I have a confession to make. I sometimes dread the thought of going to a networking event to meet new people. (Probably because some networking events can be truly dreadful.) But the majority are worthwhile--and here's why:
-When I think about it, several of my current clients came to me via networking opportunities. I've also reached out to new aquaintances, or at the very least referred them.
-Networking forces you to stay on your toes. That elevator speech can get kind of rusty when it's never brought out and dusted off.
-Chances are, you'll learn something new. I met someone who specialized in catching cyber criminals once. Fascinating stuff.
-There's kind of an unspoken understanding, especially at after-hour events, that you're not the only one who wanted to go home and kick off your shoes after a long day. But hey, isn't it nice to know you're not alone?
-Someone put a lot of time and effort into coordinating the event. It's nice to show your support by simply showing up.
-Finally, you should never miss a chance to get your name out there. You never know when you'll get a call or email that starts with, "Remember me? I met you last week at that networking event!"
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Second-rate is never okay
Awhile ago I ordered a box of mugs with my company logo imprinted. They arrived looking really great, just as I'd pictured. I was impressed.
When I ordered the mugs originally, there was a special offer for two free additional mugs with a different imprint. So I took advantage of that deal and sent a different logo for the free mugs. They didn't arrive with the first order, but I was assured they'd shipped seperately.
A week later I received the additional mugs. When I opened the box, one was broken in three pieces. Both mugs displayed a logo that was barely recognizeable because the colors were completely wrong. The quality was downright terrible. I wasn't so impressed anymore.
I called the company to inquire about replacing the mugs and was told that because they were free, they couldn't be reproduced. Basically, the company didn't care that the two mugs weren't useable--my original shipment was the only one that mattered to them because I'd paid for it.
My opinion of that company went downhill fast. If they really cared about the quality of their work, regardless of cost, they would want to produce a quality product every time--or make it right.
They didn't see it that way. Too bad.
When I ordered the mugs originally, there was a special offer for two free additional mugs with a different imprint. So I took advantage of that deal and sent a different logo for the free mugs. They didn't arrive with the first order, but I was assured they'd shipped seperately.
A week later I received the additional mugs. When I opened the box, one was broken in three pieces. Both mugs displayed a logo that was barely recognizeable because the colors were completely wrong. The quality was downright terrible. I wasn't so impressed anymore.
I called the company to inquire about replacing the mugs and was told that because they were free, they couldn't be reproduced. Basically, the company didn't care that the two mugs weren't useable--my original shipment was the only one that mattered to them because I'd paid for it.
My opinion of that company went downhill fast. If they really cared about the quality of their work, regardless of cost, they would want to produce a quality product every time--or make it right.
They didn't see it that way. Too bad.
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