January
7
2010
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November
25
2009
It’s Official!!
We have a new Twitter and Facebook Workshops for Business! (basic 101)
These classes will be 2 evenings, approx. 3 hours long.
Twitter will take place on Monday, January 11th 2010 @ 5:30pm
Facebook will take place on Thursday, January 14th 2010 @ 5:30pm
Pricing for these workshops are as follows:
Twitter: $37.00
Facebook: $37.00
Twitter & Facebook: $69.00
Location: 300 Corporate Parkway, Amherst NY (in the Canisius Computer Lab)
Space is limited to 24 per class! Our last workshop filled to 22 within 2 weeks! So don’t wait, sign up today.
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Teach Me Twitter!
Teach Me Facebook!
Teach me BOTH! Bring it on!!
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October
26
2009
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So how are we going to do that?
Our goal is a total of 200 fans by 5pm November 20th!
Why by November 20th? Because at 5:10pm we will pick one lucky fan out of the entire fan base if we reached our goal and we will be sending out a Visa Gift Card to the winner! 
Just in time for Black Friday shopping! Everyone could use a little help with holiday shopping right?
Become a fan! Even if you are already a fan, you are still eligible to win!
Check us out at on Facebook or click on our Facebook Fanpage Widget on the right hand side of the blog!
See you in Facebook!
October
14
2009
1. There are all kinds of workshops out there that tell you “about” Twitter and Facebook.
2. You can sit in on any seminar and they will tell you how good it is to get involved in this.
3. You’ve heard how great it is, you “get it”.
4. You sit down to get started and are overwhelmed or don’t get it. So you leave it.
5. You want to find something that is hands on/step by step! That doesn’t cost you an arm and a leg! I’m not big on arm and leg fees!
I’ve set it up!!
Location:
Canisius/Amherst
300 Corporate Pkwy
Twitter Date:
November 2, 2009
5:30pm – 8:30pm
Facebook Date:
November 5, 2009
5:30pm – 8:30pm
Cost: $35.00 for one (your choice) or $50.00 for both
You will leave with a Twitter account! Yes, you will be in the computer lab and we will be setting up your account step by step. There is quite a bit to learn and if you sign up for both classes, you will be given homework. Because we will be linking your Twitter to your Facebook! Ha! Confused? You won’t be!
If you sign up for just Facebook, you will be learning how to set up your Facebook account and getting a fan page put together. I will be showing you how to navigate thru your account so you will be able to post links, photos, events, and make comments.
Space is limited! Get yourself signed up ASAP to save your seat.
There are several folks who purchased our “Twitter Tips” e-book. For those folks, please call me to reserve your spot, I have a discount for you.
Not convinced Twitter and Facebook will bring business to you?
- Approx sales since Twittering and Facebooking for Buffalo Graphix $3,200.00. (that we know of)
- Free attention to our networking event!
- Several free seminars put on by top ranking social media experts…savings of over $250.00
- Google rankings! Free! Because we are active with social media we are found much easier online! This is priceless! Just for Twittering about what you are doing brings attention to you and what you are trying to sell!
Be Part of the Social Media Revolution!
Call Today! Only 6 Twitter seats and 4 Facebook seats left!
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September
28
2009
Welcome to the newly redesigned Buffalo Business Networking blog. Not only did we redesign it but we changed the name from Buffalo Business Networking.Blogspot.com to simply Buffalo Business Networking.
We hope you enjoy the new look!
May
12
2009
Networking is the “secret weapon” of the world’s most successful marketers and business people. You can do it too — without schmoozing, exchanging business cards or giving “elevator speeches” — and reap tremendous rewards. Here’s how…
When you think about networking, do you visualize a bunch of people standing around schmoozing, trying to pitch their services to each other while exchanging business cards and “elevator speeches”?
You know, some people actually enjoy that sort of thing. And when they do it right (which is a rare talent), they reap genuine rewards. Rewards such as new clients, joint venture partners, knowledgeable advisers, helpful friends… in other words, mutually beneficial relationships.
But for many of us, the idea of going to a networking event ranks right up there with bathing an angry cat. Even if we think it ought to be done, we’d rather be flea food.
Don’t worry. There’s much more – and less – to networking than you think! You can reap the same wonderful rewards without having to mingle with a bunch of strangers.
Important: With any kind of networking, the key is to build powerful relationships by giving. Give your attention, advice, ideas, suggestions, support, compliments, referrals – and maybe even your business – to others. Give, give, give… then receive more than you can imagine!
There are many ways you can get freelance work by networking, even if you hate schmoozing. Below are four powerful examples.
1. Tell your family and friends about your online business.
This seems like a no-brainer, but you’d be amazed at how many people fail to do this.
