Resist Bugging Out

by Bob Arnold

There is a very perplexing aspect of networking that can develop.

It is actually a trap of good networking!

Following effective networking principles can lead to a great amount of success, tempting us to “bug out” and just ride the wave.

We stop putting the work into it and reap the benefits of past efforts. We might even go so far as to find places to hide, a place of perceived safety.

This gives us peace of mind, especially when our efforts open doors of opportunity.

Thus, the trap is set. We just let things be. We stop following up with new people we meet. We stop planning our trips to networking events and just let them roll along.

Why is it a trap?

Because we get stuck!

Yep, stuck. Stuck with the same greetings, friends and stories. This gives us comfort for awhile, however there comes a time when it becomes inefficient and suffocating.

Others also feel it. They are not seeing you in the same way, causing them to start questioning the quality of your story and service.

You build identities and credibility as you grow in your business and your quality of networking shows to others who may be interested in helping you grow as a business and as a person.

When you slack off, you let them down, and they start questioning.

Granted, there are times when a bit of a pull-back from networking is necessary.

You may have to deal with a life situation that crops up, these take time and energy to deal with, or you may have a work overload that needs your attention or face losing credibility.

There are ways of dealing with situations that crop up and it is worth the effort to look into some of those before you are faced with them.

Most times it is simply having someone in place that can help you see that it is possible to move forward and keep going. These people in your life can keep the traps away. Seek them out.

Doing Business

Local business networking events, not category restricted

Greater Medina Chamber of Commerce Chamber membership requirement after two events.

Wednesday, July 19

Networking WOW! 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m., Williams on the Lake, 787 Lafayette Road, Medina. No walk-ins. $12 member attendance charge, $15 non-member attendance charge. Register at https://tinyurl.com/3d7jw8z2

Friday, July 28

Chamber Chat, 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., Greater Medina Chamber of Commerce office, 211 S. Court Street, Medina. Register at https://tinyurl.com/2p8d6b8c

Northern Medina County Chamber Alliance Chamber membership requirement after two events.

Wednesday, July 5

Chamber Chomps, noon, Coffee in the Valley, 6663 Center Road, Valley City. Networking and chomping!

Wednesday, July 19

NMCCA After Hours Social; 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., one-hour trail walk with park director Nate Eppnik at Plum Creek, 2390 Plum Creek Parkway, Brunswick; 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Geeked Out Pub and Grill, 1439 Town Center Boulevard, Brunswick. Call Debbie Boehmke, 330-225-8411, for more information.Register at https://tinyurl.com/mr3mkaeh

Wadsworth Area Chamber of Commerce Chamber membership requirement after two events.

Wednesday, July 26

Luncheon, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., The Galaxy Restaurant Banquet Center, 201 Park Centre Drive, Wadsworth. $20 Register at https://tinyurl.com/5n8vp8sj

Seville Area Chamber of Commerce

Bob Arnold is the founder of ONward Networking and the international best-selling author of “The Uncanny Power of the Networking Pencil,” which can be purchased at https://amzn.to/2KSy3Xm. Learn more about Arnold at https://bit.ly/3VLzr1S Contact Arnold at TheNetworkingPencil@gmail.com

Thursday, July 13

Quarterly Luncheon, 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m., Hawthorne Suites, 5025 Park Avenue West, Seville. $8 donation, pay at the door.