photo credit: Matt Gush

In order to create success and make networking worth your time there are a few simple principals you must follow.

By engaging in these simple actions your efforts compounded over time will inevitably create lasting success, and lifelong friendships.

1- Regular and On Time Attendance- This should be self explanatory, but unfortunately it is sometimes taken for granted.

2- Show interest and Participate- Sitting in silence does not add value to the group or portray you as a resource. Ask questions, give valuable ideas, do anything to get people to say “Wow! I would like to speak to this person.”

3- Be a Resource, Not a Meaningless Advertisement- Constantly pitching and only attempting to meet with people who you feel can help you will get you nowhere. You must be willing to help others unconditionally.

4- Build Relationships, Set up personal meetings- One on one meetings is what are going to build your valuable relationships. If you are not willing to make this commitment your business networking efforts are going to be a waste of time.

5- Help Others Unconditionally- You willingness to help is what is going to build your credibility and your brand. Wouldn’t you like your phone to be ringing off the hook? By positioning yourself as a resource and helping everyone that you possibly can without the expectation of something in return is going to mean you have successfully created credibility for yourself and your brand.

6- Find Mentors & Engage in Personal Development- Success without personal development leads to failure.

7- Position Yourself as a Resource, Stay in contact with those you meet- Maintaining regular correspondence with your network will help you stay in the forefront of people mind. The more you can be a resource the more your emails will be opened and your site will be trafficked.

8- “Rinse and Repeat” Plan, Do, Review- You will only get better through repetition – Once you have gotten these simple steps down keep doing them! This is it, the basics. There is no need to reinvent the wheel.

Mastering the mundane is what creates lasting success. The ideas and principals have been written and rewritten over and over again for hundreds of years, nothing has changed.

You have all the tools and resources to build your business as well as you network, get to work!

It does not matter who is at a group, events, or any type of business function there is always more than enough to go around. When it seems like there is a lack, that is because you are sending off the energy that is not allowing you to maximize your potential.

When you think of scarcity that is what you will manifest. If you are intimidated of other successful people in your industry refine your skills and get better. They are not going to get any worse so the only thing to do is sharpen your own skills.

It would appear Chris and I are “competitors” in many aspects. We both host business networking events, trainings, and workshops, so why is it that both of us are able to earn significantly more money endorsing each other rather than trying to out do each other?

Mutual respect and co-operation that’s why! By affiliating yourself with other successful people you like it is just so much easier to rise to the top when you are surrounded by excellence.

Thank you Chris and all my readers for your support knowledge!

Business Networking to your success!

It is easy to find business networking functions to go to, but what does it take to make it worth the time investment?

I have broken it down into 6 MUST HAVE qualities. Each are very easy. Easy is anything that you can do. The flip side is everything that is easy to do is also easy not to do. If you aren’t willing to adopt these 6 qualities don’t even waste your time going to business networking events.

1. Desire to help others unconditionally- Giving with the expectation of getting something in return is not the objective. Help enough people get what they want and you will get what you want… Not necessarily from the person you helped!
2. Positive attitude- This is a MUST!! We each have enough crap to listen to everywhere else. If you don’t have anything constructive to contribute just SHUT UP!
3. Willingness to participate in meetings- Don’t sit there in silence when you have the opportunity to, at very least, ask a question. You are there to meet people and be perceived as a valuable resource.
4. Be prepared- Know your ideal client, referral partner, other event locations, etc.
5. Good Hygiene- Know one wants to be around people that smell or have bad breath.
6. Follow up- Meet with the people you met at an event on a one on one basis. Your purpose is not to sell the group with your commercial, it is to create an interest in meeting with you at a later time.

The best part about mastering these few things is it shouldn’t be that difficult. I love what Jeffrey Gitomer said in his book “Little Black Book of Connections,” “Everything you need to know about networking you leaned in grade school.” This couldn’t be more true!

Take a bath, play nice, do your homework, and participate in class. Many of you have kids, lead by example! For those of you who don’t have kids, like myself, get with the program!

Let’s get out there and create massive success!

photo credit: Lights Out Photos

If you want to expand your influence, have people invite you into their networks and improve your personal brand then pay close attention. Below is not how to do it…

How many times have you been at a networking event or been invited to do coffee for a one on one where you’re to “learn about how to help one another” and you find out you’re being “pitched?”

It isn’t a warm fuzzy feeling is it?

Nor do you feel you’ll be “helping this person out” anytime soon with referrals.

