New Jersey Enterpreneur - Small Business, Entrepreneurs and Venture Capital

Very much like the Energizer Bunny, Networking is the business development tool keeps on working and working and working. It doesn’t matter where you are or whom you are with, the only requirement is having someone to talk too. With that in mind, the consummate networker understands how to grow their business on land, at sea or in the air.

Although we’re all familiar with the traditional group meeting setting, (conference rooms, diners, etc.) there are dozens of unique venues available to add a welcome twist to a meeting. At first some of these venues seem obvious, what will make them unique is knowing how and where to add that twist.

The local annual golf outing is a good example. These are excellent events usually held to support a local charity. But look closer, they also present hidden opportunities for networking. One such opportunity that is frequently overlooked is to become committee members. Usually the committee is a group of locally successful and well connected men and woman who can be very helpful to your business growth. Don’t be shy; get involved get the most out of your investment while helping to support a worthy cause. Another mistake many people make when participating in these events is having friends make up their foursome. Yes it is wonderful to golf with friends, however, if this is a business development opportunity invite a potential client or other key business figures. This is a perfect chance to get a four way business conversation going while on the course. Last but not least make sure you attend the awards lunch or dinner. Don’t short change yourself by skipping out on the only ‘true’ group networking opportunity of the day. This is the only time ‘everyone’ has a chance to come together, so don’t pass it up.

If golf is your networking venue of choice then World Golfs is for you. (www.worldgolfs.com) This networking concept is the most effective way to truly network on the golf course. Dan Pincus is the creator and director of this unique organization which will match you up with people you are looking to meet for business. Once a month during the golfing season, Dan places dozens of decision makers on the golf course in an effort to help build business. Each event features a networking breakfast, a round of golf and finishes up with a networking luncheon. It is extremely affective and the only professionally run golf networking program of its kind. Presently World Golfs offers programs in New Jersey and New York however it will be branching out in 2007. So get on the tee and build your business at the same time.

Staying on the land theme, it is time to move to the hard wood floor. Have you ever considered networking with the NBA? Yes, the NBA’s New Jersey Nets to be specific. The NJ Nets sponsor a great networking breakfast event called, Pancakes and Hoops. This program goes well above the rim in bringing to together business leaders at the Nets beautiful new practice facility in Rutherford, NJ. Brett Fisher, Director of Nets Ticket Sales and his staff will set you up with a tour of the facility and a wonderful pancake breakfast right on the court. The Nets will also provide a high level motivational speaker for your group. If you’re looking for a unique venue to hold a networking meeting in, this is the one! Contact Brett Fisher at; (bfischer@njnets.com) One final note, for some social networking fun inquire about special group programs that can be customized to meet your business networking needs. Bring a group of clients or business friends to a game it is a great way to network and have some fun. Give Brett a call the season is about to begin.

Since sports seems to be the thing to do on land, one of the most creative and impressive networking locations is tailgating while enjoying Army football. This is the perfect fall event. The Cadets parade and the delivery of the football and flag by the US Army Golden Knights Skydivers are well worth the trip. There are hours of networking possibilities on a trip of this nature. Add the beauty of fall colors at West Point and you have the making of a perfect day.

The list for networking on land can go on and on. Other unique venues include charity Poker Tournaments, networking bar-b-ques and of course tailgating at Giants or Jets footballs games.

Although networking at unique venues adds spice to the concept there is nothing more gratifying then making a great connection! In order to make that connection you have to be out there, attending events and creating a splash about your business. With that said let’s set sail and ‘sea’ what we will find in the ocean of business development opportunities on the water.

The ultimate at sea networking event is not really at sea. In fact, this ship never leaves the dock! Welcome aboard a Carnival Fun Ship, one of the most creative networking venues you will ever find. Carnival Cruise Lines has found the answer to networking at sea. Step aboard a beautiful Carnival Cruise ship and experience all the amenities of a wonderful cruise while getting the chance to network with hundreds of business men and women. This unique programs takes place on board one of the many Carnival ships docked along the Hudson. This past May the ABA had the opportunity to host one of these amazing business development events. Over 200 business men and women came together to network aboard the cruise ship Legend. In addition to having the good fortune to meet so many business people in this beautiful setting Carnival provides a tour of the ship, along with a formal sit down luncheon in the ship’s Grand Ballroom. This is a perfect win-win event for everyone.

Did you know Carnival Cruise Lines owns over 80% of the cruise companies in the world? With this market share Carnival has created at sea business and corporate packages to meet every imaginable need. All of their ships feature meeting rooms along with audio and video equipment to meet any business conference need. Carnival also offers corporate incentive programs and specialty cruises packages for not for profits and local charities. No group is too big or too small Carnival has a package to meet every business or event requirement. Pamela Scott represents Carnival Cruise Line in this area. Pam has the ability to customize a program to make every event a hit. Contact Pam at PScott@carnival.com.

Networking at sea is surprising easy in this part of the country. There are the evening cruises around New York aboard the Spirit of New Jersey. (www.spiritcitycruises.com) If sailing in a small group is your thing; try the yacht tours on the Hudson out of the Liberty Landing Marina in Jersey City. (www.sailthehudson.com) There are dozens of options to cruise the Hudson so set sail today. .

Now that we have explored terra firma and the high seas there is no place to go but UP! Yes, networking even before you are in the air can help your business take off. Those traveling for business know networking while sitting in an airline terminal can be difficult at best. But have no fear there are people out there who want to talk to you about business. This creative networking can uncover several hidden rewards. With a little personality and tack you can strike up some amazing conversations. Learn how to ‘chat’, without being obtrusive. Be conversational and polite but also make sure to listen. You never know where a skilled conversation can lead. It’s all about knowing how to listen and how to respond. Don’t just sit there reading a book, put your time to good use and network with those around you. You may be surprised at the results.

Once you have left the ground for the friendly skies be aware that networking opportunities don’t stop. Look to see who is sitting next to you on the plane? Hopefully it is not some screaming kid, but a business person. Think about the possibilities. It is one we cherish on the golf course now here is your chance to take advantage of it in the air. You have the ability to connect with the person next to you for then next three or four hours. Who knows they may be your next great connection. Don’t rush to judgment, be smart and use your conversation skills. Find common ground, even if it’s a fear of flying. Chat don’t try to sell! Learn about the person and his business. Perhaps you can help him with a business connection. Gain some trust and enjoy the ride. Most of all make sure to exchange contact information before you land. On your next flight, gain more then air miles be proactive and learn how to network on the fly.

As you can see the opportunities for networking are endless. Before setting out to explore the countless ways to build your business through creative networking there are a few key things to remember. No matter where you find yourself, networking is possible. Have a good mind set, be creative, be confident, understand you must give to get and always remember before anyone will do business with you, they must trust you. Look beyond the immediate sale in order to connect with customers as people. Remember networking can be a powerful tool for building both professional and personal relationships. Or it can be a huge waste of time.

Copyright © 2006, RS Putt