The lost art of Networking: It's more than just exchanging business cards; it's about building lasting connections. Nearly a decade ago, I attended an event (thank you Libby Wildman !) that I almost skipped because it was in downtown Toronto, and if you live in Toronto, you know that it requires the patience of a saint to drive downtown! Little did I know that day would significantly shape my professional journey. There, I met someone who would become not just a mentor but a friend. We've maintained our mentor-mentee relationship for close to ten years now, and the guidance I've received has been invaluable, influencing many of my business decisions and strategies. But the benefits didn't stop there. This relationship opened doors to new business opportunities and introductions to new acquaintances proving that the connections we make can evolve into significant personal and professional networks. So here’s my take: don't underestimate the power of a conversation (even if it requires an hours drive!). Whether it's a quick chat over coffee or getting "uncomfortable" and introducing yourself to people at a conference, each interaction can become a lifelong connection. So keep reaching out, keep engaging, and remember—every person you meet could help you write a new chapter in your story. #motivation #entrepreneurship #sales Here's to the people we meet along the way—may we learn, grow, and succeed together!
Sharon Vinderine’s Post
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Networking is USELESS if You Do it WRONG As entrepreneurs, relationships are the lifeblood of any thriving business. Building genuine connections with clients, partners, and peers can propel us towards unprecedented growth and success. 🚀 Here are 5 STRATEGIES to help you cultivate and nurture meaningful business relationships: 1. Be GENUINE and AUTHENTIC 🙌 - Approach each interaction with sincerity and genuine interest. Authenticity builds trust. 2. LISTEN Actively and Empathetically 🧠 - Focus on understanding others’ needs, concerns, and aspirations. Active listening strengthens connections and reveals collaboration opportunities. 3. Offer VALUE and Support 🌟 - Find ways to support and provide value. Share resources, offer advice, and lend a helping hand. 4. Stay CONSISTENT and Reliable 💯 - Follow through on commitments, be responsive, and demonstrate reliability to build trust. 5. Nurture Relationships Over Time 🌱 - Keep in touch, follow up, and celebrate successes. This ongoing investment fosters loyalty and mutual support. Remember, strong business relationships are a powerful asset in the entrepreneurial journey. By focusing on building deep, meaningful connections, you're paving the way for long-term success and growth. 🌟 #happymoments #business #growth #networking
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Yesterday, I had the wonderful opportunity to take an Eduslot in my BNI (Business Network International) chapter, talking about the importance of building relationships for business owners. Establishing business connections is crucial, for entrepreneurs as it helps build trust, credibility and loyalty with clients, partners and stakeholders. Strong relationships facilitate teamwork, leading to possibilities and collaborations. Cultivating ties boosts the company’s standing and image, setting it apart in markets. Moreover, dedicating time to maintaining relationships with customers encourages loyalty and repeat business which is often more cost efficient than acquiring new clients. Additionally, relationships offer access to resources, insights and support systems within the industry. For entrepreneurs fostering relationships is not just vital for success but it also sets the groundwork for sustained growth and resilience in ever changing market landscapes. It represents an investment in the company’s sustainability and adaptability, in business environments. As they say “No one cares how much you know, until they know how much you 'care'. That is what business is all about… building relationships.” As a Business Growth Partner, I help business owners to drive revenue growth, foster effective partnerships and identity opportunities for business expansion. Please Like, Comment & Share #atglobvia #scaleup #opportunities #potentialclients #targetmarkets #technology #businessgrowth #businessrelationships #success #change #people #collaborations
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🚨 Closed deal on the FIRST day of the month! Here’s how YOU can too! 🚨 No gimmicks, no shortcuts—just real, actionable strategies that helped me seal the deal. Let me show you how you can turn networking into your biggest asset: 1️⃣ Get to know your client: Build a relationship, not just a transaction. Understand who they are and what their business truly needs. 2️⃣ Don’t give up easily: Persistence is key. If it doesn’t work out at first, keep pushing. Timing is everything! 3️⃣ Follow up consistently: Your follow-up shows you care about their business as much as they do. Keep the communication alive. 4️⃣ Go the extra mile: Offering just a little more can make a huge difference. Your clients will notice and appreciate it. 5️⃣ Meet in person: Face-to-face meetings foster deeper connections. This is your chance to truly understand their pain points and offer tailored solutions. Networking isn’t just about making contacts—it’s about nurturing those relationships into real opportunities. 🚀 What’s your go-to strategy for closing deals? Drop your thoughts in the comments!👇 #Networking #BusinessGrowth #Entrepreneurship #ClientRelationships #BusinessTips #crewcutmedia #entrepreneurlife #ceo
