WOW!

Team Networking,

Simple words are not enough.  I could not believe my ears, when Shannon Ryan called my name, and announced me, as Richardson Chapter Networker of the Year 2003.  What an amazing award to be presented with from a group of your fellow networkers, and friends.  I'm still in shock, and all I can say is what a Birthday Present.

I guess the Golfing Legend Ben Hogan said it best, "You put yourself in a good place, to give yourself the opportunity to let good things happen."  I have put myself in a good place, it's called TEAM NETWORKING !  I guess there are things, you don't have to know how they work.  The main thing is, that it works.  While some people are studying the roots, others are picking the fruit.  It just depends on which end of this you want to be on.  My strongest belief in business is how you treat others.  It's all about time and attention.  I think my Grandfather said it also, "You can fleece the flock many times, you can't skin them but once."  You take care of your friends, and customers, and they will take care of you.

This is the time I wish I had the eloquent words of Lori Darley, or the quick wit of Lisa Hughlett.  The drive of Karen Marti, or the spirit and determination of Shannon Ryan.  I don't !  It's just the East Texas boy talkin' to ya now.  Team Networking has shown me how to open my database, and help others grow their own business.  Like they say, you give, and it will return.  My hat is off to all my friends at Team Networking Richardson , they are the ones that constantly drive me to be the best.  I love to sit and have round table discussions once a month.  It makes me go outside the normal box, run through my database and think, not only how can I give them a lead they can close, but who do I have in my database they need to synergize with.  A lead that will put them inside a synergistic circle, that will give them the opportunity to close more business.  It's all about time and attention, and putting yourself, and others in a good spot, to let those good things happen. 

I would just like to thank all my friends in the Richardson Chapter, and to Shannon Ryan for having the dedication to build such a fantastic organization.  To all Team Networkers experienced, and new, if you haven't experienced the ride, you need to jump on board, and hold on.   I'm so optimistic, I'd go after Moby Dick in a row boat, and take the tartar sauce with me.   I don't cold call any more.  For years I thought  "NO SOLICITING" was Latin for "WELCOME MIKE" or at least that's what I told them.  I made a cold call once, and a lady asked me did I see the sign on her door.  I said, "I sure did, it said Open Monday thru Friday."  She stopped me and said, " no the one below that ", I said, "Closed on Sunday?"   She stopped me again, and said , "the No Soliciting Sign."   I told her, "I'm just a simple East Texas  boy, and have no idea, what a big word like that means.  I wouldn't be doing anything like that.  I'm out here sellin'."  She laughed, we exchanged cards, and I came back two weeks later and closed the account. 

With Team Networking, cold calling is a thing of the past, it's warm referrals, and someone that has a good idea of what you're company does, before you walk in the door.  Your Team Networking partner has already given them the information about you and your company.  The customer already has some trust built into what you do, through your Team Networking partner.  It's all about time and attention, and putting yourself in a good place.  What a group to be associated with.  Team Networking, it's the best!

 All I can say is "WOW!"

"WOW"  Webster's defines the word as -- used to express strong feeling (as pleasure or surprise).

Team Networking is Success.  Success is the study of the obvious.  Everyone should take Obvious 1 and Obvious 2 in school.  All kidding a side, Team Networking has been a fantastic tool within my carrier.  All I can say is WOW, and Thank you to the Richardson Chapter, and Team Networking, for making me a better Networking Partner, Businessman, and Friend.

Mike Bramlett
Team Networking Member, Richardson Chapter