Small Business Owners: Make These Best Practices Part of Your Daily Routine in 2021

Posted on April 25, 2021May 14, 2021 by Odette Fernandez

At the start of the year, it can be easy to focus solely on your goals. Whether you want to hit a sales milestone, launch a new product/service, or expand your business, you have likely become fixed on achieving whatever it is that you want to achieve.

While this is certainly admirable, this approach can cause you to quickly lose steam. More importantly, it can also cause you to lose track of daily best practices that can grow your small business for the long term.

No matter what your goals are for 2021, here are some of the best practices to implement in your daily routine this year.

Join the Utility Avenue community for opportunities to buy or sell services and turn your hobbies into profitable business ventures!

Network with local business owners and professionals.

In 2020, it became more difficult than ever before to network with colleagues and local business owners. As COVID-19 continues into 2021, networking opportunities still look different than they have in the past.

Networking can get your business noticed, help you share and exchange ideas, build long-term relationships, and build your self-confidence. In the long-run, it can even boost your sales. That is why it is crucial to continue meeting with others on a weekly basis in a virtual space. This can take the form of joining the local chamber of commerce, or a dedicated networking group. By making networking a habit, you can more easily reach your yearly goals and connect with others in the community.

Complete a financial health check-up.

Another essential best practice to adopt is routinely checking in with your business finances. From your invoicing practices to your corporate credit cards, this habit can save you hundreds — or possibly thousands — annually.

As you review your business finances, see if your bank is serving your current needs. For a more seamless accounting experience, finding a small business bank account that integrates with your payroll software ensures quicker payments. The best accounts will even offer free instant deposit, high-yield interest, and insights on your cash flow.

To get an in-depth assessment of your business’s financial health, consider working with a business consultant. You can find qualified business consultants through online job boards and review ratings, rates, and estimated delivery times.

Set work-life boundaries.

When examining business best practices, it may not seem as though your personal habits have any bearing. On the contrary, having solid work-life boundaries is essential for being a successful small business owner. These boundaries are becoming more popular in European countries and can make a world of difference in your personal and work life.

Although it can seem impossible at times, creating boundaries for you and your employees should be a best practice to embrace. Decide when you (and others) should be able to disconnect from work emails and phone calls, and how often personal time should be taken. Despite feeling counterintuitive to some, these actions can actually lead to increased on-the-job productivity.

Revisit your marketing strategy.

In today’s digital age, successful marketing strategies are anything but stagnant. With rules and algorithms for social media changing almost monthly, it is important to keep up with the latest changes.

Each quarter, make it a habit to check in on your marketing plan. Revisit your strategy to see what is working, and what needs a bit of tweaking. Change wording, images, and promotions to meet the needs of your audience in real-time. This best practice will ensure that you get the most out of your marketing budget and that your messages are timely and relevant.

Ensure that all software is up-to-date.

Lastly, routinely monitor all software on your computers, phones, and equipment. Complete recommended updates, and keep up-to-date on any antivirus programs that you’ve installed. While it seems simple, a weekly check of your software can save you time, effort, and money down the road.

As you decide which best practices work for your business, it can be helpful to create a checklist of habits that best suit your individual needs. This can also help you organize which tasks should be completed on a daily, weekly, monthly, or quarterly basis.

Original guest blog post written by Gloria Martinez, from WomenLed.Org

10 Great Articles About Becoming an Entrepreneur

Posted on March 7, 2021March 7, 2021 by Odette Fernandez

Our article Ten Reasons to Become an Entrepreneur has been the most read on our blog. We want to thank you for your support. The truth is that, at Utility Avenue, we want to help you become the best version of the business owner and entrepreneur you can be.

Today, we want to share ten great articles about becoming an entrepreneur. In this selection, you might find the motivation to push forward.

Take notes, and bookmark them for later. Come back to reread them when you need to.

The entrepreneurial path might be challenging, especially in times of Covid, but you got this.

1- “50 Signs You Might Be an Entrepreneur.”

Entrepreneurs and business owners have a certain kind of spirit and drive that keeps pushing them forward. Use this business article to find out if you possess the qualities of an entrepreneur yourself. In “50 Signs You Might Be an Entrepreneur,” John Rampton shares the signs that make you the perfect small business owner deep down inside.

