Kansas City Directory - If you have a small to medium size business in Kansas City you should participate in the directory so you can position your business to receive more referrals with less effort and time.

Kansas City Directory

The Kansas City Directory is a referral source for small to medium size businesses in Kansas City.

If you have a small to medium size business in Kansas City you should participate in the directory so you can position your business to receive more referrals with less effort and time.

You can start by adding your business to the directory.

Next, you can share your business listing on the directory with your friends and followers on Google+, Twitter, and Facebook by using the share button. We encourage you to ask your family and friends to like your business listing and make a recommendation in the comment section. The more likes and recommendations your business listing gets on the directory, the more marketing exposure your business listing will receive on social media to over 100,000 Kansas Citians..

The Kansas City Directory is designed off of a successful directory template that have found to get lots of Google juice. Participating members who visited weekly in 2012 on similar directories have seen their customer base doubled, referral base tripled, and their advertising cost slashed nearly in half. We anticipate similar results on the Kansas City Directory.

Some of the roadblocks for small to medium size businesses are “Being ALL things to ALL customers, having not enough time to participate, and not seeing a benefit in participating.

Small to medium size businesses need to know their niche and market toward their niche. Trying to be all things to all people is a definite recipe for a business failure. The Kansas City Directory helps solve this problem by enabling businesses to enter a personalized description of their business for prospective customers to view. Customers can weed themselves. Businesses that specialize will see success in 2013.

Not having enough time seems to be a roadblock for many small to medium size businesses in Kansas City when introduced to social media or a new marketing activity. What they are actually saying, I don’t see the benefit. Surely by seeing a dramatic increase in their marketing exposure by participating in the Kansas City Directory weekly with about the same time as making a small pot of coffee in the morning they will see the value, right? Many participants in similar directories have seen their marketing exposure nearly double.

An important stat from Manta points to an alarming business startic. 49% of the small to medium size businesses researched in 2011 that engaged on social media to increase their business, saw over 25% of their new customers come through social media. Wow, over 25% and the Kansas City Directory will be making it easier for those businesses that elect to participate. Lets get started right?

So how do you get your small to medium size business in Kansas City started? You can first get started by adding your business listing to the appropriate subdirectory in the Kansas City Directory, then share your business listing on Google+ (use the #KCDir  Hashtag), Facebook (use @Kansas City Networking), and (use the #KCDir hashtag).

Connect with Us::
Add your business to the Kansas City Directory
Like the Kansas City Networking group on Facebook
Join the conversation on the group, Kansas City Networking
Circle Kansas City Networking on Google+
Join the Kansas City Networking Google+ Community
Kansas City Directory

View more lists from Chris Dowell

Need Help . . . Finding Contractors, Trades People, Home Services, or Businesses in Kansas City?

Go to the:  Kansas City Referral and Networking Business Directory

We'll help you find the solution for your need.

Over 3000 Contractors, Trades People, Home Services, and Businesses listed in our Kansas City Referral and Networking Business Directory.

Including: Roofer. Plumber, Electrician, Contractor, Remodeler, Carpenter, Carpet Installer, HVAC, Air Conditioning Tech, Heating Specialist, Landscaper, Animal Removal Specialist, Web Designer, Marketing Specialist, Phone Specialist, Mobile Phone Rep, Insurance Agent, Banker, Mortgage Loan Officer, Caterer, Carpet Cleaner, Computer Repair, Home Stager, and more . . .

How is your Kansas City business getting found online? The Kansas City Directory is helping businesses get found.

How is your Kansas City business getting found online? 

The Kansas City Directory is helping businesses get found.

A Quote from a User: 
Today I witnessed the power of social media trying to find a business online.  I only new the name of the business and not the url but because Mr. +Chris Dowell had them on list.ly they showed up on my google search.  Nice work Chris. 
List.ly is a list building tool that is used to build the Kansas City Directory.

A Quote from a Business:
Thanks for adding my business to the Kansas City Directory. I just had a customer contact me off of your directory.

A Quote from another Business:
Thanks for adding my business listing. I have had 2 people tell me that they found my business from your directory. Your list is a great idea. I'm writing a post featuring your lists! 

