NETWORLDING

Cool Site!

I usually don't find sites that are this simple and, at the same time, so useful. Try this site out http://www.docstoc.com. You will be glad you did!

Melissa,

12 Minutes of Thought - What Can Create Success for Me Today?

With literally thousands of books written on the subject of success, I ask myself the question on a cold Chicago November morning, "What can I do to create a successful day today?" Breaking this down to the simplest idea, it would be to get one "high-priority" thing done today?

Try this approach and let us know what you found out. You can always email me at melissa@networlding.com.

Linked In: An Example of Synergy

How many times have you received an RFP (Request For Proposal) from a “potential” and previously unknown company, a strange entity that has not been qualified as a good prospect. Today’s technology makes it impossible to determine the motive for unknown companies to approach and ask for definitive and sensitive information including pricing, capabilities, staff and annual sales volume?

Are they genuine?  Are they sincere?  Or are they getting their required magical “3” vendor pricing to appease their respective decision maker before they assign or worse yet pass on this information to their present vendor!

How many times have you resisted making that three point shot with this RFP request rolled up into your recyclable file 13?

RFPing is a common tactic used by corporations to hire a marketing or advertising firm to gather “information” on competitors to best strategically market themselves or in reality to get closely guarded information. 

I am a president of ROM Squared, Inc., my company is a production hub for clients that do not have staff, equipment capabilities, or knowledge to duplicate, package, or create their own optical CD/DVD media requirements. 

Recently, I received a RFI (Request For Information) from a very large educational marketing company via email.  The email had an enclosed PDF requesting information that frankly, I don’t even think my doctor has.

My instinct was to practice my jump shot, but on further consideration I decided to call the requester and asked why they considered my company in their search for a vendor.

This is where it became interesting.

The individual said that she “Link in” and found my listing and recognized a name of someone she trusted in my bio. Upon further conversations I realized that she indeed new someone that we both mutually trusted and respected.

Instant credibility!

Webster Dictionary describes synergy:

syn•er•gy n. pl. syn•er•gies
1. The interaction of two or more agents or forces so that their combined effect is greater than the sum of their individual effects.
2. Cooperative interaction among groups, especially among the acquired subsidiaries or merged parts of a corporation, that creates an enhanced combined effect.

Individually, the company requesting the information would not have received the useful information needed in making a proper purchasing decision, and my company would have lost out on a very qualified prospect by providing guarded information.

My conception of this request immediately changed.  Instead of being wary and guarded with the requested information, I was compelled to answer in great detail and very accurately, the information desired.

My results were extremely positive.  ROM Squared made the next stage in the decision making cycle of this company. We were informed that based on our reply we were considered an excellent vendor and were invited to join in a later formal RFP presentation.

The opportunity almost lost by an unknown company’s request was instead forged with positive energy, a synergy if you will by Linked In.

As an executive and CEO of a company it isn’t unusual to be asked to be “invited” to be linked.

Individually, we all have personal criteria for those individuals that we include into our link: integrity, professional interaction or experience, professional organization members, etc. The bottom line is that they are individuals that we trust.

The purity of these criteria is essential for the credibility and usefulness of Linked In as a powerful tool of positive networking.

Presently, I do not know the end result of the negotiations with my potential client.  What I do know is that with the common denominator of two individual companies being Link In, made a very powerful synergy.

Perhaps the result will be included in another “blog”.

Thomas A. Brunhart
CEO/President
ROM Squared, Inc.

Launch of a New Community

This is an online socially responsible community where those who want to collaborate with others who want to make a difference in the world can connect and share best practices. If you would like to be part of this one of a kind community, visit www.networlding.me.com.

Athena International

Come see us on Tuesday and Wednesday at the Athena International Conference for Women. We will be there to talk about Web 2.0, the new direction of marketing, and to answer any questions.

The ATHENA Leadership Model is unique in that it focuses on personal traits of strong, successful leaders. It captures the spirit and collaborative leadership style often exemplified in women leaders, while also recognizing the importance of traits such as courageous acts and fierce advocacy in the pursuit of excellence. The ATHENA Leadership Model tenets include Authentic Self, Celebration and Joy, Collaboration, Courageous Acts, Fierce Advocacy, Giving Back, Learning and Relationships, and provide a model for 21st Century leadership.

Chicago's Best Networker

Check out Melissa’s feature in Crain’s:

Click Here

Congratulations to Chicago’s Best Networker!

Chicago Networking

Chicago Networking: Joining the Best Networking Group in Chicago

After twenty years in business I find again and again that the best networking groups are the ones that are custom designed. And I don't know of any other organization in Chicago who will help individuals and organizations design their own networking group or groups.

Recently we started networking circles that meet every Friday. How are we different?

Consider the following:

• We bring in only seasoned networkers with track records. Most groups have a mix of seasoned and early entrepreneurs. What happens though is that the younger businesses with fewer contacts are like weak links often limiting the quality and quantity of introductions and referrals.

• We bring in true, complimentary businesses as participants. Most networking groups restrict membership to only complementary businesses, but what happens often is that most of those businesses that are not really good referral sources for each other. So, for example, if you are a management consultant to large organizations you don't want a group that has mostly small entrepreneurs selling to other small entrepreneurs.

• We add in additional support through our expansive leadership network. We take only leaders who have their own strong networks, which makes it easy for us to offer introductions to our network of over 2,000 leaders in business who are good Networlders. No other networking group offers a similar service.

For More Information: Click Here

10.4.06 Event with Diversity Concepts

Upcoming Event

Diversity Concepts endeavor to create a business environment where all employees are respected, valued and included in the business process, the organizational environment and the integrated culture of their workplace.

Diversity and inclusion are critical to the success of any organization. They strive to develop meaningful discussion that is proactive and fully dependent on openness and complete candor. The goal is to aid clients in developing, implementing and maintaining a workplace environment that enables and encourages all members of their workforce to contribute to their fullest potential. The creation of such an environment is necessary for the successful exchange of ideas and perspectives that will ultimately lead to positive changes.

Diversity Concepts is proud to partner with Lumen Legal to present its 2006 Diversity Legal Networking Conference being held October 4, 2006 at the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place, Chicago, IL. Join with General Counsel, In-House Corporate Counsel, Judges, Lawyers and Diversity Experts in a dynamic, interactive seminar focusing on diversity issues in today's legal world. This innovative seminar is designed to provide lawyers with tools to implement and maintain successful diversity programs as well as increase their overall effectiveness as attorneys. Also included will be a networking lunch and cocktail reception following the seminar where you can meet and discuss pertinent diversity issues with in-house counsel, lawyers and diversity leaders in the legal community.

Special guest speakers include:

Melissa Giovagnoli - Networlding "The Concept - The New Diversity Paradigm"

Illinois State Senator Kwame Raoul;

Nadine Lacombe - Illinois Department of Transportation;

David Askew - Deputy Chief, Illinois Attorney General Office;

"Uncle Sam Wants You! - All of You!, A Government Perspective"

MCLE credits for Illinois attorneys. Cost for the event is $495. REGISTER HERE.