Terry Bean: What Is a Chief Networking Officer?

By Bud on August 2, 2009 Comments (18)

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A chief networking officer helps companies manage existing relationships and create new ones to further their business strategy. As the most used online business networking tool, we'll be focusing on how businesses can use LinkedIn to this end.

Filed under: Detroit, MI | Networked, Inc. | Social Media | Terry Bean

Terry Bean, founder of Networked, Inc., bills himself as a Chief Networking Officer. Essentially, he helps companies:

  • Create new relationships
  • Manage existing relationships

The point of these relationships is to better enable the company's business strategy execution. Thus, Terry begins each client engagement focusing on the following factors:

  • The company goals
  • A definition of the ideal client
  • A definition of the ideal business partner

In the past few years, Terry has been shifting his focus to online as well as face to face strategies. In the next few segments with Terry, we'll be discussing the most used online business network, LinkedIn.

18 Comments

Kelly Culross on November 19, 2009 3:35 PM
After listening to the video and looking at the website for "What is a Chief Networking Officer?" I have some opinions to convey. Initially I would definetly agree that there is a need for organizations to have this service. Networking training can be used in both large and small companies and would possibly be even more important in small businesses due to the fact that fewer people are covering more aspects of running the business. I think this program has many benefits. For starters I think that training a businesses staff is always a great way to give employee's more autonomy in their jobs, have a better understanding of the company they are working for, including the goals, mission, vision and objectives. I also believe this can provide employees with their own personal reward system such as feeling better about their skills and abilities and in sales commission could result in much higher profits for both the company and the employee. Having happier employees and more knowledgeable employees can always better any business. This can also save a lot of time and money for companies by maximizing their direction and closing deals much faster. Unfortunately after reviewing the website I was slightly disappointed. It is clear the objective and goal of this business to help other businesses and the methods are displayed such as training, hiring speakers for events and the like. I thought that information was missing to really sell me to wanting to use this business for those purposes. What is this company doing that is unique and adds value with their service over anyone else's? What is covered in the training sessions? What historic information on your company can you provide that says "We provide quality service and yield results for your business?" It is said in the website that this is not the same old sales pep talk, but what is different? I just feel that more information should be given to sell people on this service without having to give away their secrets. I do believe this company offers a service that is in high demand, especially now with the low economy. It is imperative that businesses know that spending their scarce resources on this networking company will yield profit results for the future and so far this company just hasn't sold me on their credibility to do that...yet!
Jack Robertson on November 22, 2009 4:22 PM
This company appears to be a consultation company which helps with customer relations. I attempted to find a website other than Linkedin, but I was un-successful. I did sign up with Linkedin to see what it was all about. I see a website that falls somewhere in between G-mail and Facebook. I would be interested in hearing what else Mr. Bean has to say about networking. To me, a Chief Networking Officer is a glorified title for public relations, relationship salesperson or an outside account manager. I have been an account manager in the electrical wholesale industry. The video interview spelled out my job description to a T. The Linkedin site that is mentioned on the blog is a dialed down facebook. I actually discovered that I had some known Acquaintances on there, but had a hard time finding any sort of page specifically for them. So, I am still in the dark on this site. I would suggest a little more differentiation from competitive ideas. You can find this idea everywhere. I think that creating a website with forums on networking would be a better way to go here. Terry should generate interest around the country and then go on tour doing seminars for company leaders to attend. This would e a better way for Terry to sell his networking ideas. Jack Robertson
Melissa Mello on November 22, 2009 7:07 PM
Terry Beans interview was about how relationship builder software and networking consultants can help a business develop and maintain customer or vendor relationships. I think his services are very much needed in the business world as many companies don’t spend enough time on the relationship building nor do they seek to improve current relationship that they have. Understanding what a good consumer, vendor, supplier relationship consist of is fundamental in being and running a successful business. Moreover, his training techniques are not new nor are they things that only a consultant or software knows how to do. There are many books and classes that business and business professional can buy or take to better themselves. I feel that a strong, successful business person already has these techniques and understandings, which are skills that will advance a business overall practice and strategy. With that said, the information and tools that Terry has to provide companies are great and will surely help a business who does not know how to market its products and services nor understand how to keep those relationships will surely learn a lot.
Mary Lawson on November 22, 2009 8:34 PM