Did you know it cost nothing to add your business listing to the Kansas City Directory?



Need Help . . . Finding Contractors, Trades People, Home Services, or Businesses in Kansas City?

Go to the:  Kansas City Referral and Networking Business Directory

We'll help you find the solution for your need.

Over 3000 Contractors, Trades People, Home Services, and Businesses listed in our Kansas City Referral and Networking Business Directory.

Including: Roofer. Plumber, Electrician, Contractor, Remodeler, Carpenter, Carpet Installer, HVAC, Air Conditioning Tech, Heating Specialist, Landscaper, Animal Removal Specialist, Web Designer, Marketing Specialist, Phone Specialist, Mobile Phone Rep, Insurance Agent, Banker, Mortgage Loan Officer, Caterer, Carpet Cleaner, Computer Repair, Home Stager, and more . . .

If you choose to accept, I can help you rank higher on Google by adding your business listing to the Kansas City Directory

If you choose to accept, I can help you rank higher on Google

I’m introducing the Kansas City Business Directory that will help you rank higher on Google. The directory has been on the radar of Blogger, Google, Listly and many others. It will also get some extra marketing for businesses soon. Feel free to add your business if you want to rank higher on Google. The categories are:
Kansas City Business to Business Directory
Kansas City Technology Directory
Kansas City Home and Garden Directory
Kansas City Business Networking and Referral Directory
Kansas City Home Based Business Directory
Home and Beauty Directory
Top People in Google+ Directory

You can vote and comment on your favorite businesses. Go ahead and start today. Start by going to:  Kansas City Business Directory

Here are the simple steps to adding a business listing to the Kansas City Directory . . .

First, click the click the Submit Add to List button
.
Second, click that you want to add a Item with Link button.
Third, add a link to the business.
Fourth, add additional information. Use the arrows to add the correct picture. Next, add the name of the business and the notes of the business. For the name of the business, add only the name. In the notes, briefly describe the business. For the tags, try to use a tag already used. If you need to add 1 tag, that is ok. If you add over 1 new tag, they will be removed in order to keep the tag directory clean.

Fifth and final step.When you’re done adding your information, click on the Add Item button.

You’re done. That is it.


Need Help . . . Finding Contractors, Trades People, Home Services, or Businesses in Kansas City?

Go to the:  Kansas City Referral and Networking Business Directory

We'll help you find the solution for your need.

Over 3000 Contractors, Trades People, Home Services, and Businesses listed in our Kansas City Referral and Networking Business Directory.

Including: Roofer. Plumber, Electrician, Contractor, Remodeler, Carpenter, Carpet Installer, HVAC, Air Conditioning Tech, Heating Specialist, Landscaper, Animal Removal Specialist, Web Designer, Marketing Specialist, Phone Specialist, Mobile Phone Rep, Insurance Agent, Banker, Mortgage Loan Officer, Caterer, Carpet Cleaner, Computer Repair, Home Stager, and more . . .

Checkout the Top 19 New Years Celebrations in Kansas City - Feel free to vote or add your favorite KC NYE Bash

New Years Eve Celebrations in Kansas City

View more lists from Chris Dowell

Need Help . . . Finding Contractors, Trades People, Home Services, or Businesses in Kansas City?

Go to the:  Kansas City Referral and Networking Business Directory

We'll help you find the solution for your need.

Over 3000 Contractors, Trades People, Home Services, and Businesses listed in our Kansas City Referral and Networking Business Directory.

Including: Roofer. Plumber, Electrician, Contractor, Remodeler, Carpenter, Carpet Installer, HVAC, Air Conditioning Tech, Heating Specialist, Landscaper, Animal Removal Specialist, Web Designer, Marketing Specialist, Phone Specialist, Mobile Phone Rep, Insurance Agent, Banker, Mortgage Loan Officer, Caterer, Carpet Cleaner, Computer Repair, Home Stager, and more . . .

Top 13 Ways How Kansas City Businesses are Failing Social Media

How Kansas City Businesses are Failing Social Media

The following is a list of the Top Thirteen things that so many Kansas City Business people do with social media that make them look totally clueless. If any of these social media blunders are what you find yourself doing please STOP!

