Network808 business mixer was held on October 24,2012 at the Hawaii Prince Hotel and Golf Club.  First, let me extend a warm Mahalo to Linda Leung, Catering Sales Manager, Hawaii Prince Hotel for her wonderful setup and hospitality.  The space she created for us was very conducive for our networking event.  I would also like to thank Sheri Yamauchi, Solavei, for sponsoring our event and providing a FREE Phone giveaway!  She understands her product and shared information on cost effective ways to buy a phone for business or personal use.

The Leadership Everyday: Mastering Your Networking consists of three components.  We believe that building effective business relationships is a multi-faceted model and provides for professional growth, referral exchanges, integrating technology and social media as methods of exchanging information and maintaining contact with our business friends.

Aloha and Welcome Introductions
The first component was brief introductions.  A networking group leader’s constant challenge is to engage their audience within the networking environment.  However, these Network808ers participated in activities with enthusiasm and humor.  They played on each other’s strengths and lifted up their fellow networker while laughing out loud.  It definitely appeared that they love what they do and take full opportunity to build business relationships in a fun way.

Active participants were invited to introduce themselves and their business in 60 seconds.  A great opportunity to capture the attention of others in an entertaining way, practice active listening skills and learn about each other’s services and products.

Skill Building Session
In the second segment, Vincent Molina, business strategist led a brief and information-filled session on “Implementation – Without it Goals and Plans are Just Talk.”  Vincent shared tips on “How to identify what’s stopping you or holding you back”.  He asked if anyone had implemented what he or she learned from this series.  He suggested that, “If you don’t know what to do next, then ask for support or help.”  He taught us “How to discover what truly motivates you”.

The most important takeaway was “Identifying the Need”.  Vincent asks us, “What is the problem that you solve?”  The bottom line:  “Be clear and concise when communicating, ask for support and help, be an active listener and practice until it gets habitual.”

Interactive Networking Activity
The final component for the evening was an interactive and engaging networking activity known as the “Shaka Game”.   Participants shared what they needed next in their business, others asked questions for clarification and the room filled with laughter as networkers’ talk-story local-style, a natural way to connect and build stronger business relationships.

For first time attendees, this is a great way to get immediately involved in the art of networking.  Some regular participants mentioned that this activity helps them get to know others better and faster than other networking methods.  As a result, connections were made, referrals were passed out and suggestions for future one-to-one meetings were proposed.  Bottom line:  Business can happen in a casual, fun and open-environment.

Quality vs. Quantity
Building effective business relationships takes time and consistency.  The key component is to show up at the events and be an active participant.  Network808 communicates event information and posts event updates to its online global community with +3000 participants. Now, here’s what I consider the essence of Network808, what makes us truly unique – the Return of Value (ROV) and the measureable results on October 24^th is as follows:

The group demographic varies since Network808 is a diversified group.  This was an interesting mix of small to large products and services: web design, promoter, financial consultant, medical care, construction, hotelier, transportation, business success coach, cell phone sale, artist, insurance, technology, and sustainability and young professional. The potential Return on Value (ROV):  $77,000 – $85,000.

Remember, the Lesson of the day: “Be clear and concise when communicating, ask for support and help, be an active listener and practice until it gets habitual.” 

Digital Networking Headquarters
The Poken HUB station and Poken Wall surrounded the room.  Leonard Keao Jr. and Brandon Young were available to educated networkers on Poken, a new technology, a digital business card and networking tool for collecting business information from each other as well as creating green events.

Network808 believes that to accomplish its mission we need to be prepared.  Network808 vision is to help small business and entrepreneurs thrive by the use of a strategic system utilizing face-to-face networking, innovative technology, and Skill-building sessions to name a few.  Network808 has an energetic spirit to bring creativity and sustainability to the table for business growth and to prepare Hawaii business for future challenges and global opportunities.

To end our evening on a beautiful note, Ben Eger, Wealth Strategy Partners noticed a piano tucked away in a dark corner.  He sat down and played a piece of music that he remembered years gone by.  There is so much hidden talent that you can find when you are building effective business relationship.

Our next event, Leadership Everyday: Mastering Your Network final series – “Take Your Business To The Next Level”, a Q&A panel discussion with Vincent Molina and Sean D. Stewart to be held on November 14^th, at Bubba Gumps Shrimp Company, Ala Moana Center in Honolulu, Hawaii at 12noon – 2pm.

What are you doing now for creating new business platforms for the long term?  How is that working for you…in cost…in time and in energy?  Hope you can join us and be a part of the “Future of Networking.”

Always with Aloha…My personal & warmest Mahalo extends to my sensational leadership team who inspires me to keep “Bringing it On – Bigger & Better”:  Leonard Keao Jr., Brandon Young, Vincent Molina, Ben Eger, Jerilyn Jeffryes, Celyn Chong Kee, Michelle Ichikawa and Mardie Torres.  Thank you very much for your support.

That’s it folks.  Thank you for taking the time to read my event recap.

A hui hou ~ Gina Salvador, Founder, Network808