BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL career coach Get To Work Happy New Year R Networking is not like group. emember the good ole days screwing in a light bulb. You need to spend time invest- ing in others so they are My son Michael, a real when work just walked in the door? I've been getting calls from clients and scared business executives telling me their phones are not ringing and that key customers have cut back, gone out of business or are sending their work out for bid. They all ask the same question: What should I do to survive? It all depends on what you are looking for. Networking is a great place to start. It is an investment everyone should make and one that should not be taken lightly. There are many ways to network. I like groups dedicated exclusively to help- ing each member boost business sales. They are strategic and you pay to join so those who do so are generally com- mitted to the core purpose of referring business leads to other members of the estate broker, tells me his local Business Networking International (BNI) chapter has helped boost his house sales significantly. Referrals from the group now amount to 40 per- confident enough to rec- ommend you to someone else as a person who can get something done. Most people will not recommend someone they do not know or someone they think cent of his business. The group allows one per- Robe rt Sher son per profession to join and might not be able to get the meets one morning a week Col urnnist job done. before work. Each member If you take the time to tell 30 people gets ample floor time and members each week about your business and refer other members for opportunities. ask about their businesses, you will "If I meet someone at a commu- have 30 people who know what you nity event, referrals are not definite," Michael says. "It is like going to the gym without a plan. BNI has a single purpose: We go there to get referrals. do and have a good feeling about your competencies. Then, when opportuni- ties arise, you can each feel comfort- It is structured and everyone is there to get business." able recommending one another. (Don't forget to say thanks for every referral, whether it results in business or not.) Business networking is leveraging your business and personal connec- tions to bring you a regular supply of new business. It is far more extensive than showing up at functions, shaking hands, smiling and collecting cards. It is about being proactive, making new contacts, nurturing them and building meaningful relationships. "It's like six degrees of separation," Michael says. "Each of us knows at least 100 other people. It is very effective and it teaches us what we want and teaches us to ask for the right things." How many people do you know? How many of these people know what you do for work? Why don't you tell them what you do and what you want? Perhaps you might ask everyone HAPPY NEW YEAR on page C9 DO YOU HAVE BUSINESS OR PERSONAL TAX PROBLEMS? Levy & Associates can help! OFFICE LOCATIONS • NeA,‘ York • Los Angeles • Boston • Ft. Lauderdale We stop and resolve the situation before going to court, and lawyers are needed. We let you focus on your personal and professional life. SPECIALIZING IN: • Offer in Compromise • IRS Collection Issues • Release of Wage Garnishments • Release of Bank Levies • Unfiled Tax Returns • Abatement of Penalties • Installment Agreements • Currently Non-Collectible Status • Innocent Spouse Claims • State Tax Collection Issues We are a Michigan based corporation. We have successfully represented thousands of corporations and individuals throughout the State of Michigan. YOUR OPTIONS: Reduction or elimination of penalties Payment plans Settlement for less than the amount demanded EVY We have resolved MILLIONS in tax liabilities in the last year alone! • Vest Palm Beach • Tampa • Orlando • Dallas • Fort Worth • Indianapolis • Chicago • Memphis Associates • Charles M. Inman, III, C.P.A.+ • Lisa Fort, C.P.A. + • Glenn Sturm, C.P.A. • Julie Morley* • Thomas L. Cohen, Esq.• • San Diego • Kenneth Winston, E.A. • • Marilyn Gray, E.A. • • Richard A. Erickson, Regional Manager ++ • Phoenix • Dale L. Gudenau, Esq.** • Michelle C. Levy, Esq.** • Rewaq Najor, Esq. •* • Jose Gomez, Esq. ■ • Jeff Otis, Regional Manager ++ • Tim Halcomb, Regional Manager ++ • Steve Cushion, Regional Manager ++ • Allen Reback, Regional Manager ++ + Member Michigan Association of Certified Public Accountants •• Member Michigan Bar Association • Member National Society of Accountants • Former IRS Revenue Officer C8 January 8 • 2009 -,American Society of Tax Problem Solvers • •American Institute of Certified Public Accountants ■ member State Bar of District of Columbia Member State Bar of California Lawrence B. Levy Member National Society of Accountants & American Society of Tax Problem Solvers 28400 Southfield Rd • Southfield, MI 48075 248.557.4048 • Fax 248.443.1642 Toll Free 877.666.1evy (5389) www.levygroupinc.com • San Francisco • Atlanta • Las Vegas