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Community Connections: The Power of Local Networking for Business Growth · The Boujee Multipreneur

• 0:17
  SPEAKER_00: Hello, welcome back to the Bougie Multipreneur.
• 0:20
  SPEAKER_00: I'm your host, Hillary.
• 0:21
  SPEAKER_00: I'd like today to talk about networking in the community.
• 0:25
  SPEAKER_00: And this is actually something I talk about a lot.
• 0:27
  SPEAKER_00: So if you've heard me talk about this, well, just buckle in and listen for a little bit longer.
• 0:32
  SPEAKER_00: But this is something I work on a lot with my um doctors that are in my chiropractic clinic because I own two chiropractic clinics, and I also am a business coach.
• 0:45
  SPEAKER_00: So I also coach other doctors and service professionals about how they can increase their business.
• 0:53
  SPEAKER_00: And networking in the community is a one that's like super easy for me.
• 0:58
  SPEAKER_00: Also, I'm an introvert, so that helps.
• 1:00
  SPEAKER_00: Also, I'm type A.
• 1:02
  SPEAKER_00: But networking in your community, if you own a business or you are in sales and you're trying to grow your business, this is key.
• 1:10
  SPEAKER_00: And if you're an extrovert, it's probably easier.
• 1:13
  SPEAKER_00: If you're an introvert, you probably dislike it.
• 1:15
  SPEAKER_00: So maybe some of these tips will help you.
• 1:18
  SPEAKER_00: I do realize that I might be a little bit of an anomaly who loves going and meeting random people and talking.
• 1:25
  SPEAKER_00: And I really love helping people, I guess.
• 1:27
  SPEAKER_00: And so when I meet people, I'm thinking to myself, how can I help them?
• 1:32
  SPEAKER_00: How can I improve their lives?
• 1:33
  SPEAKER_00: Because I know it will come back.
• 1:35
  SPEAKER_00: I know the universe will provide for me.
• 1:37
  SPEAKER_00: And when I need something, I will get it back in return.
• 1:41
  SPEAKER_00: Maybe not from them, but in the long history of doing this, everything always seems to work out.
• 1:47
  SPEAKER_00: Whether if you believe it's God that does it for you or the universe or whoever, this always works out well for me.
• 1:54
  SPEAKER_00: So going in with a positive mindset is key.
• 1:57
  SPEAKER_00: So I would like to go over some things about why I think it's important, some things that you can do or that has worked well for me.
• 2:04
  SPEAKER_00: And let me know what you think.
• 2:06
  SPEAKER_00: I would love to hear back from you later and see if any of this worked, or you loved any of these tips, or you are proficient at all of this and you know it all.
• 2:14
  SPEAKER_00: Maybe you can be on the podcast with me sometime.
• 2:17
  SPEAKER_00: But let's talk about the difference between like um an in-person community versus just like online.
• 2:23
  SPEAKER_00: I think this day and age, post-COVID, people, at least in my area, I'm in Indiana, they want to get out.
• 2:32
  SPEAKER_00: They want to get back to like personal meetings, having coffees, the shaking of the hand, the talking in person to people.
• 2:41
  SPEAKER_00: I feel like during COVID, we got so used to everything on Zoom.
• 2:45
  SPEAKER_00: And I felt like we were missing a connection.
• 2:48
  SPEAKER_00: And again, that could be because I'm an extrovert and I love being around people that the screen wasn't enough for me.
• 2:55
  SPEAKER_00: And I have noticed over the last few years that everyone is liking the in-person networking again.
• 3:03
  SPEAKER_00: Um, this is a little bit more challenging for people that are not extroverts, uh, but it can be done, right?
• 3:10
  SPEAKER_00: There are some things that you can do, some tips and tricks that we'll talk about.
• 3:15
  SPEAKER_00: But having these connections can help grow your business.
• 3:18
  SPEAKER_00: It doesn't mean like you go to a networking event and immediately your business flourishes and you're 50% better than last month.
• 3:26
  SPEAKER_00: No, it is like a long process.
• 3:30
  SPEAKER_00: And it's not, I don't say long like negative, but it is a process.
