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Welcome to the Network Build Grow Podcast, the show where business owners, entrepreneurs, and professionals share their stories, lessons learned, and powerful strategies for building relationships and growing their circle of influence.
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With Melissa Taylor, your host, each week we'll bring you actionable insights to help you build a better network and a better business.
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Let's dive in.
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We are here with Jess Moore, affectionately known as Jessica as well.
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Good morning.
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Good morning.
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Hey, I'm really excited to talk to you because you are like me.
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You have more than one business and you have all the balls juggling on two different businesses.
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And it's just always fun to meet somebody else who's got the same kind of stuff going on.
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Absolutely.
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Yes.
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Yeah.
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Yeah.
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So I do know probably more about one of your businesses.
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You do travel, uh, you create great experiences for people and do make travel arrangements, and you have a very well-respected travel business, but you are actually endeavoring on a new business.
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Tell us a little bit about that.
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Yes, absolutely.
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So I've begun to uh delve into the world of AI a little bit more.
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And this has stemmed from my travel business.
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Actually, I started it as a part of how I could help market my travel business and everything, and um has really grown because I found that because it is such high demand right now and it's just taking kind of the world by storm, that I'm able to make this into a financial um opportunity for myself, you know, an additional income source.
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And so that's why I'm I'm delving more into it as well as being able to really impact other people and help other people in this area.
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Yeah.
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And you focus mostly on small business owners that are kind of like you with a small business, solopreneur or small team?
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Absolutely.
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That is where I'm starting.
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Um, I am currently enrolled in taking courses to become AI certified, which will allow me to then grow and go into even greater like corporations and things like that.
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No idea.
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I have no idea where it's going to grow into, but but that will be an opportunity.
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It's just right now focusing on small businesses because they're really the ones that really could use this, uh, the resources for it.
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So yeah, because you multiply yourself in order to get more things done and save time.
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So now there's lots of facets of AI.
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There's AI for sales, AI for content, AI for marketing, AI for processes, AI agents, all the things.
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So which area are you focusing on?
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Great question.
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Um, again, there there are kind of a lot, and I am starting out uh doing AI video ads for businesses.
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So for people who either don't have time or don't desire to be in front of the camera, um, I do ads from 15 seconds up to 90 seconds, and these ads are for um you can run them as paid ads on social media or or whatever resource, or you can um use them organically, just in your social media posting or even just on your website, any any place that you know you could have videos, but but what makes them unique is that they are funny and engaging and not boring, like really stop the scroll because they're almost sometimes obnoxious because they really focus on the pain point of your customer, right?
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And they really exaggerate the pain point of your customer to the point where your customer is like, How did you get in my head and understand?
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Like, I couldn't, you know, so it really kind of takes that to a next level and really makes it kind of crazy.
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So super fun.
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That sounds super fun.
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Maybe I need to look into having you help me out out with some of those because that's definitely something that is up and coming.
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So you started doing that mostly for your travel business and you found that it worked, and so you're just kind of taking that same concept and putting it into other businesses, right?
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Well, especially, you know, businesses, some people may find uh if their business seems kind of boring, like they love their business, but maybe to other people it's boring, right?
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So uh I mean, just for examples, but if somebody who's working with numbers that they love, love, love, but somebody else is kind of like, I don't know, that kind of is boring, right?
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But how do you make it exciting to other people?
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And how do you really engage those people who really need your service, but they aren't kind of stopping the scroll and really connecting with you.
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So that's the people I'm trying to help and reach.
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That's great.
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If you network for your business, you already know.
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Follow-up is everything when it comes to growing relationships and driving success.
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But here's the thing: most of us want to follow up well.
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We just get stuck.
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Staying consistent, keeping it personal, making it stand out, it's hard.
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That's why I use Neteffect IO.
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It makes follow-up simple, cuts through all the noise, and helps me stay on top of every relationship without dropping the ball.
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I never miss a follow-up, and honestly, my network wouldn't be the same without it.
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So check it out.
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neteffect.io.
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And right now you can use promo code NBG50 for 50% off of your first month.
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Neteffect.io, your secret weapon to unforgettable follow-up.
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Okay, so let's move now into how you find your customers, other than, I mean, obviously, you probably use what you do, right?
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Your videos to find customers through social media and and digital platforms.
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But what about networking?
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Is that still an integral part of your business?
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Um, a hundred percent, actually.
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Yeah, that that is very much something I am doing.
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I have found that um over the past year or so, actually getting myself from behind the computer and out into the world of networking has been huge.
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Um, not only for finding customers and adding to that business mindset or the business world of networking there, but just even in growing, just growing personally, growing in my business knowledge, growing in all of the the whole world of business for me has just opened up by being in networking events and networking groups.
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Yeah, it's interesting that you said getting out from behind the computer.
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I think a lot of people struggle with, you know, they they they get on Zoom calls, they get on networking Zoom calls, but that's still behind the computer.
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And so, how did you make that leap from you know removing your hands from the keyboard, putting on shoes, walking out the door, and going to an actual event?
