I LOVE Joe Connolly!

How can you not love a guy who reports so well on all manners of global, national and small business topics?? Mr. Connolly’s succinct insight can be heard every day via WCBS 880, a New York City based radio station. But the best stuff from this Wall Street Journal reporter comes to light in the slick, jointly produced Small Business breakfasts and lunches that he regularly hosts.The topics are always pertinent and new networking opps abound with attendees from the tri-state area.

I recently attended the last one (held in White Plains) and as usual Joe picked the brains of several successful entrepreneurs, getting their spin on what it takes to thrive in a down market. The room was packed, with active audience participation. Though the industries represented could not be any more diverse (there was a mover, a business management consultant, a nutritionist and a limo company owner) the common thread was about taking action. Through a pointed Q&A’s, all these entrepreneurs shared a brief overview of their firms, their unique challenges and how they are navigating through a sluggish economy.

Here’s the scoop: They all invested in their respective businesses - whether it was by taking over another competitor, marketing their expertise, or diversifying services (in reaction to client or market needs). Bottom line these folks were on the panel because they had salient points that other business owners could benefit from.  Joe keeps the conversation on point and is not shy about pressing someone to qualify broad statements. The energy in the room is always electric, and the model that WCBS is using (carefully timed events, great topics, assorted vendors with giveaways, in various locales in NY, NJ and CT) are helping newbies and established business owners alike.

My advice to all entrepreneurs - find the time to attend your own version of a WCBS Small Business Network function. Because whether you are reminded about stuff you already know, learn a few new tricks or make a valuable new contact, vibrant forums can absolutely help you become more productive and successful!