You don’t have to pitch your services/products to your family and friends, but you certainly should not be keeping them secret! You’ll have many opportunities during normal conversations to mention that you enjoy internet marketing and earning money with your online activities. Just plant the seed and eventually it can grow into unexpected business.
And remember, even if your family and friends have no need for the products/services you offer, it’s very likely that they know someone who does.
Key: Every person has connections to an average of 250 other people. When you decide not to mention your services to cousin Annie and neighbor Tom, you’re missing an opportunity to offer your services to hundreds of people they know!
2. Engage in virtual networking.
You do this online, from the comfort of your home office. Besides the benefits of not having to deal with people face-to-face, virtual networking allows you to create contact lists and join online communities comprised of people from all over the world. Most of these people you would probably never meet in any other way. Your virtual network can grow larger and faster than any form of traditional network.
Are you on someone’s email list? (Of course you are!) When they ask for opinions, give yours. When they raise an issue that’s of interest to you, send them a response about it. If they’re selling something you can benefit from (and it fits your budget), buy it – then give them positive feedback about it.
Key: Become someone they know and enjoy hearing from, rather than just one of the many anonymous names on their mailing list.
Participate in online discussion forums, especially those where your ideal clients hang out. Lurk before you leap so you don’t jump in and accidentally make a fool of yourself (not good for winning clients). Read the posts, get a feel for the ambiance. When you have something worthwhile to contribute, start participating. If the forum rules allow it, include a signature block that has a link to your website. But do NOT sell your services! Give valuable advice freely. The idea is to show your knowledge, expertise and desire to help others.
Key: Eventually the forum members will get to know you, like you and trust you. The next natural step for them is to think of you when they (or people in their network) need the products/services you provide!
3. Show off your talent.
Write, write, write! Submit articles to online article directories, write reports and/or e books, create your own website and e-zine – put yourself and your knowledge/skills on display, always including your contact information. When appropriate, offer to provide free special reports or articles for people with whom you’re building connections through your virtual networking activities.
Consider giving free workshops related to your niche through your local Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club or other groups. If you have a job, check into offering “brown bag” (lunchtime) sessions on topics such as “10 Tips for More Earning Money Online in Your Spare Time” for your coworkers.
Key: You want to become the obvious person people will think of when they need your expertise, or the products/services you provide.
4. Attend seminars.
What types of seminars, workshops, conferences or meetings do your customers attend? Go to those events. They are networking goldmines and offer many opportunities to engage in natural conversations with people you want to meet. You don’t have to schmooze or pitch your services. Just be friendly, ask questions, participate in discussions, and be yourself.
Key: You’ll not only learn about the specific issues and topics your target customers are interested in, you’ll build relationships with them at the same time!
I hope you find this information useful, if so put it into practice and pass it on.
April
6
2009
In my post about our Buffalo Business Networking event I mentioned the importance of having The List.
This post will explain why you want The List, how to build it and what to do with it once you have it.
Why would you want a list of contacts? It’s a fact that keeping a customer is less expensive than acquiring a new one. So keeping in touch with current customers keeps you in their thoughts. And if they are thinking of you they’ll come back to do business and refer their friends as well.
With a list of contacts it’s easy for you to make special offers that you are having. Maybe even special offer just for your List people, to thank them for giving you their contact information.
The List is also an excellent way to educate your customer about what you do and how it can benefit them. Nobody wants to hear one of his or her customers say “Oh I didn’t know you did that.” And it’s usually after they just purchased that product or service from someone else.
As you develop this relationship with your customers they will begin to see you as an expert who can be trusted to give them the help they need to make their business grow. And that will keep them coming back again and again. Satisfied customers are the best source of referrals too.
So now we know why we want the list. Now I’ll tell you how we built our list.
If you have a retail location there a couple of techniques you can use. One is a guest book. Ask for their name and email address and explain that they will be added to your email list. Always tell them why you are asking for the information…full disclosure and all that.
A good way to get business cards is to have a drawing and give away something in exchange for their business card. A container on the counter with a little explanation of what your giving away and you are good to go.
Robin and I are members of a few networking groups where we meet periodically and exchange referrals. Not only is it a great way to increase you business and that of your fellow members but…you guessed it…a great way to add to The List! Exchanging business cards is a requirement so that is a simple way to add to The List.
In the course of your daily activities you are going to meet people whether it’s business or personal. Ask for a business card if they have one…easy to do and you might even get a new customer or become one yourself.
Do have a website? This is the 21st century so you should have one. But that’s another blog post.
