BLACK RISE’s Post

How to maximise business opportunities out of networking events. Let me know if you want me to continue to share tips as I continue to building BLACK RISE 😘

A little over a year ago I took a leap of faith and started a Networking Company called Diversely Networking. Early in my lending career I was going to networking events 3 times a week. It's all apart if the lender gig, ranging from large company events to smaller intimate real estate events. Anything to get me face to face with more potential business/referral partners. These events were great for a lot of reasons but there was one major thing consistently missing....diversity. Especially those from the African American Community. I thought about my peers and all of my current business/referral partners. It wasn't a question that there was a need for more diverse networking opportunities in Seattle. So I took action...Within a couple months, I had gathered some trusted peers from different industries and established a team. It was time to figure out how to curate diverse networking environments in our city. Events that were professional in nature, but prioritized space for authentic connection and interaction for people with all different backgrounds. 6 months later we hosted our first event Downtown Seattle called "The Art of Networking." We had over 75 attendees and learned a lot. Honestly, it was a hit...3 months after that we hosted our first large scale networking event also downtown Seattle called "Elevate Your Vision" with about 150 attendees. Our Vision is to host the most diverse networking events in the world. Our mission is to be a platform that helps develop this generations network of entrepreneurs and professionals through tailor made events. If this aligns with you or someone in your network, spread the word because we are hosting our 2nd annual Elevate Your Vision Event on January 18th. That's right, we had to run it back. I hope to see you there and personally welcome you to the Diversely Network. You can use the link the register and share with your network! https://lnkd.in/gVPP-Pqy

“Bite the bullet and go” I had the pleasure of attending the programme on introduction to networking skills yesterday with The Amos Bursary held by Colleen Amos OBE and Ann Grant. Investigating the many approaches to building an effective network platform and networking effectively was enlightening. 1. Do your research Make sure you are ready for any opportunity you come across by completing your homework, which includes researching companies you are interested in or influential business people you will be meeting. 2. Practice your elevator pitch. What assets do I have? What goals do I have? The most important thing in this situation is to make sure you sell yourself well enough to impress the person you are speaking to, but don't oversell yourself. Questions are also key, as it's crucial to let the elevator pitch evolve into a discussion and the development of a rapport. 3. Follow up Networking is the hard part, but maintaining a relationship with someone is essential to opening doors Finally, recognise your value and as a black studious individual we will always be the minority but no matter what we should always show that we are the “same as any better than many inferior to none” Ayodeji Agbi Mirabel Yeboah Peace Akintunde Jesse Duru Hamza Mohamed Theodora A Joseph Dixon Aronel Ogunjobi Emma Koomson Zoe A. Victoria B. Angel Mafinda

366 More in 2024: The Sweet Impact of Chocolate in Business and Networking Chocolate can be a delightful addition to corporate settings, from gifts to clients to treats for team-building. How has ‘More Chocolate’ impacted your professional life or networking events? Share your experiences of how something as simple as chocolate can sweeten relationships and business dealings. #BusinessGifting #NetworkingWithChocolate #ChocolateLovers #SweetMoments #366MoreIn2024

Build Authentic Relationships Networking isn't just about exchanging business cards. Focus on building genuine relationships. Ask questions, listen actively, and show interest in others' success. Don’t miss our exclusive discovery events this October, happening in Wimbledon, Wandsworth, Liverpool Street, and King's Cross. Scan the code below to learn more. #Networking #WomeninBusinessNetwork #BuildRelationships

Networking events are fun, right? Honestly, I enjoy them, and I have some advice about them. When you go to a networking event, you might have people in mind to talk to. You might see them across the room. You might feel anxious about how to make your way over and talk. You might even feel pulled in a few directions and start thinking about making your way to another person even while you’re in the middle of a conversation with someone else. Calm down. Fight the urge to look all over the room. Don’t force interactions with every single person you want to talk to. Instead, talk to whoever you encounter, and focus fully on that person until the encounter naturally ends. Don’t let your eyes dart around the room while someone is standing in front of you and deserving your attention. I’ve been on the receiving end of the darting eyes. It didn’t feel good. I’ve probably also been on the giving end, though I meant disrespect and was basically just trying to do too much. Talk to the person in front of you, confidently and with full attention. If you don’t get the chance to talk to someone you want to catch up with, send that person an email or text afterwards! #lawyer #lawstudent #attorney

Getting done things I have been avoiding. Time to send these referral emails out. These are all from people people in my business networking community that want to share my event link and promote my event. Let's just say I've been getting on my own way. Time to action. P.S. Here's the link for those who want to attend. https://lnkd.in/gde4yAsH #tomboylecoaching #performance #vitalityproject

I’m going to do some breakfast networking outside my comfort zone.. Who’d like to join me? On Friday 26th July 6:30am - 9:00am Brisbane City, the Christian Business Network (hosted by Colin Lee) has Daniel Flynn (ThankYou Co-Founder and Managing Director) speaking. For anyone who knows the ThankYou story or has heard Daniel speak, it’s awe inspiring. Even though it’s an amazing opportunity to also connect with fellow professionals, I quickly came up with a list of reasons not to attend: ... I’m not Christian ... 6:30 start is very early start ... the morning will be dark and cold ... how will I get there ... I’ll barely know anyone …... and the list goes on. I’ve found those who are really successful can flip these doubts to a positive outcome: Yes! It starts early, I’ll have the rest of my day ahead Yes! I’ll meet new people who want to grow their business and connections Yes! I’ll learn and be inspired by Daniel Flynn’s achievements and speech So I’ve switched the doubts out for a more positive outlook and bought a ticket. It will be my first CBN event, however not my first time with Colin Lee who has shown so many business owners his generosity. If you’re interested in attending you can book your ticket here: https://lnkd.in/g5cA7Kv2 Those who attend, reach out so we discuss business, data and profitability after the event. #BusinessNetworking #BrisbaneBusiness #ThankYou #ChristianBusinessNetwork

We’ve all been there - your boss sends you to an event to expand your network, but you are dreading it. Maybe you’re an introvert, or you simply don’t enjoy crowds. Senior Vice President Jean Cecil Frick shares 5 key strategies that can transform your approach at your next networking event in today's #blog. Read here: https://lnkd.in/eAA3gHr4

My top tip, George, is to prepare for the meeting, decide on the message you want to get across, be interested in other business owners and be willing to help, we are in this together. And RELAX. Sorry, that was more than one - I'm passionate about networking (as you know) 😁 . Anyone else got some great networking top tips? #BNI #businessnetworking #businessowners