• 3:34
  SPEAKER_00: It's not a quick fix.
• 3:36
  SPEAKER_00: And I mean, I guess it's like me going to the gym and expecting to lose 10 pounds that one time I went to the gym and it didn't happen, right?
• 3:43
  SPEAKER_00: Uh, but I feel like nothing's really quick these days.
• 3:47
  SPEAKER_00: So it's gonna take some time, it's gonna take some effort too.
• 3:51
  SPEAKER_00: It's not like you just showing up, everyone's gonna flock to you and want to know you and get your business card and want to schedule something with you or buy whatever it is.
• 3:59
  SPEAKER_00: Like it does take some effort, right?
• 4:01
  SPEAKER_00: So know that going into it.
• 4:04
  SPEAKER_00: When people like you two, they will start recommending you.
• 4:08
  SPEAKER_00: And the more they see you over and over at these different events, they're gonna be like, Yeah, I did just meet a chiropractor.
• 4:15
  SPEAKER_00: I've met her a few times.
• 4:16
  SPEAKER_00: Let me find her information for you.
• 4:18
  SPEAKER_00: Maybe that one person didn't want or need to be a chiropractic patient at my clinic, but she might meet someone down the road that is talking about needing chiropractic care.
• 4:29
  SPEAKER_00: And she's like, I, you know, I meet this woman all the time at my events.
• 4:33
  SPEAKER_00: She's amazing.
• 4:34
  SPEAKER_00: Let me give you her information.
• 4:36
  SPEAKER_00: So, also, if you're not happy and in a good mood, maybe don't do the networking because you you want to put your best face forward, right?
• 4:44
  SPEAKER_00: Like you want to be happy and bubbly and polite and nice and all those things, like your best foot, literally.
• 4:52
  SPEAKER_00: Um, but over time, going to different networking and being in the community to different events, it builds more trust and credibility with all these face-to-face interactions than it does, let's say, just putting an ad in the paper, an ad online, or just uh Google ads.
• 5:10
  SPEAKER_00: Like you need to build the that face-to-face um credibility and trust too.
• 5:15
  SPEAKER_00: So places I go to network, Chamber of Commerce, that's super easy, right?
• 5:20
  SPEAKER_00: I've always been a member of my chamber.
• 5:22
  SPEAKER_00: I think I'm coming up on 18 years now.
• 5:24
  SPEAKER_00: It doesn't mean I go all the time, but when I'm ready to do networking, because you know, sometimes we take some time off, then I looked at the chamber because everyone that's going to those events feels this way too.
• 5:37
  SPEAKER_00: They know why they're going.
• 5:39
  SPEAKER_00: They're going to network into meet, and they're not going to sell you something right then and there because that's not what these events are for.
• 5:46
  SPEAKER_00: It's for getting to know them, meeting the trust, the you know, the face-to-face interaction, other like meetup places like would be like a BI, like a business industry specific type of group where they might have just one of each profession in the group.
• 6:02
  SPEAKER_00: Those are great.
• 6:03
  SPEAKER_00: I used to go to those.
• 6:05
  SPEAKER_00: In fact, I helped run one for for many years, and it was great.
• 6:09
  SPEAKER_00: And that's something I did more when I was newer in business.
• 6:12
  SPEAKER_00: And now that I've been in business for a while, I don't do it as much, but I think that they're great.
• 6:16
  SPEAKER_00: So don't get me wrong.
• 6:18
  SPEAKER_00: I love going to like community events now.
• 6:21
  SPEAKER_00: So, like fundraisers, I love going to galas.
• 6:24
  SPEAKER_00: I I love like just raising money for things.
• 6:27
  SPEAKER_00: I used to do a lot with St.
• 6:28
  SPEAKER_00: Jude Children's Research Hospital.
• 6:31
  SPEAKER_00: Now that I have less time to devote, I do enjoy giving back monetarily.
• 6:36
  SPEAKER_00: I enjoy going to these events because they are so much work to run.
• 6:41
  SPEAKER_00: And we need to go and support these groups and support the people that gave their time and effort to make that happen.