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How did that, what did that look like for you?
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Well, I I mean, I do admit it was kind of scary.
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So I am a personable person, um, but it it was scary from the standpoint of the I needed to move forward, and that was the next step for me.
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So I knew I had to get out there.
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Yeah.
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So tell me what that first experience was like for the viewers that or the listeners that are a little nervous about getting out from behind the keyboard.
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They've now got the wardrobe, they've got all the things, they got their business cards, they're ready to go.
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Right.
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What does it feel like to step into that room and what advice would you give to them?
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Well, it's okay to be scared, it's okay to be nervous.
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Um, and going into it just knowing that these are also just people and they are business people as well.
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Um and I think going into it with not not worrying about how are you going to get these people to buy from you, or how are you going to get these people to um be interested in you, but just going into it as yourself, because I think there is really something about being authentic and just being yourself that there is nobody else like you at all.
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And that when you can come in and just be yourself, you will you will connect with the right people.
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It's kind of like a magnet, right?
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Those right people will wind up connecting with you in, and honestly, because you're coming in new, there will be seasoned people who will see that and the right people will come out and also connect with you, right?
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So yeah, that first experience doesn't have to feel so overwhelming, but but do put yourself out there, don't go and just stand against the wall, also, you know.
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So also making sure that you are willing to put yourself out there.
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Yeah, one of the advice that that um I often hear and that I actually often give is try to get in contact with the person who runs it prior to the event and let them know, hey, I've never been to your event before.
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What can I expect?
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Because generally, like I run an event.
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So if somebody reaches out to me, I'm like, oh, well, tell me more about your what you do, and then I make sure that the minute they get there, I know somebody to introduce them to.
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Perfect.
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Exactly.
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Yeah, yeah, really good, really good.
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Okay.
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So what how do you introduce yourself when you go to events?
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Do you do the typical elevator pitch introduction?
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Do you just listen and then just respond and have a conversation?
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What's your go-to?
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All right, well, I tell so part of my um, I think part of my passion of what I do is to just make life fun and um and bring experiences to people.
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So in both of my businesses, like I I am really about creating experiences and fun and living life fully, right?
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So I come in, I am usually wearing sparkle.
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Okay, so you can see my shirt.
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I've I've got sparkle nails, sparkle eyeshadows, sparkle clothing.
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Most of the time, something that kind of stands out, because I'm not really afraid to stand out usually, but I I also when I talk to people say kind of strange things sometimes.
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So I want to throw people off a little bit.
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And sometimes I'll just be like, so what did you have for breakfast this morning?
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Or something like something like, um, you know, where was the last place you uh took your passport?
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I don't know, some kind of thing that just like people are like, wait, what?
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You know, it kind of gives them a second to like nobody's asked me that question before, especially in a networking event or something.
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So kind of just throwing people off a little bit that then they're it kind of lets their guard down too, because they're like, wait, this person's not just out to throw me their business card and start talking business, right?
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So it does help to it helps to just kind of relax the tension, I feel like a little bit.
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Just just coming up with some goofy, really goofy questions.
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I don't know.
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Maybe people think I'm weird, but at the same time, it's me.
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So I'm being authentic.
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They remember you.
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Exactly.
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It's being memorable.
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That's exactly right.
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Yeah, they will definitely remember you.
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So you have two businesses.
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Let's let's get back to that for a second because there are a lot of people that go out networking, I've noticed, that do have more than one thing going on.
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So, how do you not confuse people?
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Um, it is a challenge.
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Uh, and honestly, I did only have one business for a while that I really focused on.
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I I really did the travel for a long time.
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Um, and I have only kind of introduced the the AI portion of what I'm doing.
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And there are times where I really only focus on one in a specific networking group.
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And even if I go to the same networking group, I may just focus on a different one the next time I go.
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Um, because you really don't have a lot of time in a in a networking setting when you're really just trying, you know, meeting a lot of different people.
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And then the biggest thing I have found is in like the follow-up.
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So when you're following up with someone, is when you can really kind of expound.
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So whichever business I I focused on when I was talking to people, and then I can kind of add in, I also do this, you know, and and maybe mention that in the follow-up email, or especially if you're gonna have a one-to-one with someone afterwards and and expound on that.
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Because really, if you're listening and you're in that conversation and you're finding out what that person really wants, um, you can also tailor your your business to that.
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I mean, if I'm talking to someone, especially like about travel or something, and find out they don't they've never been out of the country, they don't even want to travel.
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Well, that's not gonna go anywhere, right?
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So maybe they really need the other business or something, and then I can focus more on that.
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So yeah, yeah, really.
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That was kind of a long answer.
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No, it's fine.
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No, it's fine.
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But you you hit on something there, one-on-ones.
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So a lot of people do one-on-one coffee conversations or Zoom calls or whatever.
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What is the biggest thing that you try to get out of that initial one-on-one?
