Posts Tagged ‘Networking’

A Time for Giving Can Benefit YOU, Too

Friday, December 3rd, 2010

by Ginger Donnan

BizBash, the industry’s premier source for event news and venue and vendor recommendations (and I’m NOT paid to say that, it really is), recently launched a volunteer board for event organizers to get the word out when they need a helping hand. As event planners to non-profit organizations, we often reach out to our network for committees or on-site assistance, and this alternate route for finding donated labor is a welcome addition.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a new graduate or a someone with 15 years experience under their belt, there are many professional reasons why you should be contributing to your community as a volunteer.

As an entreprenuer myself, I have learned that lunches, networking events and  memberships are all well and good in the marketing mix, but besides a personal referral, nothing beats donating my time to show a potential client how I can help them.  Every proposal is, in essence, a volunteer effort. A proposal is free and includes a mini-event plan, including a budget and a timeline. There have even been times when the event was scaled back, a potential client did not need my full planning services and I helped them on-site at the event anyway. The goodwill was paid back the following year when they DID hire me.

For those just entering the workforce, a volunteer assignment, particularly a long-term one, can be the key to that first job. Time spent learning the ins and outs of a non-profit organization, as well as developing relationships with key people there, can help you better understand a professional work environment and show that organization that you are committed to their cause. Recently, I had the chance to be a reference for a recent graduate who gave of his time to a non-profit committee and I’m thrilled to say, he got the job!

And for those of you overtaxed by years of working in the same industry, or even, the same job, volunteer work can be eye-opening. You may find that you want to take your career in a whole new route or you may find that you have an opportunity to contribute so much more than just your annual donation. Now more than ever, charitable organizations are in need of passionate leaders with skill sets learned in the corporate world since there is more demand for organizations’ programs and services and financial donations are just starting to bounce back.

So which organization are you calling today?

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Posted in Blog, Featured, Industry, Non-Profit | No Comments »

Women's Law Forum

Thursday, September 3rd, 2009

November 20, 2008

Hosted by a prominent New York law firm, the Women’s Law Forum was a networking and educational event for over 200 people that featured substantive continuing legal education workshops and a keynote presentation by Soledad O’Brien, CNN Special Correspondent, followed by a shopping experience and cocktail reception at Bergdorf Goodman with a style presentation by Jesse Garza and Joe Lupo, authors of “Nothing to Wear? A 5-Step Cure for the Common Closet.” Participants’ donations and the firm’s 100% matching donation, supported Bottomless Closet, a non-profit organization which aids women in transition.

Working with Ginger Donnan Events made organizing and hosting this key annual event for our law firm’s women clients, one that we knew would go smoothly and without issues. Ginger Donnan’s attention to detail, knowledge of law firms and her ability to build strong relationships with key members of our firm, led to our client event being not only a tremendous success but one that was also fun to attend — a rarity when you’re on the organizing side of it. – Helene Freymann, Director of Marketing, New York Law Firm, December 2008

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First Success from Networking

Monday, June 15th, 2009

by Ginger Donnan

As a small business owner, I’m constantly fitting in marketing efforts between my client work. In order to have next events to plan, I have to think about what I’ll be doing in 6-12 months and talk to my clients about what they will be doing in 6-12 months. Seems pretty simple, especially when my relationships with my clients seem like I’m another (cheaper!) employee to them. But this year I came across a dilemma. What do I do when clients aren’t planning anything in 6-12 months? Time to find more clients.

I’ve never been a very good networker. I prefer my role as a behind-the-scenes person and wasn’t planning to even name the business after myself until one of my mentors – a marketing guru – reminded me that I’m selling my skills, so using my name was absolutely necessary! I typically attend networking events with someone else I know, look for others I know and, only if I’m feeling extremely adventurous, exchange business cards with a few other people I will never contact. Not exactly a recipe for success.

The problem is, I’m a relationship person. Fleeting conversations with people I’ll never see again is of no interest to me. I have realized that I need to have opportunities to see people repeatedly, really get to know them (aka care about them), and develop a reciprocal relationship with them in order to expand my network (and therefore my business).

This is why I’m starting a chapter of Business Networking International in my area. We’ve been meeting once a month to grow the group and little by little, we’re all really getting to know each other. Next comes caring about each other, particularly, each other’s businesses.

Already, someone interested in the group introduced me to her contact, who was looking for a local event planner. She passed along my information because “I was the only one she knew in the area.” Now that isn’t the greatest vote of confidence, but by handling the referral professionally and putting my best foot forward (always!), the next time she thinks of me will come with a better introduction.

Her contact took a chance on me and I was able to prove I was worthy of that referral, solidifying a new relationship with much potential. This is marketing I can get into. Now onto the next 6-12 months!

-Ginger

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Posted in Blog, Small Biz Marketing | 2 Comments »

Business Networking International (BNI)

Friday, March 6th, 2009

A few weeks ago, on the same day, I heard mention of BNI twice. Like everyone else these days, business is slow and I’m reconnecting with contacts and reaching out to build new relationships, so my ears picked up when I heard “Business Networking International.” A quick google and I had learned about two nearby chapters that meet one morning every week to share referrals.

The unique aspect of BNI is that only one person from each industry/job can join each chapter to limit competition and create a collaborative environment. I personally struggle with selling myself and need more than a crowd of strangers and a glass of wine to network productively. BNI meetings are very structured, which helps at 7 a.m. when it’s hard to think straight. Each member gives a short commercial, reminding the group about their business and what referrals would be most helpful. Each week, a different member is able to give a longer (10 minute) presentation to provide more detail about his/her services. Then it’s time for the referral exchange. At the first meeting of I attended, which had 30 members, 15 referrals flew across the room. At the second chapter I visited, they talked about the $3 million+ in closed business the group had secured for each other in a year. I was hooked.

Now a group of us are starting a new chapter in Hoboken, NJ. For anyone in Hudson County, who is part of a business where they have to go out and find work for themselves (freelancers! small business owners! salespeople!) and wants MORE business, let me know if you’re interested in joining our group!

For another quick and thorough description about BNI, check out www.marketingmixblog.com/2009/02/guest-post-is-bni-right-for-you.html

- Ginger

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Posted in Blog, Small Biz Marketing | 1 Comment »