By Joan F. Simoneau, Community Reporter
Marlborough-Small and mid-to-large size business owners, solo entrepreneurs and those looking to expand their knowledge of networking skills gathered at the Marlborough Regional Chamber of Commerce office April 19 to hear Rick Robinson of Capstone Home Inspections share successful techniques.
“Networking can happen in your everyday life, in all relationships,” said Robinson. “It’s all about giving – offering to help someone you know, like and trust and sharing information. You can approach people at a chamber meeting, family gathering, at a church or organization function and begin with a general conversation,” he stressed.
Using food offerings is a casual way of speaking to someone, Robinson suggested.
“Feel free to ask a new acquaintance for a business card but don’t offer yours unless it is requested,” he added.
As a home inspector Robinson started his early years of networking approaching Realtors and helped many of them by giving them referrals of homebuyers and friends.
“It all worked out great. I helped them and they helped me,” he said.
“I have learned to prioritize who I need to network with and feel it will benefit me and the store to build relations, helping others as well as helping myself,” said Kendra Taro, area sales lead for Maurice’s, a women’s fashion store in Hudson.
Jose Brador, a sales representative for Liberty Mutual Insurance Company, said he was ready to start putting the suggestions in motion.
“Rick made it all sound easy. He said ‘givers gain’ and what I can do to help sounds very easy and worthwhile,” Brador said.
The workshop entitled “Basics of Networking 101,” was part of the chamber’s 2016 spring professional development series that started in January 2015.
“These workshops are developed and taught by our members who highlight skills to help in running a successful business,” said Jacqueline Smith, chamber project manager and event coordinator. “They offer everything you need to succeed – people, ideas and information.”
