CONNECTIONS

Although we’ve slowed the publication dates a little, we’re rolling along smoothly with this, the sixth issue of Connections. This time around, I’d like to begin with a story – a short, but very compelling one for all you entrepreneurs (and soon-to-be or on-the-fence entrepreneurs, as well) out there.

A little while ago, I was sitting in the audience at the Westlake Village/Thousand Oaks’ monthly Chamber of Commerce Breakfast. I attend these pretty regularly and am convinced that they constitute a networking opportunity preferable to the various evening mixers sponsored by the chamber. This is, of course, my opinion. You are free to disagree, as always.

The speaker was Dave Weddle, Co-founder of YouSeeNow.com a business video network that creates high density video commercials for business owners and markets them to their target audiences. Great idea, really.

Dave had a lot of good advice for self-marketers out there and I was taking copious notes. About a 1/3 of the way into his presentation, Dave mentioned me as the guy you’d talk to when you need written website content, or a newsletter or an article for your promotional efforts. Actually he said the name “Scot” and looked in my direction, at which point I literally looked behind me to see who he was talking about.

I didn’t know the guy…at least I thought I didn’t. The wheels started to turn…Is he a friend of a friend? Someone I worked with in corporate way back when? A newfound member of the lost tribe of Simmons?

While I was racking my brain, Dave mentioned my name again to a woman in the audience who had asked the question “How do you find a PR company who will actually deliver on its promises?”

Dave replied that “Scot could probably help with that question.” I was stunned. Pleasantly stunned, mind you, but stunned nonetheless. After sliding my business card to the woman with the question, I turned back to Dave and the wheels continued.

Well, Dave finished his presentation and started packing up. I approached him and said something like “Thank you. Who are you?”

He replied, “We met briefly at a breakfast awhile ago. But I know you from Connections. I read every issue.”

Connections connected with him and he connected back with me…along with everyone else in that audience. I got five solid referrals as a result of Dave’s presentation.

The message here? It works. It works. It works.

Enjoy this issue.
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From the “While I’m in the Neighborhood” Department: Networking can be invaluable to entrepreneurs – veteran and neophyte alike – in today’s less than supportive economy. Misery does love company, but beyond that, misery is also in search of someone to trust and learn from and refer to. The Infinite Success Network (see ad, this issue) is a non-affiliated, non-exclusive networking group created from the belief that relationships are the key to success in any economy. Each week, ISN members gather for breakfast and a sharing of business ideas, insights, concerns – and a few referrals, too. Might be just what you’re looking for.

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A SPECIAL CONNECTIONS THANKS to contributor Barry Ridge for his insights and suggestions for improvement. Congratulations are also in order, because Barry has successfully achieved the next level with his Connections articles – inclusion in a host of local news and business publications. Herein lies the true beauty of contributing. Once you have an article, that article has an extended publication potential that can easily and effectively double your ROI.
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Connect with us. Join those who have already embraced the value-added benefits of contributing to Connections. Join the readers who appreciate the profound difference between us and all those other half-baked ezine pubs out there. We welcome your input and participation. All inquiries will be answered. And before you take a look at Issue 6, take a look at this:

Bottom Line Connections Advice Gem #847: Shaking hands burns 20 calories. You could do worse than lose a few pounds that way.

…Scot Simmons, Editor
CONNECTIONS

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