Handshakin Blog - Handshakin'

What to Learn from Introverts' Networking Superpowers

10/3/2016

One of the most common arguments when it comes to networking is that introverts struggle more than extroverts. This is not only false, but introverts have many qualities that actually make them more strategic networkers than extroverts!

3 Tips for Successful Networking at a Party

9/6/2016

Let's face it: networking is hard. It takes a special kind of person to effortlessly work a room, getting strangers to open up and present new business opportunities. But for most of us, networking just doesn't come that easily.

How a Founder's Personal Brand Establishes a Credible Startup

8/22/2016

All entrepreneurs know that their startup needs to be 'doing branding' and 'marketing' in order to thrive. But, what about the founder's personal brand?

Should the founders care about their brand in addition to their startup's brand?

The answer is... Yes, absolutely!

3 Signs You Suck at Networking

5/23/2016

Here's a boring line to start out a blog post with: Networking is important for your professional career. You need to be constantly networking and marketing your business so that you can continue to grow (and closer higher-caliber leads). Despite this fact, many people really struggle with it. It's hard.

5 Killer Ideas to Create Compelling Content from Your Next Networking Event

5/9/2016

Networking events present countless opportunities for entrepreneurs including meeting influential people in your niche, building relationships that could lead to partnerships, and learning from top leaders thus improving your business skills and personal development.

Yet, there’s one opportunity that exist that isn’t being capitalized enough by entrepreneurs…

How To Create Real Relationships by Social Networking

3/28/2016

As a new entrepreneur, networking is your biggest ally in helping your business grow. Connections can be made formally at a conference or through casual conversation while standing in line at the grocery store. And with innovations in social media platforms, comes even more opportunities for productive networking...

4 Tips For Shy People To Succeed At Networking

3/1/2016

Networking events are the perfect place to meet people to help you grow your business. However, if you are a shy person in nature, they can be your worst fear.

Three Tips For Following Up After a Networking Event

2/15/2016

Networking is necessary for the growth of your business. Many founders/owners forget about the follow up afterwards. Here's how to not suck at follow-up:

4 Things To Do After a Networking Event

1/17/2016

Networking events are great for entrepreneurs and startups to get together. You can meet all kinds of new people that can advise or turn into clients. You can bounce ideas off of others. You can learn new things, increasing your bottom line.

5 Tips for New Meetup Organizers

1/4/2016

Many people have asked me how my meetup grew so fast. It had just over 100 members December 2014, and December 2015 it was just under 1,000 'movers and shakers.'

Over the last 12 months, I've actually been doing a little bit more on Meetup than organizing Startup Denver (PS Join us right now if you're local). I’ve organized over 30 events, and that doesn't include my other meetup groups. Startups Drink Local, Evolving Entreprenuers and Denver Podcasters.

Three Tips To Succeed At Online (Social) Networking

12/28/2015

There are benefits to networking both online and off. A lot of businessmen (and women) prefer networking in person because they are more comfortable with it. Social networking is new and ambiguous, but super essential to success in the technology era.

4 Reasons You Need to Be Face-to Face Networking

12/14/2015

Today, everyone relies on social media for networking. They focus most (or all) of their efforts on meeting people online and establishing relationships that way. However, as business owners, networking face-to-face is still important for many reasons.

Entrepreneurs: Get involved with your local TEDx!

11/16/2015

Can I tell you why TEDx is awesome for entrepreneurs? This weekend changed my life and I want to share it with you.

Recently, I was invited to attend TEDxBeaconStreet in Boston as an "Adventure Catalyst," which means I'm one of almost 100 people involved with organizing a TEDx in my local community. The goal of our attendance was to learn more about building community through 'adventures' with speakers and the TEDx attendees.

Why Training and Education is Important For Your Startup

8/31/2015

As a new business owner, you are probably looking for lots of feedback. Many people love to give advice and feedback. One entrepreneur tip that is sometimes overlooked is that you have to spend money on your business to make money. It is important to watch every penny that you spend.

Starting a Business? Crowdfunding 101 - Understanding the Basics

8/1/2015

Crowdfunding has become a popular method for raising money. The basic premise is to raise funds by appealing to the masses. A large number of people each give a small amount of money to reach a goal.

3 Numbers Every Entrepreneur Should Know

7/27/2015

A lot of business owners hear the words SEO and their eyes glaze over. They wonder what SEO can really do for them, and if all the effort of creating a digital marketing plan anchored by SEO is worth it. Make no mistake, SEO and content marketing are vital in today's world.

How to Build Personal Relationships as an Entrepreneur

7/13/2015

All business is built on relationships. Working relationships between employees, business relationships between the company and suppliers or manufacturers, and implicit relationships between the company and customers. As an entrepreneur starting or managing a small business, you will likely have to be savvy in maintaining great relationships all around, and doing so on a personal level makes it more real.

The Handshake: A Powerful Networking Tool

7/6/2015

June 25 was National Handshake Day...and the opportunity to learn more about this powerful networking tool.

In business, we shake hands everyday. The handshake is such a common gesture that most of us give it little thought. But when we tak e a moment to understand its history and significance, it becomes much more than a routine way to greet others and finalize an agreement.

4 Unique Ways to Think About Networking

6/22/2015

Networking. As a small business owner, you will either be excited to hear that word or you will shutter when you hear it. Many love to network. They love to get out and meet new people. They live to socialize. Others see a room full of people and want to run back home. They would rather be by themselves. However, shaking hands is essential to grow your business.

How Entrepreneurs Can Increase Their Chances of Long-Term Success

6/1/2015

Entrepreneurs should always be thinking about their long-term success. While many strategies may help you in the short-run, they aren't guaranteed to hold up well over time. Here are a few things you can do to increase your chances of long-term success:

4 Powerful Steps Startups Can Take Today

5/4/2015

Every day, different brands compete for the attention of consumers. This can be very challenging for the newer startups since it takes some effort to get into the minds of people and grab their attention. Not to mention, coming up with a strategic marketing plan for your new business can be unquestionably difficult. However, there are steps you can take starting today to ensure that your start-up has a chance for success.

7 Reasons to Take Advantage of Social Media

4/27/2015

Social media has become a rapidly growing marketing monster that every entrepreneur and business owner should be using. Not only is utilizing social media free, it provides many assets most entrepreneurs had to work even harder to get before the rise of Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and other sites. Here are 7 reasons why you should be taking advantage of social media as an entrepreneur.

3 Rookie Networking Mistakes

4/20/2015

Many people hate networking. They despise it so much that they miss out on great business opportunities. They also miss out on meeting a lot of great like-minded people who could really help them grow their business. If they simply got over their fears, they may reap the huge benefits of connecting with experts, mentors, and like minded-communities. However, when one begins networking, it's key to be careful and not make any rookie networking mistakes.

[Guest Post by Connor Rickett] Stick to Networking

2/20/2015

Small Business Marketing
It’s good business practice to never give away good business practices for free. I’m going to do that, though; I’m going to give you the secret of my single most successful marketing strategy. I’m just going to give it away. But I’m going to give it away somewhere in the next page or so, without much fanfare. So I guess it’s not free; you’re paying me with your time, by listening to what I have to say . . . On the other hand, I’m giving you a real bargain, here.

4 Big Networking Mistakes

2/16/2015

Networking can be a very scary thing, and many people go about it all wrong. They make a lot of mistakes which look bad on them and their business.

Here are some networking mistakes that you need to avoid doing.