Business Networking Guru Shows You How It's Done

In less than three years, George Scott, 2024’s Lansing, MI Local Business Person Of The Year, has attracted north of 50% of his new clients from Alignable via some very smart and authentic networking on our platform. 

If you don’t know George yet, you should reach out to him and introduce yourself. 

He’s a fascinating gentleman who spent many years in the National Guard, and was an Adjunct Professor teaching marketing classes for several years, as well. 

He’s also an expert on many aspects of running a business, regardless of its size.  George’s company – Business Consulting Solutions LLC – provides practical solutions to help business owners fix, grow, or sell their businesses. 

Business Networking & Growth: Must-Hear Advice

His offerings run the gamut from guiding startup owners with the operational nuts and bolts, to coaching clients on pricing, product development, marketing, sales strategies, and much more. 

Check out his profile for more details. 

This champion networker sat down with me for a virtual interview where we covered a great deal of ground. 

But I wanted to share just the highlights with you – as George’s knowledge of how to succeed on Alignable and how to build and grow a solid business could fill volumes. 

Networking On Alignable To Accelerate Your Growth

Let's dive into an abbreviated version of our conversation here.

George, what’s your favorite part of Alignable and why?

“Two words: the people. The people on Alignable are the most respectful, courteous, understanding, compassionate, and empathetic group that I’ve ever met on any networking platform. They’re what I call GDPs – Good and Decent People. And you guys don’t charge three, four, five, six, or seven hundred dollars a month like some other companies. One wanted me to pay $967 per month and I said, ‘No way!’”

How has networking at Alignable helped you secure more than half of your new business here over the past couple of years? “First, I’m a firm believer that networking works, and Alignable is a vehicle connecting you with people you would never meet otherwise – locally or across North America. And the quality of the people is exceptional. As just one example, Tom Harris -- who lives nearby -- reached out to me and we met in person a few times prior to COVID. Then he called one day and said, ‘I think I have a lead for you.’ Well, he referred that person to me and that referral turned into a business relationship that lasted 19 months. And that member lives just 1.4 miles away from me.”

Beyond the people you meet on Alignable, what’s your favorite feature of the platform? “Do you have another hour and a half to talk? There are many, but the Smart Connects rank way up there for me. And people who host some of the best ones are Susan Husa, Kathy Rodriguez, and Jasmine Yuen, who fit eight, 7-minute sessions into an hour. I like that pace. Because why is anyone attending a Smart Connect? To connect with more people who they haven’t previously met.”

Yes, Smart Connects are often amazing. Let me also ask why you went Premium and how that has benefited your networking efforts here? “Well, a dollar a day is a pretty good price, plus when you go Premium, you have many more opportunities to reach out to great people. And remember, for me, the best part of Alignable is the people it attracts.”

What’s your best advice for members who’ve just joined Alignable -- people who aim to be as successful as you’ve been on the platform? 

• “Attend as many Smart Connects as your schedule will allow.”
• “Be yourself. Authenticity in today’s business environment is key. In coaching clients for public speaking, I always tell them to speak from the heart when they want to express points that are important to them – and everything else will work out.”
• Get involved in Alignable’s Annual Local Business Person Of The Year Contest next January. If nothing else, it gives you a lot of visibility. I posted about it on Facebook and heard so many nice comments from people I’ve met throughout my life. It was great.”

Thanks so much George for your words of wisdom – and your encouragement to our readers. I’m sure everyone really appreciates it. 

Everyone else -- if you want to connect with George and set up a 1-on-1 Zoom Call or Google Hangout, go to his profile.  I'm sure he'd love to hear from you. 

And if you want to connect with other awesome Alignable Networkers with great success stories, please join us for our Power Networking Hour on Wednesday, August 14th, at 1 p.m. ET.  

Click here or on the promo below to register. (Chances are good George will be there, too).

If you want the full list of  Smart Connect℠ events available next week, go here. (You might find George at a few of those virtual gatherings, as well. As you've seen above, he loves them). 

Finally, please feel free to post any supportive comments below, giving George many well-deserved shout-outs.

And if you have a terrific testimonial of your own to share with me, please send it to chuck@alignable.com. I'm always seeking more stories like these, as they can be very educational for many small business owners.

Thanks for reading!