“Who doesn't want to know that we notice them and value them? And who might respond to us better when they feel that they matter? It probably cannot be overstated – it matters...that people matter.” -Steve Goodier

Is there someone in your business life who has helped you significantly? I have a few networking mentors, Kathy is the first.

Kathy is a travel agent who introduced me to BNI, and invited me to visit her chapter many years ago. Because of Kathy, her chapter became my chapter.

Kathy didn't impress me with fancy talk, or a song and dance. She made me feel like I mattered.

Kathy and I first met when my window cleaning business was part of a ribbon cutting at my local chamber of commerce. My husband and I were very new to business, and especially new to promoting it.

Kathy warmly welcomed us into the chamber and then invited me to visit her BNI meeting.

I accepted the invitation and timidly walked into the hotel conference room where the meeting was being held. I didn't know what to expect. Kathy made me feel important from the moment I walked into that room.

Kathy did three things to make me feel valued.

First, she greeted me with enthusiasm. We have a tendency to view ourselves as ordinary, with not much to contribute, especially in rooms full of people we don't know.

Her pure enthusiasm at the sight of me that morning was just what I needed to jolt me out of self doubt and open my mind up to the possibilities that were in the room.

Second, she introduced me to the other chapter members with a grace and skill that I had not experienced before. Every introduction subtly said, "Faithann is important, and it's your good fortune that Faithann happens to be in this room."

Finally, she didn't let me out of her sight during the meeting. As we sat together, she carefully explained the meeting agenda so that I would know what to expect. During the meeting she would lean over and whisper important tidbits to keep me informed and interested.

I joined her BNI chapter, which I quickly took on as my own in every way. I'm proud to invite others to my chapter, and I emulate Kathy when they accept my invitation.

It's the VIP treatment others need to have, that we owe them when we invite them to our networking meetings.

Who has been a mentor to you? How might your life have been different if your mentor had not made you feel important?

Go network my friend, and remember:

Take some time to thank your networking mentors for how they have made you feel, and how their kindness has moved you forward in your business.

The Networker's Tour Guide, Faithann Basore, and her husband Dave have owned Window Cleaning Plus (WCP) for 10 years. Growing WCP through networking has given Faithann the desire to guide other small business owners through the networking terrain so they can feel comfortable and build long lasting relationships in their business.

Got networking questions? Email me at [email protected].