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An initial one-on-one is mostly I want to find out what you know, their businesses, what their needs are, what what kinds of things that I might either be able to personally help them with from my businesses.
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But if I can't, from my perspective, help them, then who can I help refer them to?
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Who can I introduce them to that I already know from my network that can help them?
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Because if I can help them meet a need that they have in some way, they're going to trust me still, you know, and respect me in a way that even if I'm not the one fulfilling that need, right?
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So being able to connect people that way, um, I think it's just huge.
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So finding you have to find those things out.
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So that is my my main goal is finding out how can I help them, not to just come forward and just preach and say, here, blah, blah, blah, here's my stuff.
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Take it, take whatever you want, you know.
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Yeah, yeah, that's a good approach it with curiosity mostly.
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Right.
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Yeah, curiosity.
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And of course, they're gonna reciprocate and ask you a little bit more about what your needs are and who you're looking to be connected with, because it might not be a good fit, right, either way for that person or you, but like you said, we all know people if we're if we're avid networkers.
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So all right, so how do you decide?
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Let's stick with your AI business for a second, your AI ads primarily.
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How do you decide which events, which groups to go to?
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How do you kind of know that the the right people will be in the room, either as clients, which of course we're not prospecting, but um or connections, good connections.
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You know, some networking groups can be niche specific or or business specific.
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And of course, in those, I can I can gravitate towards ones that do align with what I'm looking for, but I mainly want to go to ones that focus more on like relationship building or ones that are are built on um not just coming and everyone throwing uh their cards at each other, you know, because yeah, I really I really want ones that um do help and kind of um make a space for people to build relationships because that's really what I focus on.
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So yeah.
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So the speed networking, like speed dating isn't your jam.
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It's it's not.
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I mean, I've done them before.
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Really, the biggest thing that those help me with is like I can just find out, okay, what business partners could I potentially align with in the future and then just be able to set up those one-to-ones with them because I'm like, well, this was great.
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I have five minutes.
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Okay, I got your name, that's great, and I got your card.
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But at that point, I'm like, I don't know much of anything about your business, but I can connect with you later if I feel like, hey, we might actually be able to work together.
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But that's it's not really more about those client relationships at that point because you can't really find out what somebody needs in three minutes.
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No, it's almost impossible.
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Almost impossible.
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Correct.
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All right.
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So little rapid fire networking questions.
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You ready?
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Okay.
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So you've already told us some different ways that you start conversations, but give me your best line to get out of a conversation that's just dragging kind of on, even if it's a good one, like it's not necessarily a bad conversation, but just, you know, it's just taking up a lot of your time.
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So okay, I would probably say something like, No, I I really appreciate all that you you are offering.
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Um, you know, thank you for your card.
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If they gave me the card, and you know, if not, you know, I would I would love to to circle back to this uh when we have more time to discuss it, you know, something like that.
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Or, you know, I can also say, you know, let's let's follow up with an email on this so we can discuss it more in in more detail, that kind of thing, because that will help me to then say we've got more time later is kind of how I would be putting it um to discuss it so we can kind of talk with some other people at this point.
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Yeah, yeah.
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Okay, great.
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Okay, next one.
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What's a piece of advice that you would give for people to stay top of mind with their network?
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So it really is follow-up.
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It it's and I mean, in complete transparency, this is the part I'm trying to grow the most because uh follow-up is is a challenge.
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It's a challenge for a lot of people, and I'm really trying to um make sure when I am coming from a from an event and a networking is to continue to give those pieces of information to people.
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And whether it's something that they've actually asked for or something that you have just kind of ascertained from the conversation that may be helpful for them.
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Um, and again, it's being able to help them in some way, even if it's not your services, being able to give them something that they find valuable that then they will keep in mind.
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So when they ever do get to a point where they need your services, they remember you.
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Um so I think keeping it memorable and then just keeping on top of that follow-up is is really important.
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That's great.
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All right, so let's move away from networking a minute and go back to just basic business building because you've built a successful travel business.
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Give us a piece of advice that you're gonna take from your experience building the travel business.
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What piece of advice are you giving yourself with this new business and therefore could give other people in building their business?
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So I think the main thing for me is um I do love learning and I'm always open to being teachable and always learning new things.
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Sometimes to the point of that's kind of all I do is just keep learning, learning, learning.
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And so the biggest advice is to take action quicker before I'm ready.
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Because sometimes you feel like I'm not quite ready, I need to know more, I need to know more, and then I'll do it.
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I need to know a little more and then I'll do it.
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And then you just keep waiting and waiting and waiting, and it kind of passes you by a little bit, and you could have started sooner, even though you're scared.
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Start scared, start sooner, and just kind of learn as you're going.
00:19:42.240 --> 00:19:48.960
Um, that would be that would be what I would tell myself because I could, you know, from the past now.
00:19:49.039 --> 00:19:50.000
That's what I'm doing now.
00:19:50.079 --> 00:19:53.920
I'm starting, starting sooner and starting scared, but doing starting scared.
00:19:54.000 --> 00:19:55.759
Yeah, starting scared and starting sooner.
