I’ve talked before about how referrals magically help you diversify your business, and how networking can lead to the connections, the trust and the work that leads to referrals. December is a busy month, but I’m more likely to be meeting with friends and family than building my business network. January is a different story, and I’m gearing up for three networking and professional development events in the next two weeks:

Wednesday, January 20, 6:30-9 p.m.
Halton-Peel Communications Association (HPCA)
“What’s your behaviour style?”
Location: Glen Abbey Library, 1415 Third Line, Oakville, ON
Paula Hope of the Referral Institute will walk you through how to evaluate your network and relationships, create messages to build on those relationships for business, and understand behaviour styles so you know how to get your message across. In short, WHO are you talking to, WHAT are you saying, and HOW are you going to say it? (Note: If there is still small print that says the event is closed, ignore it; it’s not. If the button does not work, register with Marnie Hughes.)

Thursday, January 21, 6-8:15 p.m.
International Association of Business Communicators (IABC)
“The secret to engaging employees: How to bridge the great divide and get your employees’ buy-in”
Location: Sutton Place Hotel, 955 Bay Street, Toronto, ON
Never before has there been such a diverse workforce driving business. Each generation is hearing your message through their own generational filter. Each generation has different issues that are important and wants to hear the message in their own way — text, video, email, phone call or face-to-face. Now add in weak management practices and the reluctance of the C-suite to be more forthcoming, and you have difficulties that intensify during times of change and turmoil. The panel includes:
*  Laurie Smith, who will discuss how to prepare your leadership team and communicate during times of challenge and change.
*  Leah Reynolds, who will present the business rationale for adapting communication practices to be in line with changing generational perspectives, and discuss the steps that communicators need to take to stay in step with these changing times.
*  Donna Papacosta, who will take you on a quick tour of the ways in which Web 2.0 is transforming employee communications.
(Note the IABC member/earlybird fee of $45 ends Jan. 14.)

Wednesday, January 27, 6-8:55 p.m.
IABC/Toronto’s Alliance of Independent Practitioners (AIP)
“Successful independent practitioners 101: How they got where they are now”
Location: The Assembly Hall, 1 Colonel Samuel Smith Park Drive (Kipling/Lakeshore), Toronto, ON
This panel discussion will cover how to market yourself to attract the clients you want, how to grow your business to achieve your financial goals and how to avoid pitfalls standing in the way of your success. Learn insights and tips from these entrepreneurs:
*  Paul Lima, freelance writer and author of Six-Figure Freelancer: How to Find, Price and Manage Corporate Writing Assignments
*  Diana Degan Robinson, president of Diana Robinson & Associates and winner of IABC/Toronto’s 2009 Award of Distinction for Independent and Small Agency of the Year
*  Ken Cherney, ABC, APR, MC, award-winning senior communications practitioner at Ken Cherney and Associates Inc.
*  Annette Martel, ABC, MC, award-winning independent consulting associate, TWI Surveys Inc. and frequent guest speaker at IABC world conferences.

Have you started up your networking engine yet in 2010? Will I see you at one of these events?

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