Networkers

I know two great people with completely different styles - but they both get great results.

David Keuhner is the CEO of Destination Cellars, a wine experience company that offers private wine tastings at prestigious wineries worldwide. He's a resourceful, chatty (that's an understatement), well-connected business guy.

My wife, Carol, is a nice (that's an understatement), friendly, laid-back person.

I saw both of them in action recently and came to a conclusion about the importance of networking - it's huge. My golf club, Sycamore Hills Golf Club, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, needed to raise money for a charitable event: The USGA Women's State Team Championship. I saw two networkers - with very different styles - go to work:

David called in favors from some of the top wineries in the world and even secured PGA Tour Professional Jerry Kelly. Carol worked locally and rallied people to attend the event as well as brought in dozens of items to be auctioned off.

The results: More than $50,000 raised (the goal was $20,000) thanks to the generosity of the 280-plus people there(the goal was 150). Everyone had a great time; and, not only we will be able to fund the event, but there very well may be a surplus - which will go to the Special Olympics.

David and Carol networked. They asked of people in a way that made the people feel good. They allowed their natural styles, whether it was high-intensity or laid-back, to achieve a higher goal.

Look back on your business successes: How often are they the results of networking?

Barry LaBov
LaBov and Beyond
www.labov.com