Here is a great ways to use your site to acquire contacts. Regardless of what you do, you have valuable knowledge about your business that will benefit other people. Giving away that information on your website is an excellent way to not only build your reputation as an expert in your field but you guessed it…add to The List. In exchange for their email address you can send then a short report in PDF form or even an Ebook. Just make sure the offer is compelling, free (the first one’s always free) and useful to them. This can be something you create yourself or an article you found surfing the net when you should have been working. Be sure to give proper credit to the author.
There is an excellent company called Aweber that can help you publish a sign up form for your site. They can also help you create auto responders, manage email campaigns and help you set up a newsletter. There is a fee involved but if you are serious about using your website to increase your business it is worth looking at.
Now you know why you need The List and how to build it. So what do you do with it!
We use The List in a number of different ways. We send out emails, postcards and we have a newsletter. We also use it as referral list for clients, our friends and ourselves.
Emails are fun! You send out as least 10 a day with cute jokes, pictures of adorable animals and who your favorite American Idol contestant is. NOT!
Email is a business tool and should be use as such. Keep the topic relevant and to the point. And there should always be an Unsubscribe link. A company like Aweber will make sure your email is always compliant with the latest regulations.
Postcards are effective also. Use them to announce special offers or events. “Bring in this postcard and receive 15% off your purchase.” Offers like that helps you keep track of their effectiveness. They are another low cost way of keeping you in the customers mind!
A newsletter is a great way to communicate with your contacts. It serves many purposes. It keeps you in their thoughts. It’s a great way to educate your customers about what you do, how you do it and what it means for them. Do you have a new piece of equipment or offer a new service? Use the newsletter to let everyone know. Did you just complete a training course that will help you serve their needs better? Let them know. How about a sale offer only for newsletter readers?
And if you want to get really cool add a video or a slide show. But no dancing cats, please!
I hope you found this informative. I’m sure I missed a few uses for The List so feel free to send in comments.
April
2
2009
I found this check list on Twitter today and thought it was interesting! I have to admit tho, that I have not done a few of these things.
I did not post photos on facebook….that will be on today’s agenda. However Mike and I did get info up on the blog asap. (do I get points for that?)
Give a look and see if you agree. Here is a little blurb from their site. You can click the link below to see the whole article.
10 Things to Do Immediately After a Networking Event
March 30th, 2009
The true color of networking is often revealed after the event itself. The emails that get traded, the connections we make, and the relationships that continue to grow. Here are 10 things to do immediately after attending a networking function (conferences, seminars, business clubs)…….read the rest of the article here
March
27
2009
Networking, Social Media, Blogs and The List
The above were the tools we used to create our first business networking event.
My wife and I belong to a number of business networking groups. Primary among them are WNY Pro and Women In Networking sponsored by Canisius College. These groups have not only provided us with many customers and friends but also an extensive list of contacts that have become The List. I cannot stress how important a list of contacts is. Ours is approaching 400 people, small by some standards. Without it this event probably wouldn’t have happened.
Our first order of business was to find vendors for the event. So we went to the list (of course) and sent out an email blast explaining what we were up to and asking for vendors. And literally within 10 minutes time we had 2 people signed up. By the end of the day we had 7. That was half of our projected number of vendors.
We talked up the event at our respective networking groups, threw in another email blast or 2 and within 2 weeks we had 14 vendors signed up and more wanting in. We upped the number of vendor tables to 23 and they were gone in a couple of weeks. Again it was working The List. Did I mention that we have a list?
My wife and I belong to a number of business networking groups. Primary among them are WNY Pro and Women In Networking sponsored by Canisius College. These groups have not only provided us with many customers and friends but also an extensive list of contacts that have become The List. I cannot stress how important a list of contacts is. Ours is approaching 400 people, small by some standards. Without it this event probably wouldn’t have happened.
Our first order of business was to find vendors for the event. So we went to the list (of course) and sent out an email blast explaining what we were up to and asking for vendors. And literally within 10 minutes time we had 2 people signed up. By the end of the day we had 7. That was half of our projected number of vendors.
We talked up the event at our respective networking groups, threw in another email blast or 2 and within 2 weeks we had 14 vendors signed up and more wanting in. We upped the number of vendor tables to 23 and they were gone in a couple of weeks. Again it was working The List. Did I mention that we have a list?
How We Used Social Media Sites to Get Attendees
So once we had the vendors lined up we needed to get the word out about the event. Vendors are great but without people to come and network with them…kind of a waste of time. By now you should know where I’m headed…yep straight to The List! Those that weren’t vendors were now potential attendees. And so the emails continued…in a non-spamy way I hope!
We decided a blog would be a great way to keep in touch with everyone. So this blog was created to keep everyone updated and also as a way to keep in touch once the event was over.
We are also working on plans to make it a resource to help Buffalo businesses make new contacts and grow their business.
