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Mary Kurek - Professional Networker & Visibility Consultant

Your Ideal Network Revealed - Here's the Staff You Didn't Know You Had

Posted Thu, 10/01/2009 - 17:17 by mary

I recently taught a workshop in Jacksonville, NC on how to organize and utilize your own network of contacts. The session was called Your Ideal Network - Revealed, and was based on the Ideal Network System I introduce in my book, Who's Hiding in Your Address Book? It occurred, after the gal who hired me mentioned to me that there must be 200 other business owners in the area who needed to hear this presentation, that perhaps I should make at least some of it available. I'm doing that here in this blog post--you'll see it at the bottom. Think you'll have to sign in to view it - but have at it. I've downsized the thing for ease of viewing - and there's no voice narration, but you'll get some good, useful content - and a results-proven networking idea.

The theory behind the Ideal Network System is simple: organize your contacts the way you'd really use them. Look at people beyond their occupations and you'll be surprised the talent and resources that are there. Simple idea - but it's really about what you do with that information.

Every time I speak to an audience, I ask them questions about who they really are..."who in the room has ever taught a subject...plays a musical instrument, has won a competition, speaks a foreign language, owns more than one business, has a newsletter with more than 100 subscribers, or has ever been published?" The responses never fail to amaze me.

Actually, I always like to ask if anyone knows someone famous. My favorite response came from a little old lady in the back of the room whose hand I could barely see raised. When I called on her to share who she knew - her response caused an uproar. In a very matter of fact tone, she reported, "Bon Jovi."

I'm not even going to tell you how she knows him - but she does. Imagine the conversation in that room after the program. And, really, that's the point - ideal networking requires that you get out of the norm - look at people with new eyes and then connect the dots between that information and what you need or want. When you do, you'll realize that there is a virtual staff to help you accomplish more than you can imagine...sitting right in your own addressbook.

I want to thank some special folks I met in my Jacksonville audience this week. You are invited to do a little ideal networking with them:

Anne Shaw, Director, Economic Development, Center for Business & Industry Dev., Coastal Carolina Community College. 910-938-6319

Anthrea Mitchell, Century 21 Cherie Schulz Realty Firm 910-324-9977
Kristen Robinson, KR Design Marketing
Jennifer Harmon, Delightful Decor Windows & More
Naomi Thompson, Independent Mary Kay Consultant
Renee Abrams, Director, NC Onslow Outreach nconslowoutreach@yahoo.com

My Helpers

Eastern Carolina Technologies Computer/Networking Genius, Susan Hand Designs graphic designer +