2- “Richard Branson to Young Entrepreneurs: ‘Just Do It’”

If you have been thinking about launching a small business, this article will help you take the plunge. Richard Branson is incredibly inspiring to entrepreneurs who are looking to start young. In Oscar Raymundo’s Inc. article, Richard Branson explains why young wannabe entrepreneurs need to get over the inherent risk factor of starting a business. You can have a great business idea for years, weighing the pros and cons of creating it. According to Branson, you have to just do it. If you fail, you fail—and hopefully, you learned something valuable for your next business venture along the way. Feel the fear, but do it anyway. Stop overthinking and start working.

3- “The Psychological Price Of Entrepreneurship.”

The stress, worry, and fear that comes with being an entrepreneur can be very intense. Entrepreneur and investor Kumar Arora explains the psychological impact being an entrepreneur can have on a person from his first-hand experiences in his Forbes article “The Psychological Price Of Entrepreneurship.” Starting and running your own business can be an isolating and physically and mentally exhausting process. It is essential to keep your mental well-being in mind.

4-“CEOs Share Their Best Advice for College Graduates.”

This article shares some of the best advice CEOs had for college graduates. Nevertheless, most of it can also be applied to new entrepreneurs. Both recent grads and entrepreneurs are starting a new chapter in their careers, and the advice in “CEOs Share Their Best Advice for College Graduates” can be helpful to them both. The ability to listen, have patience, and be flexible were all traits CEOs highlighted in their advice to students.

5- “How to Hire the Right Person.”

Finding the right people can be challenging. Compiled from more than 500 interviews, the article “How to Hire the Right Person” by Adam Bryant of The New York Times brings together some of the best hiring advice from CEOs he’s interviewed. They advise walking candidates around, paying attention to what questions they ask, assigning them a take-home task, and more.

6- “A Study of 3,526 Companies Shows 1 Decision Makes Startups More Successful. Most Founders Do the Opposite”

The appeal of having a business partner is strong when you start a business. Some entrepreneurs feel more comfortable having someone share the work. Nevertheless, research shows that might not give the company the best chances of survival. Research has found that companies with a solo CEO were more likely to succeed. A story from Inc. breaks down the method used to derive the findings, but it turns out going it alone might be an advantage.

7- “7 Tips For Aspiring Female Entrepreneurs, According To A CEO.”

This article is based on advice from CEO and founder of the woman-powered app Mogul, Tiffany Pham. It’s a compilation of advice from her book (You Are a Mogul: How to Do the Impossible, Do It Yourself, and Do It Now.) While her book offers far more insight “7 Tips For Aspiring Female Entrepreneurs, According To A CEO” gives a quick preview to help other female entrepreneurs.

8-“8 Mistakes First-Time Founders Make When Starting a Business.”

When you’re just starting, it can be easy to fall into the same pitfalls many entrepreneurs fall into. But maybe with this article, you won’t have to. Mitch Zuklie (CEO, business, and legal advisor), wrote about the top mistakes he sees entrepreneurs make. He detailed the mistakes that include growing too fast and ignoring sound advice for Entrepreneur Magazine.

9- “How Things Change.”

“How Things Change” is a worthy 30-second read for any entrepreneur who feels discouraged. TechCrunch’s Greg Kumparak summarizes entrepreneurship’s crazy journey in just three tweets from Brian Acton, co-founder of WhatsApp. Things do change.

10-“10 Things I Wish I Knew Before I Started My Own Business.”

“10 Things I Wish I Knew Before I Started My Own Business” is written by entrepreneur John Rampton. He recounts mistakes he made when he launched his business and what he could have done to prevent them. This article might help you effectively build the business with fewer setbacks.

Final Words

If you liked these, feel free to share them.

Come back next week for part II of this selection of great articles about becoming an entrepreneur.

Exercise and Business at LA Fitness this Weekend

Posted on February 28, 2021February 28, 2021 by Odette Fernandez

“Exercise not only changes your body,

but it also changes your mind,

your attitude,

and your mood.”

Yesterday, LA Fitness ( LA Fitness, 14100 SW 8th Street) had an amazing event for vendors and visitors. Not only it provided a great space for Zumba enthusiasts to burn calories while having fun, but it also allowed businesses to promote and sell their services.

They say Good things come to those who sweat with @elytumbao @zumbawithpookie @rina_25 @henry_iamzin

I would say: Well deserved!

There was SO. MUCH. ENERGY.

What a great experience!

The objective was for people to dance, exercise, and have a lot of fun.

I would say MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!

