Networking Is Not A Four Letter Word

Writen by Dr. Iris Fanning

I was right with you the first several times I tried to "network" at a meeting or social situation. I either didn't say anything about my business…big mistake. Or I felt like a traveling salesman. There is a BETTER way. Let me give you a few simple steps.

JOIN ORGANIZATIONS YOU LOVE

First, get a real feel for the organizations you attend. It might be Toastmasters, if you love to talk. It could be your professional organization (no leads there, you're all in the same business). It could be a round table, networking club or business organization.

I've gone as a guest or non-member to several different organizations. Each of these has a different feel in each city. I've gone to Toastmasters – Love! I've gone to the Chamber of Commerce – Fun but VERY expensive membership, I've gone to leads clubs – didn't feel like I fit in and I've gone to Women Business Organizations – Love!

Find the organization that fits you AND that has a large enough membership to provide plenty of leads.

ONCE THERE ENJOY & BE PROFESSIONAL

These organizations are social and business building. Remember YOU are a walking advertisement for your business. I don't mean to be trite but be sure you are dressed well and are well groomed. You will be meeting other business people. So, don't go in too casually. Research shows that people make a subconscious judgment about you based on your appearance within the first 3-5 seconds of meeting you! Others will decide if you will be trusted, included and even do business with in a matter of seconds. So, even though I think most of you know this, it's important not to skip over this.

SIMPLE NETWORKING SUCCESS TOOLS – WHAT TO SAY ONCE YOU ATTEND A BUSINESS MEETING

ALWAYS have business cards with you. Just be sure your cards are professional looking and not "too out there". YOU want to INCLUDE more clients/customers not exclude them.

Here's a template of your networking conversations:

1. Make a GAME out of attending. Have FUN with this. You'll be much more at ease with practice. EVERYONE is nervous when they first attend these meetings. Your GOAL is to have a minimum of 10 business cards from other people by the end of the event.

2. Greet the other person & ask what business they're in. Yes, you can add the social chit chat of "I'm looking forward to the speaker, or this is a great venue." Remember though that networking is part of the reason you are there.

3. Ask an interesting question like: Who are your favorite clients to work with? What is your biggest challenge in your business? What do you LOVE about your business? Do your employees know that you appreciate them?

4. Make a mental note of what they say and ask for their business card.

5. They will usually ask about your business. However, don't be surprised if they don't. Many people are more interested in what they have to say then in what you have to say. If they ask about you, then you can proceed to the next step. If they don't ask, then simply say: "Would you like my card?" Or "Here, let me give you my card."

6. Now is the time to say your 10 second introduction or "elevator speech". (You can read about creating your speech in the article on 10 Second First Impression).

7. Offer an idea of how you can help solve a problem for them based on the questions you asked originally. Ask them to keep you in mind for the services or products you provide.

8. Unless you have a great connection with this person, you are complete with this conversation. Shake their hand, let them know how much you enjoyed meeting them and keep moving.

9. When you have a moment at the meeting, take each business card & write down 1-2 key words or phrases that remind you of the person & conversation. Write this on the BACK of their business card.

10. Within 24 hours, write a brief postcard or note to EACH person you met. Be sure the card includes your business information. This will reinforce the individual contact. If you happen to have a card with your photo it will help others to remember you.

11. When you write keep it simple. Write something like: I enjoyed meeting you at XYZ meeting. I enjoyed hearing what you love about your business. I'll keep you in mind as a referral when I discover others who need your services. Please also keep me in mind when you need ______. Wishing you prosperity! Iris Fanning

12. NOW you have an additional 10 names to add to your marketing campaign. Keep ALL these cards on file. You have their name, address, phone and usually email. You also have their tacit permission to contact them.

13. Remember, you need to continue to market and invite these professionals to try your services.

Free Newsletter with up to the minute coaching on business, marketing, networking, self empowerment and successful living. http://www.irisfanning.com

Dr. Iris Fanning is a Nationally recognized Success Coach. Dr. Fanning is a graduate of Coach University, holds an Honorary Doctorate in Divinity, M.A. in Psychology, Counseling & Guidance and a B.S. in Psychology. Additionally Iris is the self published author of "Change Your Life Right Now" c2006 and "Do What You Love & Get Rich" c 2006. Dr. Fanning is also an in demand public speaker. Individual and group coaching is also available. Contact: coachiris@hotmail.com Please place Coaching in the subject line.

