Network, Before You Need Work!

Networking has become such a cliché’.  It’s really all about relationships.  In these uncertain economic times, it would serve us well to build relationships as opposed to just taking someone’s business card and building a database. 

It’s more important to build bonds between people.  You might think to yourself that you really have nothing to offer at this point, or that the person you may be talking to at an event has nothing to offer you.  Nothing is further than the truth.

Although you may think you may not be of any service at this particular time, the fact is you’ve made a very important connection.  First and foremost, putting a face with the business card (make sure your photo or something memorable is on it., that’s a marketing tip from Higher Learning Network’s How To Get Free Radio/TV Advertising Seminar)

Secondly, just showing up sometimes and being in a space with like minded people is crucial to your survival.  No (wo)man is an island to themselves.

Thirdly, it’s not who you know, but sometimes WHO KNOWS YOU!

We all know someone who’s connected to someone else we know.  Remember the movie with Will Smith, 360 Degrees?

In the past, I’ve had a bad habit of collecting cards and not following up because phone calls just take up too much time.  With email, there’s no excuse.  Excuses are a dime a dozen, but follow up is priceless. 

Priceless information and contacts is what I received on March 13th while attending the Latin American Chamber of Commerce co-sponsoring the Park National Bank’s Community Outreach featuring Casa Central. Meeting bank VP Thomas Jordan of First Chicago Bank as well as Juan Ortiz, Branch Manager of Park National Bank and Ramon Moreno, Senior Loan Originator of Park National Bank were just a few valuable contacts. As a trainer on Career/Personal Development, I often facilitate self empowerment seminars all over the city, which means this could be valuable opportunity to service their constituency,

I’ve heard so much about Casa Central because I grew up in the Wicker Park/Humboldt Park area, and to finally meet Frank Diaz, Marketing Associate was a gift.  It’s always nice to know someone from an organization that provides such valuable services to a community that needs it.  Even meeting someone in a business you’ve never heard of, like Workforce Language Services, in which I met Luciana Tiberio, Program Director.  You learn so much, information you just don’t hear about in normal circles. 

I can’t thank the LACC enough for the great work it does for not only the Latino community, but the community at large. After all, they are the organization I chose for certification of Zelda Robinson Communications.  If starting or moving forward in your business is a goal for this year, then you want to be at their next event, as well as become a member.  That’s what networking is really all about.  Right place.  Right time.  LACC.  Right place.

By Zelda Robinson, CSP

Intl. Speaker/Trainer/Author/Media Personality

Columnist NOIR Woman News(Chicago Sun-Times)

www.ZeldaSpeaks.com  www.HigherLearningNetwork.org

Did you get a copy of this weekend’s Sun-Times?  If not, visit www.ChicagoSuntimes.com and click on Columnists,

 click on STELLA FOSTER

click on NOIR WOMAN (Pink Sign) next to her face. 

My column N’Spirational Conversations is there.