People laughed.

People danced.

People exercised.

People had SO much fun.

They did ALL that, while also promoting social distance.

Eliana e Idalis did such a great job with this event.

LA Fitness Masterclass

Baila con Micho

Dancer | Instructor | Choreographer | Singer.

@bailaconmicho/

Ely Tumbao

Eliana (@elytumbao)

Rina Elena

@rina_25

Zumba with Pookie

@zumbawithpookie

There was also a marketplace for successful local small businesses to sell and promote their services.

Collage HairStudio Miami

@collagehairstudiomiami

Best hair salon in Miami: the place where you go to look good and feel good.

Mention this event for 20% off your visit to this boutique hair salon.

SahilyRealtor

Real Estate Brokerage

Credit Restoration | Credit Builder | Coaching and Education

SahylyRealtor@gmail.com

786-209-4121

Sahyly Realtor by Odette Photo+Art www.odettephotoart.com

Butina Design

@butinadesign

By Sofia Quevedo
📍Miami FL Jewelry Line
📞 WhatsApp: 813.693.0737

www.etsy.com/shop/ButinaDesign

Butina Design by Odette Photo+Art www.odettephotoart.com

Dagmar Designs

@dagmardesigns8

Natural Glow Spray Tanning

Organic Spray Tan

@natural.glow_

my.naturalglow33@hotmail.com

Natural Glow Spray Tanning by Odette Photo+Art www.odettephotoart.com

Maxale Fit

Active Apparel Brands

@maxalefit

www.maxalefit.com

786-828-0108

Maxale Fit by Odette Photo+Art www.odettephotoart.com

Aditi

@aditishopping

786-725-8565

Green Food

Personalized Menu

Catering

305-877-3965

@greenfood_miami

Green Food by Odette Photo+Art www.odettephotoart.com

Nature’s Touch by Ana

@naturestouchbyana

Michael J. Toledo

Robing Hood Adjusters

Licensed Public Adjuster

W566890

Robin Hood Adjuster by Odette Photo+Art www.odettephotoart.com

Matisa Bellydance

@matisabellydancemiami

www.matisabellydance.com

Matisa Bellydance by Odette Photo+Art www.odettephotoart.com

For LA fitness memberships, contact @elytumbao.

For photography services, contact Odette Photo+Art

_______________________________________
Utility Avenue’s Spotlight focuses on promoting inspiring businesses every week.
For a chance to be featured, read our guidelines carefully and fill up our questionnaire, or contact us at support@utilityavenue.com with the subject Spotlight.

LinkedIn profiles: How Small Businesses Can Stand Out

Posted on August 27, 2020August 29, 2020 by Odette Fernandez

Michelle Eshkeri is a London-based freelance copywriter who provides done-for-you copywriting services in the finance, health and creative niches. She also runs a writing academy, teaching small business owners how to write better copy.

For Utility Avenue‘s weekly Spotlight, she shares her knowledge on how to maximize your LinkedIn profile.

Without further ado:

LinkedIn profiles: How Small Businesses Can Stand Out

LinkedIn is the world’s most powerful business networking platform. With c.704 million users, you’ll never be short of someone to talk to. Yet, many small business owners are not leveraging the benefits to help them connect to their ideal clients and grow authority in their field. It can be a bit daunting to set up and optimize your LinkedIn profile. This article will walk you through the most important aspects that a new user must be aware of.

Photograph

The photograph you use on LinkedIn is incredibly essential to enable you to give that crucial first impression when potential customers see you and your brand for the first time. Headshots should be a clear close-up on your face and should be updated no less than every three years to maintain your integrity. With the increased use of video conferencing tools such as Zoom and Teams, your LinkedIn profile picture should be representative of your current image not to confuse clients or create mistrust. LinkedIn profiles with no photographs do not present a professional image. They may cause potential clients to wonder if you have something to hide.

Banner

After the photograph, the viewers’ eye may be drawn to the background, also known as the banner. This is an excellent opportunity to put a variety of information across in a non-salesy way. At the very minimum, you can use this area to present your company name, strapline, contact details, and brand identity. It’s surprising how many small business owners are missing a trick here. Besides, the banner can be used to promote a current offer, a competition, or any other marketing promotion that you are currently running. It is a free, highly visible marketing space that you should be using. It’s not clickable, though, so remember that when adding URLs.

