Networking Resources
Click here for a list of Phoenix/Scottsdale networking meetings, organizations, & opportunities.
Ways to Make Connections
Are you new to the Valley
and/or looking for a way to
establish your business and build your client
base? Here
are a few tips that might help you get started.
1. Take a class just for the fun of it. During the natural
flow of
conversation with fellow students, you can educate
and inform them about
your business.
2. Start a social or business group. Looking for women
clients? Start a
women's group. After the fitness crowd?
Start a running group. Etc., etc.
3. Teach what you love! Design a continuing-ed class.
Look for opportunities
at the local colleges, parks
department, senior centers, YMCA/YWCA,
libraries, and
non-profit organizations.
4. Get out there and speak! Volunteer as a speaker at a
group your ideal
client attends. There are hundreds of
groups around the Valley, almost all
of which are in
constant need of speakers/presenters and would welcome
your
expert knowledge.
5. Network in a bowl. Buddy up with the owner of a shop
that your ideal
client visits frequently, and offer a free
giveaway for anyone willing to
drop their business card
into a bowl.
6. Visit a few networking and/or women’s groups. There’s
no shortage of
groups in metro-Phoenix for every type of
business. Women’s groups are
particularly plentiful. See
the “Networking” page for specifics.
7. Contact your local chamber of commerce. Chambers of
commerce are a great
way to network and grow your
business.
8. Find a national group for your industry. While there may
not be a local
chapter in the Valley, a national group can
put you in touch with others in
your industry who do live in
your area.
9. Check out association lists on the Web. Many industries
have associations
which have newsletters, regular
meetings, and their own specific networking
avenues.
To make quick work of researching associations, visit your
nearest public
library to use their online subscription to the
Gale Encyclopedia of
Associations. It’s cost prohibitive for
private citizens, but an essential research tool for:
- Anyone seeking contact names, membership
information, phone/fax numbers of
associations
- Marketing professionals researching special
mailing lists and target
markets or identifying
associations and related conferences
- Journalists needing to identify and interview
experts in particular fields
- Corporate librarians locating associations for
membership opportunities
- Human resource professionals recruiting
personnel to fill jobs in
specialized fields
With more than 140,000 descriptions, the Gale
Encyclopedia of Associations
database is the most
comprehensive source for local, national, and
international
associations, containing the equivalent of 13 printed
volumes
from Gale Research.
Everyday
Networking Scenarios
You're
having your usual Saturday morning
chai tea at an unnamed coffeehouse, when
you notice that you and the person sitting a
the next table are reading the same Wall
Street Journal story...
You're in line at the bookstore and you
notice that the guy in front of you is buying a
book about marketing for the small-business
owner...
You're
in line a the grocery store and one of
the tabloids has another cover article about
Donald Trump and "The Apprentice." The guy
ahead of you hears you mention it to your
17-year-old son...
The
bank teller sees your business name on
your deposit slip and asks you about it...
You
are getting your hair cut/curled/colored
and the stylist asks you what you do for a
living...
You
are doing your best to entertain yourself
at your spouse/partner's boss' daughter's
wedding, and you strike up a conversation
with the photographer, who also happens to
be a master Web designer...
You're
staffing the dunk tank booth at your
child's school carnival with two other
parents...
It's
intermission during a play/ballet/other
cultural event. You notice a parallel between
the storyline and an experience in your
business. Than man sitting in front of you hears
you discussing this with your date...
The
plumber/electrician/cable guy/phone
installer comes to your house and has to
walk through your home office to do their
job...
You
join a new softball/darts/bowling/
racquetball/Rock-Paper-Scissors league...
You're
in the waiting room at the dentist/
pediatrician/mechanic/DMV with three other
equally bored people...
You're
the co-chair of the raffle committee fo
your civic/religious organization, and it's your
job to go out into the community to round
up gift donations...
You're
on vacation in San Diego and one of
the other guests at your hotel notices your
cool logo and business name on your golf
shirt...
You're
on a flight from O'Hare to Sky Harbor
and wind up sitting next to a
VERY
chatty old
lady...who brags to you about her very
well-connected granddaughter...
Want to Make an
Impact
as a Connector?
