How to Build a Powerful Network in 2009

NETWORKING EXPERT, HANK BLANK, OFFERS TIPS ON HOW TO BUILD A POWERFUL NETWORK IN 2009

Networking Speaker suggests simple but effective tips on how to be a better networker in tough economic times

Laguna Niguel, CA, December 29th- Networking Speaker, Hank Blank, http://www.hankblank.com is well recognized as an expert on building successful careers and business through the power of Networking. Hank Blank has spoken to countless companies, organizations and colleges throughout the country. www.hankblank.com/networkingseminars

Networking is a very powerful and affordable way for an individual to market themselves. Seventy five percent of all jobs are found through networking and 75% of all business deals come from networking yet most people have no clue on how to network.

Hank feels that most people have no clue on how to network. “Most people think that going to a networking event and hanging around the bar with a buddy and talking to people they know is networking and it has got nothing to do with networking. It’s socializing. Networking is engaging and talking to strangers to expand your field of contacts,” said Blank.

The other common pitfalls of networking are showing up without your business cards or keeping one or two in your wallet or pursue instead of your hand. Also not knowing your elevator speech or showing up five minutes before the event or sitting with your friends. All of these diminish your networking effectiveness.

The other pitfall of networking is being Mr Martini Man or Ms Martini Man. That’s the person who is overly aggressive and immediately asking for the order. “They say things like I would love to work with you,” says Blank. “Why would I want to work with strangers?”

“Effective networking is about less of you and more about helping the other people that you meet first. A lot of people think that is counter intuitive or contradictory. My philosophy in my presentation is how to get more by asking for less and doing more for others,” said Blank.

Effective networking isn’t about going to an event as much as a way of life. “People think California is an impersonal place yet I live a Norman Rockwell life because I try to be engaged with people all the time. If you want to be really good at something you have to practice it all the time. You can be another invisible person checking your crackberry at Starbucks or try to connect with the people around you and have a much richer and more connected life,” said Blank.

About Hank Blank and Blank and Associates

Blank and Associates provides a variety of Marketing Services for clients. Hank Blank is a well known networker in Southern California and has spoken to numerous companies and organizations on networking. To have Hank Blank speak to your company or organization on the power of networking or to buy his networking CD at a ridiculously low price of $37 e mail hank@hankblank.com or visit www.hankblank.com

New Holiday Networking Audio CD Available

Hope you are all well.  Recently released my Audio CD called “Hank Blank’s Guide to Holiday Networking.”  It is available now on my website at www.hankblank.com

I have used the Power of Networking to build my business for yeaars.

The CD outlines how a little Christmas Networking Cheer Can Lead to a Happy and Successful New Year.

The CD outlines why the holidays are a great time to network.

How to use the Holiday Period to Jump Start Your Career or Busienss for the Coming Year.

How to turn the Holiday Time into Business Success Time.

I also outline how to formulate an effective networking plan for the coming year.

Check it out at www.hankblank.com

Makes a great stocking stuffer.

How A Little Christmas Networking Cheer Can Lead to a Happy and Successful New Year

 NETWORKING EXPERT, HANK BLANK, OFFERS TIPS ON SUCCESFUL NETWORKING DURING THE HOLIDAYS

 

How a Little Christmas Networking Cheer Can Lead to a Happy and Successful New Year

 

Hank Blank runs a marketing services company providing advertising, public relations, interactive, brand development, agency new business development, agency reviews, and recruiting services for clients.

 

Hank is well known as a networking expert and uses the power of networking as his primary new business development tool.   Over 75% of all business comes from referrals or recommendations from one’s network.  Hank’s networking tips are available on audio CD on his site at www.hankblank.com . Hank’s tips can help sharpen your networking skills during the holiday period.

 

A few years ago, the local PRSA chapter reached out to him to speak on his approach to Networking.  That presentation blossomed into a variety of networking presentations including Networking Your Way to New Business.

 

Hank believes that many business people stop their networking activities during the holidays. Hank believes the holidays are an ideal time to network especially in these trying economic times. 

 

Hank believes that the holidays are a great way to jump start creating an effective networking plan for 2009.  Believe it or not, companies that have open job searches going like to close them out and start the New Year with a full team.

 

“There are more events during the holidays and it is easy to fill up your calendar with a variety of different networking opportunities,” said Blank.  “More people come out and more senior decision makers come out. The events are also entirely social events versus educational so they are all about networking. Also during the holidays, networking events often involve a charity so they are a great time to build your social currency.”

 

A majority of holiday events will also involve a significant other. “You may be a lousy networker but your significant other may be great at it so there are more touch points for you to develop upon,” said Blank. “People are more social, more receptive and more gregarious. This is a great time to form personal relationships because you have an opportunity to connect on what is important to them and not just business.”

 

“Hank advises that holiday time is not the time to pitch you and your services to total strangers. This isn’t the time to sell. This isn’t the time to tell them that your firm would be perfect for them. This isn’t the time to hand out resumes.  However, you should have 25 business cards in your hand and a pen to take down notes about what is personally important to the people you meet.  Then you can look at those cards now and in a year and the personal notes will help you remember with clarity who they were. Follow up promptly with an e-mail within 48 hours of the event to connect.

 

Most people are on an e-mail leash even during the holidays and are constantly checking their e- mails even when on vacation.  Senior people do check their e mails during the holiday times and have less e mails in their in box so there is a good chance they will notice yours and respond.

 

Overall, be aggressive about networking this holiday season and you will have a successful 2009,” said Blank.

 

About Hank Blank Inc

 

Hank Blank inspires Marketing solutions.  For savvy Marketers attempting to increase their Marketing ROI, Hank Blank is the Problem Solver that improves clients’ profitability because of his rich experience and vast networking connections.

 

For more information and to purchase his networking CD please visit www.hankblank.com or e-mail hank@hankblank.com.  It makes a terrific stocking stuffer.