Category Archives: Business Networking Tips

Celebrate Your Victories

Kevin Willett says it’s OK to applaud your accomplishments without sounding like a braggart.

Last week I learned that the cable TV show I host won a local award for best talk show. I was excited and happy of course and wanted to tell everyone. But I paused and I have to admit, I was reluctant at first to share it on social media because I didn’t want people to think I was bragging about it.

However, when I thought about it, I realized I am proud that the show won an award, and happy for the all the businesses and non profits I am able to help by having them as guests on the show. Why shouldn’t I announce it to make other people aware of the show so that I can help them too?

I see this happen a lot with my friends. They are often reluctant to celebrate their victories because they don’t want people to think they are bragging or they don’t want to make their friends in business feel bad.

I believe that as long as you are tactful about it there is nothing wrong with celebrating your victories.

Watch my YouTube Channel for more on this Business Networking Tip

Kevin Willett is the Author of One Connection How you can grow your business  (and change the world) one connection at a time. The business networking book is available on Amazon. Purchase One Connection on Amazon

Kevin is also the CEO of the Friends of Kevin Networking Group  and the New England B2B Networking Group. Please connect with him on social media to hear about his upcoming business networking events.

Ask Open-Ended Questions

Kevin Willett says this is a great way to chat with someone who is not comfortable with small talk.

Many people don’t like to network because they’re just not comfortable with small talk. We’ve all had those painful conversations where we exchange one-word answers. When I’m talking with someone, I always try to find at least one question that will make the person smile and open up to me.

Let me give you an example. I was talking with a CPA at a networking event and, my friends, it was painful. I asked him three questions and he answered each with only one or two words. So finally, I asked him if he ever uncovered anyone stealing. Oh my God, his eyes almost jumped out his head and he went into this rather long and involved story about how he figured out a bookkeeper had been stealing money for years from her employer. I’ve been friends with him ever since, because I invested the time to connect with him. I could have just walked away, saying to myself, this guy has no personality. But I would have missed an opportunity to make a great friendship. So when you meet people, ask yourself one question: What would be important to this person? Then ask them about that. If you’re not sure what to ask, simply ask what they feel is their biggest accomplishment. You’ll learn a lot about someone from the answer.

Watch my YouTube Channel for more on this Business Networking Tip

Kevin Willett is the Author of One Connection How you can grow your business  (and change the world) one connection at a time. The business networking book is available on Amazon. Purchase One Connection on Amazon

Kevin is also the CEO of the Friends of Kevin Networking Group  and the New England B2B Networking Group. Please connect with him on social media to hear about his upcoming business networking events.

Use the Buddy Plan

Kevin Willett says you can always get by with a little help from your friends at a networking event.

A client told me that she struggles with networking events, because she has a hard time walking up to people she doesn’t know and introducing herself. So I suggested she use what I call “The Buddy Plan” and go with a friend. This can be a great way to feel comfortable at an event. When you do this, it can be tempting to just stand together all night in the corner. That’s not networking! You have to mix and mingle with others. So if you’re shy, try not to go with someone who’s as shy as you.

I personally like to go to events with my friends and spend the whole night introducing them around. My friends are always extremely appreciative. I always smile because I also receive a lot of benefits from helping. First, my friends are thankful, and second, I get a chance to meet more people who think I’m a nice guy for helping my friends. Typically, when I’m at an event, people will ask me if I can introduce them too, so I’m often helping two or three people at each event.

If you don’t have a buddy, call or email the host and ask if he or she knows anyone who can help. Most groups can pair you with one of their regulars to introduce you around. If you come to one of my events, just come over and stand next to me and I’ll take care of you for the event.

Watch my YouTube Channel for more on this Business Networking Tip

Kevin Willett is the Author of One Connection How you can grow your business  (and change the world) one connection at a time. The business networking book is available on Amazon. Purchase One Connection on Amazon

Kevin is also the CEO of the Friends of Kevin Networking Group  and the New England B2B Networking Group. Please connect with him on social media to hear about his upcoming business networking events.

