NEFA Dinner Meeting: January 12, 2010

How to Network with Impact
Presented by Jim Ayraud, Next Level, Inc.

In recognition of the fact that non-sales professionals are often uncomfortable or ineffective at networking, the New England Franchise Association (NEFA) welcome members and non-members to a lively presentation to hone their networking skills. The event is scheduled for Tuesday, January 12, 5:30 p.m. at Granite Links Golf Club, 100 Quarry Hills Drive, Quincy, MA.

This NEFA event is sponsored by the the Franchise Business Opportunity Expo to be held March 6 and 7 at the Royal Plaza Trade Center, Marlboro, MA.

Jim Ayraud, President & Founder of Next Level, Inc., a sales management consulting firm, will raise the bar and demonstrate how to be much more purposeful and therefore effective in our business networking.

The evening includes a cocktail and networking session beginning at 5:30 p.m., dinner at 7:00 PM, and then the presentation from by Ayraud. The entire business community is urged to attend. Membership in the NEFA is NOT required. Reservations are required. Registration Fee is $60 per person and includes dinner. NEFA Members receive $10.00 off.

Ayraud believes that networking is like anything else in life—the more serious you are about it—the more success you will have.

"In particular, service business opportunities are largely based on relationships. New business and recurring revenue comes from collegues and referral sources who know you and trust you," notes Jim Ayraud. He added, "Networking should be an essential part of your business development plan. The challenge is to chosse the right events and use proven strategies and techniques to make the most of your valuable time. Plan on walking away with a healthy mindset about networking and referral generation."

About Next Level, Inc.

Next Level, Inc. is a Boston-based sales management consulting firm that recognizes and capitalizes on the power of reinforcement. Understanding and implementing a complex set of human attitudes, behaviors and selling techniques is not a "quick fix" solution that can occur in a seminar.

Next Level, Inc. works with companies and individuals who are absolutely committed to sales professionalism. Clients come to Next level when they are fearful that their people do not optimize opportunities to identify and secure new business, worried that their processes are causing selling cycles to be stretched longer and time is wasted, and/or anxious that their pipeline is inadequately filled with relevant business opportunities that will allow for profitable revenue growth.

About NEFA

New England Franchise Association (NEFA) is the trade organization for franchisors and franchisees in the region, with over 150 members. The mission of NEFA is to bring franchise executives, franchisees and vendors together to share ideas for success.

Franchising more than ever before, has an unprecedented opportunity to make a major positive impact on the future New England economy. In a 2001-05 study conducted by PriceWaterhouseCoppers on behalf of the International Franchise Association (IFA) found that in New England over 875,000 jobs are a result of franchising, the total output is over 100 Billion dollars a year, and there are over 35,000 franchise establishments in the six New England States.