Quotes from our Albuquerque participants:

 I had a great time at this event! I met with some great people. I have already made several follow-up appointments from this event. This method of networking is by far the most effective I have experienced in the last 20 years!!!

Bea Orozco iBizNetwork

I really enjoy these networking events. I have made lots of great business contacts and have had the chance to meet some great people.

Robin Foshee, New Business Representative, Sam's Club on Eubank

I wanted you to know I was very impressed with Monday night’s Strategic Networking Event.  It was very well organized and the businesses represented made it a productive evening.  Thank you for a job well done! I am glad that I participated and look forward to future events. 

Penny M. Raney, RHIA-Strategic Coach, Speaker, Consultant

Forward Leading Business Solutions

 I had a great time at the event, much more productive than any chamber event I have been to.  I plan on attending more events when I can.

Matt Morse-Armed Response Team

This is a very effective way to network. I have attended several events over the past two years and it has always proved to be one of my best business tools.

AJ Montoya-SR. Comcast Business Consultant

This was my first Strategic Network Event, and I had a blast! It was more like a party than a business meeting. I was energized by the whole process, and very much enjoyed meeting new people.

 Nancy Lauser-Let's Do Tea

This networking event was very courageous in getting everyone to participate. As I met with everyone, I gathered that we were all in the same position. That position is, we all need to network more. As I grow my business I will remember everyone at this event, and I believe everyone will remember most of those whom attended. I have a meeting this Wednesday with one of those contacts . . Thanks.

Antonio C Lopez-Morgan Stanley

I was able to make two new clients from a Strategic Networking event - in time for the next issue of my publication. I made several contacts who are also likely to become customers in the near future!

Clifton Chadwick-NM Marketplace

Strategic Networking is a wonderful concept that takes away the challenge of breaking into networking "cliques" and maximizes your full networking opportunities in a friendly and efficient manner.

Oscar Solis-Director of Media and Public Relations Special Olympics New Mexico

I had some apprehensions at first, but as the event wore on, I began to loosen up and have a lot of fun. A lot of the people I met were really open to what I had to offer and I've made outside appointments for follow up.  I've met some really great people due to Strategic Networking - some working towards doing business with me currently.

Robert Nelson-KASA Fox 2

I was not sure what to expect. I think it was very pleasant and a great way to meet people you would otherwise probably greet and pass by. There was a good variety of career fields.

Lisa Roller-The Nambe' Shop

This was an extremely enjoyable and effective way of meeting new people and finding out about them and their businesses.

Lise Knouse, Associate Broker, Prudential Santa Fe Real Estate

It was very beneficial being able to meet everyone in the room and to know if there wasn't a business opportunity that the conversation would end soon due to the limited amount of time you are able to converse with them.

Natalie Pick-Hyatt Regency Albuquerque

I have been to several networking events and this one is so much better because I have to meet everyone in the room and they have to meet me. I like that there is only 1 person from each catagory so that way you are not meeting 100 realitors or someone else that does what I do. There's no competition.

Chantel L. Campos-Bankers Advertising Co

What an outstanding idea! I will tell others about Strategic Networking.

Neldene Boroski-National American University

As a salesperson I appreciate the ability to network efficiently and Strategic Networking allows me to spend enough time to make appropriate connections and enough time to be aware when those connections are less appropriate.

    Clifton Chadwick-NM Marketplace

This was my first strategic networking event and I was very pleased with the contacts I made and that I meet everyone vs. other networking where you have to walk up to people and give them your "spew" without thier full attention. This way the person has to pay attenetion, at least for 2 min. Thank you!

Chantel L. Campos-Bankers Advertising Co

I loved Strategic Networking. Ria and RaLynn are so warm and inviting. It was my first event and was very exciting and fun!!! I picked up three new clients that evening and have been contacted by three other fellow networkers which has been fun.

Rachel Berger-Resolutions Personal Fitness Training

I had a great time at Strategic Networking! It was fun, comfortable, no pressure. A wonderful way to meet new people and contacts. And . . . yes, I'll attend quarterly.

Andrea - Fidelity National Mortgage

Strategic Networking sessions are the most focused and effective way to network in a time-scarce world. I had a blast, got a slew of new contacts, and look forward to attending many more events!