Are You Settling?

Kevin Willett explains why you should never settle for less than 100% of your goals.

This morning I was reviewing the registration page for my event tonight and I saw that 28 people had registered. My registration goal for events is 30 people. I started to say to myself ‘well that’s close enough’ but I caught myself and said no it’s not. As a business owner it is a horrible idea to settle for less than your goal, even if it is just a small amount. Once you do, it’s easy to keep settling for less and soon it will have a negative impact on your business.

If I was being honest with myself, I would have realized that I was being lazy and I didn’t want to put in the work to find two more people to attend. There is never an excuse for being lazy and not working hard enough to reach your goals. So please don’t settle for less because that is exactly what you will get.

Watch my YouTube Channel for more on this Business Networking Tip

Kevin Willett is the Author of One Connection How you can grow your business  (and change the world) one connection at a time. The business networking book is available on Amazon. Purchase One Connection on Amazon

Kevin is also the CEO of the Friends of Kevin Networking Group  and the New England B2B Networking Group. Please connect with him on social media to hear about his upcoming business networking events.

Shine Your Shoes

Kevin Willett explains how details in appearance can matter.

Last week I was out at a business networking event and noticed my shoe was untied. When I bent over to tie it, I saw that I had a big stain on it. I have to be honest; this upset me, because I believe that your shoes represent your attention to detail. If your shoes are scuffed up then you are probably not a cross your T’s and dot your I’s type of person. It shows you may pay no attention to minor details, and this might include minor details in business matters which can cause problems. You don’t want to present yourself as sloppy or indifferent, so before you head out to your next event, take five minutes to shine your shoes. It may make a difference on how people perceive you.

Watch my YouTube Channel for more on this Business Networking Tip

Kevin Willett is the Author of One Connection How you can grow your business  (and change the world) one connection at a time. The business networking book is available on Amazon. Purchase One Connection on Amazon

Kevin is also the CEO of the Friends of Kevin Networking Group  and the New England B2B Networking Group. Please connect with him on social media to hear about his upcoming business networking events.

Don’t Dismiss What You Don’t Use

Kevin Willett explains how you may be missing business opportunities.

A few weeks ago one of the guests on my cable TV show jokingly said that this is a great way to get her group’s name out to the four people watching. When she said it I cringed and she realized that she just insulted me and my show. Now insulting someone who is taking time out of their day to interview you is never a great idea, regardless of how many people are watching or listening, but I know she didn’t mean to insult me so I just laughed and said you may be surprised at who is watching.

I see this happen all the time. People are real quick to dismiss local cable TV, local radio, and hyper local focused town newspapers. Just because they don’t watch, listen or read them, they assume nobody else does. My friends, first I think you are wrong but more importantly; you are taking the wrong approach. The question you should be asking yourself is do my clients use any of these? In most cases the answer is yes, so you should have a presence in these places, if not you are missing out on an opportunity to grow your business.

Watch my YouTube Channel for more on this Business Networking Tip

Kevin Willett is the Author of One Connection How you can grow your business  (and change the world) one connection at a time. The business networking book is available on Amazon. Purchase One Connection on Amazon

Kevin is also the CEO of the Friends of Kevin Networking Group  and the New England B2B Networking Group. Please connect with him on social media to hear about his upcoming business networking events.

Sometimes Life is Unfair

Kevin Willett says sometimes you have to accept things that seem unfair and move on.

Last week I met a person at one of my networking events that expressed an interest in becoming a client. As a sign of good faith I introduced them to a great referral partner who has already agreed to work with them.

When I met up with them for lunch a week later, I was hopeful that they would sign on as a client because I felt I had already proven that I could help them. However, they spent the entire lunch flip flopping between joining and not joining. I have to be honest I wanted to scream “are you serious! The one partnership I already helped you obtain will more than pay for your membership!” But I didn’t because I realized that if I have to tell them that, then they probably are not the company I thought they were, and they won’t be a great client.