This company idea sounds like a very good one, especially with small businesses new on the market. Having a Chief Networking Officer seems to have a lot of benefits. In the interview Terry Bean explains how he helps companies network and find the best possible relationships to help benefit their company. One of the important points I thought he made was that the first thing he helps a company find is their target market, because most companies, especially smaller ones don’t know exactly what their target market is. Knowing who your target market is, is one of the major lessons I have learned from the Introduction to Entrepreneurial class I am currently enrolled in. Having someone help you find where these people are is very important. The next item he mentioned was how once knowing who their target markets are that a chief networking officer can help a business know where to look for the types of people that will benefit from their business, the officer can then teach the companies employees how to talk to these people, tell them what to say to get the target markets attention. Going back into what I have learned this is especially important when it comes to deciding where to locate the company. Just from those few things, I feel this idea could be beneficial in many ways, more so to up and coming companies as well as already established ones looking to expand their market. I think all of the ideas that Bean touched on are very important on the development and progress of a small and large company. One problem I did have was with his website, it didn’t give me some of the information I would want from a website. I wish the all the information in the video plus other things he offers was put into the website to make it appealing to the different companies interested in his company. Thanks! Mary Lawson
Rachel Szor on November 23, 2009 6:01 PM
A chief networking officer is an amazing tool for a number of businesses no matter its size. Although a business may employ smart, experienced workers and offer a great service or product, the workers may not be able to communicate effectively. A major attribute in expanding one's business or gaining clients is being able to communicate effectively and efficiently with one's prospects. The communication that occurs can be the deciding factor to deals. A business should always be prepared, professional, and confident. A chief networking officer will train employees to be equipped with these skills in order to communicate with current and future clients. The chief networking officer has the ability to help businesses figure out who their ideal client and partners are and how to go about creating a relationship with them. They also are able to help manage the relationships the company already has. When one does business with another, they don't want to feel forgotten or unwanted. Creating a positive and ongoing relationship is important for businesses to maintain a healthy reputation and to be respected.
Brian Jefferson on November 23, 2009 7:31 PM
A chief networking officer is responsible for building and developing relationships within the organization, and outside an organization. Like Mr. Bean stated, it is important for businesses to develop these relationships no matter their size. A Chief networking officer can help create new relationships or build on the relationships that already exist. In order for businesses to prosper in these economic times, it is important to have proper communication. With many businesses losing clientele, communicating your product or service to your target market is very important. A chief networking officer will enhance employees ability to effectively and efficiently communicate what is needed for the business. Also, a chief networking officer can help businesses communicate with future partners. This is part of the interview that Mr. Bean referred to as building new relationships. The globalization of businesses relies heavily on a business ability to sustain relationships on a large scale level. Whether it is helping build a new relationship, or improving an existing relationship, Chief Networking officers seem like they are a good idea. Thank you, Brian Jefferson
Gail Baird on March 22, 2010 11:06 AM
Terry Bean discusses his talents working as a CNO (Chief Networking Officer); The interview regarded a necessary tool companies can benefit from in developing and leveraging customer relationships. Mr. Bean states that the main purpose of the CNO is to “Head up relationship building”,a CNO can act as a “personality” that represents a company which can be a valuable tool if the CNO is widely received. Terry’s goal is to aid companies in finding the right business connections they are seeking and advises the right strategy in approaching them. The position compliments the CRM (Customer Relationship Management) strategy by utilizing the art of networking to benefit the company; I refer to networking as an art due to the practice it takes to become a lucrative networker. A successful business must have good networking skills to leverage themselves with the proper channels which include anything from investors, bankers, business partners, suppliers, and customers; every channel of a business can benefit from a networking specialist working to gain contacts at every facet and train inside employees to achieve good networking skills. Terry Bean also discusses how a CNO can enhance the objectives of a company’s PR (Public Relations) by creating and maintaining positive relationships with the media; these good standing relationships can often lead to a good source of free publicity through sources such as national and local news coverage. Another facet of networking is the internet, and Terry teaches people how to utilize internet tools and other social media applications available to take networking a step further. Networking is a vital tool successful organizations need to grow, and Terry Bean has a marketable tool he is ready to share.
Nick Peterson on March 28, 2010 11:15 AM