Copyright 2006, Dr. Iris Fanning. All Rights Reserved Worldwide. Reprint Rights: You may reprint this article as long as you leave all of the links active, do not edit the article in any way, give author name credit and follow all of the EzineArticles Terms of Service for Publishers.

Persistence Pays

Writen by Alvah Parker

As a chemistry teacher many years ago I instructed my students to heat iron filings and sulfur. Each time they did the result was exactly the same –iron sulfide.

Wouldn't it be nice if marketing worked the same way? Then all the career and business tips I write would work immediately. Network at a meeting one evening and the next morning tons of potential new clients or employers call you. That would be wonderful and my clients would love it! So would I!

I talk to dozens of people every month who are doing career searches or practice building. The single biggest expectation is that the result will be immediate and when it isn't the person just stops the activity. "Oh networking doesn't work for me. I go to a meeting, hand out lots of business cards, and no one ever calls."

The thing about marketing is that it isn't fast and it also isn't that predictable. What works for one person doesn't necessarily work for everyone. Finding what works for you is the important part.

Finding and using your own unique marketing strategy is often done by trial and error. Because there may be errors before success, this can be discouraging and scary. Having a coach, mentor or colleague to work with will keep you focused and upbeat during the process.

There are also many variables when it comes to networking. What event do you choose to go to? How do you identify the people you want to meet? What do you say when you meet them? How do you make sure you can continue the conversation if you want to?

Bob Berg in his book titled Endless Referrals says that people do business with people they "know, like and trust". What about you? How do you or would you make buying or hiring decisions?

Business decisions usually involve money – your own or someone else's. To justify the decision you will have to believe whatever is presented by the person making the offer. Certainly knowing, liking and trusting that person plays a big part. Some of us make decisions quickly. Others take time to make up their minds.

So what can you do to speed the process? Think about it. What makes you want to do business with someone? For me there are many answers. It could be continual exposure to the person or company. Sometimes it is seeing that the person has expertise through writings or presentations. At other times it may be a testimonial from a friend or person you respect. Often it is some combination of these.

Once you have met a prospect the next step is up to you. Use your creativity to come up with marketing tools and techniques that make you memorable and trusted. There may be methods that suit you more than others. You also may notice some methods work better for you than others.

The point is that to find the group of marketing methods that work for you, you must stick with it. You want to meet lots of prospects. Not all of them will be interested in you or your product or service. The step after "meet lots of prospect" is have them get to know you better so that eventually they do feel comfortable doing business with or hiring you.

Take Action

1. Review the networking groups you attend. Go to a meeting with the intention of meeting one or two who will be good potential clients or referral sources for you.

2. Find a new networking group to try. Make sure it is a good place to meet potential clients or referral sources. Go to a meeting.

3. Read Parker's Points March 2005 – Top Ten Ways to Market Your Business By Doing What You Love To Do. http://www.asparker.com/ppts0305.html

3. Read Endless Referrals by Bob Berg for more networking tips.

4. Make a list of the marketing methods you enjoy. Think about your current prospects. Use some of these methods to close the business or get a job offer.

Song from the musical Little Women by Jason Howland

About Alvah Parker

Alvah Parker is a Business and Career Coach as well as publisher of Parker's Points, an email tip list and Road to Success, an ezine. To subscribe send an email to join-roadtosuccess@go.netatlantic.com.

Parker's Value Program© enables clients to find a way to work that is more fulfilling and profitable. She is both a Practice Advisor and Coach to attorneys, managers, business owners, sole practioners, and people in transition. Alvah is found on the web at http://www.asparker.com She may also be reached at 781-598-0388

Networking Success Tip Develop A Business Networking Plan

Writen by Ike Krieger

You've made your choice. You've decided to use business networking as a way of "getting" more clients, more referrals and more sales.

