Buying in the Neighborhood - Edition Eighteen (18)

Raise your hand if you think you are an expert at something? At anything?  It’s okay to admit it.  Just don’t misuse the word expert when you describe something you do as more often than not, someone may misinterpret that for being better than everyone else and/or you know everything.  A common definition of expert as an adjective is “…having, involving, or displaying special skill or knowledge derived from training or experience or ….someone that is experienced.”  The reason I am calling this out, is there are in business and technology a tremendous number of tools, ideas, methodologies, tactics, strategies, solutions, and so much more that will help anyone personally and professionally be better.  There is also a larger supply of individuals out there that are experts and really experienced in their field and have the credentials and achievements to demonstrate them.

As an individual, you cannot be an expert at everything and if you are in business you have a core focus or product or service you are selling or offering.  With that being said, do you think it is wise for you as an individual to try to do everything yourself?  My ultimate opinion and answer to that question is “NO”……  I know that sometimes it’s hard to admit that you need help or that you need to go to someone for advice direction or assistance.  Since last year, I have learned that it’s okay to ask for help, to find an ear that will listen and to go to experts who know better than you how to handle things.  I also know that sometimes, you must also be careful to not just approach anyone or any business for help when the topic you need help in may not be their “expertise”…..  So now there is a “quandary” about do I go to someone I think is an expert or to someone that has been recommended or do I do nothing?

First taking no action is making a decision, but in all honesty if you need help, assistance, advice, recommendation or other, you will have to talk with someone especially if it's outside your realm of expertise.  This is where obtaining recommendations from a solid network, referral group, business associates or other established organization that is known for making referrals is wisely suggested.  I bring this up, because sometimes if you aren’t sure, you should ask someone as there are others out there that have exposure and experience with the things you need.  This is the beauty of networking and being out there and meeting people so you can build that list of people to call on whether you do direct business with them or not.  Social media also makes this less of chore now because you can find individuals through multiple forums with as little distance as a Tweet, Fan Page/Facebook Status, LinkedIn Update ~ meaning, people are just a keystroke apart from helping you including off keyboard activities like texting and calling which some people still do in addition to all the other social media.

So what does this have to do with Buying in the Neighborhood?  Good question!!  I am going to provide a short list of the people and individuals that have been instrumental in making a difference in my business over the last year….I am not able to include everyone, so I will be listing one person from an organization versus multiple, but this will be to reflect the number of go to people that exist in Arizona and you too can go to for help and assistance or advice or recommendations after you have made that connection and started to develop that business relationship.

·         Pink Media LLC – Desire Ford – Social Media

·         Style Image Studios – Stella Martinez Crowl - Photography

·         Chava / Waioria – Kedzi Morgan – Wellness through NCD

·         Power Networking – Fabien Bertault – Networking

·         Hayden – Hayden Insurance – Terrie Kohler – Insurance

·         A. Dupey Insurance Services – Andrew Dupey – Insurance

·         KFNX 1100 – Christina Wagner – News Talk Radio

·         AdzZoo & QNANZA – Curtis & Laura Oliver – Advertising & Coupons

·         Stella’s Coffee House – Don Motz – Coffee and Food

·         Crazy in Heels – Nicole Ford – Bi-Polar Awareness

·         Xcellent Solutions – Xavier Smith – “too many to list”

·         Me, Myself, and I Massage Therapy – Don Bearham – Massage Therapy

·         EMR Technologies – Peter Haasz – Electronic Medical Records

·         Reyactive Chamber – Chris Cayer – Business Collaboration

·         Andrew Paul Photography – Andrew Paul Uilkie - Photography

·         Elen Sparks Agency – Elisa Estes – Marketing

And there are many more (both local and afar)….but I have to leave some for future articles. 

So if you are wondering when you need help who to call, I have a long list, but there are many of us that do, so be sure to work with people you know, that may be in your own backyard first to keep that economy going in Arizona.  I believe that your money will be spent wisely by investing where you live.

If you are interested in being showcased on this blog, please send an e-mail to BuyinArizonaCampaign@gmail.com with the business website, contact information (e.g. business owner name, phone number and email address), so that a follow up contact can be made to talk with you about your business and what is offered.....