1) Failing Facebook Invites - Inviting all of your Facebook friends to your local kids school pancake breakfast. Yes, we care about your kids but inviting ALL of your Facebook friends doesn't make sense, right? Your friends in Omaha, Wichita, and Springfield will not be coming to town to your kids pancake breakfast in Olathe, Kansas. Truly, send your invites to your local friends. Getting foolish will get your friends to start blocking your invites and then when you have something that is truly important, your Facebook friends will miss it. Make sure you target your invites.

2) Failing Google+ -  We all have that one friend who doesn't understand Google+ and shares every post with us everyday, right? The first couple times we chalk it up to a newbie mistake right? We may even send them a message to let them know how to share on Google+. Yes, they understand that if they post to PUBLIC you can still view their post in your stream, but they they keep sharing every post with us like it is late breaking news and we get sick and tired of their post. Sharing post with the same group daily can be considered as SPAM and may get you blocked by your followers. If enough people block you, Google+ will label you as a SPAMMER and spammers will usually lose their accounts on Google+. Sharing a post directly with someone should be reserved for your very best work not a daily event of every post you create!

3) Failing Linkedin - Groups on linkedin are NOT for advertising your business! Seriously why on earth do you think someone in Dallas wants to see your business ad here in Kansas City? THEY DON'T. A professional group where you discuss ways to improve your business is not an open invitation to SPAM your business.

4) Failing at Social Media Conversations - Business people are notorious for going to the social media sharing tools to send their content to various networks and then doing nothing else. Whether they use Hootsuite, Shareaholic, Sesmic, ShareThis or the many other applications, Social media is about being social! Who cares you found a way to post your ads on social media faster, social media is NOT about personal promotion. Stop dumping your advertising content and doing nothing else. Interaction and reciprocation is what makes social media work! If you're not getting engagement on your post, either you have the wrong followers or you're posting poor content. You will not get engagement on every post, but you should have some post with numerous comments, every week.

5) Failing SEO - Quit dropping your Kansas City website address all over the internet every time you make a comment like there is some kind of SEO benefit. This does very little for you! It is just another form of SPAM. In addition, write for the reader, not for the search engines. You want the reader to keep coming back to your content, right? Writing for a bot won't do it.

6) Failing Blogging SEO - Making every other sentence on your blog bold or adding new keywords that breakup the readability of your post doesn't make sense. Stop listening to people that don't have a clue about SEO! Google knows when a reader leaves your page before they have spent enough time to read it and will punish you with their algorithm. Like I wrote in #5, write for the reader, not for the bots.

7) Adding Widgets to Your Website - When you add some widgets to your website they effectively help the companies that host the widget to rank higher for your local keywords on Google. Just plain dumb, isn't it? If you're going to add a widget, make sure it doesn't have a backlink to your competitor's website.

8) Failing Twitter - Sending your ads to Twitter 3+ times a day via a monitoring site like Hootsuite is not proper social media etiquette. Monitoring sites have been developed to monitor conversations on multiple accounts.  Worse than posting your ads on Twitter is not responding to a question in a timely manner. If you're going to post daily, monitor the responses. Again dropping your content and doing nothing else is not what social media is about.

9) Failing Facebook Groups - Please stop spamming Facebook groups that you belong to with your ads or post about another group you are starting. Most Facebook Groups are there to share ideas not for you to spam your ads or scrape the members to another group. Add niche content that fits with the group the members will find useful. In addition, if you're going to ask a question or add content on a Facebook Group, stay around for the conversation. 

10) Failing Social Media Profiles - It is Interesting that there are more Kansas City business people who act more like secret agents than business people. Have you looked at their profiles? Their profiles are either not completed or blocked. If you're in business to actually do business in Kansas City, start by completing your social media profiles.That means complete the biography sections and add a profile picture. If you want to act like a secret agent, that is ok, just don't get upset when people don't follow you or ignore your post.Secret agents don't make great sales people in Kansas City.

11) Failing Social Media Reciprocation - Social media is not all about you. To be successful with social media you need to reciprocate! When someone makes a comment on Twitter, Facebook or Google+ do you visit their stream and comment back on something they posted? Do you ever share their content? You need to find your social media ambassadors and connect with them frequently. This is how you make more connections with people. It is how you grow your following. Ignoring them will hurt you in the long run. Again stop thinking about social media as place to drop your content and you will be far more successful!

