Building Bridges - The Importance of Being Connected Where You Live

As a Young Professional (YP) in the up-and-coming city of Milwaukee, WI, I can tell you that it's very important to find a way to get connected in your city. It's important because in order to make a difference, you need to know who those difference makers are. To influence, you must know who holds the influence. Remember, there is influence in numbers, so you'll need to get connected with others that are like you. YP groups are sprouting up all over the country, none better than Milwaukee's own Young Professionals of Milwaukee (YPM).

I am an active member of YPM, and I can tell you that the biggest reason for our success is we offer something for everyone, and we are inclusive rather than exclusive. This is especially vital if you're looking to build a diverse group of like-minded individuals. We offer social events, cultural events at the art museum, independent film screenings, cafe style discussions about important issues facing YPs, opportunities to get involved with non-profits and behind-the-scenes looks at things nobody else has access to. So no matter what your interest, if you want to make a difference, YPM is a group that can help you get connected to the right people, not only people your own age but politicians and other high-ranking city officials who want to attract and retain top talent.

So now you know why a YP would want to connect with a group of like-minded individuals, but what happens if you don't have an organization like this in your town? Well for starters, talk to others at your place of business your age and mentality and see if they're interested in getting together after work. Touch bases with a few others you know at church, at the library, or elsewhere in your inner circle, and you'll quickly be able to grow to 30-50 individuals. Spend some time with the senior members of your company and show them the value in these groups, as evidenced by the Hot Jobs - Cool Communities reports Next Generation Consulting puts out every year, or buy an influential leader a copy of Richard Florida's great book The Rise of the Creative Class, after reading it yourself, of course. Partner with your local chamber of commerce if at all possible, or see if a few companies are willing to offer some funding for at least a few years until you can become self-sustaining. If you can demonstrate an ROI, chances are you can sell the idea to upper management.

Associates are less likely to leave where they feel connected and engaged, and connecting and engaging your associates with other like-minded individuals is the easiest way to keep them around. Additionally, these associates are more likely to get involved in the community they live and will make your company look good by doing good around town.

In conclusion, connections are good for the associate, good for the company, and good for the community, which is ultimately good for the dollars and cents on the bottom line. With a little luck, you might start something great and turn your city into the next Milwaukee, a great city by a great lake!

Phil Gerbyshak leads a team of people as manager of an IT Help Desk in Milwaukee, WI, and finds that sharing his knowledge is a crucial component for success as a leader and as a person. Phil's personal philosophy is paraphrased from Tim Sanders' fantastic book Love is the Killer App: "Share your knowledge, your network, and your love. The rest will follow." Feel free to contact Phil at http://makeitgreat.org or call 414.640.7445 anytime.

---

Giving Referrals to Get Referrals

One of the best ways to get a referral is to give a referral. When you give someone a referral, they are forever grateful and will feel obligated to return the favor.Before you... Read More

Real Business Networking Doesnt Happen at Networking Events

Real networking isn't about handing out business cards at a networking event, or seeing how many you can collect before the event is over. Real networking is about relationships that, when cultivated properly,... Read More

Five Steps for Expanding Your Customer Base with Guerilla Networking

As a single company, it is impossible to provide your customers with all the services they desire for every aspect of their life; but with guerilla marketing, you can come close. By partnering... Read More

Land the Ideal Job Using Social Networks

With at least 60% of job-seekers finding employment through networking, it's no wonder that people are turning to their colleagues and acquaintances for advice and help in finding employment. The old adage, "It's... Read More

Powerful Networking: Focus on Building Connections, Not Closing Sales

You can find numerous references in the business literature about the importance of a company's mission. These sources emphasize that the mission is not to make a profit; that a profit is the... Read More

Five Stumbling Blocks To Successful Networking And How To Overcome Them

The ability to connect with people is essential to success in any business. Professional networking events present opportunities to interact with others on a personal level and to develop profitable relationships. These occasions... Read More

The Foundation of Networking: Its Not Rocket Science

Commandment 1LoveWhen we choose to simply love, our giving and receiving becomes unconditional. We can listen and not be caught up in the vicious cycle of judgment.We can also watch people and suspend... Read More

