In business networking, sometimes, I encounter people who really help me out.  I would like to take this opportunity to tell you about two people who have done so for my business.

Frank Kanu

In January 2005, I started networking online.  Through that experience, I met Frank Kanu at Genius One.  We talked about writing a book on negotiations even.  While that didn’t work out, Frank helped me in a variety of other ways. 

Frank hosts my website and my blog.  When I need help with either one, he is happy to help.  Frank has a tremendous amount of experience in IT that really makes him a great resource in this area.

He can see both the details, and the big picture.  He helps leaders break down their projects and he helps people at a lower level of an organization understand how they fit into the big picture.  From what I have seen, Frank is great at helping both leaders and people at lower levels of organizations think about business and learn to ask the right questions. 

Frank has written a book that helps people ask questions, rather than relying on assumptions.  That would make a great graduation gift for anyone just starting out, by the way.  If you are already in business, I suggest calling Frank and talking with him about your situation because it will lead to better tips and save you time. 

I keep telling Frank that he needs to create something that is going to attract people’s attention.  Frank says that too many consultants look good on paper, and miss the mark on results so he just sticks with what he knows, how to help people by providing advice that has value for them… 

In contrast, Allan has a product that really looks nice, even online.

Allan Gaskamp

In the fall of 2006, I met Allan Gaskamp who owns ID Tags.  Allan is a small business owner, just as Frank is.  Allan’s business is promotional items.  What is a promotional item, some may ask.  Promotional items are mugs, cups, glasses, key chains, bandanas, tote bags, lunch pails, pens, pencils, paper, shirts, caps, etc. that are used to grow a business.  

Over the past few months, Allan has provided me with ceramic mugs and a promotional item.   The promotional item was a demo to see how if people liked it.  As it turned out, they seemed to like it.  The glass cutting board for meats and cheeses. 

The cutting board lasted just a few days before it grew feet and walked away.  That is what you hope will happen when you buy promotional items.  Be sure that you are prepared to see the item walk away when purchasing promotional items.  While I loved the cutting board that Allan created (shown below), it was too expensive to provide as a promotional item. 

 

If you have a need in an area that either Frank Kanu or Allan Gaskamp can assist with, I hope that you will talk with them and see if there are opportunities for you to work with them.  Both have helped a lot of people over the years. 

Please use due diligence and good business judgment in selecting suppliers, even when it is someone that I talk about.  Our situations, priorities, and critical success factors may be different. 

Filed by Coleen Davis at 12:15 pm under Customers, Gifts & Recognition, Marketing, Resources
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