An Inside Look At Successful Networking with “the” Metromom Kim DeYoung

I recently had an opportunity to interview a woman entrepreneur who shares my view of “Soulful Networking”. I’m thrilled to share the insights and golden nuggets Kim DeYoung of Metromom.com so willingly revealed:

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[Gina Bell, Networking Masters International] Kim, in your opinion, what is the biggest benefit of networking and why?

[Kim DeYoung, Metromom.com] I look at networking as an opportunity to connect with new people. There are so many benefits of connecting with others both personally and professionally. I’ve noticed that when I network authentically I benefit in the following ways:

· The satisfaction of being of service to others.

· Enhancing my visibility and credibility.

· Establishing affiliations that can lead to direct business, referrals and affiliate relationships.

· Enjoying cooperation and collaboration that often leads to joint ventures.

[Gina] Networking is a concept that seems to be largely misunderstood. In your opinion, what is the biggest myth or misconception surrounding networking today and how can networking professionals move past it to get their networking working?

[Kim] A lot of entrepreneurs I know, especially women, hate networking because they focus on quantity instead of quality. The biggest myth surrounding networking is that we have to “collect” tons of names. Instead of collecting, I focus on connecting. I’ve found that I enjoy networking more when I approach it as a way to establish a quality long-term connection rather than quickly gathering a bunch of business cards.

[Gina] If you had to choose between networking face-to-face or networking online… which one would you choose and why?

[Kim] For me as a connector, I love to interact personally face-to-face. Nothing replaces the opportunity to connect in person and it must be a part of anyone’s business-building activities.

BUT, in today’s Web 2.0 interactive world, we can connect with many who we can’t meet in person. Either way networking can be enjoyable, if you have the right intention of being of service and are focused on quality vs. quantity.

[Gina] Can you share some of the ways you are using the internet for business networking?

[Kim] Blogging & Forums- I love sharing tips and resources with other mom entrepreneurs. I also enjoy being a resource of content for other people’s communities.
Groups – I have a group on Facebook and TwitterMoms and I’ve really enjoyed participating and watching the great interaction within these groups.
Reach out – I observe, read, follow and connect with those I find interesting and authentic. I observe who’s doing what and saying what on FB and Twitter. If I resonate with someone, I’ll reach out directly by phone or email and take the steps to see where that relationship goes.

[Gina] Can you share one tip that will help our audience get better results when networking face-to-face?

[Kim] Focus on what you can give, not on what you can get from the interaction. You’ll enjoy yourself more and put the other person at ease when you show genuine interest and ask great questions. Again, I’m all about the quality not the quantity when it comes to networking.

[Gina] Can you share a networking success story?

[Kim] A few years ago, after just moving to CT, I was working on developing leads for my Melaleuca business and periodically purchased “internet leads” of people interested in business opportunities. I contacted a man named Dave who lived close by. Eventually we met and during our time together we really clicked.

Here’s the interesting thing, while Dave is an amazing guy, we have not worked together, at least not as of yet. However, based on his comfort with our connection, he introduced me to a special woman named Victoria who runs a very dynamic local networking group. This led to an entire community of great women in CT that began showing up in my life.

Dave was the seed that began my local networking tree, and gave me the gift of my business. From the beginning our relationship was based in truth, honesty and me doing business in a “Kim” way. The reason this connection had value was because I took the time (and vulnerable leap) to open my heart to him and establish a real relationship.

ABOUT Kim DeYoung & Metromom.com:
Serial entrepreneur Kim DeYoung (aka “The Metromom”) is the founder of Metromom.com and The Metromom Entrepreneurs Association a resource and community for driven and evolving entrepreneurial women that want to do business authentically and on their own terms. Learn more networking tips by order Kim’s free CD: 5 Surprising Secrets Every Mom Entrepreneur Must Know.

Gina Bell is a multi-passionate entrepreneur, successful coach and author, President and CEO of Gina Bell, Inc. a company devoted to teaching multi-passionate entrepreneurs how to create fun, fame and good fortune online doing ALL that they love to do! Gina is also Founder and President of the International Association of Women in Business Online {IAWBO} as well as the Networking Masters International and JV Mavens Partner and Prosper Network to name a few of her companies and projects. Learn more at http://www.GinaBellinc.com