00:19:55.839 --> 00:19:56.319
That's wonderful.
00:19:56.400 --> 00:19:57.519
That's a good piece of advice.
00:19:57.759 --> 00:19:59.680
Well, thanks for being with us today, Jess.
00:19:59.759 --> 00:20:00.240
I appreciate it.
00:20:00.880 --> 00:20:02.079
Thank you so much for having me.
00:20:02.160 --> 00:20:02.720
It was fun.
00:20:02.880 --> 00:20:04.160
Yeah, it was fun.
00:20:04.880 --> 00:20:08.640
Thanks for tuning in to this episode of the Network Build Grow Podcast.
00:20:08.799 --> 00:20:16.079
If you enjoyed today's conversation, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a fellow entrepreneur or professional.
00:20:16.319 --> 00:20:22.880
And of course, if you're not yet part of our community, visit networkbuildgrow.com to connect with us.
00:20:23.119 --> 00:20:26.640
Until next time, keep building and keep growing.
00:00:00.719 --> 00:00:13.759
Welcome to the Network Build Grow Podcast, the show where business owners, entrepreneurs, and professionals share their stories, lessons learned, and powerful strategies for building relationships and growing their circle of influence.
00:00:13.919 --> 00:00:21.519
With Melissa Taylor, your host, each week we'll bring you actionable insights to help you build a better network and a better business.
00:00:21.679 --> 00:00:22.960
Let's dive in.
00:00:24.719 --> 00:00:31.120
We are here with Jess Moore, affectionately known as Jessica as well.
00:00:31.280 --> 00:00:32.079
Good morning.
00:00:32.399 --> 00:00:33.359
Good morning.
00:00:33.679 --> 00:00:37.119
Hey, I'm really excited to talk to you because you are like me.
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You have more than one business and you have all the balls juggling on two different businesses.
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And it's just always fun to meet somebody else who's got the same kind of stuff going on.
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Absolutely.
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Yes.
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Yeah.
00:00:51.119 --> 00:00:51.520
Yeah.
00:00:51.679 --> 00:00:55.280
So I do know probably more about one of your businesses.
00:00:55.520 --> 00:01:09.439
You do travel, uh, you create great experiences for people and do make travel arrangements, and you have a very well-respected travel business, but you are actually endeavoring on a new business.
00:01:09.599 --> 00:01:11.120
Tell us a little bit about that.
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Yes, absolutely.
00:01:12.560 --> 00:01:18.319
So I've begun to uh delve into the world of AI a little bit more.
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And this has stemmed from my travel business.
00:01:21.200 --> 00:01:44.000
Actually, I started it as a part of how I could help market my travel business and everything, and um has really grown because I found that because it is such high demand right now and it's just taking kind of the world by storm, that I'm able to make this into a financial um opportunity for myself, you know, an additional income source.
00:01:44.079 --> 00:01:52.239
And so that's why I'm I'm delving more into it as well as being able to really impact other people and help other people in this area.
00:01:52.480 --> 00:01:52.640
Yeah.
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And you focus mostly on small business owners that are kind of like you with a small business, solopreneur or small team?
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Absolutely.
00:02:00.159 --> 00:02:01.680
That is where I'm starting.
00:02:01.840 --> 00:02:12.879
Um, I am currently enrolled in taking courses to become AI certified, which will allow me to then grow and go into even greater like corporations and things like that.
00:02:13.120 --> 00:02:13.680
No idea.
00:02:13.840 --> 00:02:17.759
I have no idea where it's going to grow into, but but that will be an opportunity.
00:02:17.919 --> 00:02:25.199
It's just right now focusing on small businesses because they're really the ones that really could use this, uh, the resources for it.
00:02:25.280 --> 00:02:30.560
So yeah, because you multiply yourself in order to get more things done and save time.
00:02:30.719 --> 00:02:33.280
So now there's lots of facets of AI.
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There's AI for sales, AI for content, AI for marketing, AI for processes, AI agents, all the things.
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So which area are you focusing on?
00:02:43.599 --> 00:02:44.879
Great question.
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Um, again, there there are kind of a lot, and I am starting out uh doing AI video ads for businesses.
00:02:55.120 --> 00:03:40.240
So for people who either don't have time or don't desire to be in front of the camera, um, I do ads from 15 seconds up to 90 seconds, and these ads are for um you can run them as paid ads on social media or or whatever resource, or you can um use them organically, just in your social media posting or even just on your website, any any place that you know you could have videos, but but what makes them unique is that they are funny and engaging and not boring, like really stop the scroll because they're almost sometimes obnoxious because they really focus on the pain point of your customer, right?
00:03:40.319 --> 00:03:47.680
And they really exaggerate the pain point of your customer to the point where your customer is like, How did you get in my head and understand?
00:03:47.759 --> 00:03:53.599
Like, I couldn't, you know, so it really kind of takes that to a next level and really makes it kind of crazy.
00:03:53.759 --> 00:03:55.039
So super fun.