Be awake.
Be beautiful, inside and out.
Be confident.
Be courteous.
Be daring.
Be energetic.
Be an example.
Be friendly.
Be funny.
Be genuine.
Be grateful.
Be honest.
Be in the moment.
Be interested.
Be interesting.
Be knowledgeable.
Be lovable.
Be loving.
Be pleasant.
Be purposeful.
Be of service.
Be on time.
Be of value.
Be
YOURSELF.
What’s Your Networking Personality Style?
by Laura Orsini
Virtually anyone who's an entrepreneur does some sort of networking to build their business. If you've been at the networking game for a long time, but you're finding that no matter how many events you attend or people you meet, networking is just not working for you, it’s probably you. That's right - it's probably you. You're not attending the wrong events, meeting people who just don't need your product or service, or simply having a run of bad luck. Those things could be a small part of the problem, but if, generally speaking, networking does not work for you, it's probably you.
That might be a tough pill to swallow - your networking isn't working because of something you are doing or not doing. It's OK. First, know you are not alone. For some individuals, meeting people is easy; for others of us, we'd rather have dental surgery than show up at another event, where we stand around with a drink in our hands looking for someone who looks he least bit friendly. Second, understand that you can learn to be a better networker. But in order to do that, it is imperative that right this minute you get out of that victim mentality that’s been allowing you to believe (i.e., justify) that it’s all someone else’s fault.
There ARE things you can do to become a better networker. You have one of two choices: (1) you can master theses skills, or (2) you can stay home and wonder why your colleagues are getting all the business.
What are the FIVE greatest keys to successful networking??
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SELECTIVITY Be selective about the events you attend. Hitting every event (also known as being a netwoking whore) is not necessarily the key to effective networking. Detemine the kinds of people, business owners, or industries that would be a good match for your product or service, and find out where they meet, mix, and mingle.
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INTENTION — Set an intention before every event. Visualize the outcome, and let it be people-oriented, as opposed to money- or business-oriented. And if you have any hestiation or resitance about the event - that is, if you don’t want to go - stay home! People can feel your energy! There's nothing worse than feeling obligated to entertain the complaints of someone who's cranky because they attended an event they — and everyone else — would have been better off if they'd skipped.
Set an intention about the kind of networker you want to be remembered as.
We've all met a few people who could use to brush up on their networking etiquette. These are just a few of the networking styles you don't ever want to have used to describe you:
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The Entertainer — This person must be the center of attention at all times The never enter a room unnoticed - when they arrive, they make sure everyone knows they have arrived. They talk at great length about themselves, their fascinating hobbies and pursuits, their thriving businesses, their globetrotting son, their Ph.D. daughter, their cute little dog, their powerful speedboat, their fahb-U-lous neighbors, their oh-so-well-run HOA of which they are the president, their upcoming African safari, their very important positions on various boards of directors, the speech they gave in Cannes last week, their burgeoning portfolio, their...
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Grand Inquisitor — This guy hammers others at events with rude, impertinent, or irrelevant questions. No probing is too personal, and he will turn any affront you may take at his boorishness back around on you. He has a commanding presence, but is unaware of the subtleties of interpersonal relationships. If this guy is in sales, he is King of the Hard Sell.
-
The Mystery Man — This individual is not quite sure what he does, what he offers, or why he’s in business. He's quiet, unobtrusive, and you will miss him completely unless you accidentally trip over him on your way back from the bar. He's the nicest guy, but no one ever gets to know how nice he is because he can't keep anyone interested long enough for them to learn anything about him. Sherlock Holmes would have a tough time figuring this guy out.
-
The Card Dealer — We've all met this gal who throws her card at every person she meets, whether or not they are interested - usually before she even asks their name, if she ever gets around to asking at all. For this person, networking is just a numbers game. All she's got ot do is get her card out there to 250 new people per week, and then sit back and wait for the phone to ring. "Damn - why isn't my phone ringing???"
