RBN Calendar of Events
RBN Applications
RBN Major Events
Recent Sessions
Member Directory
About RBN
Membership Benefits
Testimonials
Contact Us
Home


Please Scroll Down for great articles on:

Master the Art of Business Networking

Capitalize on Every Opportunity to Expose Your Business

Power of Contacts through Business Relationships

When it Comes Down to YOUR BUSINESS… Promote, Promote, Promote!



RBN Mission Statement:

RBN provides a professional, fun and relaxed atmosphere for Business owners and managers to network together, build a solid relationship & trust. Combine the power of Business Networking & Training to insure the maximum growth & profitability for those who join us. We do not require exclusivity and do not enforce guidelines and penalties. Our mission is to help one another grow and prosper in our Business & Personal Endeavors in a professional environment!

What is RBN?

We are a highly innovative networking group. Our goal is to provide you and your company with effective marketing tools and programs to further promote and grow your business. RBN is continually finding new and exciting ways for your business to become more successful. When you are overwhelmed with new clients and orders, we are successful.

What Does RBN Offer?

RBN provides a way for you to take your business to the next level in many different ways. On a more intimate level, we provide mastermind group meetings that host app. 50 to 70 businesses; on a larger scale our luncheons have anywhere from 90 to 120 businesses and offer an exciting speaker, and our largest meeting is the RBN Expo, held quarterly, and entertains over 800 businesses. RBN’s goal is to increase your business and make you successful.

Call to get complete details of the exciting offers RBN has for you!

We Can Directly Focus on Your Business & Help You Grow! Don’t miss the most innovative meetings in session. Check out the RBN Elite Mastermind Groups. A good way to solve problems and get advice about your business and meet very motivated people. When you surround yourself with success you will be more successful.

Yousef Shafiee, President/CEO

A graduate of California State University at Hayward, California with two Bachelor Degrees and one Master’s degree in Computer Science & Marketing. Yousef has over 37 years of Marketing & Promotions experience and currently operates and manages his own Company, Relationship Building Network, Inc. (RBN).

He has been an active member of Several Orange County Chambers of Commerce for over 20 years and has developed many constructive marketing and advertising tools to serve the Businesses in the area. Yousef has extensive experience in line management and technical management with a successful track record. His strengths include marketing promotions, business development, management, create and execute new and revolutionary marketing and promotional programs.

Yousef is also very strong in developing and implementing promotional marketing programs to increase revenue for businesses. He inspires customer loyalty with a special personal touch that are recognized and remembered. He is experienced in Multimedia Presentation and Video Productions for marketing and promotional purposes. Yousef's special training & education included; Team Management, Networking, Organizational Management, Cambridge Technology Key Executive Program, Consultative Selling, Sandler Training Institute and Quality Management.

Yousef is looking forward to serving more Businesses in the community and creating a Win-Win situation for all involved. Those who are interested in obtaining more information are welcome to call us at (949) 830-5776 or visit
www.RBNinfo.com


An Important Note to Our Nonmembers, Guests & Visitors:

RBN Expos and Evening Mixers are always open to
RBN Members, Nonmembers, Guests, and Visitors.
All businesses are always welcome to attend and/or
exhibit at any RBN Expo or Evening Mixers.

However, since RBN is a Membership Organization, we welcome and encourage our nonmembers, guests and visitors to attend our weekly Regional Networking Luncheons for a period of time until they become fully aware of the benefits that RBN Membership offers and join.

RBN Membership is a “One Time” investment and
there are no renewals or hidden fees!


RBN is now over 3,000 Members Strong and
has served the Southern California Business
Community for more than 16 Years!

LET US SERVE YOU TOO!



Master the Art of Business Networking
By Yousef Shafiee

You can easily master the art of business networking and maximize your returns on relationships made at any business gathering. First and foremost, be sincere. People recognize and reject patronizing or self-serving actions.  You need to develop a sincere interest in other people before representing your company in any networking environment.

Developing relationships goes beyond business development. The person you don’t think of as a prospect today might become a prospect in the future or a lead generator now.  Never underestimate the power of others.
Relationship development often takes more than a year. We have spoken with many business entrepreneurs and they all agree on one thing, it can take months for your efforts in networking to develop a significant profit. However, once you have spent an adequate amount of time with a group, your benefits will reap. Networking is like farming, you plant the seeds, water, and fertilize, and in the months to come you harvest.

Try different groups, like RBN, Chambers, leads group, industry associations or community groups. Introduce yourself to members by mail or phone when you join; be friendly and interested in them. Likewise, acknowledge mail and accept phone calls from members who greet you. After a while, select at least one function, location or group to participate in actively and regularly. This establishes familiarity, trust and stability.

Sit where you know the least people, never with those you already know. Develop a quick 30 second, concise, and catchy introduction. Introduce your type of business first, then your company and your name. People become more interested in you if they are interested in your business.  If you state your name in the beginning, they are most likely to forget it, always end by saying your name. Listen to introductions for potential customers, vendors and network partners.  Remember to jot down any referrals you may have for others.  The old saying, “You scratch my back and I will scratch yours,” is very powerful.  When people see you are actively trying to help others, the referrals will automatically start flowing towards you.

