How A Great Networker Builds New Relationships & Attracts New Business

Brian Gregory is the No. 2 ranked Local Business Person Of The Year for 2024, which also places him among our Top 5 Networkers of 2024. 

As you'll read in the terrific testimonial he wrote below, he first came to my attention during 2024's Local Business Person Of The Year Contest, because I was tracking the members generating the highest number of votes each week -- for what would become our Top 50 List. 

And Brian's name popped up about halfway through the competition, and then ranked even higher each week after that point. 

He was making connections left and right, generating awareness and trust along the way. Beyond his participation in our annual contest, Smart Connect℠ events comprised a key part of his networking strategy, as well.

I'll let his testimonial convey other elements that were important in his networking success -- which has led to a 50% boost in his revenue in a short time. 

Here's Brian's story, in his own words: 

An Amazing True Story About Alignable.  About 1 year ago, I was “in” Alignable, but not doing anything WITH Alignable. 

I began experimenting with the Smart Connect Networking events to give away my company’s “YES! TEST” for small business people I would meet there. I was shocked to see thousands of people were showing up to these free events. There was definitely something to this.

So, I took the plunge to become a Premium member (It costs so little) to increase my reach. As I met more people, and gave away more Free YES! Tests, I began to gain clients and testimonials extremely quickly. 

The more I gave, the more I received. As nice as this was, I was still only in second gear. Something BIG was about to happen.

Fast-forward to the Local Business Person of the Year Contest. Imagine my surprise when Alignable’s Head of Corporate Communications, Chuck Casto emailed me to tell me I was in the top 1% of Alignable members receiving votes!

(By the way, when was the last time anyone from any other online platform ever reached out to you to tell you that you were doing a good job?…Me, too…never!). 

Well, that woke me up. I was also a bit taken aback when I saw all the people voting for me and saying nice things about our company thanks to the YES! TEST. 

I started doing more Smart Connects than ever, meeting people faster than ever, and in just 4 weeks, in addition to winning in my local area, I had reached the #2 spot nationally in the Local Business Person of the Year contest with 312 votes and over 200 testimonials! 

I reached the number 2 position out of over 8 MILLION Alignable members in a month! 

As a result of that participation, a 50% increase in business rolled in and the rewards continue to come my way.

Like many, I had a slow start with Alignable. For those who think they’ve “missed the boat,” or that you need thousands and thousands of followers or connections to be successful these days, you simply don’t on Alignable. 

I started with a very small base of connections. Alignable’s ease of use and automations make it easy to meet like-minded business people, connect, refer and do business with them. 

It was fun! In fact, there is a magical quality about Alignable that I think you only realize once you get active. Unlike other platforms where their algorithms make it nearly impossible to make progress and making connections is like pulling teeth, Alignable is filled with people who DO connect, DO respond to your messages and ARE open to getting better acquainted on a video call. 

Even better, the management team and local leaders are reachable, approachable and available to help. Now That’s Incredible!

Alignable is the thrill of a big city with the friendliness of a small town.

If a guy like me who wasn’t doing much of anything on the platform, can skyrocket up to #2 in the country in just 4 weeks -- using only the tools Alignable provided -- YOU can do it, too! 

This platform is going places and there’s a seat for you on this rocket ship. 

The costs and effort required are negligible compared to other platforms and networking groups you can join. 

You can spend a lot of money just about anywhere, but I recommend you save money and spend some time on Alignable -- then watch what happens to your business. 

Adopt a giving attitude as a first gesture instead of a sales posture and you’ll make fast-friends here.

There is really only one way to lose -- and that’s to do what I was originally doing -- nothing. All I can say is -- Thank You Alignable for treating me like I matter - something no other online platform ever did. You Guys Rock!

-- Brian Gregory, The YES! TEST, Phoenix, AZ

Brian, you rock, too! 

Thanks again for the very detailed testimonial, which gives several pieces of great networking advice for other members who want to mirror your experience.  

Everyone else, I'm sure Brian would love to hear from you. If you'd like to reach out and add him to your network, here's the link to his Alignable profile. Say "Hi," set up a Zoom call, and get to know him.  

Additional Next Steps 

While our next contest probably won't start until January 2025, you should do your best to build strong connections and relationships now. That way, when the contest comes around again, you will be in great shape to take advantage of the "networking frenzy" that occurs for many people participating.

In the meantime, though, you can join the Local Biz Person Of The Year Group, so that you'll be among the first to hear about events leading up to the next contest. And if you want to read a recap of this year's contest, go here.

Now, if you want to stay in the loop with other contest winners, and get LIVE networking advice from the top networkers on Alignable, be sure to sign up for my weekly Power Networking Group Get-Together. People exchange their success stories (like Brian did in his testimonial) and tell everyone how to reap the rewards of networking here on Alignable. Here's a promo for the event, which next occurs at 1 p.m. ET on Wednesday, May 29th, along with a registration link.  

Many comment after the weekly events, telling us how helpful and uplifting these Wednesday afternoon sessions are for everyone from seasoned networkers to newbies who are just getting used to Alignable.

To find out the latest on our Smart Connect℠ events, go here. As you read, they have been integral to Brian's success and continue to play a role in his relationship-building efforts and business expansion. 

And if you're interested in becoming a premium member to increase your reach and influence, go here to see the options available. 

Finally, if you have an inspirational success story based on your networking activity on Alignable, please reach out to me at chuck@alignable.com. I like to feature as many of these as possible in the newsletter and across the platform.