How often do we hear knowledge is power. We are in the information age, knowledge is nothing but clutter in our minds. Its what we do with the knowledge that makes us effective.
That is the same with networking events, they honestly are nothing but clutter in our lives due to the quantity of them around us. If we can understand the principles of networking than and only than can we tap into the potential of that knowledge.
Networking is one of the corner stones of building a business. Networking can be our best friend and our worst enemy at the same time. If we do not understand the principles of networking it can cost us a lot of our time.
In times like these, uncertainty in the economy, it is more important to be face to face with our clients and potential clients.
The only consistency in this market right now is the unknown, the greatest economist and advisers have said we have no idea what to expect anymore – all logic has been proven wrong.
I was doing a presentation for Investors Group recently and I heard a client say “Only the gods know what the markets will do tomorrow.”
In times of unknown people need to feel secure and connected with those they choose to do business with.
Networking can be extremely powerful and effective to the growth of our business. Unfortunately most networking events I have attended through out the years I realized that most people are not aware of what true networking entails.
Networking for most gives them a false sense of accomplishment, how many cards can I give out and how many can I collect. Just because you are busy does not mean you are effective.
We all know those people that enter the room with presence, they carry themselves with confidence and have a look of genuine caring for others. Those are the same emotions I felt when I went to the Kelowna Signature Business Network event.
Now I know it is one thing to have a feeling but the true question is, are those feelings justified? This was by far one of the most effective networking events I have ever attended.
No one ran around giving and exchanging business cards. People were having genuine conversations and building the foundation of a future relationship. It was not about how many people can I get to in the next 10 min.
I had the opportunity to meet people that without this event I would never have access to. The people that attended this event do not seem to attend typical networking events.
The owner Darlene R. Brûlé and her staff, physically went around the room connecting beneficial like minded people with each other. Not only were there influential people but more importantly as a guest we were introduced to each other effectively.
Even though I was at a member event that had guests, through invitation only, they also hold events for members only with top influential people in the community. The connections I made, not just swapping business cards, were priceless to my business.
A big seller was their exclusive portfolio of members, very classy and beneficial. These portfolios that showcase the members with a full color page go out to businesses in the community.
The event it self, all I can say is wow! It felt like I was at a Gala event.
Darlene, thank you for a great event and I look forward to attending your next event in June. Rumor has it that it will be at a breath taking location.
Fred Sarkari
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But what you recommend wearing to a Kelowina networking event
http://iloveclosing.com/2009/05/03/fashion-disasters-in-corporate-america/
Cheers
The Closer
Good article Fred – thank you!
Great points for all who are concerned with serious and effective networking.
The Closer – great question!
All of our events are “business casual”
“Underdressed” and “Overdressed” suggest “parties” and “dating/match making events”
Serious networking events are neither.
Hi Fred:
Knowledge is certainly power, but I think that even Evelyn Wood would have difficulty digesting the amount of information that comes down the pipeline daily. Fortunately for me, Darlene Brûlé (the Signature Group’s founder) does that work for me. With regard to knowing the Kelowna community and understanding its needs from a businesss perspective, I’ve found her to be a wealth of information (which ihas allowed me to participate in the group’s power, even though I live out of the area).
While I’ve found the Signature Group to be nothing short of First Class, Darlene is the group’s driving force (and more). She is an exceptional individual (and drop-dead gorgeous). Nice Article! Incredible group! Exceptional person!
mdp
Hello Fred!
I cannot say enough about the Signature Network! Darlene has a way of putting like minded individuals in a room – giving everyone the opportunity to build relationships – business and friendships. The portfolio is top shelf and her events are something you don’t want to miss! Truly a group you want to be part of…..networking at a different level.
Jocelynn Wells
Regional Manager – Central Okanagan
Valley First Credit Union
In a community where business is based on who you know, the Kelowna Signature Business Network has been invaluable. Being relatively new to the Kelowna business community, the introductions made by Darlene and her team would have taken me years to establish. After every event, I feel that Darlene has hand picked individuals that I would be interested in doing business with. In today’s business environment the personal care and attention to detail provided by Darlene and her team is absolutely priceless!
Elisha Ribeiro
Senior Account Manager
Great-West Life
In a community where business is based on who you know, the Kelowna Signature Network has been invaluable. Being relatively new to the Kelowna business community, the introductions made by Darlene and her team would have taken me years to establish. After every event, I feel that Darlene hand picked individuals that I would be interested in doing business with. In today’s business environment, the personal care and attention by Darlene and her team is absolutely priceless!
Elisha Ribeiro
Senior Account Manager
Great-West Life
I fully agree that the Signature Business Network events are highly effective. As Kelowna based singer/songwriter the Signature Network has helped me connect with people who are able to expand my career beyond the Okanagan and into Europe.
I have found Darlene to work tirelessly to connect businesses that can work together. The success of two projects that I am working on can be traced back to contacts made at Darlene’s suggestion.
All the best in your future endeavors.
Ryan Donn
Songs from my latest cd can be heard on the Silk Fm, EZ Rock, Kiss Fm, and The Juice.
Thank you Fred, for your well written article, comments, anc great review of such a fabulous event. I couldn’t agree more that following up is very important. I felt the people in attendance were very welcoming, and open to truly talk about what really matters. Time well spent with a great social network!
Sarah Byrne, CIP
Business Account Executive
Wilson M. Beck Insurance
Thanks for the article Fred. I agree with you completely. Being a member of the Kelowna Signature Business Network for over a year has been exceptionally beneficial to our business. We are able to communicate with many high level members of the Kelowna business community and meet new people that inevitably benefit our company in one way or another. Every event that I’ve been to has been a success. Darlene’s attention to detail has been evident throughout each location. We look forward to continuing our relationship with the Signature Network for a long time to come!
Jamie Robertson
Director – Web Development
Cutting Edge Concepts Inc.