Land of Lincoln Professional Networking Group

Saturday Thoughts Here are some effective networking tips to help you make meaningful connections in your Land of Lincoln Professional Networking Group and beyond: 1. Have a Clear Introduction (Your Elevator Pitch) Be ready to introduce yourself and your business in a concise and engaging way. Focus on what problem you solve and how you help others. 2. Focus on Building Relationships, Not Just Selling Networking is about forming genuine connections. Instead of immediately pitching your services, ask about others’ businesses and interests. 3. Listen More Than You Speak People appreciate when they feel heard. Show interest by asking thoughtful questions and listening actively. 4. Give Before You Receive Offer value first—whether it’s a referral, advice, or an introduction to someone in your network. Helping others makes them more likely to reciprocate. 5. Follow Up After Meetings Networking doesn’t end when the event does. Follow up with new contacts via email, LinkedIn, or a phone call. Reference your conversation to make it more personal. 6. Stay Consistent Attend networking meetings regularly. The more people see you, the more they trust you, making them more likely to refer business your way. 7. Leverage Social Media Engage with your connections online by sharing their posts, commenting, and keeping in touch beyond in-person meetings. 8. Have Business Cards or Digital Contact Options Make it easy for people to remember you by providing a business card or sharing your contact details digitally. 9. Bring a Positive Attitude A warm smile and a positive demeanor make you approachable and memorable. 10. Be Patient and Play the Long Game Networking is about long-term relationships. Don’t expect immediate results—keep showing up and adding value, and the benefits will come over time.

Today we recognize Dalton Minder with Minder Media in our group. https://lnkd.in/giiSN8cr

Thoughts The end of the week is a good time to reflect on what worked, what didn’t, and what I can do better. I always aim to refine how I provide value—whether it’s offering clearer insights, helping with strategy, or just making things easier for people like you who are building something great. If I were in your shoes, I’d be thinking: ? What progress did I make on the networking group this week? ? What’s one small but impactful thing I can do next week to move it forward? ? Who did I connect with that could help, and who do I need to reach out to?

Today we recognize Maggie Gullo from Levi, Ray & Shoup, Inc. (LRS) . https://lnkd.in/gEF-__nh

Tips on tracking referrals When you receive a referral, it’s important to follow up quickly and professionally to maximize the opportunity. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to handle referrals effectively within the Land of Lincoln Professional Networking Group: 1. Acknowledge & Thank the Referrer ? As soon as you receive a referral, thank the person who referred you (via email, text, or in person). ? Let them know you appreciate their trust and will follow up soon. ? If appropriate, ask for any additional details about the referral (e.g., their needs, budget, urgency). 2. Follow Up with the Referral Promptly ? Reach out within 24-48 hours while the introduction is still fresh. ? If it was a direct introduction (email, text, or in person), acknowledge the referrer and mention the connection. ? If it was an indirect referral (contact info only), introduce yourself professionally and mention how you got their information. Example Message: “Hi [Referral’s Name], my name is [Your Name] from [Your Business]. [Referrer’s Name] mentioned you might be looking for [your service/product], and I’d love to see how I can help. Let’s connect at your convenience—would you be open to a quick call or meeting this week?” 3. Qualify the Referral ? Ask key questions to determine if they’re a good fit for your services. ? Understand their needs, timeline, and budget. ? If they aren’t ready yet, offer helpful advice and stay in touch. 4. Provide Excellent Service ? Treat referrals like VIP clients—they already come with trust built in. ? Ensure a smooth experience from first contact to closing the deal. ? Keep communication clear and transparent. 5. Update the Referrer on the Outcome ? Whether the referral leads to business or not, update the person who referred you. ? This builds trust and encourages more referrals in the future. Example Update Message: “Hey [Referrer’s Name], I just met with [Referral’s Name]—thank you again for the introduction! We had a great conversation, and I’ll be helping them with [service/product]. I really appreciate your support!” 6. Return the Favor ? Be proactive in referring business back to those who send referrals your way. ? Even if you can’t refer directly, engage with their business, share their content, or introduce them to others. ? Consider offering a small thank-you gift or discount for strong referrals. ? Bonus: Tracking Referrals Received ? Keep a spreadsheet or use a CRM to track referrals you receive. ? Log details like: ? Who referred them ? Date of referral ? Status (contacted, in progress, closed) ? Outcome (successful deal, future follow-up, no fit) ? This helps you see who your top referral sources are and allows you to recognize and reward them.

Today we feature Pole Barn Chic in our group. https://polebarnchic.com/

Tip of the Day The ABC’s of Business Ownership provide a simple framework for entrepreneurs to navigate the challenges of running a business. Here’s a breakdown: A – Adaptability & Action ? Adapt to Change – The business landscape is always evolving. Be flexible and open to new trends, technologies, and customer demands. ? Act on Opportunities – Success comes from taking calculated risks and seizing opportunities when they arise. ? Always Learn – Business owners must continuously educate themselves about their industry, market, and financial management. B – Branding & Budgeting ? Build a Strong Brand – Your business identity, reputation, and messaging should be clear, consistent, and aligned with your values. ? Budget Wisely – Manage your finances with a solid plan, track expenses, and ensure profitability. ? Business Relationships – Network, collaborate, and nurture relationships with customers, vendors, and partners. C – Customer Focus & Consistency ? Customer Experience is Key – A loyal customer base is built on great service, trust, and engagement. ? Consistency Builds Credibility – Deliver quality products/services, maintain professional standards, and be reliable. ? Continuous Improvement – Regularly assess and refine your strategies to stay competitive and grow.

Today we feature Doghouse Creations and Curt Diemer from our group. https://lnkd.in/g4PhuSTz

Land of Lincoln Professional Networking Group ?? ?? Connections Create Opportunities – A simple conversation with a fellow business owner today could lead to an unexpected collaboration. Who will you connect with this week? ?? Your Network is Your Net Worth – Investing in relationships strengthens not just your business, but our entire local economy. Let’s grow together! ?? Stronger Together – The power of networking lies in mutual support. Tag a local business you can refer today! ?? Stay Visible, Stay Engaged – Show up, participate, and be consistent. The more you engage, the more opportunities come your way! ?? Buy Local. Shop Local. Bank Local. Eat Local. – Support local businesses and watch our community thrive! How can you uplift a fellow entrepreneur today? #NetworkingTuesday #LocalBusiness #BuyLocal #SupportSmallBusiness #LandOfLincolnNetworking