WYPs Message
net•work•ing noun a supportive system of sharing information and services among individuals and groups having a common interest.
Around the world millions of individuals, just like you, are networking. In France they call it "Gestion de reseau"; in Spain "Establecimient de una red"; in Italy "Rete"; and in Holland "Voorzien van een network". Networking is a key marketing tool to gaining business and creating contacts. Many of you are new to networking and just starting to use this tool in your job or business while others have been networking for many years. Whatever the case may be, networking tips are always useful. We thought the following would be worth your reading:
N-Name-as you are meeting new contacts make sure to get their name and to give yours. Exchange business cards.
E-Eye contact-make eye contact as you are meeting and speaking with someone. This makes everyone feel they are being listened to.
T-Target your networking-identify the people you want to make contact with.
W-Work the room-circulate when you are attending a function or meeting a new group. Don't stick to the one or two people you know.
O-Organized-keep the information you gain about your new contact organized. Note what you talked about and how/when to contact them. Keep their business card in a rolodex.
R-Refer-pass your contacts to your power partners within your network. Become a trusted problem solver and you may receive some referrals in return.
K-Knowledgeable-gain information about the person you are talking to and the business they represent. In exchange become a credible resource to that person as an expert in your industry.
I-Involved. Stay connected with your contacts. People have short memories, follow up regularly (but don't over do it!).
N-Needs. Ask open ended questions. Learn about concerns and problems. Identify whether or not the solutions you have to offer meet the needs of the person you are speaking with.
G-Goals-Set one the next time you attend a networking function i.e. meet at least one person you don't know. Review your goals often.
As you are reading this, ask yourself - do I utilize these tips? Is my networking effective? If not, how can I make it more so? It is always a good idea to review what is or is not working for you. There are a number of other ways to perfect your networking skills: ask someone to be your mentor; observe what you see others doing and make notes; read a book about networking; or search for more information online.
No matter where you are doing it, or how you say it, networking is a critical tool you can use to promote and grow your business. Lucky for us we have the opportunity for networking right at our fingertips-WYPS! Whether you attend the weekly buzzes, monthly socials or Professional Development Series WYPS offers a variety of ways for you to put those budding or mastered networking skills to work.
Ready, Aim, Fire: Business Planning
By Tom Dorr,
Communications Manager, SBDC
If you are like most business owners, if someone walked into your business and offered you a way to increase your ability to succeed by 80%, you would probably listen. If it didn't cost any money, you would really listen. What is this miracle product or service and how can you get it?
There is one proven way to increase your business's likelihood of success, whether your business is a start-up or 15 years old: WRITE A BUSINESS PLAN. Most businesses write a plan only when they need a loan and the bank requires them to write one. Take the time to write a plan for yourself.
What is a business plan? A business plan is your roadmap as to how you plan to operate and manage your business. It shows where you are going and how you are planning to get there. Most owners and managers tell me they already know these things; often they obsess over these issues. However, few take the time to write their goals down. They fail to evaluate options and how best to use scarce resources. And they rarely develop financial protection. A business plan is your roadmap to success.
Now is a good time to review the performance of your company and take some time to reflect on where you would like it to go over the next year:
• What strategic changes will you make?
• Are there new markets you plan to enter or new products to introduce?
• What marketing strategies will you use?
• What labor requirements will be needed to accomplish your goal?
• Are there capital purchases you need to make?
• What are your cash needs (working capital) to implement these strategies and run the business?
• Will you need outside financing?
• How do you plan to communicate your goal and objectives to your employees, spouse, and supporters?
• What is the optimal timing for purchases, expansion, or contraction?
In summary, a business plan is the blueprint or roadmap for your business; today and as you grow. A thoroughly researched and well thought-out business plan will clarify your goals, focus your energy, give direction to your work and help gauge your progress.
For over 20 years, the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) has enabled Western Washington's College of Business and Economics to give back to the business community and has helped to shape the economic future of Whatcom County...one business at a time. The SBDC provides free, confidential counseling, technical assistance and secondary research to business owners and managers in an effort to help businesses thrive throughout Whatcom County.
The SBDC is funded through the Port of Bellingham; the U.S. Small Business Administration; Western Washington University's College of Business and Economics; the cities of Bellingham, Ferndale, Blaine, Lynden, and Sumas; Whatcom County; the Economic Development Administration, and private donations.
Overheard at the Buzz
 I have been hearing a lot of buzz about our generation. I mean, we are " THE" Whatcom Young Professionals ages 21-42 AKA the WYPs. I heard Nicola Hoffman from Whatcom Eview say that we are the generation of entrepreneurs. I thought for fun it would be "awesome" to hear what our generation slang is when I went traveling through the buzz locations.
