Mainebiz

V O L . X X V I I I N O. I JA N UA R Y 1 0 , 2 0 2 2 8 B U S I N E S S M A I N E B U S I N E S S M A I N E B U S I N E S S N E W S F RO M A RO U N D T H E S TAT E Arboretum as recipients of its 2021 Catalyst Grants. The two $30,000 gifts are designed to support creative con- cepts that might otherwise not be pos- sible for the nonprofit organizations. Kingfish lands Jonesport aquaculture site Two years after Kingfish Co. identified Jonesport as its preferred U.S. location to build a land-based aquaculture facility with nearby seawater, the Dutch company has finalized the purchase of a 94-acre site. e facility will be designed to serve as a U.S. hub to grow yellowtail kingfish, a versatile fish species well known in Italian and Asian fusion cuisines. Kingfish bought the land from W.W. Wood Properties for $1.25 million, a spokesper- son told Mainebiz. Early site work and groundbreaking is expected to be early in 2022, with construction taking up to three years. Plans call for the site to include a fish culture complex with support build- ings surrounding it. e largest building would be about 500,000 square feet. If you're interested in joining a friendly, professional banking team that puts customers and community first, we invite you to explore a career at Kennebec Savings Bank. www.KennebecSavings.Bank Scan to view open positions Kennebec Savings Bank is an Equal Opportunity Employer A S K AC E A n s w e r e d b y D o u g P a c k a r d o f R e n a i s s a n c e E x e c u t i v e F o r u m s a n d D o u g P a c k a r d C o n s u lt i n g The Association for Consulting Expertise (ACE) is a non-profit association of independent consultants who value "Success through Collaboration." The public is welcome to attend its regular meetings to share best practices and engage with industry experts. For more information go to www.consultexpertise.com. Q: I know I need to network more, but need guidance on how, where, and how much. Can you help me get started? ACE answers: Start by focusing on the other person's perspective. As you talk, the other person is quietly, even unconsciously, thinking: Do I like this person? Do they care about me? Can they help me? Don't jump to the third step too quickly. If the person you approach does not like you, or if they sense insincerity, they won't consider whether what you have to offer might be of value to them. Plan-Do-Adjust: Follow the 10/80/10 Paradigm: Spend 10% of your networking time planning, 80% doing, and 10% adjusting. Plan: As you plan, think hard about your best prospects have in common. Where do they hang out? What do they read? What online tools do they use? The answers will help you plan your introduction. Remember that you need to demonstrate that you are likeable, and that you care. Then can you commu- nicate how you can help. Create an "elevator pitch" that makes people want to ask questions. Do: Look for oppor tunities to give something of value. Perhaps if they tell you more about their business, you can bring them referrals. You could also suggest helpful resources, tools, books or events. Adjust: It helps to attend networking events with a partner for both mutual introductions, and candid feedback. Then define when and how to change your approach based on your results and the feedback. Be patient. Start with your plan, pick an event, and evaluate what you learn. A mediocre but well-executed plan is better than a great but poorly executed plan as long as you follow the 10/80/10 Paradigm. Doug Packard, CEO and owner of Renaissance Executive Forums in Maine and New Hampshire and Doug Packard Consulting in Portland, can be reached at DPackard@DougPackardConsulting.com For more on this topic, see "Learn to Love Networking" at consultexpertise.com/blog/12154528 @ M I D C O A S T & D O W N E A S T

• Cover