Making new contacts by giving, giving, giving

This January, a dear friend was a guest speaker at our annual workshop.  A master networker, she stressed that the key to successful networking was giving, giving, giving, then asking, then receiving.

I am the new girl in my New Hometown.  What is funny is, that unlike many in my New Hometown, I've known the area for 25 years.  You see, my best friend's grandparents live there, and from the time I was 15 I've visited my new Hometown every few years.  So I know the area as a tourist rather well...so I think this will be an advantage with the current locals.  Or maybe not!  lol!  We will see, but for now, I need to firmly remember, I am new here.  I must give, give, give.  Not expecting getting now, but giving to sow seeds for the future business relationships I wish to start.

Thinking of my display, I know I cannot make it as grandiose as I would like simply due to the constraints of traveling with supplies.  I could simply purchase new in my New Hometown, but as of now, there is no where to store items after I leave.  So I am taking this opportunity to reach out to the vendors still participating in the event.

My first thought is a florist.  Flowers always beautify their surroundings.  Looking through the vendors list, I am thrilled to find one!  My plan is to call and ask for the one in charge of setting up at the expo, let her know that I am also a vendor, and could I please order a few small bouquets for my table?  I will offer payment when I make the I'll make certain she knows that I'd also love to have her business cards with her bouquets and that I am paying (the plan is to give the bouquets to those I've already met - the health insurance agent, etc.)  Problem is, it's the week before Mother's Day.  Florists are incredibly overworked that week, so do I really want to add to that mess?  Would they even remember me?

So, I go to plan B.  Networking 101.  I'll simply have to give when I get there...but to do that, I need to get women to book.  Back to packing!  All the jewelry, a few display pieces, and jewelry most befitting to the expo, plus our trademark expo giveaway (no, I'm not telling what it is - but wowzers!  It works!)  My hostesses go home with a promise, a gift and a gift to come - at a cost of about $10 to me for the show that holds.  Giving works!