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Every month I put several networking events on the calendar as part of my marketing plan. When I show up around women entrepreneurs 3-4 times per month, inevitably business transpires–a new client, sign-ups for my newsletter and blog, etc. So, I always have scheduled networking plans.
Then there is the unscheduled networking that happens randomly in my travels. Last Saturday I dropped off a package at the UPS store which is next to my favorite shoe store, Hawley Lane, home of the most comfortable shoes on earth (and some even fashion forward). I peeked in the window because the sign said they didn’t open until 10am. It was twenty of. I reflexively tried the door anyway and it opened, so I entered and began browsing. I could hear a staff meeting going on in the adjoining room. I heard, “Is everyone happy with the lunch order, pizza and salad?” I was impressed that the employees wishes were being taken into consideration.
An employee popped over to assist me which got the attention of the business owner, Sandy Levy, whom I’ve known for years. Sandy waved me into her meeting and introduced me. As we were walking out later she started talking a lot about what she needed to do to market the store–get more testimonials (would I do one, please?), get in touch with doctors (she is certified in foot health), etc. She said, “I need you.” We met for coffee the next day.
Opportunities abound, scheduled and unscheduled. Shopping may be part of your marketing/networking plan!
I spoke at the Greater Hartford Women’s Conference in late May and stayed to hear the lunch speaker, Marcia Wieder who identifies herself as America’s Dream Coach. She subscribes to the same belief that I do that if you can dream it and believe it, you can manifest it. Her talk was chock full of inspiring quotes and thought-provoking statements.
What got my attention was her statement (loosely quoted–not verbatim) that “Your doubter is not the enemy. Your doubter is the realist. Your biggest obstacle is your fear. If/when you meet another doubter, it will magnify yours OR deepen your commitment.”
My takeaway from this concept is that I/you need to constantly be checking in with support systems to stay out of fear, to check out the doubts and regularly take steps to deepen the commitment.
Thank you, Marcia!
For those of you who’ve never heard my story, I was recently interviewed by Liz Kopyscinski who hosts a great program for women entrepreneurs.
To listen to the podcast: www.belraycommunity.com/radio/belray-radio.html
Click on the yellow button to get the list of “Women Entrepreneurs” shows.
To download a file of your show: http://feeds.feedburner.com/WomenEntrepreneurs
