Event Review: Proof Vodka Bar

       Saturday August 19th

  It was an awesome Saturday evening to check out Frank Vicich Toronto Social Mixer at the Proof Vodka Bar on Bloor and St.George

   Being a master networker is much fun!

   It's always a great experience to walk in room and meet new people. This evening was going to be awesome to speak and learn from awesome professionals and entrepreneurs

    Going into an enviroment to learn about people and what motivates them to do their business has been a exciting part of my journey of networking all over North America.

                                                Can I have your card?

  My favourite statement that I love to hear is.. "Can I have your card?"   The reason is I have made an impact with my words, stories that they are interested in learning more!

  Years ago I used to force my card on everyone. They call it "pray and spray" in the networking world.

    Moral of this story. Be that person that they ask you for your card! 

                                      

New Connections, Referrals and surprises!

   It has been interesting few weeks. I have shared for many years on the  power of having a business card (info card) is extremely important in your journey of success. Below are few stories to illustrate this.

    I have received a call from local college regarding speaking on Networking and Social Media in June at the their campus. I ask her how she got my contacts, she said that a colleague had shared my business card!

   Few days after I was attending an open mic event in Mississauga when I got a call from someone who was interested in what I do. They had one of my original cards from  2003!

    I spoke to him the next day and I ask him why he had kept the card, he said " you never throw out business cards" He could have easily could have made connection request on LinkedIn or Facebook.

  Yet he decided to pick up the phone and call! We had great conversation on Business, Life and Success

  That same night I was talking to J Brett Abbey from Message Masters and we had both spoke at Happen a local group that assist professionals in transition, I had been interested in returning and speaking to the group, I had sent the organizer a few emails in last few months.

     The next morning guess what happened? The organizer called to see if I was available to speak this month!

       You have the same opportunity to go out network, grow you connections and make a great impression!

    

April 2014 Virtual Summit with Public Speakers Association; Jim Pagiamtzis sharing online and offline strategies

 

 

April 2014 Virtual Summit!

with Public Speakers Association

   Jim Pagiamtzis
  “Power of Networking and effective strategies to follow-up”

  - How to network effectively using the PAR Strategy
  - Importance of following up
  - Tool to use to online and offline that work!
 
Listen to audio

 Jim Pagiamtzis is Founder of 21 Connections
 Visit 21 Connections
 Jim Pagiamtzis: Speaker

Power of Team Networking

It was an interesting day at the Small Business Forum on Oct 23^rd at the Metro Convention Centre.  There was a main stage of speakers and panel experts sharing their insight on business, life and success.

There were exhibitors from all areas from of business. I had great conversations with friends who had attended the event. 

It was great to network with attendees and exhibitors, great way to seek new business opportunities

Tom Kaufmann, Sales Trainer and Cold Calling specialist, joined me as we took a tour of the exhibitors at the event. Three strategies were applied.

1^st Ask questions

We asked numerous questions about the organization and what they did. This helped us understand their business, and what’s their value proposition was. 

2^nd  Listening

Actively listening and engaging in conversation with value added information.

3^rd  Business card exchange

If there was an opportunity to exchange services, we did exchange business cards.

Within 45 minutes we both walked away with 2 paid speaking leads and 2 opportunities to write articles for online websites that have high traffic.

Many attendees had approached me throughout the day stating that it wasn’t a great day. I shared them my results and they were impressed. I told them it’s about  “quality not quantity”

Moral of the story

Going to industry events is about ask questions, listening and understanding what value you bring to the conversation.

Tom Kuafmann experience

The biggest thing I have learned in attending these type of shows is not to judge an opportunity by their booth. Approach and ask questions. This allows them to speak and tell you all about their business. They will, if they are smart, ask you about your business. Now you have increased your branding and made a business friend/contact.

Do not approach a stranger you wish to speak to by being a walking – talking commercial. You all know what we do at home with commercials!

People you meet at a trade show will rarely present themselves as an immediate opportunity for business. Make a friend first – then later on, potentially make a sale. Make them want to know you better by listening to their needs, or maybe even, a colleagues needs that you can address at a later date. That way everybody wins.

Entrepreneur Club with a big surprise!

     It was awesome Friday afternoon at Chalker Pub and Bistro for the Entrepreneur club hosted by Steve Flemming of the Soul City Social Group.

   We had an amazing discussion on challenges and opportunities entrepreneur have to grow their business from networking, prospecting and sales.  Attendees had the opportunity to address the audience on what they do and challenges they face, in return they offered there feedback and suggestions. (even yours truly got up to participate, I know you not surprised!)

  There were also two coaches available to do complimentary one-on-one session. Frank Mahoney, Speaker, Author and Coach and Peira Bonventre. Many attendees participated in the session.

   Near the end of the event I got approached by an attendee who ask me "Do you remember me?"

  I responded " I get that a lot (LOL) I have spoken to thousand of people in five years so you have to refresh my memory please?"

  I had done a 4 week training programs two years ago at the Wellesly Community Centre for youth who interested in entrepreneurship. Shared insight on networking, business planning, mentoring and sales strategies.

   Sean Fletcher had attended all the session and he shared with me that he had an idea to start a clothing line and he had done it!  I was so excited I hugged him!  He actually gave me a shirt as a Thank you for inspiring him to go for his dream. (Third picture down)

   It was such an interesting and inspiring afternoon to be around amazing entrepreneur who are passionate and drive to grow their business.

  Moral of the Story. Attend events in your area, you many meet someone who have inspired to achieve their dream!

                                               Steve Flemming listening to Felicia Weinstein share.



                                           

                                            Erik Swan and Jim Pagiamtzis give event thumbs up!


                                                       

                                                 Sean Fletcher and Jim Pagiamtzis with Ace1shirt


                                               

                                                      Ace1One business card (front)

                                                 

                                                  Ace1One business card (back)
                                         
For more information on Steve Flemming group and future events check out links below

Entrepreneur Club events