M.T., Albuquerque

This was my first time attending a networking event of this sort. It is a warm mix of professional and casual atmospheres. I am sure to build some important relationships with some of the people I met at this event.

Anonymous

Being a new business owner, I feel this is a great event for any business owner new or experienced to attend. It is a very friendly, very professional and controlled environment that gives everyone a chance to talk to others about their business. I cannot say anything negative about the events! I have learned so much and have met some fantastic people.

Jennifer Hugg Orion Payment Systems

You get to meet many people in a short amount of time and it forces you to focus on the essentials - maximizes effectiveness of time and communication.

Tracie K O'Geary O'Geary Enterprises

What a great way to directly network with business people! I enjoyed it. Made some new friends too!

 Joe Biondi

The Strategic Networking event I attended was a great way to meet and greet with other professionals that otherwise would be out of your network. The cost is reasonable and well worth it. The staff is friendly and answers all questions with honest and helpful advice. I attended the last event of 2007 and can't wait for the first event for 2008.

Paul Truman Omniac Education Assistant Director of Marketing

What a lively (and entertaining) way to interact with your community! This system takes all of the effort out of networking and allows you to have personal conversations with every attendee. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to explore the resources available in their community.

 Emily Bridwell Community Coordinator -

Santa Fe Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northern New Mexico

Strategic Networking is a no-nonsense way of meeting several different business people from a variety if industries. It is a comfortable and enjoyable event and it has generated many business leads for me. I highly recommend Strategic Networking to any business person wanting to "see and be seen" in the business community.

Sue Pollard U First Financial

This networking event is both fun and professional. I get to meet people, actually find a need and make a curiosity approach to them without trying to convince. Just gotta love it!

Dr Norm USANA

This was a very efficient and effective way to network. You have the opportunity to meet one on one with everyone at the event, and you are not pressured with having spent too much or too little time with any particular person.

Matt Di Netta President of Spotless Cleaning

Strategic Networking has given me the opportunity to come into contact with some business professionals, just like myself, who are looking to grow their business through word of mouth marketing. The most important aspect of this opportunity is utilizing a follow-up system to make one to one contact with the participants after the meeting. Thank you -

Melinda Potcher, Trinity Mortgage, LLC, & BNI Area Director

This was the most effective networking event I have ever attended. In no other setting in which I am aware, do you have a private audience with so many potential businesses, who are open and receptive to hear about your offering. It would take many cold calls and appointments over a long period of time to have the same opportunity. I am telling every business owner I know about it.

 Karen Larre Affordable Marketing Solutions

This is such a valuable way to network. I had a great time and will recommend Strategic Networking. Melodie, WineShop at Home

I have attended a few of these networking events and think they are a great way to meet business owners. I often run into business owners that I have been trying to get into contact with and this puts me right in front of them. I really would refer any one trying to get there name out there to try it a few times.

AJ Montoya Business Communications Consultant

With Comcast Business Services

A great way to roll out your business to others who have the same passion for business. Great Ideas. Great energy.

 Andrew Maldonado Roadrunner PediCab Bicycle Taxi

I love strategic networking. It is a great way to meet all the people at the networking event quickly and efficiently.

Lehsa Orcutt Body and Skin Clinic

This was a great event and I have contacted several people I met there who seem interested in my services and some who are already my new clients! Big Hit!!

Lindsay Hinkle Valutel

When I attend a networking event, I'm always nervous to approach individuals. Because Strategic Networking has set up a system that ensures each person meets, I felt much more at ease. Thank you for everything.

Kirsten Muncy ABQ Match

We enjoyed meeting the individuals there at the event. The venue forces conversation with everyone. In a social setting it's hard to get to everyone and this was a very effective way to get our message out to everyone in the room! Great Idea!!

Patrick Baldonado, VP Irwin Union Bank

This was the best event so far! I have quite a bit of business come out of it. I love Strategic Networking!!!! Emily Nash Emily Nash Photography

I have attended only one other networking event, but have been invited to a number of them. They sound great -- until I get the list of rules! I like the fact that Strategic Networking is more fluid. The organizers realize that not everyone in the room is going to be a potential customer for every other person in the room -- or a potential salesperson for every other person in the room.

