Hi there!  My name is Laura Bassett.  I am Member Services Manager at ASBA, and I LOVE my job. 

I love being able to interact with entrepreneurs and small business owners from across the state, and it is a joy to watch our members make connections and grow their business. 

My love for ASBA doesn’t just stay at the office – it is something I take home with me every day.  Even my out of state family gets to hear all about our members, events, and programs.  It’s been fun to help fuel a fire encouraging my friends and loved ones to “think small” when thinking about where to shop or eat or when they are in the market for a particular service.

That’s why I was BEYOND excited when my mom recently sent me flowers at the office and I noticed that the beautiful arrangement was from an ASBA member’s flower shop – PJ’s Flowers & Events.

I was surprised at her choice because my mom lives in Florida, and I couldn’t imagine that she randomly chose a florist that happened to be an ASBA member.  I snapped a picture of the flowers and sent her a very excited “Thank you!”  She called immediately and told me that she found PJ’s Flowers on our website by searching for florists in our member directory.  She called PJ’s Flowers and explained how she found them and placed her order.  Way to go, Mom!

I love that while supporting me, she also supported ASBA and our ASBA Members!

I just really want to encourage all of our members to find opportunities to do the same.  We are all a part of this small business community that makes Arizona so great!

-Laura Bassett

Many people tell me, “You make it look so easy”.  My response back is “networking” is not easy, however it should be worthwhile.  I have found over the 20+ years I have been interacting in the business to business social scene that very little has changed, given the prevalent changes in technology and the social media surge.  The formula to successful networking is to focus on the outcomes you wish to accomplish during the event.

Be prepared…here are some tips to get you there:

1. Bring your smile, it will increase your face value

2. Know your business, know your brand.  Focus on the benefits of your product/service rather than the features

3. Speak with conviction and confidence

4. Listen, Listen, Listen – genuinely engage in conversation

5. Ask questions relevant to conversation

6. Make eye contact with the person you are speaking with (don't be looking around the room to see who else is there)

7. Bring your end game.  Know what is it that you want to accomplish from attending the networking opportunity

In addition to these tips, here are things you should always practice when preparing for networking.

Remain positive.  The attendance and audience size are a consideration; smaller numbers can render greater outcomes.  Choose networking events you know will be advantageous for the audience (clients) you are seeking. Research the event, check history, sponsors/partners and search for feedback from past events the organization has hosted.

Dress for success.  Ensure you present yourself in a professional, well-dressed manner. Your name badge should always be on your right upper chest for clear visual during handshake and other exchanges.  Have a place to store collected business cards, keeping your hands free to meet and greet people.  Have your business cards handy and bring plenty with you.

Be aware of your non-verbal communication and the message you might send with wondering eyes and looking around the room while trying to communicate.  Chewing gum, tobacco and smoking is a distraction in any networking environment. Be respectful of others.  Breath mints are a suggested sidekick.

Use technology only as a means to exchange ideas or show people your website or other business related content.  No texting, talking on your phone or communicating with non-attendees during the event.  If you need to make a call or text, step outside.

Many times I will circle back to an individual before leaving to gather further information or ask a few more questions, if necessary.  After the event, take notes for appropriate follow-up.  Make a quick assessment of your brief meeting with the person; ascertain the benefits of furthering a conversation or another meeting with them.  What can they learn from you, what can you learn from them.  This will be good information when following up via email to set an appointment.  Do not rely solely on social media to relationship build with your new contacts.  Send an email to make initial contact, then pick up the phone and set an appointment with them.

Happy Networking!