Real Life Connections: Creating A Hyper-Local Network

- by Jennifer Gerlock of Hip As I Wanna Be

When I first started blogging four years ago, I was a bit of an anomaly in my community. I knew of no one else “in real life” who blogged or participated in social media.

As much as I loved it, I really craved someone to relate to. I am a relationship person. I thrive on friendships and collaboration.

Then as chance would have it, I happened across a loose network of bloggers in the Maryland area. Just a handful of ladies searching for something similar to I.  What started out as a lucky meeting on Twitter with a handful of women, blossomed into network of bloggers in six states and a new initiative affectionately dubbed Momz Share.

The principal of forming relationships is nothing new in the blogosphere. We do it all the time over the wonderful world wide web. That being said, there is no denying that personal relationships are strengthened tenfold when maintained by consistent  face-to-face interactions.

The benefits of developing your own hyper-local network:

• Deep personal connections
• A tribe to lean on, outreach to and identify with
• Real-life friendships

Not convinced you need a hyper-local concentration yet?

Then let me enlighten you on how I have been blessed by my relationships with some of the fantastic folks I have met locally... READ ON

The Subtle Art Of Networking

The definition of networking is ‘to cultivate people who can be helpful to one professionally’. The core of this is lost on most business owners and salespeople. To cultivate means to really work at something. In order to network well, we must plan to befriend those around us. We work with people we like, not just people we know.

How many times have you been to an event where people asked you what you did then stared over your shoulder to find someone else who might give them business? Notice how I didn’t ask if you have been, because everyone has.

Networking is a subtle art form that has been so badly misused that people cringe when they hear of a networking event. But it’s typically not the event that’s scary, it’s the people. Some people still haven’t learned how to network without selling. Selling is the base of all scariness in networking.

Here are some tools to help you stop selling & start building relationships:

1. Be engaged. If you’re in a conversation, don’t look for other people to talk to. Enjoy what you’re in at that moment.
2. Network with everyone. Just because someone isn’t a good client of yours doesn’t mean they can’t be a great referral source.
3. Be a resource. If people know that you give out great information they’re more likely to want to work with you.
4. Be a connector. If you see people who aren’t engaging in conversation, invite them into your group. If someone says they’re looking for a certain type of person & you know someone who can help them, introduce them to that person.
5. Stop talking about what you do. Start talking about what you like to do and connect with people on a higher level than just work.
6. Don’t force a conversation. Some people just aren’t meant to connect. If you feel stuck in a conversation, excuse yourself to use the bathroom or to say hi to someone else.
7. Don’t judge. Just because someone has a job you’re not interested in, it might not define them. The person might be really interesting in other parts of their life. Ask them about those things instead.
8. Listen. Stop blathering on and start listening. You’ll probably be remembered as a great conversationalist.
9. Networking happens everywhere. Networking events aren’t the only place to network. Find unassuming places to meet people & practice friend-making. Those types of events typically result in business relationships.

10.  Be yourself. Stop trying to be a salesperson and just have a friendly conversation. People know when you’re trying too hard.

Next time you head to an event don’t have a goal of how many business cards you’ll get. Instead, plan to make at least one friend. You’ll be pleasantly surprised how much business you’ll get out of that.

Happy networking!

Melanie Spring, Principal & Project Director of Sisarina Inc, helps her clients with their marketing, branding and websites. Her focus is on entrepreneurs and non-profits. You’ll find her organizing #DCTweetup and other fun workshops to help connect DC area neighbors.

Win Tickets To Cirque Du Soleil's TOTEM On Wednesday

Ticket Giveaway For Cirque Du Soleil’s Totem

Cirque du Soleil is pleased to announce that it has returned to Baltimore, Maryland with its latest big top touring production, TOTEM.

TOTEM is performing a limited engagement under their trademark blue-and-yellow Grand Chapiteau (Big Top) at Westport Waterfront in Baltimore, Maryland.

TOTEM traces the fascinating journey of the human species from its original amphibian state to its ultimate desire to fly. TOTEM illustrates, through a visual and acrobatic language, the evolutionary progress of species. Somewhere between science and legend TOTEM explores the ties that bind Man to other species, his dreams and his infinite potential.

Fun for the whole family!

Any Momz Share ladies interested in seeing this fantastic show?  Then you are in luck!

We have one four-pack of tickets to give away for the performance this Wednesday April 20th!

(Please note: These tickets are non-redeemable and non-transferable to that specific performance. So please only enter if your family can attend.)

To enter:

• Share this contest on Twitter with the hashtag #momzshare. Here’s a sample tweet: @momzshare is giving away tickets to Cirque Du Soleil in Baltimore: http://bit.ly/ewvxE7
  #momzshare

• OR leave a comment on our Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/momzshare

If you are unable to make that performance date, fear not! Friends of MomzShare can also receive 20% off select performances! The link for the discount code can be found HERE.

Contest ends Tuesday at 9:00pm EST.

Good luck!