What are you "getting" yourself into?

You're getting yourself into a process where relationship building comes first and business building follows.

Networking is the most effective face-to-face business building tool in existence.

Business networking is all about establishing and maintaining relationships that foster trust, friendship and referrals.

A referral is the act of introducing someone you trust to someone you care about.

People buy from people that they like and trust. People give referrals to people they like and they trust.

Those who are ready, willing, and able to give referral leads want to know that you can be counted upon, and that you can be trusted to "deliver as promised."

Now you know everything about networking there is to know.

You're ready to jump in. You're ready to make the most of every business and social networking opportunity.

You load yourself up with your business cards. You create flyers and brochures to serve as handouts. You practice your introductory "elevator" speech.

You get in your car. You drive to the meeting location. You enter the gathering. You begin to follow your predetermined networking plan.

What is your business networking plan? What goals are included in your plan?

Whether you network to promote your business, get referrals or build a database, you must have goals. You must have a plan.

What is your networking plan? Is it written out?

You may ask, "Why do I need a written plan?"

After all---you may want to go to the event and just "schmooze." (Schmooze is a technical term for friendly communication in a group setting).

The "all I want to do is schmooze a little" mindset is the companion piece to the selling strategy entitled, "I'll just go into the appointment and see what happens."

Effective business networking, and effective selling, can certainly include some "schmoozing." However, any expectation of consistent networking or sales results without a well-defined strategy falls into the category of wishful thinking.

Your networking goals should be clearly defined within your overall marketing strategy.

If you're like most business people, you don't have a marketing strategy. Most business people "wing it."

Your networking strategy is clarified in your marketing plan. A written business plan includes a marketing plan component.

A well written business plan contains the goals and fully researched projections for your business. It is against these goals and projections that you measure your business successes and shortcomings.

If you can't measure it, you can't manage it.

I believe that every business should have a written business plan. If you've not yet gotten around to the task of developing a full business plan, you can still develop a simple, stand-alone marketing plan, one that places the spotlight on business networking, on a single sheet of paper in an hour or less.

Decide on your networking strategy. Make the strategy simple, e.g. collecting names for your newsletter database.

Decide on your networking goals. An example of a networking goal might be, "Out of the people I talk to at the networking event, I will find three who have an interest in receiving my newsletter."

Please keep in mind that a well conceived marketing strategy does not equate to a business "quick fix." As with any marketing or advertising plan you must have patience. Effective marketing is a process, not an outcome.

If you don't have a networking plan, you're not alone. 9 out of 10 of my clients ask for some assistance in formulating both a "do-able" networking strategy and an effective introductory "elevator" speech.

If you are interested in receiving a set of questions that will make it easier to complete your simple marketing plan project, please go to the resources section of the BusinessSuccessBuilder.com website and download your complimentary copy of "A Simple Plan."

Networking Success Tip from Ike - Write out your networking plan. Make your goals accomplishable. Commit to your plan and follow it.

Ike Krieger is business mentor, author and speaker. His company, BusinessSuccessBuilder.com, provides tips, tools, ideas, resources and training that will help you produce more clients, more referrals and more sales. Ike has helped thousands of entrepreneurs, executives, salespeople and professionals develop their skills, expand their business and achieve peak performance, especially in the areas of businss networking and sales. Subscribe to Ike's newsletter at http://www.BusinessSuccessBuilder.com

Lessons From The Wedding Mafia

Writen by Caroline Jordan

One of my clients shared a story with me from his networking group, a chapter of BNI. Ivan Misner, the creator of BNI talks about what he calls "contact spheres".

Here's how it works: A group of related business owners work together to get referrals for each other. Here are some of Misner's examples of contact spheres:

*Business services: printers, graphic artists, specialty advertising agents and marketing consultants.

*Real estate services: residential and commercial agents, escrow companies, title companies and mortgage brokers.

*Contractors: painters, carpenters, plumbers, landscapers, electricians and interior designers.

*Healthcare: chiropractors, physical therapists, acupuncturists and nutritionists.

