Truth be told, I’m in mourning over the Seahawks loss yesterday in the Super bowl to the Steelers. But you are probably reading this to get some insights into running a more profitable business, so I will try to not digress into my opinions on how the refs called the game…. So the question has come up: How did I get lucky enough to get the feature article in Seattle Woman Magazine, which led to being on the cover? The answer: networking! For years (yes, that’s right- years!) I’ve networked with Women Business Owners (WBO) here in Seattle. I’ve spent the last two years serving on the Board. Through my relationships with other board members, many of whom have followed my work over the years, I was asked to give the keynote talk at one of our luncheons several months back. (Let’s clarify this- when the topic of speakers came up, I verbally threw my name into the hat- don’t just wait to be asked!) I diligently prepared for this opportunity and gave a wonderful talk. (It was on the psychology and how-to of rate-setting.) The publisher of Seattle Woman was in the audience and heard me, and after the talk came up to me and asked if I was interested in writing the feature article. I gave her an enthusiastic yes!

Remember what Seneca, the 1st century Roman philosopher said: Luck is what
happens when preparation meets opportunity.

Now here is what is interesting. I had been submitting article ideas to this magazine for six months, and had received no response! (I didn’t mention this to her when she offered me the feature article. I just graciously accepted.) This is the power of networking. I think some people believe networking is just about trying to get clients. This is very short sided. To me, the real power of networking is all the marketing opportunities that come out of it. Yes, I have clients that I’ve met through networking. But far more powerful are all the opportunities that have come to me by diligently creating relationships overtime with a group I like.
Mikelann