Upcoming B2B Marketing Events

The New England Direct Marketing Association (NEDMA) is hosting its first “Chat (and Eat) with an Expert” roundtable discussions dinner meeting, Thursday, January 11, 2007.

Eight experts will host a roundtable discussion on topics ranging from non-profit marketing to business blogging. Yours truly is hosting the B2B copywriting roundtable. For more information and registration, click the link above.

The Boston chapter of the Business Marketing Association is hosting “The Business of Baseball Marketing” at Boston’s Fenway Park, Thursday, January 25, 2007.

Sam Kennedy, along with other Red Sox execs, will discuss the Red Sox’s approach to marketing baseball. You can register at http://www.bmaatfenway.com. I’m in!

Why should you network? I can think of four really good reasons:

1. You meet people — People do business with people they trust. That’s why it’s important to build a network of people who can refer your services to others or become clients themselves.

2. You learn new ideas — I try to attend two meetings a month even if the topic has no bearing on my business. Why? Because I learn new things and almost always come away with a nugget or two I can put to use immediately.

3. You can get recruited to sit on a committee — I’ve been attending NEDMA meetings for a few years now and was very pleased when the board asked me to become their volunteer PR chair. Volunteering is a great way to give back, showcase your skills, and meet new people.

4. You get out of the office and off the computer – Whether you work in a cube, a corporate office, or your own home office, getting out is important — for all the reasons listed above.