How to Gain Maximum Value from Your Networking Time

One of the best ways to get business is through networking. That's what the majority of people I speak to tell me. So what is networking, what makes it so invaluable to its... Read More

10 Effective Ways to Remember Names

Sigmund Freud says "a person's name is the single context of human memory most apt to be forgotten." Feelings of embarrassment and social ineptitude are conveyed through this forgetfulness, and unfortunately, the problem... Read More

Jump Start Your Network

Networking is often identified as a key business building activity for small business owners, especially those just getting started. Often we think of networking as meeting as many new people as possible. However... Read More

Networking Know How

Networking, even to a seasoned professional, can seem intimidating or scary at times. The reason for this is due to the fact, that networking can be positive or negative! We don't often think... Read More

Test Your Networking Know-How

Let's test your knowledge on networking:1)The best definition of networking is: a) Schmoozing at meetings and events b) The solicitation of funds c) Building and maintaining mutually beneficial relationships d) Marketing... Read More

Time to Hire a Professional Networker?

It used to be that people said that there was 6 degrees of separation between everyone. Many people know that Kevin Bacon game that people play to prove it. They name a film... Read More

Which Networking Events Should You Attend?

How does one determine which are the best events to attend based on one's best customer?Customers are not a dime a dozen, especially in today's economy. So it is best to follow the... Read More

Ask for Referrals: And Get the Answer You Want!

Why are people scared to ask for a referral? Is it the fear of rejection, or do they think that it will annoy their client. If you have been giving 100% to your... Read More

Sticky Situations: Nametag Best Practices

Because a person's name is the single context of human memory most apt to be forgotten; because self-disclosure is the single most effective way to build rapport and connect with people you just... Read More

Effective Business Networking: 5 Tips For Mastering The Art of Networking

The heart of any business is the connection it has with other businesses and individuals that it can call upon to help meet its needs. Networking - any activity designed to create, maintain... Read More

Networking for Wallflowers: How to Profit from Getting into the Crowd

The two most common complaints about networking are: 1) I never meet people I can do business with and 2) I am always so uncomfortable going to networking events. These two complaints are... Read More

Savvy Networking: Grow Your Business and Your Career

Did you know that contacts are the bread of career life? In times of change, information and relationships are a source of power. Savvy networking will help you to tap into this power... Read More

3 Reasons to Join a Group

Defining your purpose for joining a group.When you make the decision to join a group, you should make sure that you have a clear understanding of what you would like to gain from... Read More

62 Ways to MAXIMIZE Your Approachability

If you walk into your local bookstore and pick up any random title on interpersonal communication, the majority of the books will simply remind you to "always be approachable."Wow, you think, thanks for... Read More

Develop a Great Network - Pay It Forward for Maximum Success

Who needs a network of people to talk to about the struggles you're encountering in your profession? You do! The more people you have in your personal network, the more people that can... Read More

How to Find Participants for a Trial Run

Why is a network meeting the best place to get participants for a trial run?We talked about taking a booth at a networking event, or at least sharing a booth. The booth has... Read More

Power Networking: Getting Your Name Out There!

Today's economy presents some very special challenges to people who are unemployed, underemployed, or who are simply trying to give their own business venture a shot in the arm. At times, the job... Read More

How to Organize a Successful Bad Sweater Party

"Hey Scott, would you like to go to a Bad Sweater Party this weekend?""A what party?!" I said."A Bad Sweater Party. Wait a minute?you mean to tell me you've never been to a... Read More

What Has Networking Got To Do With Joint Ventures?

What has networking got to do with joint ventures? "PLENTY" is the short answer to this question.Networking is a very important element of joint venture marketing because the more you network, the more... Read More

Lessons from the Wedding Mafia

One of my clients shared a story with me from his networking group, a chapter of BNI. Ivan Misner, the creator of BNI talks about what he calls "contact spheres".Here's how it works:... Read More

Value-Added Network

A value-added network can be achieved through explicit actions to develop, expand, and promote trusted relationships. One successful example is Thomas Powers, the founder and chairman of ecademy, one of the largest UK-based... Read More

Networking in the Business world

Why is it so important to network with other people when owning a business? Because without building those key relationships our businesses won't grow. See, most of our businesses require referrals to generate... Read More