My Pinnacle Network

Grow Your Business Through Networking

admin

by

What’s on your Kindle?

Next time you’re at a networking event, try starting a conversation with that very question.

“Hi, I’m Steve Dubin of PR Works. What’s on your Kindle?”

Most likely whomever you ask that question will be stopped dead in their tracks. After all, you’re at a networking event. People don’t want to know that. It’s all about what do you do, here’s what I do, can we help each other, right?

Yes and no.

Ultimately, that’s what it comes down to, but what you really to get out of a networking event is a connection, not just a business card. To connect, it’s important for you to make an impression, AKA to be memorable. Is your opening line currently achieving that objective?

This not to cast aspersions on anybody. The vast majority of us go to networking events and start a conversation with “What’s your business?”. Sometimes that may work out. More likely, you will be just one of many said person meets that day. Chances are, however, if you have a memorable starter that’s a little different, you become more memorable and so does your business.

And if you don’t have a Kindle, there are plenty of other ways to start a conversation without going down the “What’s your business?” path. Here’s an article that offers a few suggestions.

by

Working your networking group – for fun and profit

Networking isn’t rocket science. It’s common sense, common courtesy and bit of effort.

To get the most of any networking effort, you should:

  • Show up early. Get there 15 minutes prior to start time. Show commitment and have a chance to connect with other early birds before the whirlwind of the meeting begins.
  • Tune in. Turn off your cell phone. Turn on your focus. Takes notes on how you can help others.
  • Your turn to speak – differentiate. Client stories are more memorable and compelling than a punch list of your services.  Tell a recent client story that underscores what you do well.
  • “How you can help me” – When it’s your turn to speak, include key phrases to listen for, the specific niche and demographic of your best prospects, best referral sources for you, the best way to introduce you.
  • Be genuine. Don’t overstate your capabilities. Don’t overpromise next steps.
  • Be a connecter – Be the reference desk.  Every connection has a ripple effect. Ripples lead to waves.
  • Keep your antenna up? Look for opportunities for others. Listen for “hot buttons” for your colleagues.
  • Recruit members to strengthen the group – Who could add more energy and introductions to the group? Who do you know that seems to be everywhere, knows everyone? Encourage them to check out the group.
  • One on One meetings – Try to meet with each member of the group to create a more personal link and to better understand their business. Prepare for this meeting. See if you can bring one introduction to the meeting.
  • Make it a “Rolodex” meeting. Bring your smartphone, laptop or tablet with your personal database information – conversation may lead to an immediate introduction.
  • Follow up, follow through. Respond to introductions within 3 working days. Show a sense of urgency and sincere interest.
  • Keep in touch. Make sure all group members are on your e-newsletter list, Holiday list, business event/seminar list, etc.

by

My Pinnacle Network recognizes region’s best connectors with Networking Ninja Awards.

My Pinnacle Network, the business to business networking group with monthly meetings in Bourne, Braintree, Mansfield, Marshfield, Newton, and Westborough, MA, recently announced the winners of its third annual Networking Ninja Awards. The Networking Ninja Awards were created to recognize the region’s best networkers in four separate categories: Best Connector (helping bring people together); Most Ubiquitous (appears to be at every networking event); Most Altruistic (does most for others); and Brightest Beacon (adds energy to networking events).

Jim Hickox, owner of Apple Corps Cleaning Service of Weymouth took home the honors as Best Connector. He is a member of My Pinnacle Network-Braintree Third Thursday.

Michelle Resendes of Cape Cod Broadcasting Media in Hyannis won the Most Ubiquitous Networking Ninja Award. She is a member of My Pinnacle Network-Bourne.

David Allen, owner of Balance Wealth Advisors in Wellesley won the Most Altruistic Networking Ninja Award. He is a member of My Pinnacle Network-Westborough and My Pinnacle Network-Newton.

David DeBlasio of DeBlasio New Media Marketing in Dedham won the Brightest Beacon honors for the second consecutive year. He is a member of My Pinnacle Network-Mansfield.

“We had a number of networkers nominated for these awards and these individuals stood out as the cream of the crop in our region,” said Steve Dubin, founder of My Pinnacle Network. “Each of these winners has proven themselves to be first-rate connectors who are givers first, which is how they ultimately receive referrals for their respective businesses.”