LinkedIn headline

Your LinkedIn headline is a vital part of your profile – it’s a powerful little window into your world that shows up all over the platform every time you comment on a post or article or send a direct message. Many business owners do not optimize these 220 characters in a way that attracts their ideal clients.
Merely putting your role title is missing a huge opportunity to speak in your client’s language.

Try to include:
1. Specifics about who you work with
2. What you can do for them
3. How you will achieve their desired outcome
4. Any current packages or offers you have

With succinct copywriting, you can make this couple of lines work hard for your business. Do remember that only the first 5-6 words will show up when people view your profile on a mobile phone. You must make them count.

Providing services

Within the tool, there is a drop-down list of services that you can tag your profile with. You can add a maximum of 10 services. This is another simple way to show your potential clients what you can do for them. Fill it in!

LinkedIn About section

This is the most crucial section of your profile. With a limit of 2000 characters (which is about 350 words, unless you are using overly complicated language), this is where you can set yourself apart from your competition on the platform. The about section is where you can go all out to impress your ideal client and should include the same information as your headline but in more detail.

A simple structure for your About section is:

1. Start with something that grabs your readers’ attention – an unusual fact, startling statistic, or perhaps a couple of questions to get them thinking – try to get inside your ideal client’s head and make it relevant to what they might be currently concerned about.
2. Once you have their attention, you need to hold onto it, so you must drill into the pain points that your ideal client has – create empathy, showing that you understand their issues or desires.
3. Introduce yourself as the perfect provider of the solution to their problems and explain why you are best placed to help them. Include your USP – why should they choose you.
4. Clearly state how they can work with you
5. Don’t forget your CTA (call-to-action). How do they get in touch with you? I would recommend that they direct message you because then you immediately know where the lead came from. If you send them off to your website or email, you may lose data about where your leads are coming from.

Featured

The featured section is all about showcasing your products, services, and your brand. There is no limit to the number of featured items you can display. It’s a chance to highlight your most important work. You can add media, such as documents, photos and presentations, LinkedIn posts/articles, and links to this section.

To include video, you will need to link out to another site where the video is stored, such as YouTube or Vimeo. You could add a company brochure, a lead magnet, a short video explaining who you are, an FAQ document, testimonials, a thought leadership article, or any other content you want to bring to the attention of your customers.

LinkedIn posts

As of the time of writing (August 2020), there has been an explosion of great content on LinkedIn. Many more small business owners are using the platform in a much more social and engaging way than ever before.

Content is generally much more professional and business-oriented than Facebook. Users are creating a community and nurturing their audience in a much more holistic and human way. It is now much more acceptable to post funny pictures, memes, and personal content on LinkedIn than it was even a year ago. So, be yourself on LinkedIn, but be professional. Remember, you are always representing your brand.

Posts have a character limit of 1300, which is around 200 words. You need to be focused in your writing to get your message across. Don’t forget to tag your post with three hashtags, which helps LinkedIn to categorize your post. Other users can follow a hashtag, so it’s a good idea to create a brand hashtag and use it consistently in your posts.
Posts will “float” around LinkedIn in feeds for around 2-7 days, depending on the amount of engagement (reactions and comments). So if you want to remain visible, it’s a good idea to post at least once a day. Weekends are a great time to post because fewer people are posting, so you are more likely to reach more potential customers.

LinkedIn articles

LinkedIn articles are essentially blogs. These stay visible on your profile forever or until you delete them. Articles are longer-form content and do not have a character limit. If you have a blog on your website, you can upload it into the content management system on LinkedIn, which is called Pulse, but it’s a good idea to change the title or first paragraph a little, so it does not get flagged as plagiarism by Google.
LinkedIn curate thought leadership articles on Pulse and push them out to a broader audience each day, so this can be an excellent way to grow your authority.

LinkedIn connections

Your network is incredibly important on LinkedIn. Take time to connect with your ideal client – searching for people on LinkedIn is incredibly powerful – but that’s a topic for another time. The number of connections you have on LinkedIn is not as important as the quality of those connections. There’s little point having 10,000 connections if none of them ever engage with your
content. Focus on growing relevant connections – people who are interested in what you offer and those who produce excellent quality content that interests you. If your feed is not inspiring you, you need to sort your network out.
Every so often, it’s a good idea to do a little housekeeping and remove connections that are dormant or not relevant – that way, you are more likely to be talking to your ideal client, and your feed remains uplifting and useful.

