b'The Tech Cumulus May 2025VACATION SMARTER, NOT HARDER WITH THESEThe Art Of Effortless SAVVY TECH TOOLSYouve earned your vacationdont let travelNetworking For stress ruin it! These smart tech tips will keepSmallBusinessesyou organized, secure, and stress-free.Logistics Made EasyRoad Trips: Apps like Roadtrippers help you easily add 20+ stops (you can onlyDid you know the word sales was originallyintriguing, and let the conversation unfold naturally. add nine in Google Maps). Plus, you canderived from the Scandinavian term for toFor example, skip the elevator pitch and start with plan trips in advance in the app. serve? But when was the last time you thoughta question or a bold statement. Im the [insert Itineraries: Skip the e-mail digging a salesperson was serving you? This is why soyour unified message], he suggests. Your unified appslike TripIt or TripCase automaticallymany small-business owners cringe when itmessage should help you authentically connect compile travel details into onecomes to networking. It feels, well, icky to try toto the particular person/audience youre speaking masteritinerary. sell your business. But what if networking wereto. Then, pause. Let curiosity do the heavy lifting Travel Prices: Apps like Hopper predictmore than awkward handshakes and businessbefore you continue. Well, I hate seeing [niche] when to book for the best deals on flights,card exchanges that rarely lead to anything[define problems], or I love seeing [niche] hotels and car rentals. For bus or trainmeaningful? What if it were about crafting an[define success], but I find that [define problems]. travel, use comparison apps like Wanderu. authentic story so compelling that people soughtThisstructure turns a monologue into a dialogue, Accommodation: Stick to trustedyou out instead? Thats the vision Matthew Pollard,inviting engagement instead of forcing a sale. platforms like Vrbo or Airbnb and keepThe Rapid Growth Guy and self-proclaimedItalso makes it easy and smooth to ask, Do you payments and communications withinintrovert, presents in his approach to networking:know anyone like that? to elicit a response.the platform so customer support canDitch the random encounters and master the art step in if something goes wrong. ofstrategicconnection. Find The Right People In The Local Deals: Find local discountsRightPlaceson excursions, spa treatments andCraft A Networking Hookrestaurants through apps like Travelzoo. Pollards golden rule for finding prospects is Weve all been therelistening to someoneto be selective: What meetups do they go to? Pack Smart drone on about their job title while we nod politely,What annual conferences do they attend? What Digital packing assistants like PackPoint createwaiting for an escape. Pollard challenges businessassociations are they part of? These arent lists based on your destination, activities andowners to embrace what he calls the networkingrhetorical questionstheyre a road map. The trip length so you pack only what you need. Inhook. People want to identify with a message,secret to effective networking isnt meeting crowded areas, a phone lanyard can also be aand for that, they will pay a premium. So, whatsmore people; its meeting the right people in lifesaver. For extra security, an RFID-blockingyours? he asks. Instead of stating your role,theright places.wallet can protect your credit cards anddescribe the unique impact you make. If you can passport from electronic pickpocketing. make someone stop, think and say, Tell me more,Master The Follow-Upyouve already won.Protect Your Data Great connections are meaningless without We would be remiss if we didnt mentionThe Power Of Specialization follow-up. Pollard introduces the concept of data protection. Update your devices, enableMomentum Partnerspeers who open their multifactor authentication, and if youll relySpeaking to everyone is speaking to no one,networks to youand Championshigh on public Wi-Fi, use a VPN to encrypt yourPollard warns. In a world drowning in genericachievers whose credibility you can leverage. connection. Bon voyage! pitches, specializing is the key to standing out.Thebest networkers dont just collect contacts; Pollard himself zeroes in on business coaches,they cultivate relationships, check in with chiropractors and attorneysnot because hethoughtful messages and offer value before cant serve others but because these industriesasking for anything in return.need his expertise most. Finding your niche isnt about exclusionits about sharpening your valueThe ultimate goal of networking? To never need to those who need it most. to network again. My goal, Pollard says, is to help you master the room so you never have to go Know Exactly What To Say back into one. When you become known for your expertise, craft a compelling hook and nurture Most people fumble when asked, What do yourelationships, opportunities start comingto you.do? Pollards advice is to keep it simple and Technology That Works!216-393-24843'