The purpose of this MeetUp is to encourage business interaction among members and to improve networking skills through idea sharing and social interaction.
The goal is to build a network of energetic business members who participate actively on a regular basis and who have a genuine interest in helping one another explore business ideas, solve problems and expand networking opportunities for the purpose of professional growth.
Strategy is to have fun, meaningful, scheduled, monthly meetings and adjunct activities that help members meet their individual professional objectives.
About Business Card to Business MeetUp.
The name Business Card to Business is intended to establish the fact that this is a face-to-face networking opportunity with the purpose of positioning its members to be in contact with one another. Business cards are the perfect symbol and device for establishing business contact. This MeetUp is organized by Reno Lovison, owner of Reno Lovison Marketing and author of the book “Turn Your Business Card Into Business.” Reno has been an entrepreneur for over 25 years in the Chicago area and is an enthusiastic advocate of face-to-face networking.
Details
What: Business Card to Business MeetUp
Where: Atlantic Bar & Grill 5062 N Lincoln Ave Chicago, IL 60625-2622 (773) 506-7090
When: Last Tuesday of every Month unless otherwise indicated.
Time: 6:00 to 8:00
Scheduled presentations and activities to be scheduled between 6:30 – 7:30.
Fee: FREE.
There is a $25 one time charter membership fee option established to encourage members to make an investment in the activity and to defray some “hard-costs” related to the organization. For charter members this fee will include participation in all regularly scheduled monthly meetings through December 2012. After that there will be an annual renewal. The first 20 members will receive a copy of “Turn Your Business Card Into Business” ($17.95 Value).
Premise: All businesses can benefit from face-to-face networking. Most small businesses are local service providers who derive the majority of their clientele from their local geographic area. In short, if you’re in the business of providing a particular service and you are located in Chicago, chances are the majority of your clients are also located in and around Chicago. Therefore one of the least expensive and most effective ways to grow your business is through personal face-to-face networking. This tactic allows business owners (or their agents) to build a personal relationship with prospects, and others who are in a position to refer prospects, as the need for a particular business solution is identified. There are a number of enterprises that have no geographic boundaries and who provide products and services on a national or international basis. These businesses often provide services to local service providers and can also benefit from networking locally and building outward. Face-to-face networking is an efficient way to create contacts and build relationships. It allows potential business allies to understand what you have to offer and to get a sense of your business philosophy. Most business relationships go beyond the need to simply solve a problem. People are more inclined to award business opportunities to those they like and trust. Personal interaction allows you to establish the necessary rapport that makes others comfortable introducing you to their network of business contacts and allies. Ultimately excellent networking is achieved when people see you not only as a personal resource but a resource for their network as well. When this happens your business grows exponentially.