• 6:49
  SPEAKER_00: It's just a lot of work.
• 6:51
  SPEAKER_00: And I'm always amazed by them.
• 6:54
  SPEAKER_00: And going up, showing up, supporting, donating the money, that's where it is.
• 7:00
  SPEAKER_00: Um, and I, you know, I don't even bring like business cards or stuff to that, but you just need to keep going and showing up to places like this.
• 7:07
  SPEAKER_00: You buy a table, you get your business name on it, you purchase a golf hole at the golf outing, and they people see it's just the over and over again.
• 7:16
  SPEAKER_00: You could even have like a vendor table at like a farmer's market or like a health fair or a craft fair, any type of vendor-specific fair, women's health fair.
• 7:28
  SPEAKER_00: I mean, there's so many things that are going on, and you know, if they're not, create it.
• 7:34
  SPEAKER_00: You know, what's stopping you?
• 7:36
  SPEAKER_00: It takes some time, and the first time might not be the best, but the more that you do it, people will come out and support and people will pour into you too.
• 7:46
  SPEAKER_00: You could create events um and invite the community.
• 7:51
  SPEAKER_00: So, for instance, at my chiropractic office, we do a lot of what's called a ghoul's night out.
• 7:55
  SPEAKER_00: It's like a twist on girls' night out, but obviously we do it in October.
• 7:59
  SPEAKER_00: We have a spooky theme, we do wine tasting events, we do health workshops, we do our spring tea party where we have a lot of tea and just little finger foods, and we invite local um boutiques and jewelry and all different things like that.
• 8:16
  SPEAKER_00: So I'm working with other business owners that maybe I've met at some of these networking events, and then I create an event for all of us to do and I promote it and I invite all my patients and people I know in the community, and you know, again, we're just getting out there.
• 8:31
  SPEAKER_00: So if you don't have that, you might have to create it, and that's okay too, because being known for someone that creates that over and over again is great.
• 8:41
  SPEAKER_00: Um, the other year, I think it was a year or two ago, someone contacted me and she's like, Hey, I heard you were the person to go to.
• 8:50
  SPEAKER_00: I'm new in town and I just opened a business, and I was told that you do it all and you know a lot of people in the community.
• 8:56
  SPEAKER_00: And I was like, Oh, that's so sweet.
• 8:58
  SPEAKER_00: I do, thank you.
• 9:00
  SPEAKER_00: Uh, but it was just cute that like someone had told her to contact me and gave my information, and she, you know, it's ended up being a great like relationship, friendship, and you know, business supporter.
• 9:13
  SPEAKER_00: So go the extra mile, you know, get out there and do stuff.
• 9:17
  SPEAKER_00: But when you're going to these events, go because you want to create a relationship, not that you want to sell something.
• 9:26
  SPEAKER_00: And I think that is key when I talk to other clients of mine that own chiropractic offices are like, well, going to those things just doesn't bring me new patients.
• 9:36
  SPEAKER_00: I'm like, yeah, it's like just walking into an event and handing out your business cards does not bring you a new patient.
• 9:43
  SPEAKER_00: I totally agree.
• 9:44
  SPEAKER_00: Because you have to think of it like a sales ladder, like each rung, you're getting a step and step closer to the top of what the final destination, which would be them purchasing something from you, or if you're a chiropractor becoming a new patient, things like that.
• 9:59
  SPEAKER_00: So change your mindset a little bit, maybe if you've thought in the past that this just doesn't work for you.
• 10:05
  SPEAKER_00: And it might not.
• 10:06
  SPEAKER_00: And you might not be an extrovert or you might not be great in the community, and that's okay, because not every great doctor or great business owner is great in front of people, you know.
• 10:17
  SPEAKER_00: And so if you're not the best face in front talking, then send someone else.
• 10:23
  SPEAKER_00: Hire someone else to do your community events and networking for you that's bubbly and an extrovert and knowledgeable and smiles, you know.
• 10:32
  SPEAKER_00: If you can't do that, that's okay because we can't do everything all the time.