12) Failing Social Media Networking - This is interesting . . . Somebody you may know or not know just went on Facebook, Twitter or Google+ and wrote an endorsement about your Kansas City business. Not only do you not thank the person who endorsed your business publicly, but you don't even endorse their business. Sad isn't it? Last Wednesday and Thursday after two networking groups had their weekly meetings, I saw over 10 public endorsements of 2 featured businesses. One business publicly thanked the public endorsements and that was it. The second business did nothing back publicly. Both businesses ended the social media wave by not keeping it going. If both businesses would have publicly thanked their endorsers then publicly endorsed the businesses back they would have kept the wave going. I have seen 50 post spin off of one endorsement post. Other people started chiming in and joining the conversation. That is lots of extra exposure isn't it? 

13) Failing How to Post on Social Media - I know this should be a no brainer but I added this one last because I see this one abused the most. Sure there are a few friends that want to know what syrup you used on your pancakes this morning. Most don't though. When posting on social media, post content worthy content that your friends would like to read. Post content that is informative, entertaining, educational, and that fits your audience. 


If these are the kinds of things that annoy you too please share this with anyone who makes these mistakes.

I would like to thank, Bill Gassett, for the idea, start and quite a few points for this post. 




Need Help . . . Finding Contractors, Trades People, Home Services, or Businesses in Kansas City?

Go to the:  Kansas City Referral and Networking Business Directory

We'll help you find the solution for your need.

Over 3000 Contractors, Trades People, Home Services, and Businesses listed in our Kansas City Referral and Networking Business Directory.

Including: Roofer. Plumber, Electrician, Contractor, Remodeler, Carpenter, Carpet Installer, HVAC, Air Conditioning Tech, Heating Specialist, Landscaper, Animal Removal Specialist, Web Designer, Marketing Specialist, Phone Specialist, Mobile Phone Rep, Insurance Agent, Banker, Mortgage Loan Officer, Caterer, Carpet Cleaner, Computer Repair, Home Stager, and more . . .

#7 Install the +1 on your websites - 13 Ways to Increase Your Web Traffic by Using Google+

13 Ways to Increase Your Web Traffic by Using Google+  

#7 Install the +1 on your websites (7 of 13)

Never heard of the +1 button? Hmm . . . the +1 button is a widget written javascript that webmasters and website designers add to their website.

Why is it added? When someone clicks the +1 button, they are telling Google that they approve your website. The more +1's, the more Google will give weight to your website. In the example above, the +1 button as a 271 beside it. The 271 represents that 271 people have approved the website. Don't you think that Google would place more value on a website that had 271 approvals over a website that had 2 approvals?

The +1 button is hit over 5 billion times a day?

Checkout #1- Use Your Customers Keywords (1 of 13)

Checkout #2 - Expand Your Google Plus Circles (2 of 13)

Checkout #3 - Train Google that You're an Authority (3 of 13)

Checkout #4 - Tag Your Online Work by Claiming Google Authorship (4 of 13)

Checkout #5 - Cross Promote Your Social Media Profiles and Websites (5 of 13)

#6 Start By Being Engaging (6 of 13)

Need Help . . . Finding Contractors, Trades People, Home Services, or Businesses in Kansas City?

Go to the:  Kansas City Referral and Networking Business Directory

We'll help you find the solution for your need.

Over 3000 Contractors, Trades People, Home Services, and Businesses listed in our Kansas City Referral and Networking Business Directory.

Including: Roofer. Plumber, Electrician, Contractor, Remodeler, Carpenter, Carpet Installer, HVAC, Air Conditioning Tech, Heating Specialist, Landscaper, Animal Removal Specialist, Web Designer, Marketing Specialist, Phone Specialist, Mobile Phone Rep, Insurance Agent, Banker, Mortgage Loan Officer, Caterer, Carpet Cleaner, Computer Repair, Home Stager, and more . . .

The Kansas City Referral and Business Networking Directory Announces

The Kansas City Referral and Business Networking Directory Announces . . .

