Why Cup of Coffee Networkers Works for Me!

Have you ever been listening to the radio in the car, watching TV or listening to music online and heard a commercial that made you change the channel?   It was probably either for something that you didn't need, didn't want or, you may have found the commercial to be annoying.  Companies place their ads hoping that it will help them get business - but for folks like me, often the commercials make me change the channel.

Have you ever been a part of a networking group that just didn't seem to be helping you at all?  Before I joined Cup of Coffee Networkers, I was embarking on a brand new business and trying to figure out how to meet people to share information about my new company.  I went to my very first networking meeting - and at first impression, I was very excited and motivated.  The room was packed with people, and I knew we'd all be doing a 30 second 'commercial' about our businesses.  The meeting started, and one by one, we all shared what we do - in as quick a method as possible.  At the end of the meeting, I was hoping to chat with folks, learn about their businesses & tell them about mine - but, that didn't happen.  Instead, I got a lot of "good luck with your business" comments- and out the door they went.  No business card exchange, no conversation - just, 'good luck'.  I also got a few sneers from people looking down their nose at me.  Interesting, I thought.

Was it my commercial?  Was it what I was sharing?  Did I talk too fast? OR, did my 'commercial' get lost in the shuffle of everyone else's message?  Something didn't sit well with me.  

I returned to this group a few times, but overall, I got the sense that folks were just there to SHARE information, but not RECEIVE information.  Basically, folks weren't up for collaborating or doing much business with one another. And, there seemed to be a general feeling of competitiveness (remember the sneers?) that I just wasn't buying into. That's not who I am, or how I want to do business. 

Soon after this, I found Cup of Coffee Networkers - totally by accident.  I was looking through the Our Town magazine and found an ad for a free trial membership. I figured, what the heck. Let's try this out & see what happens.  I logged into the website, created a profile page, shared information, pictures and specials about my company.  I started with my first meeting - a little reluctant based on my previous experience.  This time, the networking group was truly doing what I had hoped!  Here, I did the same 30 second commercial, but it was well received. Folks were truly interested in what I had to say - and likewise, I was interested in what they had to say too!  

Over the course of several months worth of meetings, online chats and utilizing the COCN website to its fullest, I have truly made connections with people in various types of businesses - some i've heard of, and some were new to me.  I was doing the same commercials - but, the audience was different.  There wasn't a tone of competition, but one of collaboration.  Instead of sneers, I saw smiles.  Instead of people wishing me luck, they were asking about my business (and I was asking about theirs).  Instead of feeling like I was failing with my commercials, I was feeling uplifted by the group!  

I learned that the commercial only works if the audience is receptive to hearing the message in the commercial. With Cup of Coffee Networkers, I found an audience of people that are not 'changing the channel'!  It is a group of professionals sharing what they do with people that want to learn about their businesses.  The commercials are working now, because the people (whether in person, the chat room or online conversations) are truly invested in one another.

I would love to be able to support each and every person on Cup of Coffee Networkers with their companies, but the reality is that likely won't happen.  Some people may be selling something I don't want or need (and similarly, some of my products might not be what others want or need). BUT, we're not 'changing the channel' on one another!  In building professional relationships with each other, I'm happy to refer my COCN friends to others who may be able to provide them with business (and, in the process, share with folks that I made these connections through COCN)  I might not be able to buy something from each business owner here, but I can provide referrals - and referrals to COCN.  To me, that's win - win for the business owners and to new potential COCN members!

I thank each and every one of you who has reached out, friended me, had a conversation, shot me an email, called or checked out my page.  I am making my way through the COCN website and i'm looking at your businesses too!  I believe in what we have here, and I am happily staying on this channel!

:-)