• 10:37
  SPEAKER_00: But um, you know, chat with people uh about things and you know, talk a little bit about your business.
• 10:44
  SPEAKER_00: You make sure you ask about their business.
• 10:48
  SPEAKER_00: The other day, one of my um clients she goes, Hey, when you're at events, how do you get away from people?
• 10:54
  SPEAKER_00: And I laughed because she was telling me this woman kept talking and talking, and she was like, I just didn't want to hear about her birth experiences anymore.
• 11:03
  SPEAKER_00: Like, I wanted to talk to other people, and it's you know, like someone like clings on, they want to tell you every single thing about them or every history, and you're like, I just wanted to say hi and move on.
• 11:14
  SPEAKER_00: So I'll say, like, Judy, these are these um memories are so amazing.
• 11:21
  SPEAKER_00: Um, I would love to listen to more.
• 11:24
  SPEAKER_00: However, I want us to both work the room.
• 11:26
  SPEAKER_00: Is there someone in the room that you want to meet up with that would be good for you and your business?
• 11:30
  SPEAKER_00: And if I come across them, I'm gonna refer them, I'm gonna point you out so they can come over and chat with you.
• 11:35
  SPEAKER_00: But I want to keep us moving since we only have another hour left here.
• 11:39
  SPEAKER_00: So I cut that stuff off.
• 11:41
  SPEAKER_00: I just like I just am blunt about it.
• 11:44
  SPEAKER_00: I'm not negative or mean about it, but I'm like, Judy, I wanted us both to get and work around the room.
• 11:52
  SPEAKER_00: So, like, you know, how can you help her in get away from the situation, right?
• 11:59
  SPEAKER_00: Um, and if it's like someone you're like, I'm never gonna need this.
• 12:03
  SPEAKER_00: Uh, it they own a roofing company, I don't need a roof, etc.
• 12:08
  SPEAKER_00: You're like, who would be an ideal person for you to talk to at this event?
• 12:12
  SPEAKER_00: And when I come across them, I will make sure I point you out.
• 12:14
  SPEAKER_00: You know, I'll still take their card and I'm gonna get, can I have an extra card?
• 12:17
  SPEAKER_00: And when I meet someone in this room that I think you'd be a good fit for you, I'm gonna give them your card too, in case you don't get to chat with them.
• 12:24
  SPEAKER_00: So don't get stuck in those conversations, you guys.
• 12:28
  SPEAKER_00: Like, you got to keep moving, you know, and it's okay, we're all there for a reason, and it's okay to tell people what you want.
• 12:35
  SPEAKER_00: You don't have to just sit and talk to someone about a certain sports team or the weather.
• 12:40
  SPEAKER_00: Like you're there to talk about business stuff or where else do they go for networking events?
• 12:45
  SPEAKER_00: You know, if it's clearly it's not going anywhere, what other events do you go to?
• 12:48
  SPEAKER_00: Where else have you been?
• 12:50
  SPEAKER_00: Like, you know, learn a little bit about them.
• 12:52
  SPEAKER_00: Like, what's been good for you?
• 12:54
  SPEAKER_00: Um, and then um if you could stand out a little bit and be memorable, people will remember you.
• 13:03
  SPEAKER_00: So here's some funny examples of things that have stood out to me when I've met people.
• 13:08
  SPEAKER_00: And I'm not saying you should do this, but like some people will wear like a bright blazer to every event all the time.
• 13:15
  SPEAKER_00: It's like this bright pink one.
• 13:16
  SPEAKER_00: And it's cute, she looks cute, but she wears it every time.
• 13:20
  SPEAKER_00: And but does that help her stand out?
• 13:22
  SPEAKER_00: It sure does.
• 13:22
  SPEAKER_00: You know, she has, I think, an embroidery on it, and so I love that because also I forget people's names.
• 13:28
  SPEAKER_00: So I love it when it's on there.
• 13:30
  SPEAKER_00: Um, you know, how can you stand out and be memorable?
• 13:33
  SPEAKER_00: Is it your business card that stands out a little bit?
• 13:36
  SPEAKER_00: Is it something that you say?