Kansas City Referral Directory

The holy grail of marketing for small business owners has always been referral marketing since it has an inherent low cost and is highly effective. People trust recommendations from their friends, family and co-workers when making decisions to buy products or services. The Kansas City Referral and Business Networking Directory has created a service that is taking the referral process to an unprecedented level here in Kansas City by making the referral process a social process. The services unique approach allows our customers to add and share area KC businesses with their friends, family, and neighbors. Customers can also share their experience with area businesses by giving a thumbs up or writing a review.

“We talk to area business owners daily who can be found on the internet via through their websites, blogs, Facebook Pages, LinkedIn Accounts, Twitter Profiles and Google+ accounts. They tell us that they don't know how to turn those endorsements,likes and +1's into actual business,” says Founder, Chris Dowell.

The Kansas City Referral and Business Networking Directory knew from the beginning that there is a simple solution for small businesses to convert social media engagement into actual business. Over the past 2 years, the Kansas City Referral and Business Networking Directory has been working with Kansas City-based business owners to create a solution. Four months ago, we developed a referral marketing service to help area businesses increase their referral business.

“I'm very excited to develop the Kansas City Referral and Business Networking Directory to help area businesses increase their referrals. The directory will be marketed to Kansas Citians via Facebook, Linkedin, Blogger, Twitter, Google+ and over 100 social media networks,” says Chris Dowell.


Here is how businesses can get listed on our directory for free.

Businesses can add their business to the directory by clicking the Add To List button on the top.

Any Kansas City business can submit their business by clicking the Add to List button on the top and if accepted,consumers will be able to see enter their business within 1 week of acceptance. Businesses that have been accepted can share their business listing on Facebook, Linkedin, Twitter, and Facebook via a handy share button to the right of their business listing.

Businesses can share their business listing by clicking the share button on the right in their business listing.

The view of the business directories can be changed to:

The current directories that are accepting business listing are:

Kansas City Business Directory A directory for helping homeowners around the home.

B to B Directory A directory for helping and assisting business owners.

Home Based Business Directory A directory or home base businesses.

Healthy Living Business Directory A directory of health and Beauty related businesses.
Technology Directory A directory of web designers, SEO experts and technology businesses.

Kansas City Networking Groups Directory A directory of weekly and monthly networking groups.
Legal and Financial Directory - Will be added soon.
Food and Dining Directory - Will be added soon.

About Kansas City Referral and Business Networking Directory:
The Kansas City Referral and Business Networking Directory is a "Free" business referral directory that assist Kansas City businesses obtain business referrals.

The Kansas City Referral and Business Networking Directory can be found on:

Facebook - Kansas City Networking - over 1900 members
Google+ Community - Kansas City Networking
Google+ - Kansas City Networking


Need Help . . . Finding Contractors, Trades People, Home Services, or Businesses in Kansas City?

Go to the:  Kansas City Referral and Networking Business Directory

We'll help you find the solution for your need.

Over 3000 Contractors, Trades People, Home Services, and Businesses listed in our Kansas City Referral and Networking Business Directory.

Including: Roofer. Plumber, Electrician, Contractor, Remodeler, Carpenter, Carpet Installer, HVAC, Air Conditioning Tech, Heating Specialist, Landscaper, Animal Removal Specialist, Web Designer, Marketing Specialist, Phone Specialist, Mobile Phone Rep, Insurance Agent, Banker, Mortgage Loan Officer, Caterer, Carpet Cleaner, Computer Repair, Home Stager, and more . . .

We can help you sell your Overland Park, KS. home - Our referral service can save you money

Dear Overland Park, KS. FSBO,

Selling your Overland Park, KS. home is a major decision that is not to be taken lightly. During the process of selling your Overland Park, KS. home, you may encounter some hiccups. Don’t worry, we would like to lend you some help in overcoming those hiccups by introducing you to our “FREE” 3000 member strong Professional Referral Service, the “Kansas City Directory.”

The Kansas City Directory is aimed at helping Overland Park, KS. homeowners overcome hiccups in the home selling process without giving up their equity. If you choose to request assistance, you’re by no means obligated to hire the contractor, but if you don’t hire them we want to know why. We want to know if their presentation, price or service is not up to your par.