Voting for the Networking Ninja Awards took place from January 1 through February 28 on the My Pinnacle Network website, www.mypinnaclenetwork.com. Others nominated for awards include: George Rolfing of Brookline Transportation; Itamar Chalif of Rockland Trust; Robert Viamari of Cape & Plymouth Business Magazine; Roy Pacitto of Bryley Systems; Steve Wilson of Office Furniture Consulting; Dave Flaherty of Aflac; Sheldon Prenovitz of ABResources; Bill Tkowski of FMC Partners; Matthew Mensch of Law Office of Matthew Mensch; Lois Drukman of Walter May Insurance; Neil Policow of Leaderboard-Boston; Nicole Connolly of PhotoFabulousYou.com; Pam Snell of ACTSmart; Will Shain of TAB; Michael Mills of Business Coaches and Associates; and Murray Vetstein of Source4.

Awards were distributed to the winners at a joint networking event hosted by the South Shore Professional Networking Group and My Pinnacle Network on March 22 at the Cask & Flagon in Marshfield. The event was held during South Shore Professional Networking Group’s regular meeting night, the third Tuesday of the month.

“We can’t thank Lois Drukman, Mark Roos and the rest of the South Shore Professional Networking Group for sharing their meeting night for our awards ceremony,” noted Dubin. “Networking really starts with giving and the SSPNG team exemplifies that philosophy.”

My Pinnacle Network hosts business-to-business networking groups in the towns of Bourne, Braintree, Mansfield, Marshfield, Newton and Westborough. For information about My Pinnacle Network, please visit www.MyPinnacleNetwork.com, or contact Steven V. Dubin at SDubin@MyPinnacleNetwork.com or 781-582-1061.

by

Networking Ninja Awards on March 21

As previously announced, the Networking Ninja Awards will be given out on Tuesday, March 21 at a networking event at the Cask & Flagon at 804 Plain Street in Marshfield. The event, which will be part of the South Shore Networking Professionals Group’s monthly networking event, will run from 5:30 to 7:30. Admission is $10 and you can register online or at the door.

Awards will be given out for:

  • Best Connector (helping bring people together);
  • Most Ubiquitous (appears to be at every networking event);
  • Most Altruistic (does most for others);
  • Brightest Beacon (adds energy to networking events).

Winners will receive a trophy and recognition in My Pinnacle Network marketing and PR activities.

In addition to awards, attendees should bring plenty of business cards. The South Shore Networking Professionals Group third Tuesday networking event typically draws around 100 or more.

To register, click here.

by

My Pinnacle Network-Bourne After Hours, Tuesday, March 7, 5pm

My Pinnacle Network-Bourne is hosting a mixer this Tuesday, March 7. 3 at 5pm in the bar at Mezza Luna, 253 Main Street, Buzzards Bay. This is a very informal gathering for members of My Pinnacle Network-Bourne to get together, share some beverages, food and laughs—and perhaps work in some networking. We welcome other b2b networkers and members of other networking organizations. Please feel free to invite other businesses as well.

You can bring business cards and collaterals if you want. Mostly, bring a fun attitude as we are really looking to have a very informal, fun time.

by

My Pinnacle Network announces March 2017 schedule of B2B networking meetings.

BOURNE, BRAINTREE, MARSHFIELD, MANSFIELD, NEWTON, WESTBOROUGH, MA …

My Pinnacle Network recently announced a full slate of business-to-business networking meetings for March. My Pinnacle Network meetings are as follows:

My Pinnacle Network – Mansfield, Wednesday, March 1, from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., 20 Cabot Blvd., Suite 300, Mansfield, MA 02048.

My Pinnacle Network – Marshfield, Thursday, March 2, from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., 165 Enterprise Drive, Marshfield, MA 02050

My Pinnacle Network – Westborough, Tuesday, March 7, from 8 a.m. – 9:30 a.m at Digital Federal Credit Union, 18 Lyman Street, Westborough, MA 01581.

My Pinnacle Network – Newton, Thursday, March 9, 7:30 a.m. – 9 a.m. at Social Restaurant at the Crown Plaza Hotel, 320 Washington Street, Newton, MA 02458. Social is on the ground floor; parking available at the hotel garage.

My Pinnacle Network – Braintree Third Thursday, Thursday, March 16, from 7:30 a.m. – 9 a.m. at 100 Grandview Road, 3rd Floor Conference Room, Braintree, MA 02184.

My Pinnacle Network – Bourne, Thursday, March 16, from 7:30 a.m. – 9 a.m., 550 MacArthur Blvd. (Route 28), Bourne, MA 02532.

Only one B2B professional will be selected for each category. Those categories can be found at bottom of http://www.mypinnaclenetwork.com. Prospective members are encouraged to attend a My Pinnacle Network meeting before committing to join.

