Pass the Word: Networking Leads to Success
Association helps business owners develop sales skills and obtain referrals
Dave Cornelison is always on his toes when it’s time to talk business. The owner of Bothell’s Target Service and Supply once met someone in an elevator, explained away about his profession and exited the doors on the ground floor with a new client.
“I had my tool kit and some cartridges and the person asked me, ‘What do you do?” said Cornelison, who remanufactures toner cartridges and performs printer maintenance.
Cornelison is also at the ready to tell others about his business when he meets with the Professional Networking Association, a 25-member group that is split into two chapters and gathers twice a week in Bothell and Kirkland.
Through PNA, which was founded in 2003 by Bothell resident Bill Brooks, members are able to describe their services, develop their sales skills and obtain client referrals from others in the group at meetings.
One of the top drawing points is that there’s no competition between businesses, because only one member of a certain profession is allowed to be involved in each chapter.
“The thing with PNA is that we focus on the positive. We have fun in the meetings and we’re training each other and supporting each other’s businesses to make them be successful,” said Brooks, who runs American Pacific Mortgage out of his Bothell home. “There’s no flipping through the phone book when I need something, because I know people (who perform the services I need).”
Added Cornelison: “One of the most effective things is that I’m able to engage with my (PNA) ‘salespeople’ and ‘marketing firm.’ And they’re also my customers, so that’s a blessing on top of that.”
Brooks and Cornelison are members of the Totem Lake Chapter, which is led by Brooks and meets Wednesday mornings at the Tutoring Club in Kirkland. The duo were former members of another business networking group, but decided to branch out on their own and held their first PNA meetings at the Main Street Ale House in Bothell.
About a year ago, the Bothell Chapter — which is presided over by Lori Abrahamson of Bothell — came into the fold and now meets Tuesday mornings at Denny’s in Canyon Park.
Currently, PNA features members who specialize in a wide range of services, which include financial planning, banking, insurance, travel and health/nutritional consulting.
“This was a natural transition for us,” Cornelison said of bringing PNA to life. “When you realize the volume of networking you do, it really validates coming here. It’s a no-brainer, and it was cool to be in on the ground floor of the formation of this group.”
Cornelison added that not just anyone can hook up with the group. He said that PNA is picky about whom they let on board, requiring people to fill out applications and give references. In short, they want positive and trustworthy people who will show up to meetings and pitch in with interesting and creative presentations about their professions.
Abrahamson and James Mushta — who runs a financial services business in Bothell — said that PNA serves as a confidence- and relationship-builder.
“I like the ability to do word-of-mouth marketing and to meet people in the community,” said Abrahamson, who works with Brooks at American Pacific Mortgage. “And it’s not just about building business, but making friendships out of it.” Added Mushta: “It’s always uplifting — Wednesday’s always a good day for me because I start off here. Here, you get a whole room full of (supportive) people who are with you.” For information, call (206) 909-8989 or visit www.pnanetworking.com.
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