President, Midday Madness Toastmasters

I had a great time and felt it was worth my time. Obviously, you are not going to connect with everyone you meet. However, it is a great way to make a connection with that special two or three people who can make a difference. I would definitely do it several times a year.

Dr Linda Sullivan Acupuncture & Herbal Clinic

I was personally able to meet 20 business professionals that I was either vaguely familiar of, or had not met before. It was a great opportunity to meet other business professionals looking to grow their businesses by referral, the most effective way of marketing. For me personally, I would only sign up quarterly, because it will take me at least a month to follow up w/ each of those participants and schedule a face to face meeting to expand on each other's goals and how to help one another.

Melinda Potcher, Trinity Mortgage, LLC, & BNI Area Director

This event was filled with enthusiasm & excitement & I'd say it was because of the intention that went into it. I'm clear, your team wants all of us to win. I love meeting new people! You guys make it so easy to show up & connect! Thank you

Tammy Davis Ontolical Coach Life of Enchantment Coaching

Very well run, it moved right along, and was on time. People were upbeat and had fun, a great way to meet people. Especially good for start-ups, young companies and solopreneurs.

Roby Wallace, EntreBusiness, Albuquerque, NM

I have enjoyed the way the event is structured. It gives our business the opportunity to network with everyone that is participating.

 Rick Hernandez Purified Water to go.

Attending the Strategic Networking event was useful in finding others who need my services, but also in finding a source for my own needs. It was quick and didn't waste valuable time, yet was long enough to establish a rapport with each individual person there.

 Jodi Newton Creative Images Photography

The friendliness and unassuming nature of the Strategic Networking program was what I enjoyed most; I left feeling like I had learned a lot and had been introduced to many new useful resources, yet didn't feel like I need to overcommit to any of them. Also, hopefully the information that I was able to present was helpful to those interested in learning more about my own organization.

Javier Benavidez Midday Madness Toastmasters

This was my first time at a Strategic Networking event. I wasn't sure what to expect but I loved the format and the concentration I had with the person across from me, and they with me. A great format!

Randi

I think that it's a fantastic way to meet people from different concepts and businesses and to show them what you do. In the hustle and bustle of everyday business, it's hard to find someone receptive to listening to what you do. This gave me 24 people who were receptive and dozens more who will be told about my business by these 24 people.

Ron Patel Just Dine In Deliveries

Strategic Networking was very effective and I made a couple of contacts. I am referring Strategic Networking to a couple of coworkers and businesses that might find it useful.

Anna Violet Martinez Wells Fargo Bank

My wife and I have seperate businesses. We both put off going for a while trying to decide if it would be beneficial for us. We now regret waiting so long to participate.

Eric Garcia Rising Sun Communications

This was my first event and I absolutely love the concept. What a great way to meet business professionals within the community who of which I would have never interacted with! Everyone should know of this opportunity!!

Kjerstina Ellis Cricket Communications

I enjoyed the fact that you have the opportunity to communicate with each person in the room. My experience with other networking events is not as productive and time efficient.

David Powell Certified Loan Originator, Envisions Group Mortgage Services

It was a great way to meet business people from all areas. It gave me a lot of resources both personally and professionally.

Dodie Knight Division President Western Commerce Bank

I absolutely love Strategic Networking. I went in on a Thursday night. Walked out with 24 new contacts in a few hours and had a blast! I Started putting them to work for me this week and booked 14 appointments to show them my wonderful business. I will attend as many of these as possible. They are addicting!

Kami Renteria  Success In One

Wow. By Friday I had one confirmed client, an appointment with a potential client, and an inquiry from another.

Elizabeth Tawney Gross Organizing For Everyday, LLC

I thought this meeting went very well. I already met with one person today and have another appointment tomorrow! I believe that its about how each person chooses to use this time. I appreciate all of you and really enjoyed being there.

Sally Hoffman Cort Furniture

It was very effective for me and I will definitely attend more networking events. I made some important contacts for my business and theirs.

Belinda Pierce,Image & Fashion Consultant Image Impressions

It was the first time I had participated in a networking event and it went great! I made 5 contacts and had a blast. Strategic Networking is one of the easiest and really fun ways to meet new people. I will definitely continue to attend upcoming events. It was a great experience! And an absolutely wonderful way to meet quite a number of people but still have the opportunity to actually talk and have a conversation with them personally about both your businesses. While not getting stuck in conversation for a long period of time. Great event!