Terry Bean seems to have one fantastic career. I bet he has worked his entire life at every position mastering communication and relations between customers and also networking everywhere he goes. Being a Chief Networking Officer takes a certain individual like Terry who has the right personality, the right tone, and the understanding of how to effectively communicate with a wide range of individuals. Successful businessmen are experts in this field and use it to their advantage. Expert salesmen also possess this skill. They say “they could sell ice to an Eskimo”. Companies must hone in on this skill to develop new relationships with customers as well as further the existing relationships. Terry compares this position to a Customer Relations Manager but he expresses that there is a difference. He not only helps train companies on how to network and communicate successfully, but he also will help manage the relations and further develop them. This position would be tough in a sense that Terry is the key person between the company and their customers. These relations are what drive the company and are the key factors in every organization. I thought the video was pretty informative and once I found out what a Chief Networking Officer was all about, I was very intrigued. It opened my eyes to a possible change in my career path and I decided to further my research in this position. As soon as I graduate with my degree, I really want to see what kind of positions are available out there to one day reach this goal.
Katherine Quitmeyer on March 29, 2010 2:50 PM
I absolutely love Terry Bean’s job! I have never heard of a Chief Networking Officer, but I thoroughly enjoy the concept. The service that Terry Bean offers to companies I feel is extremely essential in ensuring that a company runs smoothly and builds effective relationships with other companies or clientele. Networking is a great way to advertise your company, and Terry helps companies learn how to properly create relationships. The relationships that are built are very important in that they will be what keep the company afloat. The training that Terry offers to companies and their employees on how to establish the proper skills to keep the relationships is a great program. I wish that my company would give us a chance to learn the proper skills to do so, especially since our main focus is customer retention. To sum in all up, in my opinion, I see Terry as a business match maker! Another thing that I wanted to comment on was the use of social networking sites, such as LinkedIn. I personally have never even been to the website LinkedIn and do not know much about it. However, when I have heard of it seems to always go hand in hand with companies and not with personal social networking. I have had a lot of luck with personal social networking, and would greatly recommend for every business.
Jared O'Dell on March 29, 2010 9:59 PM
We live in a very competitive world today, and businesses (small and large) are on the front lines of battle. To stand out among the sea of businesses it is important for firms to seek a relationship with their customer base. The relationship with a customer is really the most crucial part of a sale; the client can’t feel like a fleeting figure in a company’s wallet. Most businesses make a crucial error when they overlook this important element when conducting business and even when they begin formulating their business plan. Many times businesses hope that their service will sell itself. What they are forgetting is the importance of creating and maintaining relationship and also networking. Terry Bean’s position as Chief Networking Officer seems to be the most crucial part of business development today. Customers demand transparency and communication from the businesses that they patronize, developing communication skills really helps a business launch in the right direction. It is important for businesses to utilize Bean’s organizations when they are formulating or redirecting their marketing strategy. This will help the firm find the appropriate partners and focus on the appropriate target market. Once this is established a firm must create certain operating codes and standards to reach out to their customers. Bean really hits an excellent point when he discusses the importance of making a database. This will really work to study and identify how your customers are reacting to your new marketing strategy. Also, it will serve to organize your information so that the business can build relationship more efficiently. I believe that our marketplace lost touch with its customers, and we suffered as a result. Lenders and customers treasure this ideal more than it has in the past. Whether a small or large company it is important to redirect your focus from your own gears and motors, and look at the customers who are fueling the engine. This will really help a business improve its customer retention levels, and help it survive this very competitive marketplace we work in today. Jared O’Dell
Shauntel Bowman on June 12, 2010 9:29 AM
A competitive strategy helps a company to differentiate itself from similar competitors, deal with changes in the business environment, and create changes within its business industry. Companies that have the tools to create change can revolutionize their industries and be leaders in their industry, thus more competitive. The key to a competitive advantage and business success is to create value for customers. There is no business without customers. Terry Bean has found a way to give companies a competitive advantage by providing a servce that helps a company create value for customers. His services help companies capitalize on one of the components of intellectual capital - customer capital. Intellectual capital is the source of competitive advantage. Terry Bean's services provide companies with knowledge about its customers and/or ideal customers; and helps a company build and maintain positive relationships with customers, which helps a business determine what customers need and what is most important to customers. Companies can then formulate business strategies around those needs. Additionally, Terry Bean's services as a chief networking officer helps a company with the other two components of intellectual capital - human capital and structrual capital. If a company knows what it's customers need; and have positive, ongoing relationships with customers, then they gain knowledge and experience needed - structural capital -to hire people with the talent, skill, and ability - human capital - to meet its needs in maintaining that competitive advantage. After ideal customers are identified, companies can then formulate the strategies that are necessary to reach goals designed to satisfy customers' needs. For example, a company that pursues a cost leadership strategy may have identified the fact that it's customers were sensitive to price changes. A company that pursues a differentiation strategy may have determined that the quality of a product is more important than its price. Bean's services provide an invaluable strategic managment service, which helps a business in almost every aspect of their business. Shauntel Bowman
