We have all heard of the Power of Love, the Power of Positive Thinking, and of course the Power of Prayer. A recent conference that I attended compelled me to explore the Power of Networking.
Last summer, I had the privilege of attending the Eighth Annual National Power Networking Conference in downtown Atlanta, Georgia. I have known of the importance of networking and thought of myself as a decent networker in terms of obtaining a job for myself and helping others to obtain jobs. This event elevated networking to a whole new level in my eyes.
During this 3 day event, my artistic muse was stimulated with new thoughts and ideas on how to propel my business into an entity that would reach a broader clientele base, create generational wealth, employ others, and impact change in the lives of young people.
I first heard of the Power Networking Conference after accepting an invitation to attend a free seminar, "Writing a Winning Sales Proposal" presented by Andrew Morrison, President of the Small Business Camp.
Mr. Morrison's goal was to guide business people through the process of drafting a sales proposal that would lead them to create something of value in less than 16 weeks.
During this seminar, I played the role of the class guinea pig. I learned the components of an effective sales proposal. I also learned that I should transform my fun, interactive math workshops into musical, mathematical extravaganzas. Mr. Morrison's activation during this seminar convinced me to register for the Power Networking Conference.
My biggest concern was making the most of my time during this three day event. I had to attend those seminars and events that were most advantageous to my business such as the two minute elevator pitch competition.
There were hundreds of people, some strangers and some familiar, promoting their businesses and selling their wares. We became better acquainted by participating in workshops that taught us how to effectively grow our businesses; visiting vendor booths; and attending power luncheons, National Town Hall meetings, Power Plenary sessions, Power Panel discussions, and awards presentations. This conference made access to key contacts readily available through these events.
There were many influential people on the program such as Ed Gordon, formerly of BET News and NBC.
Sybil Wilkes and Jeff Johnson of the Tom Joyner Morning Show shared their wisdom with us. I had the pleasure of personally meeting Sybil Wilkes and famed motivational speaker Les Brown.
Les Brown, who is at the time of this writing 65 years old, has scaled back his speaking appearances and uses his time to train the next generation of speakers via his instructional workshops and teaching CD series. Mr. Brown stated that he now speaks 4 times per month instead of 4 times per week and that he "would rather have 25% of 100 people than 100% of himself". WOW! That is networking by using the mantra of duplicating yourself through others.
The Power Networking Conference is spearheaded by George Fraser. Mr. Fraser is the, author of three books on networking. Mr. Fraser also founded Frasernet, a social networking and training tool.
By using Frasernet, businesses can take networking to an exciting new level by implementing technology to market businesses thus promoting "generational wealth" instead of generational debt.
During the conference we were urged to put pride or egos aside to network with those around us. We were inspired to transform our "Work Ethic into a Wealth Ethic" and to move from "Good Today to Amazing Tomorrow".
The amazing two minute elevator pitch competition drew major attention. Conference attendees were invited to submit their proposals for participation. Each person would demonstrate how they would pitch their business idea and ask for funding from a stranger on an elevator in two minutes. After two minutes, the microphone would be silenced. The contestants were rated Olympic style by many very successful entrepreneurs who held signs ranging in scores from 1-10. After the two minute spiel, contestants were critiqued by the judges who offered valuable feedback.
I was one of ten contestants chosen. My elevator pitch described how my company would integrate music, mathematics, and celebrities to host an event that would help children embrace mathematics instead of fear it. This was the idea suggested in the free seminar "Writing a Winning Sales Proposal" presented by Andrew Morrison.
Unfortunately, I did not win the contest, but did win in other ways. The feedback from the captains of industry was extremely valuable. I was told first and foremost to lose the note cards. This is one of my goals in my Toastmasters speeches. The other way that I won was from many people complimenting me on my speech and purchasing my book "How to Help Parents and Kids Get Over the Fear of Math". Since then, I have received lots of correspondence from people whom I am sure will turn into potential clients or business partners.
Without Toastmasters, I would have never had the ability to connect so intimately with my audience. That day and the following day, people were stopping me, referring to me as "The Math Lady", and purchasing my book.
We also learned to make use of social networking technology to promote our businesses such as Twitter, Facebook, Blogs, etc. As a result, I joined the TAG Team Marketing group and Facebook.
I am still coming to terms with how much personal information to expose on the web. That is a decision that we must all make for ourselves.
One of the most important outcomes of networking is to promote Win-Win situations. This is one of Steven Covey's 7 habits of highly effective people. It is just as important to listen to others as they share their businesses as it is to effectively share your business. It is important to have an attitude to assist someone before the business transaction is made. If there is a mutual feeling that both entities will win, the likelihood that repeat business will occur is greater.
In conclusion, it is extremely important to be open to new ideas and unfamiliar people. It is crucial to spend money to invest in yourself and to use your time wisely. Plan your plan and work your plan. Duplicate yourself in others as Les Brown does. Use Technology to your benefit and by all means create win-win situations.
With the Power of Networking we can reach more people as we promote the power of love, positive thinking, and praise in our interactions with others.
Copyright 2009, Math 1 On 1, LLC, Saundra Carter
Saundra Carter is the CEO of Math 1 On 1, LLC a mathematics tutoring company that offers tutoring services from Arithmetic to Calculus in a setting convenient to the client. Her company also presents fun, interactive math workshops that can be used as fund raisers for youth groups.
She is the author of "How to Help Parents and Kids Get Over the Fear of Math" and a soon to be released book entitled "Journey of a Modern Day Writer: Secrets of Successful Self-Publishing".
Math 1 On 1, LLC
http://www.math1on1.net
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