If there is a raffle, give a prize people really want to receive. Don’t give a gift with a stipulation attached.  For example, a discount or an amount off a service does not give a gift without “a string attached.”  If the person cannot use the service, it doesn’t matter how much off you give to them.  After the meeting, search out the best contacts and make a definite follow up plan. Within two days of the meeting follow up with everyone you personally met, at least by mail – you never know what will develop. Establish a “thank you” program for referrals – at least a thank you note or call.

Developing a sincere interest in each individual person, even if they don’t seem like a prospective customer and following up systematically are the keys to maximizing networking relationships.

Relationship Building Network, Inc. (RBN) is one of the largest and most productive Business Networking Groups operating in Southern California for more than a decade.  At RBN, you find a true sense of professionalism with the people you meet at the frequent RBN functions.  Leaders from other organizations, including many Chambers of Commerce, are members.  The group encourages attendees not to “sell” one another, yet find and build ways that members can help add value to each other and develop trust.  We provide hundreds, even thousands of professionals, like you, to meet and exchange ideas, leads, and services every year.   I encourage you to look into membership and involvement with this highly effective Southern California Based Networking Group and build many relationships which will result in trust and commitment and ultimately in more sales and profit.

If you would like to get a new and refreshing look at an effective business networking concept, come to RBN Networking Sessions, held every week at various locations throughout Orange County. You can find the complete schedule, venue & topics by visiting the RBN website at www.RBNinfo.com.

 

Capitalize on Every Opportunity to Expose Your Business
By Yousef Shafiee

There are many opportunities in life that can contribute to our everyday well being and success.  If we own a business or are employed by a company, our success mainly depends upon introducing our products and services to as many potential clients and customers as possible in order to create more sales and profits.  An opportunity to expose your business to a very large group of individuals can be found when participating in a business expo.  Whether you are there as an exhibitor or just an attendee, an Expo is a good place to get “Extreme Exposure.”

Remember, preparation is the most important step to your success at a business expo.  Value yourself and your product; be sure you have made a list of all the necessary items you will need for your table.  This list may include business cards, your book or audio tapes, flyers, brochures and other marketing materials, any material you may have written, your name tag, pencils, pens and a notebook.  Make sure you have an interesting display that will attract people passing by.  Be confident and enthusiastic at all times.  Get excited about meeting and learning from other people and above all have a very positive state of mind; SMILE.

Your personal demeanor will attract people to your table.  People do business with people, not just exhibits.  Be confident and relaxed.  Project a friendly image and show an interest in the person visiting your table.  Don’t try to sell them because it won’t work.  Be interested in what they have to say and find out how you can help them to succeed.  By being sensitive to their needs you can often refer business to them.  This will enable you to form a bond with this individual, developing your network.   It is just as important to have other businesses network for you.  You will never know who knows who until you have developed a relationship with the first person.

Be sure to have a way to collect business cards and include any notes on the back of the card for your follow ups.  Sometimes just knowing a few things about the person can be very impressive.  For example, at one meeting I met a person who had a headache.  The following day I called him, and I asked how his headache was.  This small question opened the conversation up to a very positive interaction and ultimately we did business together.  Always thank the person for taking time with you and ask if he wants you to keep in contact.

The RBN Major Business Expo will be held 3 times a year.  These events will feature over 150 exhibitors, Many local Chambers of Commerce and other Networking Groups, 20 five star restaurants providing complimentary food and over 1,200 attendees.  Every RBN expo is filled with businesses that preplan their exhibit booth.  We understand our goal is to attract hundreds of people to the expo and the exhibitors understand the name of the game is to have fun.  Remember, not participating does not accomplish anything; being a part of these major events gives you a great opportunity to expose your business to many other businesses.

Relationship Building Network (RBN) is one of the largest and most productive Business Networking Groups in Southern California.  At RBN, you will find a true sense of professionalism with the people you meet at the frequent RBN functions.  The group encourages attendees not to “sell” one another, yet find and build ways that members can help add value to each other and develop trust. Yousef Shafiee is the Founder of Relationship Building Network (RBN) and can be reached at 949-830-5776.  You can also visit RBN’s Interactive Website at www.RBNinfo.com.  I encourage you to get involved with this highly effective Southern California Based Networking Group and build many relationships which will result in trust and commitment and ultimately in more sales and profit.

Power of Contacts through Business Relationships
By Yousef Shafiee

            Have you ever noticed all of the different communities that make up the world of business?  When working in your individual business, it may seem as if your world revolves around your customers, vendors, consultants, or employees.  The day-to-day world can be filled with a lot of things to do. But, when you step back and take a look at who all of these people are, who they know, and what makes up their world, you can begin to see the inter-relatedness of us all.

            Each person belongs to many communities.  Each of these has its own concerns, interests, and may have a specialized “language” of sorts.  There are schools, sports, churches, synagogues, temples, non-profit organizations, the arts, and service groups.  What about the people you see daily – the crossing guard, the people at the gym, the grocery checker, the mailman?  Each of these people belongs to many communities.  It is amazing to recognize the power of who you know.  Studies have shown that we are only 2-6 people away from being able to meet anyone.  Everyone knows someone who knows someone.