*Weddings: the caterer, the florist, the photographer and the travel agent.

The story my client told me was about the last group which has been dubbed "The Wedding Mafia". When one gets new wedding business, the whole group gets new wedding business. It makes it very difficult for anyone else to get referrals. It's a tremendous business builder. I have a client in real estate who does this very well also. It's one of the most powerful business building tools ever.

So, my client and I were joking around about me developing a "Small Business Mafia"—a small business consultant, an insurance agent, a financial planner, a printing company, an office supply company, a tax preparer, etc. The more we joked about it, the more powerful an idea I realized it was. And since I do business both locally and nationally, I could form numerous branches of my Small Business Mafia and then (insert evil laughter) I could CONQUER THE WORLD!!!

Whooooaaaaa! Hold on. The key to success of any referral group like this is finding good people. The business owners you work with have to be people you feel completely comfortable in referring your valued clients to. Otherwise, your name and reputation will get dragged into the ditch. Once you've found people you love to refer, be sure they're very familiar with your business and the types of clients you're looking for. Give the group as much or as little structure as needed to ensure that referrals are flowing both ways. Then, go out and conquer as much of the world as you want.

Caroline Jordan, MBA helps self employed professionals build satisfying businesses, enhance their reputations, improve cash flow, and develop additional sources of revenue. For more tips and strategies visit http://www.TheJordanResult.com

Effective Networking

Writen by Matthew Keegan

The process of finding out about a job, getting interviewed, and eventually receiving an offer for employment starts with networking. By networking I don't mean sending out hundreds of copies of your résumé unsolicited to H.R. managers throughout the country, but by establishing contacts with people who may be in a position to hire you or refer you to someone who is in the position of hiring... you!

In my area of expertise, corporate aviation, there are several key players as well as smaller, less known operators. Jet Aviation, TAG Aviation, and Netjets are some of the larger companies and they all have a staff of qualified flight attendants or cabin service representatives on hand. In addition, smaller players including Pacific Jet, Clay Lacy Aviation, and New World Aviation are part of the charter market. Finally, you have a whole host of independent flight departments with one or two or more aircraft. Some of these operators utilize larger cabin aircraft and are in need of flight attendants. You could send out a copy of your résumé to every single company that flies a Falcon, Gulfstream, Bombardier, BBJ, or any of the other larger cabin jets. You may get an interview, but you'll also spend an excessive amount of time researching names, addresses, paying for postage, paper and more. Instead, the best way to land a job according to Richard Bolles, author of the acclaimed job hunters and career builders guide, "What Color is Your Parachute?" is through networking.

Networking involves making plenty of people contact. Some of the best ways of having contact with others is at a convention [in our case, the NBAA Flight Attendant Conference or NBAA general conference]; over the internet via message boards [such as this one]; while flying a trip as a contractor; working for a company in another role [e.g., as a dispatcher, flight manager, etc.]; or through a friend already in the business.

Successful people establish a list of contacts from the smallest lead [e.g., a receptionist or switchboard operator at a charter operator] to doing voluntary work on an association's newsletter or with a steering committee for the same type of organization. Each person you come into contact with is a potential person who may know of someone in the business or know of a job opening. Conversely, unsuccessful people rely too much on waiting for a phone call, for an answer to an unsolicited letter, or by not going out to meet people face to face. Quite simply it takes a lot of phone calling, pavement pounding, and other forms of action to land the job that you want. Plus, it takes someone with dedication, professionalism, zeal, enthusiasm, confidence, and a caring attitude to help make things work. If you are not confident of your abilities, you will have a much more difficult time landing a job.

Before you establish contact with anyone it is extremely important to have a top notch résumé. Make sure that there are no spelling errors, grammatical mistakes, that it is formatted professionally, printed on bond paper and that you include correct contact information such as your name, address, phone numbers, and e-mail address. You can be the most talented person in the world, but your résumé could look awful. Busy employers look at résumés and toss the unprofessional looking ones away [or they file it away for a predetermined amount of time]. You also need: three top notch references [don't list them on your résumé, but be able to furnish them upon request]. Emergency training is very important to have – agencies such as Jet Professionals insist on it; most of the larger operators require it as well. Additional training including galley services, a wine class, emergency training, can all help you out.

