I try to keep in mind that the purpose of my contributions to TNNW is to highlight what’s going on in the NetWorking world in the Mid-Atlantic region. Having the opportunity to introduce the readership to individuals is an added plus.

Last month I wrote an article reviewing Tales from the Networking Community by Dan Williams. Well, I wanted to learn more about the man behind the book, and the organization that he developed, so I interviewed him. Lucky you, I’m going to share what I learned!

Dan entered the world of networking as many do, looking to expand his professional contact sphere. For Dan, the impetus was career transition in the struggling High-tech world of the early 2000s.

As many have experienced, he discovered that there was no central location for finding out what types of networking meetings were taking place in his area (Washington DC). And he discovered that not all networking groups were a good fit for everyone.

He also discovered that the networking organizations and groups weren’t focusing on what he felt was most important; the relationships.

There are many ways of dealing with stress and frustration. Dan keyboarded his way to a healthier outlook. He wrote about his networking experiences and what he learned. He also took processes he had developed for his former sales team and tailored them to work in the networking world. He looked at the “Why” and “What” instead of the “How” of networking. He sent these observations to people he knew and received a lot of positive feedback. “Send more!”

One email newsletter, turned into two, then four, then a year’s worth, then more. The circles of people reading his missives grew.  It was apparent that compiling these into a cohesive book would benefit Dan and the networking world at large. Tales from the Networking Community was born (I’m not going to go into the details about the labor pains).

Hand in hand with the newsletters was the development of The Networking Community, the organization. Unlike many networking groups, TNC’s main focus is on relationships. Sure, other groups and organizations encourage, even insist, that its participants develop professional relationships. Too often though, the focus is on generating business not so much on building the relationship foundation that enables great business to be generated.

TNC is about the relationships and the concept that groups shouldn’t be a “one size fits all” model. TNC groups develop their own styles, characters, culture, rules, and definitions; all operating under TNC’s values, polices and best business practices. Yes, we all want to grow our businesses, and yes, we all recognize the value of focusing our energies on helping other professionals we know grow theirs. But, what about the time it takes to get to know someone? What about the time it takes to know someone well enough to trust them? And know their business well enough to confidently recommend their product or service? As Dan says “Networking, Like Life, is a Process not an Event™.” This is what it’s all about folks. Time, work, relationships. It’s what we love (and maybe hate) about the networking world.

So, what does TNC offer in the way of networking? Well, if you live in the DC area, you’re in luck! There are a number of active TNC groups that meet on various days of the month, at various times of the day. You can access meeting information at TNC’s resource center http://www.TNCLinks.com - click on the TNC-East Group Calendar. But, there’s more!

One of TNC's core values is; "Networking is leveraged through the smart use of technology."

On LinkedIn.com, the online networking community, TNC enjoys status as the highest endorsed company in North America with 230+ testimonials.

TNC members have a unique “in” to LinkedIn. Membership in TNC gives you access to The Networking Community Group Link. Cool! Through this link you can learn about networking events and seminars and (I really, really like this) you get a hyperlink TNC logo on your profile so you can connect with other TNC members without having to ask for a referral.  Now that’s smart.

Dan and TNC hope to bring their vision and mission to the rest of the country, one group at a time. Want to learn more about TNC and how to get a group started in your area?

Go to: The Networking Community or call Dan directly @ (571) 246-7366

Here’s to successful business, gained from good networking, built on great relationships.

Email Ruth.  

Sign up for our newsleter;
Email a friend.

Go to: Site Map