If you’re guilty of this or have been no worries. It all changes today.

Linear Language

This person didn’t understand the value of leveraged vs linear language.

Don’t sweat it, I think lots of people early on in their networking have probably done it. I know, you’re passionate about what you do and think everyone is a candidate for your wares. Right?

Not true, and even if they were you want to heed some advice and think past the point of immediate sale.

Think reputation and think about word of mouth.

Linear language is where the person is just trying to pitch you and not thinking past the point of sale. The days of hard core pitching and closing the sale are soon fading if not already.

Imagine linear language as this:

“Hey Jim how are ya? Good to see you! Hey did you know I’m selling XYZ widgets now? People could save a TON of money if they bought one of these. Here’s what it does….” (20 minutes later you’re still talking with the hopes they will want to buy it themselves)

Monopolizing peoples time at a networking function or even over a one on one & just pitching them is a no win situation. Not for the person you’re verbally abusing or for you because there’s a good chance they aren’t interested to begin with.

This is called the shotgun effect. You spray them with facts, figures & stories in the hopes something sticks & they want to buy.

Leveraged Language

If you want to expand your influence, have people invite you into their networks and improve your personal brand-leveraged language is the way to go.

It’s the same for in person networking or online social networking. If all you do is pitch don’t expect to get rich. Developing report, trust and a sincere relationship is key first and foremost.

-Don’t expect everyone is interested in what you do.
Law of reciprocity-Ask someone what they do and they will ask you what you do.
-Don’t puke on them about what you do-just a quick blurb then ask them more about what they do, how they got started or why they did.
Ask them what is a good customer or prospect. If they aren’t looking for “sales” ask them what’s the most effective way you can support them.

Not all networking consists of someone looking for sales. However if they are these above rules are even more crucial.

Transparency And Leverage

If you’re going to engage someone about your product or services directly in a networking situation make it clear you realize it may not be a good fit for them right up front. This implies you’re not trying to sell them something directly.

However you do value their opinion and you’re going to be looking for referral business but wouldn’t expect them to refer anyone if they didn’t know what you were doing.

Then ask for their help and share what you do: Keep is short concise and to the point using whatever sales aids you can to convey the value.

Remember people buy experiences & outcomes not products.

This is called leveraged language. Even though they may not have a need themselves they can and will refer people to you if you’re authentic & transparent about your motives.

Not to mention they will be more apt to introduce you into their networks based on how you approached them & developed a relationship first.

How you do anything is how you do anything. If you’re pushy, obnoxious or self centered in your approach there’s no way they will allow you to do the same thing to their network. Your actions are a reflection on them.

Now go network using leveraged language and prosper.

Tony Teegarden is a blogger, network marketer and online personality who coined the term Human SEO for Self Exploration Optimization. He lends his experience of 18 years in sales, management , leadership & spiritual research have allowed him to teach his concepts for deeper and healthier relationships online and off. You can visit him at >> http://www.tonyteegarden.com

photo credit: Foxtongue

I am going to be a little blunt and upfront today, but it is for your own good… I promise.

With the changes in the economy many people are taking part in MLM, Network Marketing, and Unfranchise opportunities. Whatever title you give it is irrelevant, if you can’t talk about it with confidence and pride quit already, don’t waste your sponsors time and energy.

The fact is there are more people making hundreds of thousands and even millions of dollars in that industry than most others industries combined. But I am not coming to you today to sell you on the industry, I am here to help you competently promote your business at a local business networking events.

In a nut shell you must adopt the philosophy of “Sell to recruit, don’t recruit to sell!”

People do not go to business networking events looking to “start a plan B,” “make extra money,” “take advantage of a prelaunch,” “save money when they shop,” or any other overused network marketing phase. They go to build their business!

You took part in the opportunity you are in right now because you saw value in the products or services… At least I hope that’s what your decision was based on. If it was based on who started your company, who’s backing your company, or how much money you THINK you can make your failure is imminent.

Network marketing is no different than any other business. It must offer an affordable product or service that solves a problem or fills a need, and the easier the product or service is to duplicate the faster heavy competition will show up in the market.

At business networking events your purpose is no different than anyone else at the group, and that purpose is to add value. When you have the opportunity to speak about your products or services, speak about your product or service! Don’t waste the groups time talking about how you need more distributors, that is for you to discuss with the leadership of your company. Your product is useful and you are there to find alliances and customer referrals, if your product doesn’t pay you enough to just market it by itself and you NEED new distributors to get paid FIND SOMETHING ELSE!