Some possible hiccups that Overland Park home sellers may encounter are:

Getting Your Overland Park, KS. Home Ready To Show - We have some great companies to refer you that can help clean your carpets, tidy up your home or completely stage it for buyers.

Pre-Inspection on YOUR Overland Park, KS. Home - Many home sellers would like to know their homes imperfections prior to getting a laundry list from the buyer. If that is you, we have a couple inspectors that we can personally recommend.

Repairs on YOUR Overland Park, KS. Home - We can recommend electricians, HVAC companies, roofers, foundation companies and many more to help finish repairs or complete the items on the buyer’s repair list.

Overland Park, KS. Animal Removal - There is not too many things worse than having a wild animal living in your home while you're trying to sell it. We have a great animal removal service that we can recommend.

Mortgage and Banking Needs - Many times the potential home buyer will need financing and since 50% of the real estate transactions that fall apart are because of financing, we have a great mortgage officer and a banker that we can recommend that will help keep your deal together.

Movers Needed - We have a great mover that can help you move across town or across the country.

Sell Your Personal Items - Many home sellers have unwanted personal items that they may decide to get rid of. If this is you, we have a great auction service that can turn your unused items into cash.

Pricing Your Overland Park, KS. Home - It is hard sometimes to price your home. If you have encountered that, We have an experienced REALTOR who will do a “FREE” pricing analysis for you.


If we can help, please feel free to make a business request on our website: http://kansascitydirectory.blogspot.com/p/find-business.html

Need Help . . . Finding Contractors, Trades People, Home Services, or Businesses in Kansas City?

Go to the:  Kansas City Referral and Networking Business Directory

We'll help you find the solution for your need.

Over 3000 Contractors, Trades People, Home Services, and Businesses listed in our Kansas City Referral and Networking Business Directory.

Including: Roofer. Plumber, Electrician, Contractor, Remodeler, Carpenter, Carpet Installer, HVAC, Air Conditioning Tech, Heating Specialist, Landscaper, Animal Removal Specialist, Web Designer, Marketing Specialist, Phone Specialist, Mobile Phone Rep, Insurance Agent, Banker, Mortgage Loan Officer, Caterer, Carpet Cleaner, Computer Repair, Home Stager, and more . . .

#6 Start By Being Engaging - 13 Ways to Increase Your Web Traffic by Using Google+

13 Ways to Increase Your Web Traffic by Using Google+  

#6 Start By Being Engaging

Google the Search Engine has moved its priority from backlinks to a popularity contest. Don't get me wrong. Backlinks, the links linking to your website are important, Google has just made your popularity more important.

Google has changed its algorithm weight from an importance on backlinks to popularity. What does this mean to people wanting to rank higher on Google? Be Engaging.

How do you do this?

First, connect with your ambassadors and influencers and engage with them on their Google+ post. 



Second, write Google+ post yourself that creates engagement. You want your ambassadors and influencers to read your post, +1 your post, comment on your post, and possibly share your post. You want your post to create all four of these types of engagement.

Notice the Upside Down Triangle in the Upper Right Hand Corner?

Third, click on the upper right upside triangle on any post that has engagement and click on it. A drop down menu will appear. If there is in fact engagement on the post, a View Ripples will appear (only post that have engagement will have View Ripples in the drop down menu) . Checkout the Ripples of the Google+ post. By reviewing, you can view who your ambassadors are of the post. Connect with them and engage with them on their post.

Sample of a Google+ Ripple

In the sample Ripple, the people in the big circles shared the Google+ post. Sharing is at the top of the engagement hierarchy.

Checkout #1- Use Your Customers Keywords (1 of 13)

Checkout #2 - Expand Your Google Plus Circles (2 of 13)

Checkout #3 - Train Google that You're an Authority (3 of 13)

Checkout #4 - Tag Your Online Work by Claiming Google Authorship (4 of 13)

Checkout #5 - Cross Promote Your Social Media Profiles and Websites (5 of 13)

Need Help . . . Finding Contractors, Trades People, Home Services, or Businesses in Kansas City?