00:03:55.520 --> 00:03:56.560
That sounds super fun.
00:03:56.719 --> 00:04:02.319
Maybe I need to look into having you help me out out with some of those because that's definitely something that is up and coming.
00:04:02.479 --> 00:04:11.680
So you started doing that mostly for your travel business and you found that it worked, and so you're just kind of taking that same concept and putting it into other businesses, right?
00:04:12.080 --> 00:04:22.079
Well, especially, you know, businesses, some people may find uh if their business seems kind of boring, like they love their business, but maybe to other people it's boring, right?
00:04:22.319 --> 00:04:31.600
So uh I mean, just for examples, but if somebody who's working with numbers that they love, love, love, but somebody else is kind of like, I don't know, that kind of is boring, right?
00:04:31.680 --> 00:04:34.319
But how do you make it exciting to other people?
00:04:34.480 --> 00:04:43.759
And how do you really engage those people who really need your service, but they aren't kind of stopping the scroll and really connecting with you.
00:04:44.000 --> 00:04:46.399
So that's the people I'm trying to help and reach.
00:04:47.279 --> 00:04:47.920
That's great.
00:04:48.160 --> 00:04:50.480
If you network for your business, you already know.
00:04:50.720 --> 00:04:55.680
Follow-up is everything when it comes to growing relationships and driving success.
00:04:55.839 --> 00:04:59.439
But here's the thing: most of us want to follow up well.
00:04:59.600 --> 00:05:01.279
We just get stuck.
00:05:01.439 --> 00:05:06.160
Staying consistent, keeping it personal, making it stand out, it's hard.
00:05:06.399 --> 00:05:09.439
That's why I use Neteffect IO.
00:05:10.079 --> 00:05:17.680
It makes follow-up simple, cuts through all the noise, and helps me stay on top of every relationship without dropping the ball.
00:05:17.839 --> 00:05:22.639
I never miss a follow-up, and honestly, my network wouldn't be the same without it.
00:05:22.800 --> 00:05:23.759
So check it out.
00:05:24.000 --> 00:05:25.439
neteffect.io.
00:05:26.000 --> 00:05:31.519
And right now you can use promo code NBG50 for 50% off of your first month.
00:05:31.759 --> 00:05:36.959
Neteffect.io, your secret weapon to unforgettable follow-up.
00:05:37.600 --> 00:05:46.319
Okay, so let's move now into how you find your customers, other than, I mean, obviously, you probably use what you do, right?
00:05:46.480 --> 00:05:50.720
Your videos to find customers through social media and and digital platforms.
00:05:50.879 --> 00:05:52.000
But what about networking?
00:05:52.079 --> 00:05:54.800
Is that still an integral part of your business?
00:05:55.120 --> 00:05:56.800
Um, a hundred percent, actually.
00:05:56.879 --> 00:05:59.759
Yeah, that that is very much something I am doing.
00:05:59.920 --> 00:06:13.120
I have found that um over the past year or so, actually getting myself from behind the computer and out into the world of networking has been huge.
00:06:13.279 --> 00:06:37.040
Um, not only for finding customers and adding to that business mindset or the business world of networking there, but just even in growing, just growing personally, growing in my business knowledge, growing in all of the the whole world of business for me has just opened up by being in networking events and networking groups.
00:06:37.279 --> 00:06:42.000
Yeah, it's interesting that you said getting out from behind the computer.
00:06:42.160 --> 00:06:49.839
I think a lot of people struggle with, you know, they they they get on Zoom calls, they get on networking Zoom calls, but that's still behind the computer.
00:06:50.079 --> 00:06:59.199
And so, how did you make that leap from you know removing your hands from the keyboard, putting on shoes, walking out the door, and going to an actual event?
00:06:59.360 --> 00:07:01.519
How did that, what did that look like for you?
00:07:02.240 --> 00:07:06.480
Well, I I mean, I do admit it was kind of scary.
00:07:06.560 --> 00:07:16.879
So I am a personable person, um, but it it was scary from the standpoint of the I needed to move forward, and that was the next step for me.
00:07:17.040 --> 00:07:18.720
So I knew I had to get out there.
00:07:19.040 --> 00:07:19.519
Yeah.
00:07:19.759 --> 00:07:28.720
So tell me what that first experience was like for the viewers that or the listeners that are a little nervous about getting out from behind the keyboard.
00:07:28.800 --> 00:07:32.959
They've now got the wardrobe, they've got all the things, they got their business cards, they're ready to go.
00:07:33.199 --> 00:07:33.439
Right.
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What does it feel like to step into that room and what advice would you give to them?
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Well, it's okay to be scared, it's okay to be nervous.
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Um, and going into it just knowing that these are also just people and they are business people as well.
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Um and I think going into it with not not worrying about how are you going to get these people to buy from you, or how are you going to get these people to um be interested in you, but just going into it as yourself, because I think there is really something about being authentic and just being yourself that there is nobody else like you at all.