Business networking and network marketing are almost identical. They both are based on finding other people to develop relationships with and create success. You have the opportunity to work with who you want and your success is only up to one person, YOU!

There are hundreds of events, and hundreds of opportunities out there one constant variable is, if you are with a reputable company, “you are either not doing something enough or you are not doing something right.” – Nick Serba One way or the other only you can make the alteration.

Together we can come together as a nation and motivate, build up, and inspire each other to create more success than ever before. But, a change is philosophies and motives is imperative.

To your success, I look forward to seeing you at the top!

We have all been stuck at business networking function where had to sit there to listen to someone ramble on and on about how great their product or service is.

Well here is a short little tip on how to catch other peoples attention with out shamelessly promoting yourself appearing to be a walking advertisement.

Business networking events are about meeting other professionals and forming alliances, NOT to attempt to sell everyone in the room. Too often we have visitors come to events, show up once, go over their allotment of time for their commercial, not participate in the group any more, and then never show up again.

I refer to these people as: “The broke know it all’s.”

Do not be one of these people if you intend on being successful at any business endeavor your partake in. Your reputation is everything and once that is tarnished you will spend drastically more time cleaning up what you have destroyed than it would have taken for you to build a long lasting meaningful relationship from the get go.

Have a wonderful day everyone!

A new decade has begun and millions of dollars are to be made this coming year. The beginning of the year is an extremely profitable time for many businesses. Are you in position to capitalize?

Resolutions are being made, budgets are being set, people have a new sense of focus; unfortunately this is only a short lived influx of business for most industries. By now you have already set up your goals, as well as action plans on attaining them, and I am sure networking your business is on the horizon.

There are many, many events going on everyday all over the country, but which acronym do you choose? FNI, BNI, NPI, REN, CABA, NY4S, TWBA, TBREIA, PRO, TBTF, GTAR, the list goes on and on. There are Chambers of Commerce, Rotary’s, Kiwanis, and dozens of other professional organizations all over the place.

You ask yourself, what events are going to be the best use of my time? Do I go to a seat specific event or one open to my competition too? Do I pay to be apart to be a part of an organization or should I find free events? Should if find something targeted to my industry or just hit the masses? Are evening mixer events the best or do professional sit down meetings work better?

How do I network my business effectively when there are all these variables?!?

All necessary questions, each with an answer personal to you and your business.

Here are 5 tips in getting them answered:

1. The acronym, the organization, none of that matters. The only thing that matters are the people you meet. Do you like these people? Are they the type of people you want to associate with? Can you see yourself building relationships? Remember you are the cumulative amount of the 5 people you spend the most time with so choose your associations wisely.

2. Attending events that are open to all or just one person per industry is going to be your call. I personally rather attend an open meeting. You may want to meet someone in a specific industry and if you are at a one person per industry group what happens if you don’t care for person who fills that seat? I would rather meet a variety of people, build relationships with those I choose, and learn from my competition if the opportunity arises.

3. There are lots of events that are free out there, and many others that will cost you a few dollars. What you need to determine is: How many sales will I need to make to earn this investment back? What is my expected commitment? What am I really getting for my money? To be required to pay hundreds of dollars to someone just to have the opportunity to meet people I feel is a little self serving. Business networking is about helping others achieve their goals with minimal expense. If the cost to join a group is more than the groups cost to run itself it may not be the best place for you. Now if you are targeting a much higher end prospect, then there may certainly be some investment required. Again this is all your preference.

4. Going to traditional sit down business networking events, or after hour mixers all really depends on your personality and objective. If you do better in a crowd then a mixer will be the best place for you. Many people feel more comfortable in a controlled environment when they can see and hear what everyone does and pick and choose who specifically they want to meet.

5. Attending expos and trainings are phenomenal places to network. They will have a small cost to them, but you will be getting your return on investment with simply the information you receive. You will have the opportunity to learn about a specific topic which should help you further yourself in your business, and best of all you will be surrounded by other like minded people who you will have an immediate rapport with just for the fact that like minded people can connect easier with people who are like them.

Business networking is more important than ever before. The one key that runs true for all of these events and choices you make is you must be willing to build relationships. Remember not all relationships will lead to business immediately, but in the long run you and your business will be in a better place because of the friendships you have developed.

Happy networking to you in this wonderful 2010!

photo credit: tolomea

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