Finally, when you do receive a call -- even if unexpected – be prepared to interview on the spot. Most interviewers will screen you on the first call and you will need to sound sharp as well as be focused. Be prepared to give a concise background on who you are and what you can offer the company. Do not focus on your needs, but focus on the company's needs and how you will benefit them. Do not expect them to be thrilled by your focusing on yourself. This business isn't about you -- it is about the customers and the company. Successful candidates know this and they are the ones who will be hired, trained, paid well, and otherwise be perceived as being an asset and not a possible detriment to the company.

Matt runs the Corporate Flight Attendant Community, the top resource center on the internet for business flight attendants. Matt assists potential candidates with resume and cover letter writing, marketing, job leads and tips, relevant articles, and a dynamic message board community. You can view his site at http://www.corporateflyer.net.

Effortless Networking Reconnecting With Past Contacts

Writen by Sri Dasgupta

Do you believe in coincidences? Well, as I was writing this article, I got an email from past colleague.

The last time we "talked" was by email 2 years ago. And yet, when I got her email today, I was delighted to hear from her (even though she was writing to ask me for something).

We lose touch with people all the time -- in our professional lives and personal lives -- for various reasons.

For example, this year, with the birth of our second baby, followed by our relocation across the country, along with my involvement in completing my book I haven't been able to stay in touch with many people. After all, there's only so much time in the day!

Then, when it comes time to reconnect, many people feel awkward about it. And many people don't reconnect just because of that sense of awkwardness.

However, reconnecting can be delightful -- just like I was delighted to hear from my colleague earlier today.

And just like my past contacts are happy to hear from me, as I reach out to reconnect with them, now that things are beginning to get back to "normal".

So what allows people to reconnect with each other comfortably, even after long periods of silence?

• First, keeping in touch is a two-way street. If I've lost touch with someone, it means that *neither* of us have initiated contact with the other. In other words, it's not just *one* person's responsibility to keep in touch. So chances are, when I do initiate contact, the other person will be happy to hear from me -- especially, if we had a good relationship in the past.

  Of course, if we didn't have a relationship in the past, it's a different story -- and a topic for a future article.

• Second, whenever an opportunity arises, use it to reconnect. For instance, I'll use occasions like someone's birthday, or some event in my life (e.g. my farewell party) to reconnect. And when I do get in touch, I'll usually bring the person up to date with what's been going on with me (if they don't know already), so they have a sense of why I haven't kept in touch.

  Since most people are busy themselves, they usually understand and forgive the lapse.

  Again, the important thing to notice is that these are people with whom I had already built a relationship in the past. So I know their birthdays, and have an interest in their lives, as they do in mine.

So reconnecting with someone after a long time, even if you're doing so because you want something from the other person, can be completely free of any awkwardness, if

1. You have already invested the time earlier to build a relationship that can survive periods of little or no contact.
2. Both people in the relationship get something from keeping it alive, and therefore both people take responsibility to do so.

Check it out -- I think you'll find examples of these kinds of relationships in your own life.

Business relationships aren't any different.

(c) Copyright 2006, Srirupa Dasgupta Srirupa Dasgupta is the author of Effortless Networking: Everyday Wisdom to Transform your Business and Life. She helps small business owners, entrepreneurs and self-employed professionals build, sustain and leverage the professional and personal network that is necessary to succeed. For more information, visit her website at http://www.EffortlessNetworking.com

Quotnetworkingquot The Dirty Word

Writen by Scott Allen

In doing research for The Virtual Handshake, we discovered some resistance to the word networking among many people. When we dug further, we found that this sentiment was primarily concentrated in a couple of key groups:

1. people working for large companies in roles other than sales, marketing, and biz dev, and
   
2. people in the media

With some thought, it's easy to see why these groups might have a different perception of networking.

