Hi Lee, a passport photo, that's an idea. I did that once before, forgot about that....and the price was only $10. I am going to look into that, thanks

Hi Lee, yes I did check out meetup.com a while ago, never had the time to do anything about it yet. Trying to follow my business plan, just too much stuff on it right now.

My Chamber has a lot of members, so I think that will be the best group for me now. There is a mix of small business and corporate business. I decided to hold up on it till I get my Int Marketing certificate, just because I don't want to offer the same services that everyone else is offering plus I would like to offer a service that is in demand right now. Esp since membership is pricey
Thanks

I have a generalized idea of my elevator speech, don't need it right now though. It's the same one I use for LinkedIn and on my Website bio. If I still like it I will use it when I join the Chamber. If my services change then will have to change that too.

Question for the week: Do you feel attending workshops and seminars are great networking arenas?

Question for the week: Do you have an effective elevator speech?

Try the 15secondpitch.com for 4 easy questions to walk you through your speech.

Post your results here.

Lee, I did check out meetup.com but there is nothing here in my area. I did belong to a womens group for a while but stopped going. I don't feel it's much of a networking group. It's more of a coffee club atmosphere. The chamber is probably the best thing for me..

Lee, I may go with the same thing that I have on my LinkedIn profile, not sure yet. Is it 15 seconds or 30? I also heard 60 seconds, I'm confused.

JoCarole - Have you checked out any workshops or seminars in your area? Sometimes you can meet others who can give you some good networking groups as well. Meetup has come great groups but also many like you have experienced. Chambers are a safe bet.

As for the pitch - most groups allow you 60 second but if you come up with a solid 15 second you can add to it and you also have a well prepared quick intro for those situations where it is needed. Just remember it is important to convey who you are, what you do (from a client perspective), why you are the best and your call to action.

Hello Everyone,

I just realized I never posted an introductory message to the group! Well, I joined F2F Networking because it is something I want/need to do more for my business. So, I joined this group to get myself motivated, read what others have been doing and add any input I may have about in-person networking.

My biggest problem is that I have not found a group in my area that suits my schedule; most are breakfast meetings and I am generally not all that talkative at 7am! I was traveling to a meeting for while, but it was over 45 minutes away and the group ended up dissolving. So, I have yet to find a group I am comfortable in as well.


Darlene

Darlene, did you try meetup.com? If they don't have one in your area, would you want to start one up or no? It would take some time to get going though. This is on my list, though I have to admit, it's not on the top just yet.

JoCarole

JoCarole, ask around town about networking groups and google expos and networking meetups in your area. That is how I have found out about all my networking groups. Let people know that you are in business and ask them where they go, their group is probably looking for someone like you.

Something that I did to make my networking groups work for me is that both Presidents of the groups needed help to run the business. I volunteered to be the Secretary of both groups. Everyone knows my work now and I do not have to spend much time doing it. I just print out a sign-up sheet and keep track of attendance, email the meetings, reminder, or announcement once in awhile. One of my groups wants to focus on learning how to better network, so I found some great networking articles and exercises and brought them in and made a presentation out of it.

Erika

Hi Erika, good suggestion, haven't done that yet. Yes volunteering seems to be the key for sure. I would definitely do that if I found the right group, it's a great way to get your name out and get some experience at the same time. Thanks

Hello: I am new to the F2F group and wanted to introduce myself. I am interested in collaborating with other VA's on this topic. I am OK with a speech individually, but often find myself somewhat tongue-tied in groups. I attend a weekly F2F meeting in my area and we have to give a one minute speech each week. I have memorized the speech, but could certainly improve. I have developed a lot of relationships with clients and potential clients. I thoroughly enjoy the meeting. I look forward to connecting with you all.

Carla Reddick
www.yoursvirtually.net