Observation stop number one, the Barkley buzz chatter was "totally" buzzin. With all the smoking "hot" weather they have been "chillin" out side talking about summer fun activities. They have been getting quite a few new test drivers stopping by to see what all the "word" on the street has been about. In addition, chiropractor Kelly and wife Erika Arnold are heard to be opening a new business doing fence repair. This stems from a little incident at Travis Huisman's house where their daughter drove a quad through his fence, all while under the supervision of Kelly! Now, Kelly and Ericka are you "seriously" opening a fence repair business or is this just some "hype?"
So, what exactly has Downtown buzzers been up to? Alex Scott from the NW Business Monthly & Alex Scott Designs designed the fresh new look for the NW Business Monthly Magazine, Blake Young of NuCanoe was recently at Bayfest letting everyone paddle around his stable and fun NuCanoes in Bellingham Bay, and Michael of Essence A Catering Company announces his hopes to open his own cafe in the next few months. Oh, you busy little bee's!
Oh, guess what I heard from the Sehome buzz, DreamMaker Bath & Kitchens has won another award!! Isn't that so "rad." They just recently accepted the REX Award, Remodeler's Excellence, for Whatcom County. Congrats Matt and Tally way to represent our entrepreneur generation.
So, traveling back across town we have the Bakerview morning buzz. Now this was a totally "tubular" meeting that not even E True Bellingham (Hollywood) would have wanted to miss out on. I had announced that my husband, Bill and I are three months pregnant with our first child. "Oh my gosh," the advisory council warned me not to drink the water but they never warned me not to drink the green tea at Starbucks.
So, still looking for more on the WYPS morning buzz, tune in next month where I will spill the latest on... now "that's hot." Second thought, attend a morning buzz to hear the latest first hand, priceless.
Buzzing off at a location near you,
 Anny Havland, Neighborhood Mortgage
WYPs Advisory Council, Monthly Social Committee, Bakeview Buzz Leader
Necessary Evil
By Travis Huisman, Moss Adams
My personality has always struggled with the fact that accounting is my chosen profession. Now, before you laugh yourself silly, let me explain. Because I work with so many people focused on tax and financial statement compliance it feels like I am a business planner in a sea of compliance professionals. My industry hasn't always done a great job of providing what our clients hope for, need and in most cases, expect. Unfortunately, what I have come to conclude is that with the incredible regulations on these professionals today they are forced to place more emphasis on compliance and covering their backsides than on helping clients build a great business and personal wealth. Understand that I have owned my own business and recognize the value of staying out of jail, but staying out of jail and having the tools and resources to build a fantastic business is even better!
I am currently reading a book by by Gary Wills' called A Necessary Evil: A History of American Distrust of Government. The quote goes something like this: "Government is accepted as, at best, a necessary evil, one we must put up with while resenting the necessity. We want as little of it as possible, since anything beyond that necessary minimum instantly cancels one or another liberty." My brain immediately replaced "Government" with "Accounting" and it clicked that accountants are seen all too often as a necessary evil.
When placed in a business context, what this quote is really saying is if you are seen as a necessary evil by your customers then they will want as little to do with you as possible! As I thought more and more about this quote, I realized that accounting isn't the only industry this can or should apply to. It applies, in principal, across all industries, products and services. For example, if you have an auto maintenance facility, you should ask yourself if your customers think of your service as simply a way to waste their time and money, or is it a great way to maximize their overall car experience. As another example, ask yourself if your lumberyard customers simply equate you with a dreaded "honey-do" list or with the opportunity to design, build, and enjoy a fabulous deck for years to come.
Asking this "necessary evil" question should become part of your regular marketing strategy. Here at the office I am going to place Garry Will's quote on the whiteboard just outside my door, but replace government with accounting and we with our clients. By doing this I want to cause some stir in our office and get people thinking about how we can add value to our clients at every interaction. I am excited about the buzz it might create in our organization. Then again, it may get me fired...an un-necessary evil?
Travis Huisman, Moss Adams
Evening Social: July Recap, Upcoming August & September
AUGUST SOCIAL: Excellence Northwest and Essence Catering invite you to join us on the Island Caper for a sunset cruise on Thursday, August 23, 2007. The boat will depart from Bellingham's Squalicum Harbor at 6:30 pm and will return at 9 pm. You must RSVP and pay in advance for this event. To do so, please click here.
>JULY EVENING SOCIAL RECAP
Thank you all who attended the July Evening Social, Carnival Fantastico, hosted by Jaime Hernandez from Health & Exercise Prescriptions along with Peter James Photographic Arts. It was a wonderful evening with one of our largest attendance to date.
>UPCOMING EVENING SOCIALS
September Social - Travis Huisman with Moss Adams is hosting September's Social. More information will be coming soon so be sure to check out our events page to make sure you stay in the loop!
For Information: www.bellinghamwyps.com
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Morning Buzz Schedule
Hear the latest business buzz while getting your caffeine buzz at a local Starbucks Cafe.
Barkley: Wed 7:00am
Downtown: Wed 8:00am
Sehome: Thurs 7:30am
Bakerview: Thurs 8:30am
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A division of the Bellingham/Whatcom Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Amy Nicol, People's Bank