For the first group, formalized networking has very little to do with their day-to-day business. They're not selling anything, they're not buying anything, they're probably not looking for work, and probably not hiring anybody. And regardless of the best ideals of helping others, sharing knowledge, etc., it's still the expectation of those transactional outcomes that ultimately keeps us coming back for more networking. Without that clear benefit, there's not a compelling return on the time investment for this group.

For the second group, the media folks, the issue, I believe, is that they are in such high demand. If they go to a networking event, everyone who finds out they're a journalist/reporter/editor immediately wants to tell them all about what they do to try to get them interested or get them a referral to the right contact. And yet these people often have very little to offer of value to the media person. Sure, media people need contacts -- lots of them -- but they have a steady supply of people sending in press kits, story pitches, etc. They have big Rolodexes. When they can't find who they need, they ask around their office, they post on ProfNet, etc. So again, it's not a need they have, and attending a networking event, they tend to get "used".

And there are some networking events/groups that contribute to the bad name. Formalized referral programs can be great, a la BNI (most chapters, at least), but they can also deteriorate to the point that people are just giving other people names to call on, not really giving referrals. (As an aside, try never to just give someone a name to call -- make the introduction yourself if possible. It's far better for all three of you.)

A second thing contributing to the decline of the word "networking" is its hijacking by the network marketing industry. Now, I'm not opposed to network marketing -- truly, some of my best friends are network marketers -- but it is true that the industry has a negative image to many people. It is also true that the networking marketing industry has adopted the use of the term "networking" to refer specifically to the practice of network marketing. In fact, one of the most popular periodicals in the networking marketing industry is entitled Networking Times. Given how many people are prejudicial towards network marketing, this contributes to the negative connotation of the word "networking".

And a third contributing factor, at least among the tech-savvy, is some backlash against social networking sites. A combination of experimentation and some poor choices by both the sites and their users have created a mild backlash among some people. I find this one especially sad because we have collected so many success stories from people using them effectively, and my educated opinion is that if someone finds social networking sites ineffective, it may be more about their own usage habits and practices, or at least about their exepctations, than about the site itself. Nonetheless, it's another tick against the word "networking".

Much of this is based upon prejudice, of course, but it is not entirely unfounded, either. But I see it not as an obstacle, but as an opportunity.

When someone reacts negatively to the word networking, explore a little deeper. "What is your definition of networking?" "What in your experience led you to that belief about networking?" Then define networking for them in your experience, and jokingly ask them if the two of you can agree to use your definition when you're talking about it with each other. Invite them to the very best face-to-face networking event you go to. Invite them to join your one favorite online network. Ask them if you can be their guide to your world of networking.

Maybe you'll change their mind -- maybe you won't. But you'll end up creating a stronger relationship with them either way.

Scott Allen is coauthor of The Virtual Handshake: Opening Doors and Closing Deals Online, a contributing author to Blog! How the Newest Media Revolution is Changing Politics, Business and Culture, and a monthly columnist for FastCompany.com. He is also the About.com Entrepreneurs Guide, providing free resources and guidance to help entrepreneurs as they start and grow their business.

Networking For Business

Writen by JoAnn Hines

It used to be said that you are only as good as your Rolodex. Well, times have changed and that statement no longer holds true. Now, the mantra is "It's not who you know, but who knows you."

It's all about the network.
What do you hope to accomplish with your network?
Do you want to build business?
Do you strive to develop personally and professionally?
Do you need a job?

Which of these business objectives do you hope to achieve through personal networking?

Increase visibility. Get a raise. Bring in/develop more business. Get a better job. Keep the job you have. Expand your professional horizons. Start your own business. Grow to become an expert or a speaker.

These objectives are all within your reach. The secret is to build the network to support you in attaining them.

Networking is an ongoing complicated process. Networking offers diverse benefits. These include finding partners, avoiding personal and financial disasters, making career changes, resolving conflicts, building businesses, meeting famous people, and more. Entering into a networking relationship with someone can provide many opportunities; however, time is a valuable asset. You must ensure that you use it judiciously when building your network.

Eight defining principles to help you create, cultivate, and reap the benefits of success through personal connections.