Go to the:  Kansas City Referral and Networking Business Directory

We'll help you find the solution for your need.

Over 3000 Contractors, Trades People, Home Services, and Businesses listed in our Kansas City Referral and Networking Business Directory.

Including: Roofer. Plumber, Electrician, Contractor, Remodeler, Carpenter, Carpet Installer, HVAC, Air Conditioning Tech, Heating Specialist, Landscaper, Animal Removal Specialist, Web Designer, Marketing Specialist, Phone Specialist, Mobile Phone Rep, Insurance Agent, Banker, Mortgage Loan Officer, Caterer, Carpet Cleaner, Computer Repair, Home Stager, and more . . .

Checkout my 8 tips on how to network during the holiday season and start 2013 with a Bang!

It is the holiday season and you have the impression that all business stops. Is it true? 

Not really. Business just changes a little bit during the holiday season and you need to know how to adapt. I have had over 20 years to learn how to adapt my networking skills during the holiday season.

Use this holiday season to start 2013 with a BANG!

Checkout my 8 tips on how to network during the holiday season and start 2013 with a Bang!

1) The holiday high school or college class reunion
Think about it. It’s been ten or maybe even 20+ years since you’ve been in the same room with many of your high school or college classmates. Sure they may see you as a clown just like you see them as a clown, but hopefully everyone has matured. The chances are good that they’re not all clowns anymore, and the chances are also good that some of them have achieved a relative amount of success in their careers. Some of them can be really great networking contacts. Take a gulp and swallow the unpleasant memories of your awkward high school  or college years and starting fresh. You never know who you may meet. 

2) Family reunions during the holidays
Our lives wouldn’t be complete without bringing together the awkwardness of family members during the holidays. The holiday family reunion doesn't have to be boring. Just like a class reunion most of your family members probably have their own careers, and while you’re catching up with Uncle Phil (who has worked in his engineering firm for the last twenty five years but has had to make a recent transition because of unfortunate downsizing), ask him about his job search and the people he’s looking to for advice. Hopefully because they’re family, they’ll be willing to grant you a favor. You might also meet another family member who has some great connections for your business.

3) The time consuming holiday parties
It is that time of the year that you might get invited to a spouses work party, a friends holiday party, or a neighborhood holiday party. If you're like me. You can't wait for the holiday season to end. It just doesn't seem like I get enough rest because I'm always running. Maybe my attitude had something to do with it. A coupe years ago, I started networking at the holiday parties. Why sit and talk to the same person for hours, right? Now I approach the party as a speed networking event. It is kind of fun and almost every party I meet a valuable contact.

4) The holiday and end of the year volunteering opportunities
Volunteering can get you in front of some very successful people and volunteering is great for helping you to build up your network. This point may not be entirely enlightening, but consider where you are volunteering and focus your efforts. If you’re a writer, maybe volunteer to write a newsletter. If you’re savvy with sales, maybe volunteer to help a local organization with their holiday fundraiser. This could help you make new contacts and even boost your resume for future job applications. 

5) Hmm . . . “I’ll scratch your back if you’ll scratch mine” method
Remember that this isn’t your first day at the rodeo and you already have a network built. You are a wealth of information! If you come across a fellow job seeker looking to expand their network, lend a helping hand and offer then some contacts or networking advice. You can ask them to return the favor by connecting you with some of their professional contacts. Also offer to post their business on your Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ Profiles. Hopefully they will recipicate and post your business on their Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ Profiles. The added exposure may help you get in front of the right person.

6) Get online and start a Google+ Hangout
What? Really? Yep, Google has made it easy for anyone who has a Google+ account to get online and start a Hangout. First think who do you want to connect with. If you want to connect with Kansas Basketball fans, create an event on Google+ to promote your Google+ Hangout. Invite a few Kansas Basketball fans and share your Hangout to the public. When the time comes for your Hangout, you can click the link and start connecting with your friends on your Google+ Hangout. It is easy and a fun way to network.

7) Visit networking groups during the holiday season
Visiting a business networking group during the holiday season can be fun and festive. Visit as many as you can. Who knows, you may meet the right group that you feel comfortable with and will want to join.