What does that really mean in business?  People love to talk about good services and good products.  It means that you can leverage your relationships and create a “buzz” about your business throughout all of those communities.  Let’s imagine the possibility of having one person tell 3 people about your business each day.  If those 3 people each tell 3 people, then, in one week you have 2,187 people talking about your business.  People who are serious about building their business, know the power of building relationships.  
 
One of the easiest ways to meet a large group of people, is to attend a business networking event.  When attending a networking group, consider the importance of not selling your business or service, but instead to find leads from those you meet.  By trying to help those you meet, by supplying them with “good leads,” they will also want to help you.  

Also, becoming a sponsor in a networking group gives your business a high profile.  Small businesses become known and grow their companies; large businesses build their reputations. The next time that you are considering where to put your marketing dollars, think about the value of building relationships week after week. 

            Relationship Building Network, Inc. (RBN) is one of the largest and most productive Business Networking Groups in Southern California.  At RBN, you find a true sense of professionalism with the people you meet at the frequent RBN functions.  Leaders from other organizations, including many Chambers of Commerce, are members.  The group encourages attendees not to “sell” one another, yet find and build ways that members can help add value to each other and develop trust.  We provide hundreds, even thousands of professionals, like you, to meet and exchange ideas, leads, and services.   I encourage you to look into membership and sponsorship with this highly effective Southern California Based Networking Group and build many relationships which will result in trust and commitment and ultimately in more sales and profit.

When it Comes Down to YOUR BUSINESS…
Promote, Promote, Promote!
By Yousef Shafiee

     An excellent way to expose your business to other businesses and other consumers is by networking.  Networking is an inexpensive way to meet people and provide an opportunity to generate leads and get sales.  An opportunity to expose your business to a very large group of individuals can be found when participating in a business expo.   Whether you are there as an exhibitor or just an attendee, you will be able to meet many business entrepreneurs. 

     Participating in a large business expo can:

      • Generate sales
      • Obtain sales leads
      • Increase company and product awareness
      • Maintain an image, presence and/or awareness in the community
      • Establish a presence if you are a new company
      • Support a sales force
      • Find new agents, resellers, distributors, dealers, etc.
      • Enhance existing customer relationships
      • Reach new markets
      • Conduct primary market research

     Once you have determined the main reasons for your exhibit, it is time to start a pre-show promotion.  PROMOTE, PROMOTE, PROMOTE.  It is time for you to take control and don’t leave your success to chance.  It is very profitable for you to ensure your clients and prospects come to you.  It is proven that many attendees come to an Expo with a set agenda of exhibits to visit.  Invite as many customers and potential clients to visit you at the expo.

     Your personal demeanor will attract people to your table.  People do business with people, not exhibits.  Be confident and relaxed.  Project a friendly image and show an interest in the person visiting your table. Remember when attending a business expo, there are very few buyers, most of the participants are sellers.
Get excited about meeting and learning from other people and above all have a very positive state of mind; SMILE.  Don’t try to sell them because it won’t work.  Be interested in what they have to say and find out how you can help them to succeed.  By being sensitive to their needs you can often refer business to them.  This will enable you to form a bond with this individual, developing your network.  A business relationship will develop in the future.
 
     In order to achieve your goals you must come prepared.   Hand out novelty giveaway items with your company name, phone number and website address printed on them.  You can also distribute discount coupons available only at the show that are valid for a specified time period after the show.  Today there are so many different types of signs that can be used as part of your display.  Make sure it is powerful, readable and not too cluttered.  Remember, a picture is worth a thousand words; your sign represents what you do, represents your product.

     Lastly, Follow Up:

      • Post-show activity is the most frequently neglected stage of exhibiting, yet the most critical in securing the business.  Immediately follow up after the show, make contact with all prospects and customers who visited your stand
      • Send visitors to your stand a thank you acknowledging their attendance
      • Deliver what you promised in the timeframe agreed
      • Begin planning for the next show

     The RBN Major Business Expo will be held every 4 months.  These events will feature more than 130 exhibitors, 20 restaurants and over 1,500 attendees. The RBN EXPO will also have the support of many chambers of commerce such as Tustin, Santa Ana, Irvine, Orange, and Huntington Beach to name a few.  Relationship Building Network is one of the largest and most productive business networking groups in existence today and we believe networking is both FUN and PRODUCTIVE!  Yousef Shafiee is the Founder of Relationship Building Network (RBN) and can be reached at 949-830-5776.  You can also visit RBN’s Interactive Website at www.RBNinfo.com  I encourage you to get involved with this highly effective Southern California Based Networking Group and build many relationships which will result in trust and commitment and ultimately in more sales and profit.


Relationship Building Network, Inc. (RBN) - Your Premier Business Networking Group since 1995
Corporate Offices: Irvine, California - Phone: (949) 830-5776
© 2006 Relationship Building Network, Inc. (RBN) | Privacy Statement