1. It's not whom you know but who knows you.
Plan your networking campaign as if YOU were a business. People will not bang down your door if they do not know what you have to offer. Your greatest sales agent is you (and sometimes your mother)! After all, you know the product best. If you don't market yourself, who will? Networking is not just a one-time event. It requires attention, consistency, and continuity.

2. Cultivate your relationships.
In today's fast-paced, ever-changing business environment it is important for you to keep your connections active. Remember the old adage "Out of sight, out of mind"? It's doubly true today. You are as memorable as your last communication or point of contact. So, if you are not communicating, then what? Who is going to remember you if you don't make yourself memorable? TIP: Keep your association memberships current and participate in local events, and committees.

3. Be yourself. Be authentic. Be confident.
Being self-confident and self-assured is essential to networking, even for the most outgoing individuals. Think of yourself as a product or resource that others need. Approach your system for networking as an investment. Trust your instincts. Believe in yourself. If you don't, how will others? If going out on that limb is not your forte, work with a professional coach who will support you in your networking skill development.

4. Protect your network.
Your network is a delicate possession that needs care and attention. Each person you meet is working on a project, raising money for a cause, or dealing with some personal or professional issue. As a good networker, your goal should be to identify the need and help your new contact find a solution. Identify at least one thing you can do to follow up with new contacts. Send them a note saying how pleased you are to have met them. Use this follow-up as a way of reconnecting with the person you have just met. Make sure you reconnect within 48 hours.

5. Be prepared with your elevator pitch.
Remember, its not about YOU, its about your audience. Tell them things about you that will secure THEIR interest. You have one minute to capture someone's attention. One minute to sell yourself and get them to listen. One minute before they stop listening and move on to the next person. This is doubly true and additionally difficult at a luncheon event where there are 10 different people to contend with. (The notable exception is if you are a buyer or purchasing agent.) TIP: Always carry your business card. Make sure your business card looks as professional as you care to be remembered.

6. Support others in your network.
Don't be afraid to say "Thank You." In fact, say it often! Watch for ways to help your associates. Newspaper & magazine articles are great! When you notice a colleague's name in a publication, cut it out and send it to them. Include a quick personal note along with your contact details. Make one day a week a telephone day, or commit to an hour a day to be on the phone and reconnect with the people important to you. Become recognized as a resource, so that people will want to stay connected to you. A note of caution: state clearly that you are happy to help and hope that the favor can be returned soon. If you don't get a contract or a job, or close a sale, send the person a thank-you note anyway.

TIP: Carry thank-you notes or cards with you so that you can write quick notes after you meet someone.

7. Be generous to others.
What you give will be returned. You are probably familiar with the idea of focusing on WIIFM-"What's In It For Me." In networking, however, the "me" is really "them." To be successful, you need to stay focused on WIIFT-"What's In It For THEM." Always consider what you can do for others. Pay close attention to the needs, desires, and interest of individuals in your network. Be wary of those that don't reciprocate. There is a fine line between using your network and abusing it.

8. Continuously improve your networking skills.
Networking has been an integral part of being effective and efficient in business and in life. Building, maintaining, and improving your network and your networking skills are keys to success. Identify people to include in your network who excel at networking. Add them to your network and learn from them. What events do they attend? Whom do they know? How do they handle themselves? How do they support others? Keep tuned in to all the professional and career development opportunities out there. You should never be too busy to learn new tricks. Attend functions where you can establish a peer group. Be choosy. Don't just go for the sake of going. Have a clear goal in mind about what you intend to get from your participation and follow up.

Discover the easy way to make yourself stand out from others. How to become an expert in your field; How to write a better resume; How to write a personal press release; How to accomplish things no one else is doing and to get people to think about you in ways they have not thought before and much more including critical checklists for those important business meetings.

This indispensable workbook will show you specific ways to accomplish your personal branding goals and launch your career into the stratosphere. We have done all the work for you with guidelines, cheat sheets and easy-to-use templates to customize for your own use.

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On Networking Groups Part One

Writen by Jeffery Glaze

I have been trying to think about how I can talk about this subject and address it in a way that would be fair and balanced without injecting too much personal opinion and have decided to first talk about the types of groups and then later on be more specific. It is important to remember that you will have preferences that may not align with mine, but that each of us share a common goal in our networking. More business and possibly more friends.