It can be really hard when you find yourself in situations like this to not let it bring you down. Try and remember all the times when a scenario like this turned out the opposite way and you got a great client out of it. You just have to acknowledge that life is unfair sometimes and move on.

Watch my YouTube Channel for more on this Business Networking Tip

Kevin Willett is the Author of One Connection How you can grow your business  (and change the world) one connection at a time. The business networking book is available on Amazon. Purchase One Connection on Amazon

Kevin is also the CEO of the Friends of Kevin Networking Group  and the New England B2B Networking Group. Please connect with him on social media to hear about his upcoming business networking events.

No Sex, Religion, or Politics Please

Kevin Willett explains why it is best not to discuss certain topics at Networking Events

A newcomer to one of my networking events handed me his phone as soon as he walked in so I could read a dirty joke off of it. Now that is not the way to make a great first impression. My friends, we all have our views, but if you’re at a business networking event, please keep them to yourself. Two guys at a recent event were arguing over a political issue to the point I had to ask them to stop. What do you think the other people in the room thought of them? Is that the image they were hoping for? Probably not. I’ve seen so many people lose business over their political views. Is it really that important to you? Please don’t offend anyone by making fun of their viewpoints or arguing with them.

Watch my YouTube Channel for more on this Business Networking Tip

Kevin Willett is the Author of One Connection How you can grow your business  (and change the world) one connection at a time. The business networking book is available on Amazon. Purchase One Connection on Amazon

Kevin is also the CEO of the Friends of Kevin Networking Group  and the New England B2B Networking Group. Please connect with him on social media to hear about his upcoming business networking events.

Asking For Referrals

Kevin Willett explains why you should always ask clients for referrals to help grow your business.

Don’t be shy about asking for referrals. If you have clients who are happy with your work, ask them to introduce you to their friends who may need your services. I can often be shy about asking for referrals. But think about it. If I meet you, of course I’m going to tell you my networking group is great. What am I supposed to tell you, that it stinks? It’s so much more powerful when members of my group tell you that it’s great. Eighty-five percent of my clients come from referrals from existing clients. Now do you understand why you should ask your clients for referrals?

Watch my YouTube Channel for more on this Business Networking Tip

Kevin Willett is the Author of One Connection How you can grow your business  (and change the world) one connection at a time. The business networking book is available on Amazon. Purchase One Connection on Amazon

Kevin is also the CEO of the Friends of Kevin Networking Group  and the New England B2B Networking Group. Please connect with him on social media to hear about his upcoming business networking events.

Hello Stranger Can You Endorse Me on LinkedIn?

Kevin Willett explains why he is leery of endorsements found on LinkedIn

Last week I received an email from one of my LinkedIn connections asking me to endorse him for five skills on LinkedIn. He said that I would be doing him a really big favor by helping him out. When I read the email, I started cracking up. How is this helping him out? It may make him look cool with a bunch of endorsements, but how do I know they are true?

Now this is why I believe LinkedIn endorsements provide very little value. Think about this with me for a moment. When someone endorses you on LinkedIn what do you do? If you are like most of us you endorse them back because it seems like the polite thing to do. Now, if we start endorsing people that we don’t know for skills we are not sure they have, how does that provide any value to anyone?

Maybe I am in the minority on this, but I have never gone on LinkedIn when I needed a certain skill set, to see who has the most endorsements and then called them to do the job for me. So in the end I have found endorsements to be more of a popularity contest.

Please don’t randomly endorse someone hoping they will endorse you back. Definitely don’t ask people to endorse you for certain skills of your choosing. These things defeat the whole purpose of the program.

Watch my YouTube Channel for more on this Business Networking Tip

Kevin Willett is the Author of One Connection How you can grow your business  (and change the world) one connection at a time. The business networking book is available on Amazon. Purchase One Connection on Amazon

Kevin is also the CEO of the Friends of Kevin Networking Group  and the New England B2B Networking Group. Please connect with him on social media to hear about his upcoming business networking events.