The N.U.T.S. are going to Shoot The Hooch!

As I wrote last month, NETWORKING IS EVERYWHERE!

Glen wrote several months ago about N.U.T.S. (www.NetworkersUpToSomething.com). This is a group that I started a couple of years ago to bring another level to networking. I am one of those people that must stay very disciplined about my networking time or I would only network and not work! I love it! The idea behind N.U.T.S. was to bring networkers together so that they would really get to know one another. I mean let's face it, how well do you really get to know someone in an hour and a half meeting and over one coffee or lunch. Personally, I cannot take enough time away from my business to drink enough coffee or eat enough lunches to really get to know someone. Not to mention we are all on our best behavior during those times, saying all the right things aren't we?

The regular monthly N.U.T.S. events have come from a networking connection. I -- the Head Nut and Larry Block (www.mobilemarketingtechnologies.com) -- the Techno Nut, network in different parts of town. We have combined our networking data bases and invited these folks to join us on our client's (www.shootthehooch.com) paddle boat, The Spirit of Roswell, for an evening of networking, food and fun. A few organized ice breakers and perhaps some entertainment will let these networkers mingle in a different setting. Efforts are made to learn something about hobbies and other interests rather than focusing solely on business needs. Friendships have been formed along with strong business alliances from these N.U.T.S. events and our other networking groups are growing stronger because of it. If you would like to bring the N.U.T.S. together in your area please contact me!

Also last month I asked the question of readers – How do you decide when it's o.k. to pass that lead or referral to someone you've met? I received quite a few responses and they all had a common thread. Readers felt they needed to get to know the person over coffee or lunch before they would make a connection. Rather than not passing a lead to the guest or new member, a meeting was scheduled to learn more about the networker's business philosophy and values. Another networking friend shared that he passes leads without phone numbers or contact information and asks the recipient to call for the information. He shared with me that the folks rarely call him. I find it interesting that someone will put the effort and expense into attending a meeting yet never follow-up on a lead or referral. Is that like joining a gym to lose weight and never going?

This month's question comes from a conversation I had over lunch with a group of trusted networking business partners. Is the price of gasoline affecting your networking efforts? And if so, what are you doing to counteract traveling less to continue networking?

PowerCore (www.powercore.net) is a strong networking force in the southeast. Wendy Kenney is the founder and networking expert. I learned this week that there is a PowerCore team that was chartered more than 15 years ago with several original members still attending. I don't know about you, but I don't know of many groups that have that type of longevity with its' members unless it is from the founder. Look for my interviews with these networkers next month to learn what has made the difference in this team.

As official Southeast Bureau ambassadors, please send me contact information for your networking groups in the southeast so I can write about them and share new ideas with our readers.

Wishing you all the best!

- Anne

Contact Anne:   Email:  Anne Phone: 678-385-0193, ext. 201 Post a Comment on TNNW Blog