Lori Bradshaw on June 12, 2010 5:58 PM
I had never heard of a chief networking officer before, but what an excellent idea Networked, Inc. is! Relationships are so very important in today’s business world. As we are spread apart by phone lines and computer connections, relationships become harder to maintain or create in the first place. Within any size of organization some individuals have a talent for networking and some do not. What a great idea to assist those who do not naturally have a talent for networking. It is wonderful that Terry Bean is able to help his clients develop strategies to find their ideal client. This is hard work and takes a lot of self-examination on the client’s part. So much of what makes a business successful relates to finding their target market – the clients that they want to reach. Once the ideal client is found, the idea of finding a way to communicate with them is beyond what some business people are capable of doing. Some entrepreneurs have excellent communication skills, but others are certainly lacking. This can be very harmful to customer relations. Good customer relationships are a form of good marketing for any company. Poor customer relationships can lead to a lack of business. It is fantastic that Mr. Bean has found a way to help these folks out and assist them in being successful in their communications. Even when professionals are adept are communicating person-to-person, they may not be quite as comfortable communicating online. With so much of business being carried on via computer, this type of communication is increasingly important. With this being the case it is very important that Mr. Bean is now turning some attention to online communications as well. Networking is such an important part of doing business today. Managing relationships is the key in many marketing efforts. If you fall down in either of these areas, it is nice to know that there is somewhere to turn for help. Networked, Inc. has seen the need of companies that falter in these areas and is willing to assist. What a great idea! Lori Bradshaw
Amy Stencel on June 13, 2010 2:27 PM
Before watching this interview, I had never heard of a Chief Networking Officer. I know that there are certain people that need to be involved in the creative process for creating relationships with other companies, but never thought that it could sometimes come down to an actual person who networks. I think that Terry Bean serves a very important role for companies that are either just starting out, or ones that got a little lost along the way. He helps them create relationships and maintain existing ones, and I think that some business owners don't even realize they need help in that area. I also think that the idea of setting up a plan to figure out what's important and ideal is extremely intelligent. Many companies that don't know about this might just fly by the seat of their pants and end up in big trouble. It's very important to have a strong business/competitive strategy in place to distinguish themselves from other businesses. I think that Terry Bean's business can help companies achieve goals that they may have never even known that they had. I really wish Terry all the best of luck and I hope that his business continues to grow, and also continues to help other business grow and prosper. Regards, Amy Stencel
Kevin Sikora on June 13, 2010 10:02 PM
After watching this interview with Terry Beans, I feel the need for businesses to use a Chief Networking Officer can be very beneficial, it can really help businesses differentiate themselves from one another. Many businesses in today’s society lack the time and commitment to build and maintain positive relationships with their clients. Therefore, this is a great service for all size businesses to consider using if they have goals of becoming successful now and in the future. A Chief Networking Officer can help business identify their ideal clients and who their ideal business partners are, which can generate future clients. However, in order for businesses to expand and attract new clients, there needs to be effective and efficient communication. Not every company has employees with strong communication skills that can maintain and build those long lasting necessary relationships, therefore, hiring a Chief Networking Officer, such as Terry, would be a great idea. For example, Terry would help train the current staff so they are capable of having the necessary skills needed to engage with current and future clients. Many business will increase their clientele, but they tend to not know what to say to them. Therefore, by hiring a Chief Networking Officer will allow businesses to use an effective strategy to maintain those relationships or the CNO can manage the relationships themselves. Companies need to maintain effective relationships with its customers in order to remain successful. Kevin Sikora.
Shanika Maye on June 14, 2010 4:54 AM
