Saturday, 15 June 2013

Fun Times and Networking

I've read in the past about how important it is to network and get together with other business people in order to be successful. Not being an extrovert, I thought pshaw, that's only for others, not for me. (Funny how we choose what scenarios won't apply to us). During my first craft show, I met the lovely GG of Creampuffs by GG and she asked me to make some soaps for her.



That was two years ago, and we haven't had a chance to meet up that much, but whenever we do, we have a fabulous time. We bounce ideas off each other, we commiserate, and of course we laugh. After these meetings, I feel reinvigorated and ready to change the world, or at least to make it a cleaner place.

Do you have a network that you meet with regularly? Do you find it helps?
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18 comments:

  1. Teresa Robeson15 June 2013 at 15:10

    I hope 3 critique groups count as networking. ;) I suppose I really should go to more conferences to truly network but socializing is my idea of hell. I wish I were more social.

    Love the soap you made for GG!

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    1. SoapSudsations15 June 2013 at 18:32

      It is definitely networking Teresa, afterall you have to interact with people. You did great at your last SCWBI conferences, so that should mean you're getting more comfortable with them right?

      Thanks, GG loves the scent of them, champagne and watermelon.

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  2. Carrie Garvin15 June 2013 at 15:43

    Networking does work well to learn more about a certain trade- like the FB group of soapmakers. I like it because there's no commitment to join in, don't have a time to be there, can listen-but not speak, etc.

    I haven't met a local soapmaker yet in my area- and I'm been soaping for a long time- so I really like "listening" to other soapers on FB, etc...

    I think to expand a biz, it's a smart idea to join networking groups of places you want to go. For example: Is there a local magazine that you'd love to be featured in? If so, join them on FB. At one point if you join into conversations, etc. they very well could pick you up for a story- which would give you some advertising. OR go to some talk boards with people of the same interest.

    It's funny because I don't really believe networking with other "soapers" is the BIG key to getting more business; after all, everyone is in the same boat looking for sales, or hoping that someone will notice their soap.

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    1. SoapSudsations15 June 2013 at 18:40

      The FB soaping group is really interesting isn't it Carrie? I love seeing what people make, and how some of the conversations go way off the topic of soaping. ;)

      Thank you for all the great ideas for networking. My friend GG feels the same way, she thinks it's important to network, but with other small business people, not ones in the same field, because like you say, we're all in the same boat.

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  3. Cee15 June 2013 at 19:32

    I do wish there were closer opportunities for blogging and soaping conferences, but I also think I'd be much too shy to network effectively in person. It definitely would be a benefit to have a local mentor or fellow business owner that you could 'talk shop' with in person.

    That is a very cute soap, by the way!

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    1. SoapSudsations15 June 2013 at 20:41

      I know what you mean Cee, it's so much easier to hide behind a computer and "chat" instead. Although you seem to me like a very bubbly, outgoing sort of person, so I don't see you having any problems networking.

      Thank you, her piggie design is adorable.

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    2. Cee16 June 2013 at 20:26

      Noooo, I am very shy and quiet in real life...I'm kind of like that singing frog in the cartoons :p

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    3. SoapSudsations16 June 2013 at 21:40

      Hello my baby, hello my darling, hello my ragtime gal


      Love that frog, but I don't think you'd be nearly as annoying. ;)

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  4. Diva Prirodna Kozmetika16 June 2013 at 04:38

    Oh my God,does anyone remember what we had been doing before the internet age? But,must mention here I'm so happy to live in its age! I'm active at blogging and facebook-ing (oh ,is it a new word?),but I know only one soapmaker in person, who I cherish a great relationship with. It's not that I don't want to meet others,there are just noone around. Your little piggy is so cute,Monica, I bet it smells amazing!

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    1. SoapSudsations16 June 2013 at 10:59

      I think I just twiddled my thumbs a lot more prior to the internet. ;) I'm in total agreement, the internet age is the best thing since, well for me, the invention of the rice cooker. :)

      You have such a lovely blog page Maja and the fact you do your own translations just amazes me to no end. It's hard to meet up with other soap makers, but that's the beauty of having FB and other mediums like that, where you can talk to other people who share your interest.

      I do love the scent, but anything that smells fruity and fizzy is bound to be a hit with me.

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    2. Diva Prirodna Kozmetika16 June 2013 at 15:43

      Thanks Monica for your compliment,you're so sweet!
      I think that my readers, being from all world round, find it much easier to follow my blog, if they can read something that they will understand correctly.
      Now, I know it's not a perfect English, but the more I read, the better I am (hopefully,lol)!

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    3. SoapSudsations16 June 2013 at 18:40

      Although Google's translations can provide some good laughs at times. ;)

      Your English is excellent, I admire people who can speak and write more than one language.

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    4. Diva Prirodna Kozmetika18 June 2013 at 03:39

      Oh,I'm definitely better than Google translate,lol!
      I'm off now,these comments have turned into a real conversation!

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    5. SoapSudsations19 June 2013 at 17:55

      Sorry Maja, I have a tendency of doing that. LOL!

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  5. LatherBeSoaping17 June 2013 at 16:02

    What a cute piggy soap, Monica! I mostly keep up with other soapers through the interwebs, but I did get the chance to meet up with a soaper I met through an online forum. That was fun!

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    1. SoapSudsations17 June 2013 at 19:07

      Thanks Jenny! GG designed a really cute logo to work with.

      Oh what fun! It must've been nice to meet a fellow soaper, have you thought about going to any soaper's retreat?

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  6. Michelle25 June 2013 at 07:42

    So cool! I just noticed on your site that a big P (for Pinterest) shows up over your soap pix. I love that!

    Anyway... I'm on my laptop now so I can post to blogs. Yay!!!!

    Does meeting with fellow activists count as Networking? I use to network quite a bit back when I was selling body products (also made some awesome friends that way) but now that I'm out of the biz my only form of networking is with those fighting local issues. I love networking because when moral is low it certainly helps bring us back up :)

    BTW/your little piggy is so cute! I'll take advantage of your new P button now!

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    1. SoapSudsations26 June 2013 at 18:26

      Yes, Cee of Oil & Butter kindly shared the instructions on how to add the Pinterest pin, which is so nice.

      Absolutely your activist meetings are networking, you guys are getting together to try and work towards a common good. I think networking is all about sharing ideas and supporting each other in a common theme or cause.

      Thanks Michelle, it's GG's logo, and it is rather adorable.

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