Network808 business mixer was held on February 27, 2013 at the Hee Hing Restaurant on the island of Oahu.

Aloha and Welcome Introductions
 The first component was brief introductions.  A networking group leader’s constant challenge is to captivate their audience within the networking environment.  However, Network808 active participants engaged in activities with enthusiasm and humor.  It definitely appeared that they love what they do and take full opportunity to build business relationships in a fun way.

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, “The Social Media Marketing series:  The Missing Link to Your Business: Linkedin” was presented by Kristen Robinson of KR Design.

This event wasn’t just an introduction to Linkedin.  We wanted the active participants to “Get it.”  Excite them to really move forward in their social media strategy and take advantage of this powerful tool for their business.

Kristen did a great job and covered the following in her presentation:

• What is Linkedin and why do you need to be on it?
• Do you know what your LI goal and strategy is?
• How to get started to build your LI presence?
• What areas are important on my profile?
• How do you build your network?
• Who do you need to know on LI?
• Who, what, How and Why on Linkedin groups?
• Do you want to hear about Tips & Tricks from Hawaii Linkedin users?
• What about time-saving ideas?

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.  So, Kristen applied an interactive approach and involved the entire room with an action item worksheet.

The most important takeaway was “Identifying your Target Market”.  Kristen asked, “Identify the pain that you solve?”  The bottom line:  “Be clear and concise when communicating, develop your profile, key words, and join groups aligned with your goals and strategies.  Linkedin is about “You” not your company or product.

Here’s what some Network808 active participants have to say about the event:

Kieran Tong, Chin Lung Martial Arts School: Great event. Yes, you will “See” me in Linked In. Not this month though.

Rich Smith, Servall: Thanks Gina. It exceeded my expectations.

Mike Kockler, MyChangeNow: Thanks for organizing the event Gina. Great job!

Chuvala Thomas, HIFE College Planning Program: Great stuff. Network 808 never fails when it comes to connecting us while providing relevant education.

Roseann Broston, Archipelago Hawaii: Aloha! Thank you for setting up such a great event last night. Kristen was a great presenter and I learned new ways to work my linkedin account.

William Braddock, Goals Coach:  Great event, Kristen Robinson shared some great tips for using Linkedin for your business.

Aaron Kekoolani, Aloha Data: Thank you for a great night of networking, food, friends and learning. Thank you for providing these Social/Business Networking seminars that have given me some great insights on how to effectively use these mediums.  …[and] for the wonderful gift we all received, the “Year of the Snake Charm” was really cool. Keep up the good work.  Till next time a hui hou.

The group demographic varies since Network808 is a diversified group.

This was an energetic mix of business professionals ranging from: Radio personalities, web design, promoter, financial & marketing consultants, college consultant, non-profit organizations, health & wellness, staffing solutions, special event venues, real estate, transportation, business success coach, cell phone sale, carpet cleaning, insurance, technology, business strategists, event producers, custom tile, stone and wood flooring and a martial arts school.

Remember, the Lesson of the Day: “With 6 degrees of separation, be clear and concise in your communication, develop your profile, use key words in complete sentences, and join groups aligned with your goals and strategies.  Linkedin is about “You” not your company or product.”

First, let me extend a warm Mahalo to David Lee, Manager of the Hee Hing Restaurant for a wonderful setup and Chinese 7-course dinner.  The space he created for us was very warm, inviting and conducive for our networking event.  I would also like to thank Kristen Robinson, KR Design for donating four 30-minute free consultation sessions and Vincent Molina, Vincent Molina & Associates for his autographed copy of “The Law of Business Attraction.”

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.

Here’s the link to our Network808 Event’s Web Album.

Our next event, Social Media Marketing series: Facebook: The Essentials for Small Business and Entrepreneurs a presentation with Jason Seaborn to be held on March 27^th, at The Willows Restaurant, 901 Hausten Street, 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 Social Networking.”

Always with Aloha…My personal & warmest Mahalo extends to my sensational leadership team who inspires me. “We can learn and grow together”:  Leonard Keao Jr., Vincent Molina, and Glenn Mercante.  Thank you very much for your support.

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

A hui hou ~ Gina Salvador, Founder, Network808