In the interview with Terry Bean, he explains how he helps companies network and build favorable relationships to assist in benefiting their company. I believe that one of the most important points that he expressed was that the first thing he helps a company find is their target market as most small businesses have trouble figuring our what their target market is. Being aware of your target market is an essential part of being successful when running a small business. A chief networking officer will help to improve an individual’s ability to effectively communicate what is needed for the business and can help businesses communicate and build relationships with future partners. Terry Bean’s position as Chief Networking Officer looks to be an essential part of business development in today’s business world. Customers demand simplicity and communication from the businesses that they support, and developing interpersonal skills helps businesses keep moving in the right direction, toward continued success. It is important for businesses to utilize Bean’s services when they are developing or restructuring their marketing strategies. This will help the businesses find the right partners and focus on the correct target market. Once this has been done, a business must create certain standards to reach out to customers. Shanika Maye
Jonathan D Friedman on June 14, 2010 11:59 AM
Chief Networking Officer I never though that there would be a job such as a Chief Networking Officer. This is a great idea (it sounds fun too)! It think nowadays having a person who is in charge of the relationships, managing them, developing strategies for business development, etc is a very realistic and important task a business should employ. The amount of resources keeping relationships healthy in businesses should really be managed by a professional who has the tools and the know how to keep all parties satisfied. It is interesting that this person is very interested in helping find exactly who the businesses ideal clients are, and then in the future find out exactly who the perfect partners would be. I think this is a very applicable strategy and that more business should employ a Chief Networking Officer. Terry Bean describes what he has to do to keep customer relationships alive as well as partnership relationships. I would be very curious what type of background someone going into this field would have to build up their resume and their experience. What types of degrees are needed or are considered the best to have (perhaps interpersonal communications and business or maybe something more towards the Liberal Arts). Either way, I find this career very interesting, perhaps something I might be pursuing in the future. To add my two cents, Terry Bean mentions “LinkedIn”. I do think that using things like linked in could be a mistake for those not willing to put the time and effort into it. From my experience this is a horrible tool that could end up being more pain than its worth for someone who doesn’t understand what it is and exactly what it does. This could be precisely the reason a business would want to employ a Chief Networking Officer.
Troy W on November 23, 2010 9:37 PM
Having great relationships with other people is very important to have when it comes to your business. Without great relationships your business is going to have a very hard time being successful. It is not always about hiring the best salesperson or a very experienced person because if they can’t communicate well then they are essentially not helping your company. This is where a chief networking officer will come in hand. A chief network officer’s basic job duties are to create new relationships for businesses and manager the current ongoing relationships. As a business owner you always want to be able to create new relationships because your business will be able to expand more and you will become more trusted in the business world. In the business world today reputation is one of the biggest factors on how your business will run. As a chief networking officer you always have to work hard and manage your existing relationships as well because they are very important to your company already. These relationships are the reason why your business is running the way it is already. Relationships are one of the most important parts of your businesses success, so having a chief networking officer is very important regardless of the size of your company. With great relationships you will then learn what the company goals are. You will also be able to figure out who your ideal business partners should be. Once you figure out who your ideal business partners are you will be able to effectively run your business. A chief networking officer is one of the most important people to the company, without an effective person to manage relationships the possibility of your business failing is greater. Having this person will only help your business in the long run.
will Austin on November 24, 2010 1:28 AM
Mr. Bean’s Company, Networked Inc, has described his company in the interview as being a Networking Officer for various companies and builds relationships between other companies. I read Jack Robertson’s comment concerning the fact that many companies have public relations personnel or departments that seem to be doing very similar actions as Mr. Bean’s Company. I agree that Mr. Bean did not differentiate himself well enough in the interview from this area of the business world. I do like Mr. Bean’s concepts of bringing together relationships and strategies that increase a business’s effectiveness, profitability and synergy. From my perspective, an aid such as this would be greatly needed once my company begins to need additional clients to sell my beef products. A specialized business strategy can hone a working business plan into a highly productive and influential firm. Another aspect that Mr. Bean brings up is the communication skills factor that many entrepreneurs lack. There are many companies that help business people in this area. One of the most famous is the Carnegie Institute. I reviewed his website and if communication skills are what he is offering as a tool for advancing the growth of a company, his website should be a resource to expound upon the information in his interview. I wish he had given some examples that would have shown his business as being unique. Another avenue he could have taken would have been to include customer testimony on his website or to have a blog that not only current, past and potential customers could read but also the many benefits that may not have been in the interview. I liked the concepts but he did not sell me on the full benefits that I would be willing to buy his product.

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