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Yesterday, I had the wonderful opportunity to take an Eduslot in my BNI (Business Network International) chapter, talking about the importance of building relationships for business owners. Establishing business connections is crucial, for entrepreneurs as it helps build trust, credibility and loyalty with clients, partners and stakeholders. Strong relationships facilitate teamwork, leading to possibilities and collaborations. Cultivating ties boosts the company’s standing and image, setting it apart in markets. Moreover, dedicating time to maintaining relationships with customers encourages loyalty and repeat business which is often more cost efficient than acquiring new clients. Additionally, relationships offer access to resources, insights and support systems within the industry. For entrepreneurs fostering relationships is not just vital for success but it also sets the groundwork for sustained growth and resilience in ever changing market landscapes. It represents an investment in the company’s sustainability and adaptability, in business environments. As they say “No one cares how much you know, until they know how much you 'care'. That is what business is all about… building relationships.” As a Business Growth Partner, I help business owners to drive revenue growth, foster effective partnerships and identity opportunities for business expansion. Please Like, Comment & Share #atglobvia #scaleup #opportunities #potentialclients #targetmarkets #technology #businessgrowth #businessrelationships #success #change #people #collaborations
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🌟30 Benefits of Business Ownership🌟 9️⃣ Networking Opportunities🤝: As a business owner, every interaction is a potential networking opportunity. From industry conferences to local chamber of commerce events, you'll find yourself constantly connecting with fellow entrepreneurs, potential clients, and collaborators. 🗺️These relationships can lead to new business opportunities, partnerships, or simply valuable advice from those who've walked the path before you. 🗣️Networking as a business owner isn't just about collecting contacts – it's about building a community of like-minded individuals who can support and inspire each other🫂. Embrace these opportunities to grow your circle and watch how it positively impacts your business journey. 🛣️Begin your business journey: https://lnkd.in/eiVPScY3 #Networking #BusinessConnections #PartnershipswithPurpose #ProfessionalGrowth #Collaboration #FranchisewithAngie
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"You should get out and network more." Ugh. In truth, since the pandemic, I haven't spent much time -- or any -- at in-person networking events. Before the shutdowns - I spent multiple days a week at lunches, coffee chats, events and committee meetings. Why don't I do it now? What have I learned that could help when I go back in person? 🤨 I wasn't choosy about groups I joined 🤨 I didn't protect time or boundaries 🤨 I didn't have a clear strategy I learned that networking can be great for meeting impressive people, making friends -- and maybe getting some business. You shouldn't join with the sole purpose fo passing out your business cards or focus only on sales. Go into it with the right mindset and a plan, and maybe—just maybe—I'll jump back in. #networking #businessgrowth #entrepreneurship
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How I Built My Sphere of Influence in One Year in Florida… During my time working for a tech startup in NJ, I learned firsthand the importance of relationships, especially as a salesperson. Eventually, I became the Director of Relationship Management at a different start up in NYC, which gave me invaluable experience in building connections and finding strategic partnerships. Fast forward to just one year ago, I rebranded and took a deep dive into who I was and what my business stood for. At its core, my mission became clear: giving businesses permission to take up space and build wealth. I sought out networks that aligned with this vision, and every interaction I had was intentional. Whenever I met someone new, I’d take a picture of their business card and send it to my admin, who added their information to a Google sheet. She would then schedule 30-minute Zoom meet-and-greets with each person. During these calls, I started with one key question: “How can I help you?” I also let them know I was updating my strategic partnership list so I could refer them to potential clients or partners as opportunities arose. Networking, at its core, is about mutual support and collaboration—it’s one of the most powerful ways to grow your business. But just as important is having the confidence to ask for what you need in return. Here are a few takeaways from this journey: - Understand who you are and have a clear message that communicates your value. - Always ask how you can be of service to others. - When the time comes, be ready with your own ask. - I found my community. 