Recommendations

Social proof or word-of-mouth-marketing is one of the most powerful ways to attract new clients, and it’s FREE! Whenever you work with someone, make sure you give them a recommendation on LinkedIn. It grows their authority as a respected provider, it increases trust, and it helps people to get to know what they do.
Use your recommendations in your LinkedIn posts regularly so your potential clients can see what your previous clients think of you.

Maximize your LinkedIn profile

There are so many other elements to LinkedIn, but these are the main ones to focus on. If you are a new user, it is easy to get overwhelmed and to switch off from this influential platform. So, work through each area of your profile to optimize them.
If you are in business, no matter what you do, you should have an optimized LinkedIn profile. If not, you are missing out on opportunities for more sales, strategic alliances, and joint ventures, not to mention good quality business discussions.

So, what are you waiting for?

Get your profile working hard for your business now.

Michelle Eshkeri’s Contact Info

Email: michelle@eshkeri.co.uk

If you would like to know more about her £149 LinkedIn user review and profile writing service, please connect with her here and send her a direct message.
The review will look at all the above areas of your LinkedIn usage and suggest improvements. She will also ask a series of questions to enable her to draft your About section and your Headline.

_______________________________________
Utility Avenue’s Spotlight focuses on promoting inspiring businesses every week. For a chance to be interviewed, contact us at support@utilityavenue.com with the subject Spotlight.

Transform Your Side Hustle into a Thriving, Profitable Business

Posted on July 9, 2020July 10, 2020 by Odette Fernandez

Transform Your Side Hustle into a Thriving, Profitable Business, by Sarah Rose

Sarah Rose is a worldwide business coach that uses a blend of mindset and business strategy to empower entrepreneurial-minded women In Utility Avenue’s weekly spotlight, she shares insights on how to transform your side hustle into a thriving, profitable business.

Are you tired of doing the same thing over and over again, expecting a different result, but nothing alters? Are you using old-fashioned tactics and forcing your content, hoping someone will resonate and reach out to you, but you’re getting crickets? Are you losing the passion for the side hustle you thought was going to be lucrative but is getting zero ROI on your time and the money you invested in starting up?

I GET IT.

I was there too, throwing spaghetti at the walls, roaming around in the dark, wondering when and if this thing was EVER GOING TO TAKE OFF.

So what would it be worth for you to pivot your thinking and decide that this is no longer a side hustle, this is your business? And start treating it like one!

When I realized that all these other women out there could figure out how to earn five, six, even seven or eight figures building a business online, then I could do the same! And it’s definitely possible for you, too!

I learned that getting a mentor was the ONLY shortcut to success. So I took a giant step back from my business to invest in courses, programs, mentors, and coaches who could teach me how to cut my learning curve and frustration in half and get where I wanted to go faster.

Get a mentor

Even though I didn’t have the money at the beginning, I found it. I sold things around my house on FB marketplace, in groups, and on Craigslist. I borrowed. I created online products I could sell. I tapped into my resourcefulness and did whatever I had to do to make it happen. Because life is short, I have big goals and dreams that need accomplishing, and no time for excuses.

So if I had it to do all over again, I would have made my first step in hiring a Business Coach or Mentor.

Then get super clear on the bigger vision for your life and business. Know where you want to go so you can reverse engineer and map out your plan to get there. How much is your dream lifestyle going to cost you monthly? Do your research so you know exactly what it’s going to take to become the woman who can be, do and have it all.

Identify who your ideal client is and the problem you solve

It’s important to niche down so that your message resonates with your target audience. If you’re trying to message to everyone, it gets diluted, and you end up reaching no one. Once you have clarity on this, your content will flow from your heart and soul, speaking to the person you would love to work with. You’re building the like-know-and-trust factor, which is attraction marketing at it’s finest. You’ll have friend requests pouring in with leads in your inbox asking how they can work with you instead of the other way around.

Content is king

And when it comes to content, don’t be afraid to share your story and the journey you’re on. People buy people, not companies, products, or services. Stories and images can go a thousand miles, and when you show your vulnerability and behind the scenes of your life as an entrepreneur, you’re creating relatability with your dream clients.

Make sure to clean up your profile and news feed—no drunk photos at the bar; no political or religious posts or conspiracy theories. No spam. Only elegant images and clear content, adding value as to how you can help others. The more value you can add, the more your audience will see you as the expert in your field and want to work with you. Add more value than you think you should!