Shannon Pre Paid Legal

Strategic Networking is brilliant in conception and in practice. It forces people to speak with others present and does not allow them to stand tentatively on the sidelines, watching the action. It gives them the opportunity to work on their presentation and interpersonal skills in a safe, supportive environment. I wholeheartedly recommend Strategic Networking. It's instructive, contact-making, and just plain fun! -

Dr. Signe A. Dayhoff, Get Your Ideal Clients

I feel it is a very efficient way to network. It saves a lot of time and really helps identify those who you would like to continue to network with and who can help you build your business and whom you can help build their business. Strategic Networking is an efficient, straight forward and highly useful sales tool in building your business.                                         Marlene Vrba Morgan Stanley

This is a fantastic way to meet everyone at a networking meeting. Instead of standing in a corner hoping someone will notice you, or being overwhelmed with too many people and no time to meet them, this networking structure is fantastic. It's a great opportunity to practice your own 10-second intro, and to get a solid sense if the person across the table is a good referral source, prospect or service-provider for you. Sandra Wylie Accomplishment Coaching

It was wonderful to have the opportunity to meet so many new people and learn about their business. I now have additional resources that I can use and recommend to others.

Sandy Schargel Sandy Schargel Interiors

This was a fun way to connect with a number of new people in a short amount of time. A great setting for those that may find it hard to start up a conversation about their business with a stranger. I met people that I will refer others to and many that were interested in what I have to offer. Thanks for a great evening.

Carol Dawson Creative Memories

"This sure beats cold calling! I offer a service that everyone needs at some point and time. What a way to have a captured audience and a one-on-one opportunity to talk about what you do."

                         Kimberly Holmes, Liberty Mutual Group

"I just moved here in September and was having a hard time meeting people. I decided to try Strategic Networking and I have met so many great and interesting people. I am always excited to go again and revisit with the ones that come back and meet new people. My business is starting to flourish thanks to the contacts I have met, and the friends I have made at this event. Thanks for finding me!"

                              Annette Copeland, Advertise on Anything

"Strategic Networking gave me the opportunity to not only promote my own business but learn about other indivduals businesses and get to know thier personalities. You connect with personalities and I found several I will make sure I refer clients to them and I will use as well. No pressure, had fun listening and participating!"

                              Micki White Soleil Enterprises, Amenities Division

" I had not attended before because I couldn't believe that this was any different than any other networking event. I sure was wrong. The one-on-one time with each attendee was so effective. In a "wine and cheese" type event, you may miss someone you should meet. This way you meet everyone. I will attend in the future."                  Cathryn Fletcher All-Ways Traveling, Inc.

"With most networking functions, it is very easy to hide in the corner or mingle only with people you know. This is the perfect networking opportunity to ensure you have a quality conversation with everyone in the room. There is also the guarantee that every other person there intends to satisfy the same need: networking!"           Becky Montano Becky Montano Insurance Agency

"Since this was my first event I was not sure what to expect, but I was thrilled once we got started. I am so excited about all of the very interresting people I met and look forward to the next event."

                         Annette Copeland Advertise on Anything B Square Real Estate

"The Strategic Networking event was a great way to meet other business professionals and prospective clients. The time just flew by and it was a lot of fun. I highly recommend it for business professionals."

                    Kathy Zader, SendOutCards

"I had so much fun meeting new people and getting to know them a little and something about their business. I have been in contact with a few and hope that we will be able to do business soon. In fact I had so much fun that I signed up for February also."

                    Julie Matt Shaklee Health & Wellness Consultant

"Strategic Networking was a fun no-strings way to make business connections. I connected with business people I will use or refer and got two assignments."

                    Gail, Freelance Writer

"Attending strategic networking is a fun way to make more new business contacts in one evening than most people make in weeks. The one on one contact is powerful and the results are that you will leave with an abundance of business leads to help your business go to the next level." 

                    Tod C Novak,  President The Novak Group

"Each time I met a new person we found a way we could benefit from having met, either doing business with each other, or knowing someone who was in need of the other's services. All in four minutes!"

