November Networking in New York
I've said it more than once and I'll keep saying it until the economy turns around: face-to-face, in person, real time, networking is your number one marketing tool. Why?
The impact you make online doesn't hold a candle to the impact you make in person.
And as soon as the holidays hit, the networking turns to partying, which in my opinion, isn't nearly as productive.
So here are a few events coming up that we highly recommend you attend:
November 10 6:30 PM
How to Get Free Publicity for your Business
I have free tickets ($49 value) for the first 10 people who email me (ilise AT marketing-mentor DOT com)
November 13 7 AM - 7 PM
Women's Leadership Exchange: East Coast Summit
November 13 6 PM
Usability & Interaction Inside NYC Taxis: Design Lessons Learned
(part of World Usability Day)
November 18 6:30 PM
Spark Roundtable—Comparing Proposals
November 19 7:30 AM
Crains NY Business Small Business Awards Breakfast
November 19 in Brooklyn NY 6:30 PM
Freelancers Union first industry-specific event for the Film and Television Industry
Any others you know about? in New York or elsewhere?

Thank you for sharing this informative article. Your stuff is really good.
Posted by: Rathna | November 03, 2008 at 05:31 AM
Hi Ilise,
Looking at these events I sure do wish we lived in NYC!
And you are so right on with the comment on "in-person" networking. As much as we have done it over the last 16 years of our business, those are where the true connections are made. I can't tell you how many times other "networking gurus" have told me to avoid those one-on-one meetings, as they feel most of them turn into big sales pitches. But done right, those one-on- one's are invaluable.
I must admit though that social media has fit well into our networking. Especially, sites like Biznik. What has really worked well is either getting to know someone online, or in person, and then continuing that relationship through social networking. Case in point, Judy, my business partner got to know several people via online networking, and when they finally met, face to face, there were big hugs everywhere...
~bob
Posted by: Bob Dunn | November 03, 2008 at 06:58 AM
Here's another:
November 17 (all day)
The 4th Annual NY Times Small Business Summit
http://nytsmallbusinessummit.com/
Posted by: Ilise Benun | November 06, 2008 at 05:40 AM
Your own personal network is indeed your greatest asset. So many people fail to see this - they're the same ones who go to career fairs or look at Monster.com to find their next job. Your next job is going to come from someone you know - through your personal network, and if going to parties during the holidays helps expand that network, then at all means go! Just go easy on the alcohol :)
Posted by: NY Marketing | November 19, 2008 at 05:47 PM