00:08:19.360 --> 00:08:24.959
And that when you can come in and just be yourself, you will you will connect with the right people.
00:08:25.040 --> 00:08:26.480
It's kind of like a magnet, right?
00:08:26.560 --> 00:08:42.799
Those right people will wind up connecting with you in, and honestly, because you're coming in new, there will be seasoned people who will see that and the right people will come out and also connect with you, right?
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So yeah, that first experience doesn't have to feel so overwhelming, but but do put yourself out there, don't go and just stand against the wall, also, you know.
00:08:50.799 --> 00:08:54.559
So also making sure that you are willing to put yourself out there.
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Yeah, one of the advice that that um I often hear and that I actually often give is try to get in contact with the person who runs it prior to the event and let them know, hey, I've never been to your event before.
00:09:08.000 --> 00:09:09.600
What can I expect?
00:09:09.840 --> 00:09:11.919
Because generally, like I run an event.
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So if somebody reaches out to me, I'm like, oh, well, tell me more about your what you do, and then I make sure that the minute they get there, I know somebody to introduce them to.
00:09:21.279 --> 00:09:21.759
Perfect.
00:09:21.919 --> 00:09:22.480
Exactly.
00:09:22.720 --> 00:09:25.120
Yeah, yeah, really good, really good.
00:09:25.440 --> 00:09:25.759
Okay.
00:09:26.399 --> 00:09:31.279
So what how do you introduce yourself when you go to events?
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Do you do the typical elevator pitch introduction?
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Do you just listen and then just respond and have a conversation?
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What's your go-to?
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All right, well, I tell so part of my um, I think part of my passion of what I do is to just make life fun and um and bring experiences to people.
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So in both of my businesses, like I I am really about creating experiences and fun and living life fully, right?
00:10:01.279 --> 00:10:04.080
So I come in, I am usually wearing sparkle.
00:10:04.159 --> 00:10:06.080
Okay, so you can see my shirt.
00:10:06.320 --> 00:10:09.679
I've I've got sparkle nails, sparkle eyeshadows, sparkle clothing.
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Most of the time, something that kind of stands out, because I'm not really afraid to stand out usually, but I I also when I talk to people say kind of strange things sometimes.
00:10:22.240 --> 00:10:24.559
So I want to throw people off a little bit.
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And sometimes I'll just be like, so what did you have for breakfast this morning?
00:10:28.320 --> 00:10:36.320
Or something like something like, um, you know, where was the last place you uh took your passport?
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I don't know, some kind of thing that just like people are like, wait, what?
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You know, it kind of gives them a second to like nobody's asked me that question before, especially in a networking event or something.
00:10:46.240 --> 00:10:58.320
So kind of just throwing people off a little bit that then they're it kind of lets their guard down too, because they're like, wait, this person's not just out to throw me their business card and start talking business, right?
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So it does help to it helps to just kind of relax the tension, I feel like a little bit.
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Just just coming up with some goofy, really goofy questions.
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I don't know.
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Maybe people think I'm weird, but at the same time, it's me.
00:11:10.080 --> 00:11:10.799
So I'm being authentic.
00:11:11.120 --> 00:11:11.840
They remember you.
00:11:12.639 --> 00:11:13.039
Exactly.
00:11:13.200 --> 00:11:14.080
It's being memorable.
00:11:14.159 --> 00:11:14.960
That's exactly right.
00:11:15.600 --> 00:11:17.120
Yeah, they will definitely remember you.
00:11:17.360 --> 00:11:18.720
So you have two businesses.
00:11:18.799 --> 00:11:26.159
Let's let's get back to that for a second because there are a lot of people that go out networking, I've noticed, that do have more than one thing going on.
00:11:26.320 --> 00:11:28.960
So, how do you not confuse people?
00:11:30.480 --> 00:11:32.240
Um, it is a challenge.
00:11:32.399 --> 00:11:37.759
Uh, and honestly, I did only have one business for a while that I really focused on.
00:11:37.840 --> 00:11:40.159
I I really did the travel for a long time.
00:11:40.399 --> 00:11:45.840
Um, and I have only kind of introduced the the AI portion of what I'm doing.
00:11:46.159 --> 00:11:52.000
And there are times where I really only focus on one in a specific networking group.
00:11:52.240 --> 00:11:57.200
And even if I go to the same networking group, I may just focus on a different one the next time I go.
00:11:57.440 --> 00:12:06.639
Um, because you really don't have a lot of time in a in a networking setting when you're really just trying, you know, meeting a lot of different people.
00:12:06.879 --> 00:12:11.919
And then the biggest thing I have found is in like the follow-up.
00:12:12.159 --> 00:12:16.240
So when you're following up with someone, is when you can really kind of expound.
00:12:16.399 --> 00:12:33.279
So whichever business I I focused on when I was talking to people, and then I can kind of add in, I also do this, you know, and and maybe mention that in the follow-up email, or especially if you're gonna have a one-to-one with someone afterwards and and expound on that.