🫶🏼 Last year, I connected with an average of 308 people per quarter. I focused on working smarter by nurturing key relationships, which led to even more connections. The ultimate goal? Build such a strong sphere of influence that networking becomes less of a requirement and more of a byproduct. So, when people say “networking doesn’t work”, I say it’s time to revisit your intention and messaging. #Networking #BusinessGrowth #StrategicPartnerships #SphereOfInfluence #Entrepreneurship
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The Power of Networking & Building Relationships Networking and building relationships are the lifeblood of any successful business. It's not just about exchanging business cards or making connections on LinkedIn; it’s about creating genuine, lasting relationships that can open doors, spark new ideas, and provide support when needed. Every handshake, every conversation, every connection is an opportunity to learn, grow, and share knowledge. These relationships help us see new perspectives and push us to think beyond our boundaries. The strength of our network can be the difference between just surviving and truly thriving in the business world. But let’s remember, it’s not just about what others can do for us. True networking is about what we can offer in return—whether it’s advice, a listening ear, or a shared opportunity. Building strong relationships means nurturing them with trust, respect, and mutual growth. In the end, the relationships we build today are the foundation for tomorrow’s success. Let’s keep connecting, keep learning, and keep growing. #BusinessGrowth #Networking #ProfessionalRelationships #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #Motivation #Guidance #BusinessStrategy #SuccessMindset #ContinuousLearning
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If you like networking and making meaningful connections you will love this meeting! Nicole Bryan and I have so much fun hosting and we follow up each meeting by sharing the attendee list of info with anyone that attended. That way you don't have to worry about what you may have missed in the chat, it is all easy for you to find. If you sign up on Eventbrite once, you will get reminders from us each month prior to the event so you don't have to continually sign up. You can add it to your calendar for the second Monday of each month at 1 pm ET with the Zoom link and show up whenever you can make it! We hope to see you on Monday! #networking #businessnetworking #onlinenetworking
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🚀 Accelerate Your Network: Join Us for Speed Networking! 🚀 Are you looking to expand your professional connections, meet like-minded business owners, and build valuable relationships? Then join us for Accelerated Business Networking, a free monthly event designed to do just that! My co-host, [Erin Alli], and I are thrilled to bring together entrepreneurs, professionals, and go-getters for a dynamic networking experience. It's fast, it's fun, and it's a great way to accelerate your business growth. 🗓️ When: Monday September 9th, 2024📍 Where: Online via Zoom 🎟️ Sign Up on Eventbrite: https://lnkd.in/ecSQmQq3 Don’t miss out on this opportunity to make new connections and grow your business! Let’s accelerate your success – see you there! #Networking #BusinessGrowth #Entrepreneurs #AccelerateNetworking #SpeedNetworking
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🌟 The Benefits of Business Ownership🌟 🌟 Best Practices: 🌟 9️⃣ Networking Opportunities: 💚 As a business owner, every interaction is a potential networking opportunity. From industry conferences to local chamber of commerce events, you'll find yourself constantly connecting with fellow entrepreneurs, potential clients, and collaborators. These relationships can lead to new business opportunities, partnerships, or simply valuable advice from those who've walked the path before you. 🏗Networking as a business owner isn't just about collecting contacts – it's about building a community of like-minded individuals who can support and inspire each other. Embrace these opportunities to grow your circle and watch how it positively impacts your business journey. 🎮Ready to take control of your life? Let’s begin 👉: franchisewithwendy.com #Networking #BusinessConnections #EntrepreneurCommunity #ProfessionalGrowth #Collaboration 🏗
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And here’s to those humans that take it all to the next level Sharon Vinderine!