On the other hand, there also are people who have such grace and finesse that we surely wish we could one day become nearly as skilled as they are at people-meeting. A few networking styles we can all aspire to:
-
The Hostess With the Mostest — This outgoing person knows how to make even the most wilted wallflower feel welcome and important. She genuinely cares about people - she makes it a personal mission to see that everyone who attends an event has a good time- whether or not she's actually hosting the event. She knows learn how to give a sincere compliment that will make anyone feel instantly more confident and special.
-
The Storyteller — This person can engage almost any crowd with their knowledge, charm, and wit. They always have an interesting story at the ready that, while entertaining, is never self-aggrandizing or simply for show. The have learned that telling a story that others can relate to will get and keep people’s attention — and prompt them to ask more questions.
-
The UN Ambassador — This person is a diplomatic wonder. They are very well-connected, and they use their seemingly encyclopedic knowledge about their friends', colleagues' and associates' businesses to continually introduce people to one another, building bridges between individuals who might never otherwise meet.
-
The Investigative Reporter — This individual knows how to dig beneath the surface to get to really know people. They usually have more personal knowledge about others than their colleagues (e.g., birthdays, who's sick or just had a new baby, etc.), not because they're nosy, but because they're genuinely interested. They understand the truth in the truism that people do business with those they know, like, and trust. Their secret weapon is ICE.
I = investigate
C = celebrate
E = equilibriate, meaning we’re all equal, so treat everyone — whether famous or simply members of the support team — equally.
[Acronym courtesy of Adora Spencer, the Celebrity Connector.]
-
CONNECTION — You must have the willingness & ability to create a meaningful connection with others. Anyone who approaches networking simply as a numbers game (if I pass out and collect 50 cards...; if I can generate a dozen warm leads; if I can schedule five appointments) is missing the point. Who attends networking events? People do! With whom do we do business? We do business with people. If and when you begin making your connections with people the focus of your networking, you will begin to see positive returns on your networking investments.
-
CONSISTENCY — Many novice networkers (and an unfortunate number of networking veterans) attend new networking events or try out new groups, never to return. Ask them why, and they say trite things like, "I didn't get any business." "No one talked ot me." "It's a big clique - they don't like strangers." And then they never go back again, and write that group or event off as another failed attempt. Networking successes don't happen in a box, and networking doesn't pay off instantly. It's about building relationships - and building relationships takes time, just like it takes time to grow a garden from seeds. Sow your seeds networking seeds well, and you will have a bountiful harvest. The fact is, it's not until you attend any event regularly enough that you are missed when you’re not there that you actually know the people well enough for them to want to do business with you.
-
FOLLOW UP — Nothing, absolutely nothing, is likely to come of all your networking efforts if you don't follow up. Some people are stunning with their follow-up skills, while others of us shuffle the stacks of business cards we collect, thinking that someday we'll get to them. The best idea is to develop a follow-up system. Some sort of planned response effort that guarantees that you get back to the people you've met so that you can develop those chance meetings into relationships. As a rule, e-mail is good. A hand-written note is better. A phone call is even better still. But absolutely nothing beats an in-person meeting.
A Few Final Tips
Never assume someone can’t help you, can't be of use to you, or isn’t worth your time to get to know. You have no idea who your UPS driver’s other clients are, who (s)he’s married to, or who his/her neighbors are. Get to know the people first, so that you can develop a relationship. You'll be amazed at the results.
If you’ve screwed up — or if there’s someone in your circle who has offended you in some way — be the bigger person air your differences. Isn’t one uncomfortable conversation easier than ducking, hiding, and avoiding that person forever??
Remember,
networking is not reserved for events that call themselves networking
functions. Successful networking can and does take place ANYWHERE!!
Phoenix/Scottsdale
Networking Meetings,
Organizations, & Opportunities
The networking organizations/groups/opportunities listed here are those that Laura either personally belongs to or have knowledge of. If you have a suggestion for an addition, please e-mail Networking@WordsMadeEasy.com. We will take all suggestions under advisement, but make NO promises.
ABWA — Scottsdale Express Network
ABWA — Southwest Valley Express Network
APRO (Air Park Resources Organization)
Arizona Small Business Association (ASBA)
ABWA — Scottsdale Express Network
ABWA’s Mission: To bring together businesswomen of diverse occupations and provide opportunities for them to help themselves and others grow personally and professionally through leadership, education, networking support, and national recognition.