• 13:38
  SPEAKER_00: Is it, you know, do you have a little joke or something?
• 13:41
  SPEAKER_00: I don't know.
• 13:42
  SPEAKER_00: Like, what could you do to stand out a little bit and be memorable to people?
• 13:45
  SPEAKER_00: So they're like, oh yeah, that one chiropractor, she's the one with that long curly hair all the time.
• 13:51
  SPEAKER_00: I literally have been told that before.
• 13:53
  SPEAKER_00: Someone's like, I see you on posts all the time, and you're the one with that long, beautiful hair.
• 13:58
  SPEAKER_00: And I was like, Oh, thank you.
• 14:00
  SPEAKER_00: It's finally someone notices all this time I put into this hair.
• 14:03
  SPEAKER_00: I'm just, I'm just kidding.
• 14:05
  SPEAKER_00: Um, also, really important that I go through with my clients is you need to follow up after the event.
• 14:12
  SPEAKER_00: I try to do it within a week.
• 14:14
  SPEAKER_00: Most of the times I do it the next day because it's gonna either be an email or a card or something where I'm gonna send in the mail because I want to thank them for meeting and chatting.
• 14:26
  SPEAKER_00: I'll also, like, as soon as I get in the car after the event, I'll take out the business cards if I haven't already, and I'll make a note like um she likes to travel to Florida, she's a runner, like different things like that.
• 14:39
  SPEAKER_00: So that way I can be like, hey, good luck on your mini marathon coming up.
• 14:43
  SPEAKER_00: I think you're gonna do great.
• 14:44
  SPEAKER_00: Let me know if there's anything I can do.
• 14:46
  SPEAKER_00: Would love to chat.
• 14:47
  SPEAKER_00: Um, again, do a one-on-one with coffee if you're available.
• 14:50
  SPEAKER_00: Something like that, you know.
• 14:51
  SPEAKER_00: And if you don't know what to like write in the like the email or the letter, chat GPT it, you guys.
• 14:58
  SPEAKER_00: So easy.
• 14:59
  SPEAKER_00: Just put it in there and see what it spits out for you.
• 15:03
  SPEAKER_00: Um, I like to keep track of all these on a spreadsheet just so I know when I did them.
• 15:06
  SPEAKER_00: And then I'll follow up.
• 15:08
  SPEAKER_00: And if I hadn't heard, I'll follow up again, especially if it's someone I really want to get in touch with.
• 15:13
  SPEAKER_00: Um, but then help people find others, like do some cross-promotions.
• 15:17
  SPEAKER_00: How can you guys work together to cross-promote each business?
• 15:20
  SPEAKER_00: Is there something you can do on social media together?
• 15:23
  SPEAKER_00: Could you host an event together?
• 15:26
  SPEAKER_00: Are they looking for someone?
• 15:28
  SPEAKER_00: Is are they in need of another professional to help their business?
• 15:31
  SPEAKER_00: And then you could be a resource for them.
• 15:34
  SPEAKER_00: You look at your spreadsheet and know that, oh, that realtor said that she needs handyman because they're always fixing up this or that.
• 15:43
  SPEAKER_00: I'm like, oh, here's a handyman that I know.
• 15:46
  SPEAKER_00: Great meeting you.
• 15:47
  SPEAKER_00: Have you know, look forward to chatting soon.
• 15:49
  SPEAKER_00: So, like again, trying to help them out, it'll all come back to you later.
• 15:53
  SPEAKER_00: Like, I wouldn't never say, like, hey, let me know when you want to be a new patient of mine.
• 15:58
  SPEAKER_00: You know, like that's not helping people.
• 16:01
  SPEAKER_00: Um, but the more that they get used to you, they'll feel comfortable.
• 16:05
  SPEAKER_00: And then if they do decide to, you know, purchase from you, being patient for you, they're gonna be the best ones because you've built up this relationship over time.
• 16:16
  SPEAKER_00: You're not just jumping right in bed with them, you know.
• 16:18
  SPEAKER_00: So um, if you are introverted or you feel awkward at events, go with someone, you know, a couple times so that way you can get used to it.
