I first met Andrea Nierenberg in 2003, at an Employee ROI breakfast event where she gave a presentation on networking strategies. We kept in touch, and she has been one of womenandbiz.com’s contributors since the beginning. I still remember and practice a few things she talked about at that event, such as:
Andrea Nierenberg
* When you meet people at a networking event, find out how you can help that person, instead of only talking about yourself.
* Write notes on a pad that you carry – not the back of his or her business card, so you can remember this person and follow up later.
* Do follow up, and no matter what, always send handwritten thank you notes. If that person refers you to someone else, and you do business with her, send a thank you note to the person who originated the contact; people like to know they were helpful and kept in the loop.
* At a networking event, have an exit strategy – when you feel it is time to move on Andrea mentions that you could say that you would like to allow that person to meet more people and to enjoy their evening, day, etc.
As you can see, it’s been almost two years since I sat in her workshop, and I still remember a lot of Andrea Nierenberg’s tips. I’ve learned more about her since, and wanted to know even more, so I interviewed her to find out how she became the “Master Networking Personality.”
Andrea Nierenberg is the founder and president of The Nierenberg Group, and author of the book “Non Stop Networking: How to Improve your Life, Luck and Career.” Andrea graduated from Washington University in St. Louis with a degree in Business and Psychology. Before starting The Nierenberg Group over twelve years ago, Andrea was publisher and sales director of Target Marketing Magazine, taught Dale Carnegie courses, and worked in the direct marketing industry. She was always involved with public speaking, and she has traveled all over the United States and to 22 countries around the world speaking and consulting. Andrea sold advertising, and was able to develop her sales and presentation skills while working at the magazine. Her clients began suggesting that she should start her own business and teach others about the things she did best: build relationships, teach public speaking and formulate networking strategies. Andrea Nierenberg took her clients’ advice and her business continues to grow. She tailors her seminars to fit the companies she works with, and The Nierenberg Group focuses on customized training, workshops and keynote addresses.
When I asked if she had any mentors, Andrea mentioned a group of 5 to 6 people she keeps in touch with, and also business owners and clients whom she feels comfortable asking questions.
Even though Andrea has a team of consultants with whom she has created strategic alliances, the business is Andrea Nierenberg, and she works a lot. The most difficult gap she faces is growing the practice to more of a business. She employs one assistant, her controller, and Tom Cieselka, based in Chicago, who is her publicist. However, Andrea does all the follow ups herself, gives the trainings, workshops, and still has time to write at least 3 personal handwritten notes every day. With all of this, she is still ‘balanced’ and takes several vacations, and she is a believer that you have to take care of yourself first, go to spas, enjoy life, and relax, otherwise the body will not respond as you wish. This summer she is going on a safari to Africa.
For the future, even though Andrea comments she is always on the look out for good consultants to help her with workshops, she likes to keep the business small as she is THE business. Her main goal is to become a synonymous with networking – it is her brand.
Andrea considers her main rewards the difference she makes in her clients’ lives and businesses, and receiving positive feedback from them.
She shared valuable advice with us:
“When starting a business, know what you are getting into–you will work harder than ever, and you will have more fun. And remember that everybody you meet is a possible client or friend and treat everyone like gold.” Andrea also recommends that you choose something you are passionate about since you will be thinking of your business 24/7.
Andrea Nierenberg’s new book “Million Dollar Networking: How to Find, Grow and Keep Your Business” is coming out in September. For more information about Andrea Nierenberg and The Nierenberg Group, please visit her website: http://www.mybusinessrelationships.com/.