Get clear about the mission that you’re on

Your mission is the driving force behind your business. It’s bigger than you. It’s your purpose, the reason why you’re here.

Establish your tagline

This is your 8-second elevator pitch when someone asks what you do. Make sure this is in your bio and cover photo so that when your ideal client comes to your page, they know exactly what to expect. If your audience can’t understand right away what you do, they’ll get confused and go somewhere else.

Create a beautiful brand that stands out

Create a beautiful brand that stands out over the noise on social media, and keep all content on-brand. Everything you do online and offline should scream your fabulousness and why your ideal client would want to work with you over anyone else. What sets you apart from everyone else? Capitalize on your gifts, and you’ll get paid just for being you.

Have a DMO

A DMO (Daily Method of Operation) allows you to show up consistently all day every day, gaining more visibility and engagement than ever before. When you’re on purpose, and you have a business plan for your social media, you’ll make even more of an impact.

Network and build relationships

Network and build relationships with others in your industry who can lift you higher. There are so many incredible opportunities to collaborate and widen your reach, be open to ideas, and making new connections. Come from abundance and prosperity rather than a competitive lack mentality. There is enough out there for all of us.

Learn marketing

You’ll need to learn modern marketing strategies and techniques which can be super scary and daunting in the beginning. But once you open your mind to the possibilities, lean in and trust the process, you may just find yourself falling in love with the journey as you tap into your creative zone of genius!

Final thoughts to transform your side hustle into a profitable business.

More than anything, if you’re not having fun, then you’re not doing it right. A few tweaks can make all the difference. So pivot if you must, but don’t ever ever quit. Because you are always on the right path, and your success is inevitable.

If you’d like to dive deeper into the topic, you can find Sarah Rose at www.sarahroseglobal.com or book in a free hour consultation at www.calendly.com/sarahroseglobal.

IG: www.instagram.com/sarahroseglobal

FB: www.facebook.com/sarahroseglobal

www.sarahroseglobal.com

__________________________
Utility Avenue’s Spotlight focuses on promoting inspiring businesses every week.
For a chance to be interviewed, contact us at support@utilityavenue.com with the subject Weekly Spotlight.

Spotlight: Patricia Rogers’s Message for Entrepreneurs

Posted on June 25, 2020June 27, 2020 by Odette Fernandez

A message for entrepreneurs.

I met Patricia Rogers, CEO of Unity in Service, Inc., at a networking event with Bill Walsh.

She is a business development strategist, best-selling author, and public speaker. She is also an event coordinator and marketer. In Utility Avenue’s weekly spotlight, she sends an empowering message for entrepreneurs to live the dream.

I am a Correctional Lieutenant after 29 years of service in law enforcement. The best decision that I made was the decision to prepare before retiring so that I could finally meet the woman in the mirror.

After reading Napoleon Hill, Think and Grow Rich, I learned that it only takes one sound idea to achieve success, and this was a defining moment for me.

Retiring was my time to discover who I was and why I was put here in the first place. Most rewarding was discovering my talents and hobbies and turning them into a business that would impact the lives of so many. I found that I genuinely had the entrepreneurial spirit. Besides, I have a passion for inspiring the lives of other entrepreneurs.

Unity In Service, Inc. “Where People Need People” was born, doing what I enjoy by setting a platform that allows entrepreneurs to be seen and heard from the stage while developing even more wealth and building relationships that take their businesses to a new level! The annual conferences that we host “Entrepreneurs Living The Dream“ sets a standard for the entrepreneur to leave with more than they came with. We put the spotlight on our participants and attendees because they said YES to the call.

My Passion is spotlighting entrepreneurs and public speakers so that they can be seen and heard by the masses.

I am teaching, encouraging, and providing a stage for them to grow!

People Need People!

Empowering Entrepreneurs To Live The Dream

Technology is the driving force in the world today, but I want to remind you that some old habits are worth hanging onto, such as verbal communication, eye contact, picking up the phone as opposed to an email or a text. Try getting out of the chair that sits in front of the computer! People are waiting on you to get up, suit up, and show up to a LIVE Event!

Networking is one of the fastest ways to build genuine relationships that will take you to a new level in your business and life in general.

People connect with those they get to know, like, and trust. I call that the human touch. Connecting and serving others is invaluable.

Today, I want to leave you with four tips:

Say yes to opportunities that connect with others.
Be authentic and let others get to know the real you.
Communicate effectively and leave an impression.
Network with intention and follow up with a call.

