I’ve been dabbling in networking here in Dayton for some time so when I was invited to a Rain Ohio networking event I decided to give it a try. After the second meeting I had a one on one with Larry Kevin Adams. He is a business coach and works with individuals to help them to get to the next level and also reach their personal goals. He is also one of the organizers from the original group in Indianapolis working together with local individuals to recreate the Rain concept in Dayton so that it will be similar to what they have in Indianapolis.

But, first before I get into that, I want to tell you that I was awakened to a better understanding of what networking is all about. Larry explained that I could build a team of people who work with the same people that I am looking for to build my business with. I could meet with these individuals and get to know them better to understand the people they are looking for as well. Once we knew each other better, we would be better able to take advantage of our deeper knowledge when we are out in the world doing our work. Now, after building this relationship, I would be able to say to one of my customers, “Ya know, I know this guy who is a business coach and I think he could really help you with the goals you mentioned.”

With Rain Ohio, I would not be limited to just one group and one time (what if I don’t connect well with the people in one small group), but I would be able to visit any of the groups that will be forming throughout the month in order to have a greater exposure and perhaps be able to build a better team of people I would help and who in turn would help me.

What do they have in Indianapolis?

There are 30-40 hubs, as they call them, these are goups that meet to network in a particular time and place once each month. In addition to these 30-40 hubs, they have a major networking event every month. At the hub meetings and at the major event visitors are given a blue dot to wear. Several from our local group went to “check out” the major event this month in Indianapolis. They were given a blue dot to wear and found out first hand what that was all about. All the members of the group are trained to seek out the blue dots and get to know them and to hopefully even introduce them to people within the group that might help them find the leads they are seeking or who might make a good team member for them should they join. Each member here who has gone to the Indianapolis events to learn more about Rain Ohio has come back with rave reviews and descriptions of their experience of wearing a blue dot.

What does Rain Ohio want their footprint to be in Dayton?

They and we want it to be the same thing as what happens throughout each month in Indianapolis. Many, many hubs, all of which you can attend as a member, as many as you like every month and also a major event each month with organized activities that help people to get to know each other better. Already with Dayton’s formative group I see an open attitude forming as the people interact and discuss the things they are working on and as they get a vision for what Rain Dayton can become.

Right now this formative group is meeting weekly at the Panera Bread Co. on Brown Street at 9am on Wednesdays. You are welcome to come and learn more about Rain Ohio and network with the people that are coming. Come as a visitor to check it out. At the same time you can join the online portion of this group at  http://gorainohio.ning.com where you can learn more and start some online relationships. I’m excited about this new wave of opportunity for business people in the Dayton area. I’ve already made some great connections for a couple of the guys in the group and had one on one meetings with three,two business coaches and a financial investment counselor. I have several new leads that look promising with strong referrals (not a list of people “I should call”). Check it out online and come visit the next meeting this coming Wednesday, June 24th. Once you have joined the online portion, you will be notified of what is happening next.