00:12:33.519 --> 00:12:43.039
Because really, if you're listening and you're in that conversation and you're finding out what that person really wants, um, you can also tailor your your business to that.
00:12:43.200 --> 00:12:49.120
I mean, if I'm talking to someone, especially like about travel or something, and find out they don't they've never been out of the country, they don't even want to travel.
00:12:49.200 --> 00:12:50.559
Well, that's not gonna go anywhere, right?
00:12:50.639 --> 00:12:55.279
So maybe they really need the other business or something, and then I can focus more on that.
00:12:55.440 --> 00:12:56.639
So yeah, yeah, really.
00:12:56.879 --> 00:12:58.399
That was kind of a long answer.
00:12:58.639 --> 00:12:59.440
No, it's fine.
00:12:59.600 --> 00:13:00.240
No, it's fine.
00:13:00.320 --> 00:13:02.320
But you you hit on something there, one-on-ones.
00:13:02.720 --> 00:13:08.000
So a lot of people do one-on-one coffee conversations or Zoom calls or whatever.
00:13:08.320 --> 00:13:14.080
What is the biggest thing that you try to get out of that initial one-on-one?
00:13:15.200 --> 00:13:32.639
An initial one-on-one is mostly I want to find out what you know, their businesses, what their needs are, what what kinds of things that I might either be able to personally help them with from my businesses.
00:13:33.279 --> 00:13:40.559
But if I can't, from my perspective, help them, then who can I help refer them to?
00:13:40.720 --> 00:13:46.480
Who can I introduce them to that I already know from my network that can help them?
00:13:46.799 --> 00:14:00.480
Because if I can help them meet a need that they have in some way, they're going to trust me still, you know, and respect me in a way that even if I'm not the one fulfilling that need, right?
00:14:00.559 --> 00:14:06.320
So being able to connect people that way, um, I think it's just huge.
00:14:06.480 --> 00:14:08.559
So finding you have to find those things out.
00:14:08.720 --> 00:14:17.440
So that is my my main goal is finding out how can I help them, not to just come forward and just preach and say, here, blah, blah, blah, here's my stuff.
00:14:17.519 --> 00:14:19.679
Take it, take whatever you want, you know.
00:14:19.919 --> 00:14:23.919
Yeah, yeah, that's a good approach it with curiosity mostly.
00:14:24.159 --> 00:14:24.559
Right.
00:14:24.799 --> 00:14:25.840
Yeah, curiosity.
00:14:26.000 --> 00:14:41.279
And of course, they're gonna reciprocate and ask you a little bit more about what your needs are and who you're looking to be connected with, because it might not be a good fit, right, either way for that person or you, but like you said, we all know people if we're if we're avid networkers.
00:14:41.440 --> 00:14:44.240
So all right, so how do you decide?
00:14:44.320 --> 00:14:48.480
Let's stick with your AI business for a second, your AI ads primarily.
00:14:48.639 --> 00:14:51.600
How do you decide which events, which groups to go to?
00:14:52.000 --> 00:15:03.120
How do you kind of know that the the right people will be in the room, either as clients, which of course we're not prospecting, but um or connections, good connections.
00:15:03.440 --> 00:15:09.919
You know, some networking groups can be niche specific or or business specific.
00:15:10.000 --> 00:15:41.039
And of course, in those, I can I can gravitate towards ones that do align with what I'm looking for, but I mainly want to go to ones that focus more on like relationship building or ones that are are built on um not just coming and everyone throwing uh their cards at each other, you know, because yeah, I really I really want ones that um do help and kind of um make a space for people to build relationships because that's really what I focus on.
00:15:41.120 --> 00:15:41.840
So yeah.
00:15:42.000 --> 00:15:45.360
So the speed networking, like speed dating isn't your jam.
00:15:45.919 --> 00:15:46.799
It's it's not.
00:15:46.960 --> 00:15:48.480
I mean, I've done them before.
00:15:48.799 --> 00:16:04.639
Really, the biggest thing that those help me with is like I can just find out, okay, what business partners could I potentially align with in the future and then just be able to set up those one-to-ones with them because I'm like, well, this was great.
00:16:04.799 --> 00:16:05.600
I have five minutes.
00:16:05.679 --> 00:16:08.080
Okay, I got your name, that's great, and I got your card.
00:16:08.240 --> 00:16:16.159
But at that point, I'm like, I don't know much of anything about your business, but I can connect with you later if I feel like, hey, we might actually be able to work together.
00:16:16.320 --> 00:16:24.480
But that's it's not really more about those client relationships at that point because you can't really find out what somebody needs in three minutes.
00:16:25.279 --> 00:16:26.720
No, it's almost impossible.
00:16:26.879 --> 00:16:27.679
Almost impossible.
00:16:27.840 --> 00:16:28.159
Correct.
00:16:28.720 --> 00:16:29.200
All right.
00:16:29.440 --> 00:16:31.759
So little rapid fire networking questions.
00:16:31.919 --> 00:16:32.399
You ready?
