The Professional Networker, Inc. Newsletter

January 8,  2007

Dear Member,

"The timeliness and improved communication are breathtaking - and so is the return on investment." Jim Barksdale

Welcome to 2007.

Have you worked on your Networking Plan?

Have you looked at your ROI from last years events to determine if you spent your money and more importantly, your time in the right places?

Do you have a plan in place for expanding your circle of influence - to meet new people - to add to your referral base?

Do you have plans to improve your communication skills including asking the right questions, but more importantly - LISTENING to the answers and remembering those answers.

You have a business plan. You have a marketing plan. You should have a networking plan. This year The Professional Networker is going to help everyone get more exposure for their business and practice the skills of Relationship Networking by using the website in new, dynamic ways.

We hope that 2007 becomes a year of constant growth for your referral business and that the ROI for your networking efforts is off the charts.

 I would like to thank Jonathan Roob of Jonathan's, Inc. for my new head shots, and many of the action shots you will be seeing on the website, the blog, and the newsletters. He did a wonderful job with my family photos and at my events. Jonathan - you are a genius. Thank you.

Finally, today is my parents (Ralph and Teme Tash) 57th Wedding Anniversary. I wish to publicly congratulate them on 57 years together (I can't make it past 7) and wish them 57 more. I love you both.

Sharan Tash

Expand The Events You Are Looking At On The Website

Who is your ideal client? Everyone has someone they really enjoy working with. This ideal client has a personality, a career, a communication style, all these unique characteristics. What are they? Write them down. Now, think about where this A+ client networks within their career. Are they a human resource professional for example? Maybe you should attend events that are being held by human resource groups so you can meet other potential A+ clients?

Challenge to You: Look at the calendar for the months and see what NEW Associations and groups you should attend to test new waters. It takes some work on your part to determine where your current clients congregate, but it could be worth its weight in gold. Here are some events that will be occuring within the next two weeks. Be sure and call the organization before attending to be sure the time or location has not changed.

CEC - Accelerator Seminar Series - 1/9
Dale Carnegie - Taking It Up A Notch In 2007 - 1/10
CIMA - 2007 CIMA Kick-off Social - 1/11
NAWBO - Progressive "Business Issues" Dinner - 1/11
NAWBO - Prospective Member Breakfast - 1/12
Second Saturday Divorce Support Group - 1/13
Downers Grove Chamber - Progressive Luncheon - 1/16
NAWBO - Connecting Points - 1/17
EWN - 2007 Kickoff & Bring a Guest Event! - 1/18
Networking For Professionals - CHICAGO SHAKERS AND STIRRERS - 1/18
NSA-IL - Fabulous Fridays - 1/19

Interactive E-Directory and Advertising

Chad Coe (on the left) of Coe Financial and Kurt Schroeder (on the right) of I Know Tek were two of the participants at the last "Powerful Conversations - Powerful Connections". Kurt and his wife Kris have been the designers and builders of The Professional Networker Website and dear friends since its' inception in March 2005. They have been VERY busy with the next phase of the website which will benefit everyone.

The Professional Networker E- Directory.

The E-Directory is coming this month.

What is the E- Directory? It is an opportunity for members only, to advertise on the web. Although the directory is only available for members to advertise, the directory itself will be available for everyone to see. It will be:

• Industry specific
• Zip code specific up to all of Chicagoland
• Link to your website (Platinum only)
• Coupon Offering (Platinum only)
• 50 word description of your business (Platinum only)
• Testimonial Page (Platinum only)
• E-Directory link on home page and calendar page
• You upload and make changes to your ad as needed Starting at $120/year

We are also offering members the opportunity to place Ad Box advertising on the home page and calendar page on a monthly basis as well as sponsor a newsletter. If you would like more information about these wonderful opportunities, please contact Sharan for the Ad Rate sheet.

We Are Making It More Personal

The Professional Networker website is becoming even more interactive soon. We already have the blog where you can read and interact with other members. You have asked for more, and therefore Kris and Kurt are working on a new Bulletin Board feature. You, as members, will be able to post issues and solutions to help other members with networking events and answers to questions.

Ask Sharan - The Professional Networker

Do you have a question about Relationship Networking that you would like answered? I am collecting questions that I will answer in future newsletters and blog posts. Please send me your questions and check back for the answers.