Remember, fulfilling your dreams involves other people, and when other people fulfill their dreams, it involves YOU! As Miles Munroe said, “The value of life is not in its duration, but the value of life is in its donation!”

CEO Patricia Rogers

Email: info@patriciarogers.com

Website: PatriciaRogers360.com

Website: patriciarogers.com/spotlightsyou

PS- Right now, on June 25th, at 3:00 pm, she is hosting her event “Popping Videos Training”, back by popular demand to train about how to use smartphones as a branding tool. Link here in case you want to join.

Utility Avenue’s Spotlight focuses on promoting inspiring businesses every week. For a chance to be interviewed, contact us at support@utilityavenue.com with the subject Weekly Spotlight.

Spotlight: Networking, by Giovanni Savo

Posted on May 14, 2020June 25, 2020 by Odette Fernandez

What is Networking?

Why do we network? What is it about going into the world, live or virtually, to find other people to connect with? The awkwardness of the first few minutes, the elevator pitch girl, the canned opening lines, the throwing business card guy, the guys who just go to drink, the guys who only go to find a date. What is this all about? What is this ritual that we partake in after a full day of work, on aching feet, and with tired smiles?

Networking is pure magic when your heart is in the right place, and you go to make authentic connections in a plastic world. The feel of a sincere handshake, a real smile of someone who is fighting for their dreams, is such an incredible feeling.

The magic of networking is the giving of yourself when you want to ask for a connection. The beauty of networking is when you want a lead and need a close but give one instead: when you go to listen to people about their business, their challenges, their joy and pain, and you connect authentically to their stories.

We live in a microwave culture. Everything is done in 2 minutes. When you take this approach to networking, you have a network of zero value and built like a house of (business) cards. The art of communication is being lost. The selfishness of right-now me and immediate business is so counter to building a lasting, long term relationship that it shocks me that so many people do not see this.

A genuine networking relationship is based on competence, trust, and respect. It takes time to build a stable and valuable connection. The beauty of networking is that you come across beautiful people: dreamers, go-getters, funny, smart, and witty. These are people who will add value to your life, both in business and personally. They would proudly refer you to your friends and family without being asked. They call you and give your number to a friend or client who is waiting for your call.

Networking is work. ‘Work’ is in the word itself. It is a process that takes time. It is never-ending, and it might sometimes be heartbreaking. But it is so worth it. Because when you come across someone from your tribe and you vibe with them, the bond is real, and it amplifies your connection.

I have spent the last 4+ years going to events at bars, coffee shops, speed networking events. More than once, I was the only one at an event. I have attended organized events, crappy events, virtual events, and some that have walked in on and then right out. But, over this time, I have met some incredible people who are now dear friends. They have enriched my life and have left a real mark. I have done business with some and referred business to others.

Building a network is hard work. There are also fundamentals that you can rely on to start and focus your efforts to yield good reliable results. It is a process that needs to be practiced and worked.

Try various platforms that showcase and broadcast events in your city.
Try different types of events, different formats, and even different times of the day.
Practice the art of listening.

Connecting and listening to people is the key to success. When you walk into an event, have the mindset of “who am I going to meet today that will change my life?” and “who am I going to meet so I can change theirs?”. Follow up, follow up, follow up. This is so critical to success in networking; it can’t be overstated.

In my next guest post, I am going to write about networking skills and how to use them.

Final words about networking

In summary, some people approach networking like a hunting expedition: looking for a kill, a score, a sale. When I look at these types of networkers, I see a slaughterhouse of broken promises, speedy deals, and empty relationships. For me, networking is like farming, cultivating, working, sacrificing, providing energy, passion, and nurturing relationships. When I look at my network, I see a flourishing garden, full of promise, potential, endless abundance, and beauty. This ever-growing network is full of amazing people from all walks of life, all industries, all levels of skills, diverse and competent.

I hope you find joy in the work, the commitment, the time, and the results of building your network. In the future, you will have priceless friends, and you will become a valuable addition to people’s lives as well.

Contact Info:

Giovanni Savo: Proud husband and father of 3 children. An entrepreneur for 25 years as a small business owner in retail and wholesale. Now five years into my journey as a Financial Coach, where I work with people to navigate their finances and accomplish their goals and dreams.

Email: giosavo21@gmail.com

LinkedIn: @giovannisavo

IG: @giosavo21