SEN ’s Mission: To foster a safe environment for learning and communicating in which we enable our members to meet other professional women; make great friends and contacts;and market and grow their businesses.
With two brave male members, Scottsdale Express Network offers an equal-opportunity networking experience. However, it’s the extensive national and personal local ties that make this such a unique and supportive group to belong to.
Benefits of Membership
Monthly local networking meetings
Express-Only networking events, including Spring Conferences and National Conventions
Exclusive members-only Web site with information tailored to your needs
Leadership development and CEU credits
Great discounts on things like travel, insurance, and office supplies
In-depth business skills training courses and Skill-builders
Express Network ListServ, covering today’s most important topics and offering a venue through which to ask questions and seek advice from your peers across the nation
Online newsletter
Grant and loan programs for academic and non-academic courses
The opportunity to make new friends in the Valley and across the country
Subscription to the national award-winning magazine, Women in Business
Membership Fees
All of the benefits described above — and much, much more — are yours for the low annual fee of $100!
Monthly Luncheons
Date & Time: Every 2nd Tuesday
— 11:45 a.m. to
1:15 p.m.
Location: Doubletree Paradise Valley Resort, 5401 N. Scottsdale Road,
Scottsdale.
Financial
Investment:
Members — $25 prepaid; $35 at the door
Guests — $35 prepaid; $45 at the door
Mail
reservations/checks to:
ABWA-SEN, PO Box 26903, Phoenix, Arizona 85020
or pay via PayPal on our Web site: www.ScottsdaleExpress.org.
ABWA — Southwest Valley Express Network
All of the same benefits as described for Scottsdale Express Network for the low annual fee of $100!
Monthly Luncheons
Date & Time: Every
1st Wednesday — 11:45 a.m. to
1:15 p.m.
Location: Wigwam Resort; exit I-10 West at Litchfield Park and head
north about 4 miles (make a right).
Financial
Investment:
Members — $25 prepaid; $35 at the door
Guests — $35 prepaid; $45 at the door
The Airpark Toastmasters club is full of fun, friendly members — but we always honor the mission of Toastmasters International:
Toastmasters International empowers people to achieve their full potential and realize their dreams. Through our member Clubs, people throughout the world can improve their communication and leadership skills, and find the courage to change.
Our members range from some fairly experienced public speakers to those who still find it a challenge to stand up and speak in front of a roomful of people they already know pretty well. We have approximately 20 active members, but are diligently working to grow our club!
Weekly Meetings
Day
& Time:
Thursdays — 12:05-1:15 p.m.
Location: Keller Graduate School of Management — 6969 E. Mayo Blvd,
in Phoenix. Located in the Allied Waste building, but has its own separate
door. Look for the large sign that says KELLER and enter through that
door - technically, Suite 150. We meet in Room #4.
Our meetings are scheduled to run for 1 hour & 10 minutes, and we generally adhere to that timeframe pretty well. However, people often stay around to chat for a bit afterwards.
There is no dress code — clothing ranges from jeans to formal business attire, although the Toastmaster and those giving prepared speeches usually dress up a bit.
Membership Fees
Membership dues for our group are extremely affordable: $50 per half a year. (note: One-time new-member fee is $20.) Dues are paid in September and March; these fees are pro-rated for members joining at other times of the year.
If you've ever wanted to know more about Toastmasters,
get over your fear of public speaking, make new friends, or just take a peek
at what a meeting looks like, please visit us! Find your voice
—
come fly with Airpark Toastmasters.
APRO (Air Park Resources Organization)
APRO is a comprehensive resource organization offering networking, education, events, and more to entrepreneurs, businesses, and organizations in the Scottsdale Airpark area.
Weekly Training Seminars
Day
& Time:
Tuesdays — 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Location: University of Phoenix — Raintree & 101 campus. Check the
monitor inside the front door for the specific room location.
Fee: Free to APRO members; $10 for guests.
The meetings always contain an excellent educational program within an organic networking environment.
Membership Benefits
Training & Seminars — Sharpen your skills for sales, marketing, managing, and finances with these vents designed to impart knowledge that is of value to you in your business.