00:16:33.200 --> 00:16:33.519
Okay.
00:16:33.679 --> 00:16:49.120
So you've already told us some different ways that you start conversations, but give me your best line to get out of a conversation that's just dragging kind of on, even if it's a good one, like it's not necessarily a bad conversation, but just, you know, it's just taking up a lot of your time.
00:16:49.440 --> 00:16:55.759
So okay, I would probably say something like, No, I I really appreciate all that you you are offering.
00:16:55.840 --> 00:16:57.279
Um, you know, thank you for your card.
00:16:57.360 --> 00:17:05.279
If they gave me the card, and you know, if not, you know, I would I would love to to circle back to this uh when we have more time to discuss it, you know, something like that.
00:17:05.440 --> 00:17:21.440
Or, you know, I can also say, you know, let's let's follow up with an email on this so we can discuss it more in in more detail, that kind of thing, because that will help me to then say we've got more time later is kind of how I would be putting it um to discuss it so we can kind of talk with some other people at this point.
00:17:21.759 --> 00:17:22.480
Yeah, yeah.
00:17:22.559 --> 00:17:23.119
Okay, great.
00:17:23.279 --> 00:17:24.079
Okay, next one.
00:17:24.240 --> 00:17:29.279
What's a piece of advice that you would give for people to stay top of mind with their network?
00:17:29.680 --> 00:17:32.079
So it really is follow-up.
00:17:32.319 --> 00:17:41.519
It it's and I mean, in complete transparency, this is the part I'm trying to grow the most because uh follow-up is is a challenge.
00:17:41.680 --> 00:17:57.039
It's a challenge for a lot of people, and I'm really trying to um make sure when I am coming from a from an event and a networking is to continue to give those pieces of information to people.
00:17:57.279 --> 00:18:07.839
And whether it's something that they've actually asked for or something that you have just kind of ascertained from the conversation that may be helpful for them.
00:18:08.000 --> 00:18:20.559
Um, and again, it's being able to help them in some way, even if it's not your services, being able to give them something that they find valuable that then they will keep in mind.
00:18:20.640 --> 00:18:25.839
So when they ever do get to a point where they need your services, they remember you.
00:18:26.000 --> 00:18:31.839
Um so I think keeping it memorable and then just keeping on top of that follow-up is is really important.
00:18:32.160 --> 00:18:32.640
That's great.
00:18:32.799 --> 00:18:39.680
All right, so let's move away from networking a minute and go back to just basic business building because you've built a successful travel business.
00:18:40.240 --> 00:18:46.559
Give us a piece of advice that you're gonna take from your experience building the travel business.
00:18:46.720 --> 00:18:54.319
What piece of advice are you giving yourself with this new business and therefore could give other people in building their business?
00:18:56.400 --> 00:19:08.000
So I think the main thing for me is um I do love learning and I'm always open to being teachable and always learning new things.
00:19:08.319 --> 00:19:13.440
Sometimes to the point of that's kind of all I do is just keep learning, learning, learning.
00:19:13.839 --> 00:19:22.720
And so the biggest advice is to take action quicker before I'm ready.
00:19:23.440 --> 00:19:28.799
Because sometimes you feel like I'm not quite ready, I need to know more, I need to know more, and then I'll do it.
00:19:28.880 --> 00:19:30.559
I need to know a little more and then I'll do it.
00:19:30.720 --> 00:19:38.000
And then you just keep waiting and waiting and waiting, and it kind of passes you by a little bit, and you could have started sooner, even though you're scared.
00:19:38.160 --> 00:19:42.160
Start scared, start sooner, and just kind of learn as you're going.
00:19:42.240 --> 00:19:48.960
Um, that would be that would be what I would tell myself because I could, you know, from the past now.
00:19:49.039 --> 00:19:50.000
That's what I'm doing now.
00:19:50.079 --> 00:19:53.920
I'm starting, starting sooner and starting scared, but doing starting scared.
00:19:54.000 --> 00:19:55.759
Yeah, starting scared and starting sooner.
00:19:55.839 --> 00:19:56.319
That's wonderful.
00:19:56.400 --> 00:19:57.519
That's a good piece of advice.
00:19:57.759 --> 00:19:59.680
Well, thanks for being with us today, Jess.
00:19:59.759 --> 00:20:00.240
I appreciate it.
00:20:00.880 --> 00:20:02.079
Thank you so much for having me.
00:20:02.160 --> 00:20:02.720
It was fun.
00:20:02.880 --> 00:20:04.160
Yeah, it was fun.
00:20:04.880 --> 00:20:08.640
Thanks for tuning in to this episode of the Network Build Grow Podcast.
00:20:08.799 --> 00:20:16.079
If you enjoyed today's conversation, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a fellow entrepreneur or professional.
00:20:16.319 --> 00:20:22.880
And of course, if you're not yet part of our community, visit networkbuildgrow.com to connect with us.
00:20:23.119 --> 00:20:26.640
Until next time, keep building and keep growing.
