra innings, may lead to growing your business.
Neighborhood Festivals. Summer is the time of festivals and county fairs. It's a time for rides, music, games, and good greasy food! It can also be the time to talk to neighbors in more detail. We can build relationships beyond the friendly waves while mowing grass. Take the time to get to know your neighbors. Host a neighborhood cookout to strengthen or even start relationships. Who knows, they may hold the key to your ideal referral partner.
Sports Fields. Kids play baseball, softball, and soccer. Parents spend night after night at practices, games, or volunteering at the concession stands. These parents/athletes are business people-people who may share your target market. Discussions can range from vacation, work, home repairs, to neighborhood politics. A simple conversation or offer to help amid the extra innings, may lead to growing your business.
Neighborhood Festivals. Summer is the time of festivals and county fairs. It's a time for rides, music, games, and good greasy food! It can also be the time to talk to neighbors in more detail. We can build relationships beyond the friendly waves while mowing grass. Take the time to get to know your neighbors. Host a neighborhood cookout to strengthen or even start relationships. Who knows, they may hold the key to your ideal referral partner.
Ball Game Networking!
A great networking strategy is to get tickets to a ball game and invite a BNI member and a potential referral. Whether your team wins or loses great connections can be made!
The FOUR hour one to one!
If you are a golfer, you know what I mean! Find a fellow BNI Member who also plays golf. Set up a round and you each bring a client. What a great way to solidify a top referral! You do not play golf? Is there an activity that you do that you and a fellow member can invite clients too?
Any place you go with family, friends or strangers is a networking opportunity! (as long as you honor the event).
... Bring Your Business Cards!
... Remember Your Fellow Members
The GOAL?
...One Referral Per Event You Attend!
... Who have you met that you can invite to your chapter!
Weekly BNI Meeting. More than ever, intentional networkers must be diligent in attending their weekly meetings. Visibility is crucial during the summer months. There are also opportunities to increase your credibility by focusing on inviting visitors to your chapter and substituting in other groups, especially if your profession is open in that chapter. When you bring value in true Givers Gain fashion, you will receive results!
Vacation. We love our time off to recharge and relax. However, during that time networking is usually left off the agenda. We are missing an opportunity to see BNI chapters in another area-or even another country. This is a great chance to pick up new networking ideas, share things that work in your chapter in order to give to the group you are visiting, and, maybe, find new markets for your product or services. It is a safe bet you can attend a networking meeting and be back to your room before the family is even out of bed!
Fun abounds during the summer. Networking can, too. But it requires you to be intentional. Remember, networking can occur anywhere, anytime. Avoid the summertime networking blues and make the most of the fun (and networking) in the sun!
It's ok to be a networking N.E.R.D., Networking Everyday Requires Dedication!
Be a summertime networking N.E.R.D. and cure your summertime blues.
Weekly BNI Meeting. More than ever, intentional networkers must be diligent in attending their weekly meetings. Visibility is crucial during the summer months. There are also opportunities to increase your credibility by focusing on inviting visitors to your chapter and substituting in other groups, especially if your profession is open in that chapter. When you bring value in true Givers Gain fashion, you will receive results!
Vacation. We love our time off to recharge and relax. However, during that time networking is usually left off the agenda. We are missing an opportunity to see BNI chapters in another area-or even another country. This is a great chance to pick up new networking ideas, share things that work in your chapter in order to give to the group you are visiting, and, maybe, find new markets for your product or services. It is a safe bet you can attend a networking meeting and be back to your room before the family is even out of bed!
Fun abounds during the summer. Networking can, too. But it requires you to be intentional. Remember, networking can occur anywhere, anytime. Avoid the summertime networking blues and make the most of the fun (and networking) in the sun!
It's ok to be a networking N.E.R.D., Networking Everyday Requires Dedication!
Be a summertime networking N.E.R.D. and cure your summertime blues.
Here's to a GREAT summer filled with lots of referrals!
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