Networking — Casual monthly mixers at places like Tutto Bene and Jilly's American Grill where members can meet other businesspeople and make new connections.
GAIN (Get Ahead in Networking) — A focused weekly group that meets to exchange leads and enforce the brand. The group meets for a one-hour continental breakfast and is exclusive for each business category. New groups are added as all business categories are filled.
Web Advertising — Members list their businesses on the APRO visual online member directory. Listings feature members' logos and links to their own promotion pages which can be edited at any time. Members can submit business news and download discount coupons.
Referral Program — APRO members can earn commissions for referrals, up to 3 levels deep, meaning members' referrals who make referrals earn the initiating member a commission, too!
Committees — APRO is run by members for the members. Committees help steer APRO's direction. Serving as an APRO committee member increases your exposure on the APRO Web site and in the APRO printed literature.
Membership Fees
Membership in APRO is just $250 a year for businesses; $200 for nonprofits.
Arizona Small Business Association (ASBA)
ASBA's mission is to exceed its members’ expectations in providing access to resources and benefits that aid in the development, growth and success of their businesses . . . and to deliver these services with a sense of warmth, professionalism, individual pride, and organizational spirit.
Offerings include classes, workshops, networking, and expos. Members can rent conference rooms and office space at low cost.
-
Communities include:
-
Tech-E.A.S.E.
-
HR Roundtable
-
Home-based Business Council
-
Authors & Speakers Roundtable
-
Latino Business Connection
-
Marketing & Sales Executive Connection
Membership is a steal at $125 annually.
Held most Wednesday evenings at different trendy locations throughout Scottsdale, this is a networking event unto itself. For details, e-mail Baron at baron @ baroncapital. c om .
Chambers of commerce are a great way to network and grow your business. Most have regularly scheduled networking events and expos, offering the opportunity to meet and mingle. The more aggressive might want to consider purchasing vendor tables or sponsorships.
Click here for a detailed list of all the major Chambers in Arizona.
Hosted twice a week (at two different locations) by veteran marketer and mentor David Hepburn, the Mastermind Roundtable offers a place for highly motivated, like-minded professionals to come together and share ideas about personal development, how to increase sales, and ways to grow their businesses! We learn from each other how to do business and life better.
Each MMRT session offers “Words of the Day,” “Today in History,” and “Questions to Ponder,” such as: “Does your motivation come from within?” and “Are you having FUN in your business?”
Tuesdays, 7:15-9 a.m.
Stonecreek Country Club — Paradise Parkway North on SW quadrant of circle
around Paradise Valley Mall — next to Embassy Suites Hotel
Wednesdays, 7:15-9 a.m.
Marie Callender’s — S/E corner of I-10 and Chandler Blvd., Chandler
Both groups, as well as the Mastermind Dream Team, the MMRT Golf Group, and the MMRT weekly/monthly luncheons are facilitated by David Hepburn, Jr.
(602)923-8105
Ace Marketing & Promotions
Strategic Marketing & Business Educator
“Helping you get the right message, to the right person, at the right time, making YOU unforgettable.”
Founded in 1991 by Ken and Judy Foster, Shared Vision Network was formed to meet the needs of the successful entrepreneur. Dedicated to improving the professional and personal lives of its members, the organization’s monthly luncheon meetings include networking and dynamic programs about issues of importance to busy working professionals.
In addition to Phoenix, the organization has chapters in Del Mar (near San Diego), Los Angeles, and Las Vegas. The Brooklyn, NY chapter will open this month, and a new chapter in Atlantic City is in formation. Members live in 28 countries and 44 states, plus the District of Columbia.
Although its luncheons are the organization’s mainstay, director Therese Skelly and her fabulous leadership team (Todd Smith, Michele Pariza Wacek, Eileen Proctor, Jim Gordon, Anna Banana, and Anna Weber) are proud that their group offers additional benefits to its members, including impactful workshops and entertaining, twice monthly mastermind groups, and engaging mixers. Other benefits include access to cutting-edge teleconferences and business resources, opportunities to network with other skilled entrepreneurs on a local and national level, and brilliant mentoring partnerships.