8) You can't find the right network group? Start the holiday season by starting your own network
Hmm . . . you like to network with cyclist and notice that there is no group of cyclist in your city. If you have found a networking group lacking in your hobby or interest start a networking group yourself! It could be K-State business school alumnus or KU alumnus who are business owners.  There are numerous ways to reach out and find people who have a similar interest– through social media or word-of-mouth to name a few. By creating your own group or starting a new event, either online or in person, you’ve just broadened your network. With Google+ introducing Google+ Communities last week, you could start a networking group really easy. 

Hope these 8 tips help you this holiday season and you start 2013 with a BANG!

Need Help . . . Finding Contractors, Trades People, Home Services, or Businesses in Kansas City?

Go to the:  Kansas City Referral and Networking Business Directory

We'll help you find the solution for your need.

Over 3000 Contractors, Trades People, Home Services, and Businesses listed in our Kansas City Referral and Networking Business Directory.

Including: Roofer. Plumber, Electrician, Contractor, Remodeler, Carpenter, Carpet Installer, HVAC, Air Conditioning Tech, Heating Specialist, Landscaper, Animal Removal Specialist, Web Designer, Marketing Specialist, Phone Specialist, Mobile Phone Rep, Insurance Agent, Banker, Mortgage Loan Officer, Caterer, Carpet Cleaner, Computer Repair, Home Stager, and more . . .

Need your carpet cleaned in your home in Kansas City? Contact Bock's Steam Star

Need your carpet cleaned in your home in Kansas City? Contact Bock's Steam Star

Bock's Steam Star is a IICRC certified, multi-van operation.  Owners Brian Bock and Bryan Renyer and their team of cleaning experts specialize in carpet cleaning, upholstery, tile/grout, area rugs, hard surface cleaning and pet odor removal. Bock's is Kansas City's Best!

Contact: Brian Bock 913.438.7767

Bock's Steam Star Carpet Cleaning

Need Help . . . Finding Contractors, Trades People, Home Services, or Businesses in Kansas City?

Go to the:  Kansas City Referral and Networking Business Directory

We'll help you find the solution for your need.

Over 3000 Contractors, Trades People, Home Services, and Businesses listed in our Kansas City Referral and Networking Business Directory.

Including: Roofer. Plumber, Electrician, Contractor, Remodeler, Carpenter, Carpet Installer, HVAC, Air Conditioning Tech, Heating Specialist, Landscaper, Animal Removal Specialist, Web Designer, Marketing Specialist, Phone Specialist, Mobile Phone Rep, Insurance Agent, Banker, Mortgage Loan Officer, Caterer, Carpet Cleaner, Computer Repair, Home Stager, and more . . .

#5 Cross Promote Your Social Media Profiles and Websites - 13 Ways to Increase Your Web Traffic by Using Google+

13 Ways to Increase Your Web Traffic by Using Google+  

#5 Cross Promote Your Social Media Profiles and Websites

Use badges, widgets and links on your websites, blogs and social media profiles and point them to your Google+ Profile. In addition add your links from your websites, blogs and social media profiles to your Google+ Profile in the Other Profiles and Links sections at the bottom of your About Page.

Checkout #1- Use Your Customers Keywords (1 of 13)

Checkout #2 - Expand Your Google Plus Circles (2 of 13)

Checkout #3 - Train Google that You're an Authority (3 of 13)

Checkout #4 - Tag Your Online Work by Claiming Google Authorship (4 of 13)

Need Help . . . Finding Contractors, Trades People, Home Services, or Businesses in Kansas City?

Go to the:  Kansas City Referral and Networking Business Directory

We'll help you find the solution for your need.

Over 3000 Contractors, Trades People, Home Services, and Businesses listed in our Kansas City Referral and Networking Business Directory.

Including: Roofer. Plumber, Electrician, Contractor, Remodeler, Carpenter, Carpet Installer, HVAC, Air Conditioning Tech, Heating Specialist, Landscaper, Animal Removal Specialist, Web Designer, Marketing Specialist, Phone Specialist, Mobile Phone Rep, Insurance Agent, Banker, Mortgage Loan Officer, Caterer, Carpet Cleaner, Computer Repair, Home Stager, and more . . .