Are you stumped by face to face networking or how you can make a group work for you? Finding paid groups versus free or meet-up groups still a question. Do you have a great elevator speech? Let's discuss this and more.

I've joined 3 f2f networking events. I'm actually presenting to 2 of them on Friday. One gives feedback about your "sales" pitch and the other is just a general information presentation about my VA business. Really looking forward to both...make contacts, get feedback, etc.

The beauty of some groups is the presentation. I presented two weeks ago on the benefits of social media for the small local business. It was great because I got my name out there and did a small booklet handout that allowed those in attendance to get a sampling of what I do.

Thanks Lee, for starting this group, I need some help in this area
Jo-Carole

The "leave behind" is important I think. I've made "coasters" that identify those things we all want to do when we get around to it. Turn over the coaster and THVA is your Round To-it; that's my leave behind. Not even bothering with business cards at this point. But that's off subject. Only one group asked for a small meeting attendance rate of $5, which was reasonable IMO. Mostly though I'm looking forward to meeting and getting my name out there.

Love the coaster idea. It is different and a memorable. I like leave behind ideas since fliers, brochures and cards are norm. I am presenting again in August and am going to focus on my new service (receipt and business card scanning and organization) so I am trying to come up with a leave behind.

Jocarole, where do you need help? Let us know so we can share with you.

Well better sign off. It's getting late and much to do tomorrow. Take care.

Hi Lee, I am not doing any local networking now but I plan to join my local chamber this year. Mostly, I know I will need help with my elevator speech. I know what I want to say. I am fine when talking to people but when I think about standing in front of a group of people, I start to panic.

Lee, I am also going to offer the business card scanning service. Not now but it is on my list, I think its a terrific service esp at local networking events. I also would like to do something different that the normal leave behinds. Brochures are thrown away at time and they are costly. I read of someone who actually hands out CDs for a leave behind. I think this is a different approach, one that can form a connection. A video clip even better! I think people would hang onto a CD and it would be worth the cost of making these up for special networking events. What do you think?

JoCarole, I think a CD is a great idea. What would you include on it? I agree about brochures. I would consider the cost first though and maybe make a few to see how they go over but it would be less expensive then printing a brochure.

I probably would include my elevator speech, What is a VA definition, how VAs help their clients, some type of incentive like a discount or something for free, haven't thought about it. But I would like it to be a video clip, so the would remember what I looked like and my voice. I think it would be the first step in a marketing relationship?

Great idea, but one thing to consider is will it get lost in the shuffle for those who are receiving it. Will there be enough information that it won't be viewed once. Maybe include some tips and tricks that that would warrant someone keeping it handy. I sometimes use tip cards that people can keep handy and I also offer a blurb on it "for more tips sign up for my monthly e-newsletter."

Lee, that's a good idea, for them to keep coming back for more tips. I also think including a Url to your blog if you have one (I don't yet) with your opt-in box. As far as people viewing it once, that's tough though. I would probably view it once and type out what I needed and if I thought I got good information I would save their contact information and CD (with the rest of my informational CDs). But a brochure I wouldn't know where to file it so I could find it when I needed it and it would go in the trash.

Has everyone taken the July blog challenge about elevator speeches? There are a few posted that you can get some great tips from for your next networking event. Presenting yourself is one of the biggest challenges face-to-facers have.

Networking F2F is about building relationships. What have you done this week to build a solid relationship with someone in your network circle?

G'day from Australia, my name is Chrissie and I am a "newbie" eager to learn as much as possible.

Welcome CeeCee, glad you found our group.

Today's question: After reading a post about adding a picture of yourself, what are your thoughts on adding a picture especially from a marketing standpoint?

In my response I think it is a great idea especially for those who use F2F networking so that other will know what you look like and recognize you at events. Just remember to use something current and appropriate. I have gone to events and have been approached as "I recognize you from your profile" so it does work to your advantage and you will more likely be approached as others feel that they are already familiar with you.

How many of you attend workshops or seminars as part of your F2F networking plan?

I do regularly and it is a great way to learn for your business and build your contact base. It seems lately there are a more diverse group attending what I am and it is usually no less than 30. I take cards and make sure I talk to everyone I can during breaks and workout sessions.

Lee, I don't attend any local workshops/seminars, I really don't know of any by me. Mostly everything I do is online. I do plan on joining my chamber and would even like to start up a local business group myself but that won't be happening till I have completed other parts of my business. I am looking to meeting other people as I think that is a balanced marketing plan.

JoCarole

Lee, I really need to find a professional photographer to take a Web picture for me. I have taken my own and they always come out horrible. You just can't hold the camera up in front of you and take your picture lol. Friends have taken pictures of me but always in a coffee shop or similar place. I think pictures are important for branding but it makes people recognize you around the Internet if you stick with the same picture. I think this is very important and connects you to other people emotionally. It's a first step in building up trust I believe.

JoCarole, how about a passport photo. There are many places that you can get one taken that is a basic head shot. Tell the photographer you are using it for marketing and not passport and they will give you a little more flexibility in the standard pose.

JoCarole, Did you check out meetup.com to see if there is anything other in your area? When joining the Chamber they can also recommend other groups that they affiliate with. How about any seminars or workshops around you where you can chat with attendees about networking events they attend. Just remember to try them out before making any financial commitment to see if they work for you.

Question for the week: How are you improving your elevator speech and what resources have you found to help you?