"Go to the funeral ...and get business!"

At our networking club today Graham turned to me and said "Will Kintish, you're right, there's business everywhere. I went to a funeral and noticed metal letters (initials of the deceased) were screwed into the side of the coffin.I asked the undertaker - after the funeral(!)-where he had got them from and the reply was that he had had real problems finding them. I explained my company does that and we agreed to meet later next week."
Was that inapproriate? Wrong time, wrong place?
No, I don't think so great networkers do it anywhere. Graham spotted a potential opportunity and took it. he simply asked a question and when the reply came that this man had a problem ther was Graham to help. Not sell, not be pushy, no pestering, just offering some help.
When you look to offer your area of expertise to add value to others, rather than try to sell services or products with the focus on only yourself ...you won't succeed.
Become a MARTINI networker
Any time, any place anywhere!

The actions of rude ignorant hosts.

Why do people behave differently in a business setting from their social setting? i find it very strange.
I was invited to an business event recently by ( careful Will don't give too many clues) a professional services firm. Their boss man walked up to me gave me a perfunctory 'Hello Will' half shook my hand didn't eye contact me ...then immediatley moved off. His business partner did smile and in the same sentence said 'Hi Will(looked over my shoulder); sorry just seen XXX, excuse me I'll see you later'.
Dumped me, rejected me the ignorant host.
I feel just 100% sure if these men ( and they are usually men...women don't behave like that) had invited me into their home they would have treated me rather differently.
HOSTING AT WORK AND AT HOME IS EXACTLY THE SAME. LOOK AFTER YOUR GUESTS...PROPERLY.
We run seminars on 'How to host successful and profitable corporate events'
perhap these people need to attend.

I've just returned from my favourite monthly meeting....

...the North West Chapter of the Professional Speakers Association.
Everyone involved with the speaking or training community are generous people with a giving spirit. It's lonley for us all and so there is a natural want and need to help other'lonely people'.
If you are a presenter who wants the best network support call me (0161 773 3727) so you can be my guest at the next meeting on Tuesday 5th February 2008 at the SAS Radisson Hotel T2 at Manchester Airport