Inspiring NetWorkers — Chicagoland

What is an “Inspired NetWorker”?  To be inspired is to be “divinely affected”, so the Inspired NetWorker is one whose thoughts, feelings, actions…his or her very breath and being are drawn forth from and applied to developing and maintaining meaningful, giving relationships.

Chicagoland NetWorker Jason Jacobsohn is an Inspired NetWorker.  Jason believes relationship building is a key component to personal and business success. Personally, and in his professional role as director of the Small Business Development Center and a Business Advisor at the Chicagoland Entrepreneurial Center (CEC), Jason enjoys helping others by making introductions, planning events, and sharing resources through his email newsletter, “Network Your Way to Success”, and his website at www.jacobsohn.com. He also speaks about networking, writes the Tech Connect column for MidwestBusiness.com, and is President of DePaul Entrepreneurs Network.

The Inspired NetWorker is one whose thoughts, feelings, actions…his or her very breath and being are drawn forth from and applied to developing and maintaining meaningful, giving relationships.

Jason and I talked recently about how he first became inspired about the power of networking through a member of his original network – his family.  Jason not only has an interesting story, but offers some key lessons for all of us who find value in great relationships and powerful networks.

Jason received his BBA from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and an MBA from DePaul University.  While at college Jason’s older brother encouraged him to get involved in various business oriented groups. 

“I started building these relationships during my freshmen year in college,” he recalls.  “I liked being around like-minded people, who helped me get more out of my education.  And I didn’t just join; I always took an active role in groups.”

Jason was involved in the campus Real Estate Club and stuck with the industry to begin his career because of that network of people and those early college experiences.  As his life and career progressed, he recognized the challenge of keeping in touch with his relationships.

“Throughout the years my brother kept building his list and letting people know what he was doing and what events he would be attending;” Jason says.  “Again, I followed his lead.  I still do it [networking] in a big way.”

NetWorking in a Big Way

Now in Chicago and out of the real estate industry, Jason continues to stay involved in groups and typically takes a leadership role.  As a business advisor he offers cross-functional expertise in relationship management, due diligence, consulting, analysis, and prov class="MsoNormal"ides guidance and resources to help entrepreneurs grow their businesses.  Prior to this role, Jason was a Senior Business Analyst at the National Association of Realtors, an associate at Vcapital, a financial analyst at Equity Office Properties, and a senior consultant at Realogic Analytics.

His career-long commitment to networking has also led to a successful website, newsletter and a recognized brand of networking expertise. 

“Most things I write about are things I do or believe in,” he explains.  “I started branding myself in networking when people began asking me for more and more help.”

Jason offers three key elements of successful networking:

1. Continually offer to help people before you ask for help…show good will.  This will make you stand apart and earn the respect of people.  Continue to reach out and help people.  “Regardless of what else I’m doing, I reach out and help others with whom I come in contact.”
    
2. Manage your relationships…stay in front of people each week, invite them to lunch, breakfast, events, whatever…remain in contact, create your own newsletter, email list, or Blog…but definitely KEEP IN TOUCH.
    
3. Become a subject matter expert.  Brand yourself around something that people will remember you for, especially if you have a company and something to sell.  Of course, all of us should brand ourselves as a friend!

Check out Jason Jacobsohn’s newsletter, especially if you live or work in or near the Chicago area or you are just looking for another great resource.  To learn more about Jason and FROM Jason, visit his website at www.jacobsohn.com, where you may sign up for his newsletter called “Network Your Way to Success”.  Also look for future contributions from Jason concerning networking in the Chicagoland area, including the Chicago Networking Extravaganza (coming April 11, 2007), of which Jason is co-producer.

Our ongoing series on Inspired NetWorks and Inspired NetWorkers was inspired by my own search to find networks and relationships that are truly transformational and not just transactional in nature and outcome.  If you know of a truly Inspiring NetWork or Inspiring NetWorker, please let me know.
 

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Mark can be reached at MarkS@TheNationalNetworker.com or via TNNW Blog.