If you are interested in attending a meeting in your area, please contact Steven V. Dubin at SDubin@MyPinnacleNetwork.com or 781-582-1061 to RSVP. There is no charge to visit a My Pinnacle Network meeting.

by

Networking Ninja awards ceremony to be held on March 21

The third annual My Pinnacle Network Networking Ninja Awards ceremony will be held on Tuesday, March 21 at 5:30 at the Cask and Flagon, 804 Plain Street, Marshfield. The ceremony will be held as part of the South Shore Networking group’s monthly gathering. Admission to the event is $10, which can be paid at the door. It will include light refreshments and appetizers.

Click here to vote for this year’s Networking Ninja awards.

by

My Pinnacle Network announces February 2017 schedule of B2B networking meetings.

My Pinnacle Network recently announced a full slate of business-to-business networking meetings for February. My Pinnacle Network meetings are as follows:

My Pinnacle Network – Mansfield, Wednesday, February 1, from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., 20 Cabot Blvd., Suite 300, Mansfield, MA 02048.

My Pinnacle Network – Marshfield, Thursday, February 2, from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., 165 Enterprise Drive, Marshfield, MA 02050

My Pinnacle Network – Westborough, Tuesday, February 7, from 8 a.m. – 9:30 a.m at Digital Federal Credit Union, 18 Lyman Street, Westborough, MA 01581.

My Pinnacle Network – Newton, Thursday, February 9, 7:30 a.m. – 9 a.m. at Social Restaurant at the Crown Plaza Hotel, 320 Washington Street, Newton, MA 02458. Social is on the ground floor; parking available at the hotel garage.

My Pinnacle Network – Braintree Third Thursday, Thursday, February 16, from 7:30 a.m. – 9 a.m. at 100 Grandview Road, 3rd Floor Conference Room, Braintree, MA 02184.

My Pinnacle Network – Bourne, Thursday, February 16, from 7:30 a.m. – 9 a.m., 550 MacArthur Blvd. (Route 28), Bourne, MA 02532.

Only one B2B professional will be selected for each category. Those categories can be found at bottom of http://www.mypinnaclenetwork.com. Prospective members are encouraged to attend a My Pinnacle Network meeting before committing to join.

If you are interested in attending a meeting in your area, please contact Steven V. Dubin at SDubin@MyPinnacleNetwork.com or 781-582-1061 to RSVP. There is no charge to visit a My Pinnacle Network meeting.

by

New My Pinnacle Network members

A hearty welcome to the following My Pinnacle Network members:

My Pinnacle Network-Braintree

Chris Ernest

Blum Shapiro

 

My Pinnacle Network – Mansfield

Ben Hall

Overview Consulting

Beth Davis

Learning for Leaders

 

My Pinnacle Network-Marshfield

Jennifer Anderson

Cohesion

 

My Pinnacle Network-Newton

Paul Crossman

Professional Business Coaches

by

Nominations sought for the 3rd annual My Pinnacle Network Networking Ninja awards.

Great networkers don’t follow the same path. Some seem to know everybody and connect you at the drop of a dime. Others seemingly make it to every networking event within a 50-mile radius. And then there are those who uplift everybody in the room by their energy and propensity to connect and help others. These are the types of people who should be nominated for My Pinnacle Network’s third annual Networking Ninja awards.

For the third annual awards, My Pinnacle Network is seeking nominees in the following categories: Best Connector (helping bring people together); Most Ubiquitous (appears to be at every networking event); Most Altruistic (does most for others); and Brightest Beacon (adds energy to networking events).

You can vote for your favorite networker here or by clicking on the link in the My Pinnacle Network home page.

Voting began last week and will end on February 28. Nominees must be B2B professionals or small business owners whose customers are other businesses. Non-My Pinnacle Network members are also eligible.

Winners will receive a customized trophy, in addition to recognition at a My Pinnacle Network event and promotional materials.

Last year’s winners were:Greg DeSimone, owner of Catapult Advisory Group located in Mansfield, MA took home the honors as Best Connector; Mitchell Zucker of ConnectPay based in Concord, MA won the Most Ubiquitous Networking Ninja Award; David Allen, owner of Balance Wealth Advisors situated in Wellesley, MA won the Most Altruistic Networking Ninja Award; and Nicole Connolly of PhotoFabulousYou based in Westborough, MA won the Brightest Beacon honors for the second consecutive year.

“Networking, sharing information and opportunity, is what makes the world go round,” noted Steven V. Dubin, one of the founders of My Pinnacle Network.  He continued, “The Networking Ninja Awards recognize the contributions of our areas best connectors, best networkers and encourages everyone to open their doors and databases to help each other.  Both whimsical and pragmatic, these awards will provide recognition for many who typically do great deeds and humbly hang is the shadows.”

Click here to vote for your choices for the best networkers in the area.