How to Meet Local Professionals
Tom Kern, VP and Relationship Manager at Civic Bank & Trust, told me how he networks in a delightful way! It’s fast, easy, and FREE! It’s a brilliant way to meet new business connections, because YOU set the parameters, then wait for lunch requests. Or, simply register and they’ll find you.
Three easy steps to join – according to Tom, it took about 60 seconds to sign up. www.gograblunch.com/register
Never Eat Lunch Alone™
“GoGrabLunch facilitates one on one networking lunches between business professionals who have never met.”
The best explanation comes from their site:
“We connect you one-on-one for lunch with professionals you do not currently know, based on parameters predetermined by you. Once you have entered your profile and networking preferences, we provide you a list of matching members who have open lunch times at a specific restaurant. You choose the member and attend their lunch. Or, you enter your own lunch schedule, pick the restaurant, and wait for another matching member to choose your lunch.”
A few inspirational and helpful tips from their blog:
http://gograblunch.wordpress.com/
“Networking and sales have a truly symbiotic relationship. Both have always been a numbers game. The more contacts you make the greater the chance for you to close a sale.”
“Be sure you are vetting out your contacts to determine if they are a good place to be putting your efforts.”
“Even the smallest of pebbles can make big waves. Networking is truly an art that takes time to become proficient at. Because of this many people avoid even getting started.”
“My advice is just to jump right in. As you get more use to the variety of networking type events your skills will improve.”
“Throw small pebbles, but throw them often.”
“Networking is about connecting with someone who knows someone, who knows someone, etc. Well all those “someones” know business owners and recruiters that are looking for qualified candidates.”
“I recommend … accepting prospects into your pipeline regardless of how busy you are.”
GoGrabLunch.com is based in Knoxville, TN – but when you share it with your Facebook and LinkedIn networks, it grows like wildfire. Please Tweet this, post a Facebook Update about it, and generally spread the word.
(NOTE: I don’t know these guys, and have nothing to gain – except terrific ways to expand business. Let’s give them a boost!)
Have you come across any great new ways to get your name out there?
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For more resources, see our Library topics Marketing and Social Networking.
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ABOUT Lisa M. Chapman:
Ms. Chapman’s new book has a name change! The Net-Powered Entrepreneur – A Step-by-Step Guide will be available very soon. With offices in Nashville Tennessee, but working virtually with international clients, Lisa M. Chapman serves her clients as a business and marketing coach, business planning consultant and social media consultant. As a Founder of iBrand Masters, a social media consulting firm, Lisa Chapman helps clients to establish and enhance their online brand, attract their target market, engage them in meaningful social media conversations, and convert online traffic into revenues. Email: Lisa @ LisaChapman.com
Lisa Chapman serves her clients as a Business and Marketing Coach, Business Planning Consultant and Social Media Consultant, specializing in increasing revenues.