                    Liz Davenport, Order from Chaos

"I started attending Strategic Networking one year ago. Unsure about how to network, Strategic Networking provided me a good introduction to networking and continues to serve as a great way to meet other businesses who would want to GET SEEN in our Magazine or Directory. If you want to GET CONNECTED to any network, you've got to plug yourself in somewhere, Strategic Networking is a great place to do that. I'm proud to be a part of the core group."   

                    Josh Flores, New Mexico WOMAN Magazine & Directory

"Strategic Networking is an innovative way to promote your business and find other great companies to work with in a short amount of time. Imagine how long it would take to find this number of leads in any other type of networking event. I attend many throughout the month and this by far is the best way and "hats off" to Ria and Barbara for this new technique and being so successful."

                   DJ Heckes, CEO,  EXHIB-IT!

"Took the "work" out of networking...a fun and easy way to meet people and spread your message...highly recommended!"

                    Dehron Foster, The Vaughan Company Realtors

"What a great event! I went just to meet people who go to marketing events, and left with potential suppliers and future friends. This format is the best I've seen for networking fast - I highly recommend it."

                    Greg Burton President, Borboleta Group LLC

"I just attended my first event and found it a very effective way to network. It was targeted to the purpose we all attend networking events, that is to meet new people and learn about each other. Great job!"

                    Sheriece Sinnema, World Ventures

"This event helped me in getting to know others and their businesses. Since I am a realtor, I am always on the lookout for business owners who could help my customers. This is a good forum to meet those business people."

                    Jocelyn Duran, Coldwell Banker Legacy

"This event helped to bring local business together and to network with one another. This gives everyone the opportunity to meet another business, see what they do and offer and if the conversation goes well, plan for another meeting together. This way you will be able to open new opportunities for both business."      

                     Chris Razatos, Wells Fargo Bank

"I love Strategic Networking! You get to meet one on one with other people in business and tell them precisely what you do. Since you have a focused 2-3 minutes with each one, you have to get good at getting your passion for what you do across to them. It can be challenging, but it is a great way to get some exposure to networking, create new relationships and keep yourself in the "eye" of other business owners in Albuquerque.

                   Val Romero, Legal Services

"This is how networking is supposed to be done! No wasted time, well organized, an excellent variety of professional people. This was the perfect structure to get to know some of the high-powered players in the community, with out the wasted time, energy, and money, of the typical social/network/MLM meetings. Excellent!" 

                     Del Jenkins, Yelin Mortgage

"I loved the feel of this event! It was fast paced, just like business. Plus, you meet with every business professional that comes to the event. You can't say that with other networking events!"

                   Teresa Ewers, Graphicbliss Graphic Design

"The event was fun and interesting. It was a very good way to meet people and network."

                    Andrew Lipman, President Philanthropic Consulting Services

"I had a great time. It was nice to meet so many business professionals here in town. Everyone's field of business was unique. Its good to meet people on the same track is you and to help one-another succeed in that path."

                   Erica Shelton, Director of Marketing Shelton Jewelers Ltd

"High energy and I loved the structure. An easy way to not feel any stress about walking into a room filled with people you don't know. Very nicely done!"

                   Jean Strosinski, Coach and Trainer Constructive Choices

"This was an outstanding event. Great group of people and well worth everyone's time, no matter how many leads you get. I recommend the event to anyone wanting to network. Absolutely the best way to go!"

                   Jeffrey Burdette, Clean Air Technologies

"Networking the way Networking should be done. This format should be the benchmark for actively meeting individuals and having the opportunity to get your specific message to them while having a lot of fun."

                  Joseph A. Alvarez VP Business Development, The Novak Group

"Hello Ria and Barbara, I just wanted to let you know how the events have been for me personally. I have had a chance to meet some real unique and powerful people through your network. It is a concept that everyone that has participated says "Why didn't I think of that?" I am looking forward to being a sponsor as well as an attendee."

                    Jack O'Guinn, Element Payment Systems

"Time well spent. I'm meeting people that I haven't met before and the exchange of information is great. I can't wait until the next one!"

                    Kimberly Holmes, NMBW 

"Great fun and a great way to meet many people in a high quality fashion."

                    Mark Griffith, The Goldsmith Group

"What a fun and time efficient way to meet so many people in your community. The contacts I made were great for business purposes as well as for my own personal needs. This opened my eyes to how many different types of businesses are out there and the very creative ideas that different people have developed."