Obviously I’m a bit behind here, but I have a pretty good excuse.
When we return, it will be with a brand new site and hopefully a new blog based on the ideas we are passionate about.
So last night (Thursday, Aug 9th) I did the extroverted thing and attended a free “Table Top” business event near gonink. Basically the event allows any local business to come in and set up a card table displaying their products/services for free and network with others. Being the introvert that I am, knowing how small our company is and knowing even further that most people at this event would be clueless about gonink, I forged on inside and set up my little booth. My nerves were probably a bit more calm because a fellow business owner set up shop right next to me, but I digress.
After a couple of hours of talking and networking I had accumulated a decent pocket full of business cards and contacts from various businesses. Some were very hopeful while others will end up in the “file here for later” file. Be that as it may, it got me thinking about networking such as this and online networking. The idea of online networking is fairly new but catching on fast and the business community is starting to realize it.
A much younger generation started the craze with MySpace and then Facebook entered the fray with their application that was originally intended for college students only, but spread to encompass just about anyone and everyone. Add to the mix an actual business networking site such as LinkedIn, Ryze, BizMeed etc. and you have a whole other way of networking.
What’s advantageous about online networking is your ability to reach far beyond your office, nearby towns or even the state line. These networks allow you to connect and communicate worldwide with businesses, possible employees and maybe even a new partner. And now the online networking and communication phase has taken off in other directions.
This article recently mentioned a new fad amongst online social networking people that essentially tracks you, what you did and where you’ve been at any given time. One that particularly caught my attention with relation to business is Groovr. In a nutshell, people take photos of where they’re at, upload it to the site and then their friends who are “connected” are notified via their cell phone where this person is currently. Imagine the word of mouth that could occur if that person is connected to 10 people and they all decide to contact or visit your business. No, it’s not Big Brother in the sky and is only updated by you, but it is fascinating to see just how limitless we really are when it comes to networking and interacting with others.
So from one face-to-face networking event I’ve truly realized the power of interacting with others when it comes to my business growing for the future.
Have you realized it? I’d love to hear some of your stories. We might even trade online profile links.
As our G3 Initiative slowly begins to take place, I’ve come to realize that it’s not all that easy and as Kermit the Frog always said, It ain’t easy being green.
For one it’s difficult locating local paper distributors who carry a large enough collection of different types of paper. It’s not so much whether they’re carbon neutral, chlorine free or even just recycled. The problem is finding those who carry different thicknesses and sizes of eco-friendly papers. Another problem with local distributors is trying to find one who hasn’t had their supply transported from a million miles away.
Secondly, staying focused. It’s not that I don’t want us to be more green, I certainly do, but it’s difficult to figure out where to start and follow the next steps through the entire process. Probably one of those situations where all goals need to be broken down into smaller ones.
And finally it’s hard to get people interested in our ideas because it does appear as if I’m just jumping on the bandwagon because everyone else is and that’s not the case. I truly due care about this and I hope I can convince others that it ain’t easy being green, but it sure does help.
Ft. Wayne Is Green
I don’t mean to duplicate some of my posts here, but a nearby city of 250K+ was given an honorable mention for being a “green” city.
Fort Wayne Indiana is just 20 minutes south of our little town and has been previously known as a very industrialized city full of large manufacturing plants, wasteful production companies and three-rivers that was once dumping grounds for water waste.
At the 75th annual U.S. Conference of Mayors, two cities were singled out for their efforts and Fort Wayne landed an honorable mention.
Could you take your city “green”?
Just say no. The majority of us can remember this slogan from the early 80’s when the first lady, Nancy Reagan, made it a common theme amongst children and teenagers alike. But how does this pertain to the graphic design industry or business as a whole?
The majority of new business owners want to help their customers and provide as much service as they can. Be that as it may, there are times when you just have to say no to a request. Even the mega giants like Wal-Mart don’t have everything in their store, so how can you as a business owner provide everything? It’s not possible and it’s hard to turn down a possible paycheck from a customer.
But take a look at what the customer wants and maybe there is a way you can help them, by not actually providing the service yourself. For instance, let’s say someone refers you to an auto body and repair shop, but you have a tire problem. You take your car in there and the employee tells you that they do not provide tire repair and/or service, but they do recommend Acme Tires down the street. As a business owner, you have just accomplished two things.
First, you satisfied the customer’s needs by directing them to a business that can probably provide a better service than yours. Secondly, you have created a relationship between you and Acme Tires. By referring business their direction, they could in turn send business your way.
So, when you just say no, you might actually be saying yes to a future customer and business relationship.