Kevin Wood, Tucson, AZ Realtor

My son and I love baseball. There's nothing quite like the pace of a ballgame to really enjoy the time with those we love. Sometimes we'll watch a game on the tube, but the ultimate is live. You can hear the crack of the bat hitting the ball or listen to the umpire yell " Strike Three" you're out. A baseball game is absolute drama in every sense of the word.

Tucson fortunately has a replacement for the team that's moving to Reno but most towns aren't so lucky. Next year the Tucson Toro's will return to Tucson Electric Park.

Taking on a sports team requires more than just fan support. We learned this first hand. Prior to moving to Tucson from Toledo the local baseball team there made a major move of their own. And they didn't even have to leave the city limits. It was from an old stadium off the beaten path to brand new ball field in the heart of downtown. Not only did this improve attendance it helped revitalize a section of downtown Toledo. Did it change everything? No. Did it help create new business opportunities? Absolutely.

Baseball remains an integral part spring and our economy. What are we doing to cherish it?

Having a box of kleenex in the car was necessity this weekend as Jonjay and Rich hosted the fifth annual KRQ Cares for Kids Radiothon August 21, 22, and 23rd at Tucson Medical Center .

After talking with my wife Stacie following the final day of the Radiothon it was evident there's a tremendous amount of work that goes into this. Whether it's answering the phone accepting donations or greeting donors as they arrive, each supporter was excited and dedicated to the cause. And that attitude is paramount even before a single dollar is donated. Because each and every dollar doesn't come easy. In fact, I could hear the exasperation in the voices of Jonjay and Rich after three days of asking the Tucson community to support the children. And they did! On Saturday afternoon my wife, a resident labor and delivery nurse rallied her department to give $1600 in a matter of fifteen minutes and that's just one story of how TMC employees contributed more than just their time. In addition, Jonjay and Rich of KRQ spent their nights at the hospital, not far from where the Radiothon took place. What a committment! And they'll be the first to say "Who cares about us, this is all about the kids". How true.

Over the last two months the quantity and frequency of networking events has increased. And considering the economic tone and media attention it generates this outburst of business mixers comes as no surprise. Simply put the cost is low and the results can be fantastic for all parties, including the host location. Although if you're unfamiliar with networking the first thing to understand is that's it's a contact sport. It's not Net-sit or net-eat it's Net-work. Therefore, having a plan before you walk in the room will help make the most of your time.

For starters, begin with the end in mind. That's right know who you want to meet before you go. Think about what businesses and professionals are your ideal contact. For example, if you represent a phone system provider, new businesses and relocating businesses are the perfect client for you. Next, learn every different business that already serves this market and make a note to connect with them at the event. In this case, Commercial Realtors, Computer networking and repair, Commercial Insurance Reps, and Promotional Product Companies have the same client as you. By forging relationships with them you now have referral partners. This simply means that the potential exists to get paid every time they do as long as you reciprocate each time you do business with a past or new client.

Now that you know who you're looking for ask the host or hostess if their in attendance. Generally, there's a roster at the door and it could be referenced. If they know them ask for an intro or have them show you who they are. Remember, you should have 3 to 5 businesses on your list so here's your chance to look and see if their coming.

You've made it past the door with a plan in mind, it's important that you don't underestimate anyone you meet, ever. The vast majority of the people will not be on your list, but now is the time to learn what they do and find out who they want to do business with. Then, call within a couple days and set up a meeting to discuss it further. Remember, givers gain. Give them all the attention until they ask you what you do.

Last but not least, network by yourself. If you came with someone, go your seperate ways when you get past the door. Why? Together you'll cover more ground by meeting more people and have more business cards to compare and follow up with. So make notes on the back of business cards to remind you what was discussed and so forth. Then, prioritize who you'd like to meet with again and start making phone call to set appointments.

One of my favorite activities is meeting new people. In this case the owner of this excellent Tucson company isn't someone I just met. But the day I did it was memorable .

Over the past year I've heard testimonials from at least a half a dozen people who used his expertise and service and had no problem sharing their delight. The first thing that seperates Kenny Mongeon and his business from the rest is their focus on water conservation. Before the first shovel, or jackhammer in our case, hit's the dirt he encourages all his clients to perform a water audit. What a concept in the Sonoran desert! And after he's certain the water usage is right on then a plan to use only trees and plants that naturally grow in the desert are encouraged to be used in your yard. Also known as: Indigenous. Most of these varieties survive heartily on only what mother nature gives them. So if you are in the market to make your yard beautiful try the modern way of doing things. Go Green! Way to go Kenny!