Once the blog was up I sent out notices to a number of social media bookmarking sites such as Propeller, Digg, Delicious, Fark, StumbleUpon and a bunch more. Every time the blog was updated I sent out another notice.
The purpose of this was to create links on other sites that Google would find and help us rank better in the search engines. But being that the event was targeted to Buffalo I mostly wanted to help the site rank for this area.
I posted a notice of the event on BuffaloMe (a local social networking website) and a person from the Bee Group of newspapers saw it and said they would add it to their events section.
Well, two guys saw it and decided to come. Once they got there they were having such a good time they sent text messages to two of their friends who showed up a half hour later! And a representative from the Bee came as well!
Robin, added the event to our Facebook page which got added to Linked In. Which got noticed by a local person who knew someone, who knew someone else and they came to our profile on BuffaloMe and signed up as a vendor. All that from one post on a local social networking site!
Both of us use Twitter daily and as the big night drew nearer we Tweeted our followers about it and asked them to spread the word.
We also got an event notice on ChangeGrow, a blog run by James Andrix…thanks! Buffalo Rising also posted an announcement for it. GarysGuide had an notice too! Thanks to both of you for that! And we can’t forget RoamingBuffaloes for their support!
Rachael Brown, from the Buffalo Niagara Partnership posted the event on Buffalo Niagara360. Rachael was also the winner of our grand prize,the Pulse smartpen from Livescribe
So as you can see, we made extensive use of social media sites. They provide a excellent venue to launch any event from and they are free!!!
Oh yea, we magically appeared in the Buffalo News business section as well. I say magically because we have no idea who sent them the information…but a big thank you to our mysterious benefactor!
As long as I’m handing out thanks, I want to thank all the vendors who participated and another one to all the people who came and networked! The Pearl Street Grill did a great job of helping us arrange the event and Mark was there that night to make sure everything ran smoothly!
Last but certainly not least I want to thank my wife, Robin, the event was her idea and she spent many hours putting it together. She is, as our friend Joe calls her…The Queen of Marketing!
Author: Mike Wilson
March
25
2009
I want to send a heartfelt Thank You to everyone who participated in our Networking Event last night!
We had a very good turnout. Good enough to convince me that we need to do it again!
Here are some of our vendors and folks who came.
Jean Huebsch, from The Pampered Chef was on hand to show all her wonderful cooking tools!! I love pampered chef stuff!
Jennifer Carlo, owner of American Tomboy was there! She has awesome and cool cool stuff for the girl that likes to wear her lifestyle.
Joe Zgoda was on hand to help folks increase traffic on their websites.
This is suppose to be Victoria’s Sweet Shoppe table image. But it seemed everytime I tried to take a photo of their table…there were too many people around it. Good for them!! Chocolate is always popular!
Barbara Crocker owner of Restored Photo and Design was there! She has beautiful images available, and she has done some remarkable restoration work! Im going to send this photo of her table to her, so she can fix it for me.
Karen and Sandy from The Breath Away Spa were there! They did a bit of massaging…because they brought a massage chair! How cool is that. Isaiah said it was amazing!
Linda Pfender, owner of Faux by Pfender was there! Linda does excellent work! (Sorry Sandy, your mom was the instigator for this photo)
Barb and Rick Gross from YTB Travel Network were there! Helping us to get away from it all.
Pat and Elaine of Life’s Gifts Unfolded were on hand to offer information on their Holistic Healing.
Coni, owner of Bitty Bitty Pretty was there too! Coni’s son is our fav. little customer! (Coni too, but Logan trumps her) Coni had lots of pretty pieces for sale last night.
Donna Scalfaro, owner of Carpet Care Services was there. I know she was giving out some samples of her spot cleaner. I also know that that spot cleaner gets red wine stains out of carpets!! (my carpets anyway) It’s amazing stuff!
Molly McGown of Mary Kay was onhand to show us just how good we can all look. Molly had some beautiful photos of herself to show us how important it is to have a professional business image.
Jay Park from Park Place Installations was there! Jay did a demo and had me….”ME” of all people try to make the remotes work. Ha! He picked the right person to demonstrate how confusing those things are! He had a really cool all in one remote that looked kinda goof-proof. My kind of remote.
Jenny Faber Barry was there! I love visiting Jenny’s Clayhouse with my daughter! We even met “Mr. Jenny” He was too cute!
Mike Cardus from Create-Learning was on hand with hoops and nails to show us how to work as a team. We decided that Mike had the most creative, outside the box thinking kind of door prize!! He gave away a quart of Jack Daniels, some rope handcuffs, a nail game and a bunch of mousetraps!!! Awesome Mike!
After all that, we had a wonderful evening. I forgot to take a photo of our own table!! (go figure!)
There are several others I didnt get to and I apologize. Our next event will have designated photographer!