• 16:27
  SPEAKER_00: Uh, and if you see another introverted person because they're always like by themselves or slightly on the outside, you know, just start with someone like that because they're also introverted, probably.
• 16:39
  SPEAKER_00: And you can just say, like, this is intense, huh?
• 16:41
  SPEAKER_00: Hi, I'm so-and-so, right?
• 16:44
  SPEAKER_00: Um, let's also talk about if you are trying to meet with someone and they reject you, right?
• 16:51
  SPEAKER_00: Um, or they just like, I'm sorry, I'm looking for someone else to talk to, or you know, I don't know.
• 16:57
  SPEAKER_00: Um, you know, let them, don't let that affect you.
• 17:01
  SPEAKER_00: Let them do what they need to do, what they can.
• 17:04
  SPEAKER_00: You can't handle, you can't change anyone else, but you can change how you deal with the situation yourself.
• 17:10
  SPEAKER_00: And, you know, um, it's like uh Mill Robbins is like, just just let them like don't worry about it.
• 17:18
  SPEAKER_00: Worry about yourself, find someone else to talk to.
• 17:21
  SPEAKER_00: You know, it's it's okay if someone doesn't want to talk to you or doesn't want to do any cross promotions with you because someone out there does, and you would be better off finding the person that wants to and will put effort into it than someone that doesn't.
• 17:37
  SPEAKER_00: Uh, another thing that I hear about my clients say, like, I'm just so busy.
• 17:42
  SPEAKER_00: How do you get how do you you know fit time in for this?
• 17:45
  SPEAKER_00: Well, I make time, like I carve out time.
• 17:47
  SPEAKER_00: Like I know I will go to at least one event per week.
• 17:51
  SPEAKER_00: So I might have a specific half day because I know that afternoon is always some type of networking event somewhere.
• 17:59
  SPEAKER_00: So I will make sure I always keep that open and I'll pre-schedule them too as far as I can.
• 18:04
  SPEAKER_00: Because a lot of the like the Chamber of Commerce events, you can like pre-book those out.
• 18:08
  SPEAKER_00: And that way you know, and it's already on your schedule.
• 18:11
  SPEAKER_00: So look at it too as like not optional.
• 18:14
  SPEAKER_00: You know, you're looking at your schedule for the week and you're like, well, I could just skip that networking event.
• 18:19
  SPEAKER_00: No, that's part of building a business, that's part of work.
• 18:23
  SPEAKER_00: Like you're gonna keep that.
• 18:25
  SPEAKER_00: Um, you know, unless of course it's a family emergency and your kids are sick, but don't skip that just because you're quote, tired or you've had a long week.
• 18:35
  SPEAKER_00: Um, so a little recap, you know, get out there, go to the events or make the events.
• 18:42
  SPEAKER_00: Uh, try to follow up with people, take notes on them, always be a resource for other people and how you can help them because what goes around comes around and it will come back to you.
• 18:52
  SPEAKER_00: Maybe not that exact night, but don't go into those networkings thinking that you're gonna get new sales or business that exact night.
• 19:00
  SPEAKER_00: It takes time.
• 19:01
  SPEAKER_00: So, just like every good thing in life, it takes time.
• 19:05
  SPEAKER_00: So, if I could challenge you, I would challenge you to find a local networking event this month that you've never been to before and kind of branch out because being uncomfortable can be a good thing for you.
• 19:18
  SPEAKER_00: I mean, how many of us have been in an uncomfortable situation and then it worked out amazing?
• 19:23
  SPEAKER_00: And you're like, oh, I wish I would have done that sooner.
• 19:26
  SPEAKER_00: I know we all have felt that way.
• 19:29
  SPEAKER_00: So watch on social media for any events, um, help share other people's events, you know, and then um let me know what you think about this.
• 19:39
  SPEAKER_00: And if you've done this or what's worked for you, you can always um leave me a comment or message me on um Instagram, Hillary Hushour Jones on Facebook, and would love to keep in touch.
• 19:52
  SPEAKER_00: So get out there, get net networking, be a bougie, multipreneur, multi millionaire, do what you want and make that money.