Our goal is not only for you to make more business contacts, but to gain useful knowledge that will catapult your business to the next level. Make no mistake: this is not a leads group. We welcome members and guests from every type of business, and there is no “one person per industry” rule. Because we foster cooperation, as opposed to competition, we believe there truly is plenty for everyone, even among those who work in the same industries.
As a direct result of my involvement with Shared Vision Network, my knowledge and understanding about goal-setting, marketing, branding, sales, and leadership have grown and evolved exponentially.
Monthly Luncheons
Day
& Time:
First Monday — 11:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Location: DoubleTree Guest Suites Hotel, 320 N. 44th Street, Phoenix
(on 44th Street, just south of the 202 Freeway)
Investment:
Register online by the
Thursday prior to the meeting: $35; after that or at the door, the cost is
$45.
Doors open at 11 a.m. for registration; lunch begins promptly at 11:30. Bring business cards and brochures so we can support you and your business or organization. Come meet, mix, and mingle with like-minded top professionals in business and friendship. Be sure to schedule lots of time after the meeting for networking.
Membership Fees
Membership in Shared Vision Network is only $250, per year. Guests are allowed two visits before we ask that they take the highly beneficial step to become full members in this dynamic organization.
Word-of-mouth is still the best form of advertising. This is a great way to introduce yourself, your products and/or services to other members, AND . . . The Art of Networking also produces its own TALKSHOW! So come, and . . . get a T.A.N . . . at The Art of Networking.
NO MEMBERSHIP FEE . Register as you come in by presenting your business card to the host of the meeting (mandatory for each event you attend).
5:30-6 p.m. — Informal networking
6 p.m. — Start round of individual introductions
After round, continue networking
7:30 p.m.— “official” meeting adjourned
T.A.N. is a “patio” group. All meetings are held on a patio, January through December, unless it is raining. Yes, it is hot in the summer. But this IS Arizona! The vast majority of our members do not feel any discomfort in the heat of an Arizona summer evening, but if you cannot tolerate 100F+ temperatures, you may wish to hold off during those times and attend our events when the temperature becomes more tolerable to you.
-
Open to men and women of all professions
-
NOT limited to one person per profession
-
Business cards are a MUST. Bring plenty, and plan on having FUN!
W.I.L.D. Women (Wonderful, Intelligent, Loving, Divine)
WILD WoMen is a spiritual and business networking meeting for women and men, featuring speakers, music, good food, door prizes, 30 seconds of self-promotion.
Tables are available for display (fee is a love offering), but must be reserved in advance.
Meetings are held the second Saturday at the Faith United Methodist Church, 8640 N. 19th Avenue, Phoenix. Doors open at 8:45. Program runs from 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Admission is $15/person — no membership fee!
RSVP for all meetings to Jenny Dicksason at jdickason @ hotmail.com.
A non-membership networking group facilitated by Joyce Geyser, these dynamic women of WISK meet the third Monday at the University Club, 39 E. Monte Vista Road (across the Street from the Heard Museum). There is no membership fee — you simply pay each month as you decide to attend. Cost is $24 if paid in advance; $27 at the door.
For further details and/or an invitation to the next meeting, contact Joyce at mjgpc @ cox dot net.
Women Business Builders is a free educational, networking group open in all women in business or those who want to start one. WBB meets every second Saturday at the Glendale Main Library, 5959 West Brown Street • 2-3:30 p.m. • Large Meeting Room.
Women Business Builders began in the fall of 1995 at Glendale Public Library as a complement to the library's free informational programs for people wanting to start or grow a business. Women attending the business seminars were surveyed about starting a group just for women, with a focus on business education and networking opportunities.
Women of Scottsdale is made up of women who live, work, or conduct business in Scottsdale and share a pride in the uniqueness of their community. In their busy, productive lives, they come together once a month for an elegant luncheon and the opportunity to enjoy mutual interests and the exchange of new ideas with other stimulating women. It is their common desire to strengthen friendships, strengthen the community, and enhance the true “Spirit of Scottsdale.”
Women of Scottsdale is a non-commercial networking group. Distribution of collateral material of any kind is inappropriate for this social setting. However, the exchange of business cards is encouraged.
Meets the third Friday.