So lets begin by analyzing the various types of groups. There are many different types of groups, but it is easier to categorize them by the meeting format rather than using individual categories like chambers of commerce or women's groups.

Most groups fall under one of 4 main categories. These are Social Networking, Business Networking, Leads Groups and Networking with a Program.

Social Networking

Social networking is a part of our daily lives whether we realize it or not. Each time we attend any function that involves a group of people we are networking on a social level. Whether we are attending a charity event, going to a party at a friends house, going to a religious service, or attending an organized social networking event, we are in a networking environment.

In most cases a large part of participation in these groups is not related to business. However, there are always opportunities to meet people who could be or know prospective clients. When you attend these types of functions, it is advised to have some business cards in your pocket in case you meet someone else who is networking for their business, but remember that business networking is not the primary purpose of the function, so be very casual in the way you approach others about your business.

Social Networking Tip:

Never assume that any individual at these functions is not a good prospect for your business. You will find many opportunities there. It is just good to remember that people are there for many reasons and may not want to talk about business.

Business Networking

Believe it or not there are very few groups or organizations that are simply "business networking groups". This category, for the purpose of our discussion is reserved for groups that do not have speakers or programs. An example of business networking would be similar to a chamber of commerce after hours meeting. In business networking, you simply gather together with other business associates to talk about your businesses.

I find it much better to have a lot of time to talk to people about my business rather than have a brief period to talk and then have to sit down and listen to a program. This format enables you to really get to know people in the allotted amount of time. In some cases you can even do business with someone who you have met for the first time.

This format allows you to get to know people very well and sometimes helps to jump-start the relationship without having to meet for lunch or coffee at a later time. The only thing that makes this format difficult is if you are shy. For the shy individual it is sometimes not easy to just walk into a room and start talking to people they do not know.

Business Networking Tip:

Build a core contact group of people that you see at several different meetings. This will give you a broad base of contacts through these people as they are building their networks. Always get to know the "most popular people" in the room. They will often know most of the others and can help to expand your network quickly

Leads Groups

Leads groups are very structured. This is the largest segment of business networking. There are several formats to leads groups that vary in slightly different ways. In most cases the leads group involves sitting around a large table. Usually a leads group is limited to one person per industry. So if you wanted to be a part of a leads group that already has one of your type of industry, you could not join that group until there is an opening for you created by that person leaving.

Usually leads groups are about 5 to 20 persons in size. In most leads groups you are given a set amount of time to stand up and talk about your business ranging from 2 to five minutes depending on the size of the group. This is a dedicated time, no one else speaks and you take turns.

Leads groups are good for people who are shy or for those who have difficulty in a meeting with no structure. If you are a member of a good leads group, members are actively seeking referrals for other members. This can lead to a great deal of business if you consider the fact that everyone has a personal network of about 200 hundred people. This does not mean that it is the best format of meeting or not a good format, but rather it is good for you if you prefer structure.

Leads groups generally meet early in the morning or for lunch.

Leads Groups Tip:

Be sure to enable the members of your leads group to help you. Give them tools that they can carry to represent you when they encounter someone who needs your product or service. Be sure that everyone understands what you do and who your best prospects are.

Networking with a Program

A lot of trade associations and chambers of commerce follow this format. The meeting usually starts with open networking for a period of 15 minutes to an hour. It is then followed by a presentation by a guest speaker or a current member.

In this environment, you will not have much time to really get to know people unless you always attend the meetings. In most cases these meetings are best for initial contact followed up by meeting prospects for coffee or lunch. It is advised that you use a system of taking notes and qualifying prospects for later follow-up.

Generally these meetings end after the presentation and people linger for 15 to 30 minutes before clearing the room.

Networking with a Program Tip:

Get to know the leaders of the organization. In most cases they will know a great deal about the members as they work their way up the ranks into a leadership role. These individuals can be of the most help when seeking prospects or referrals.

Summary

As I said at the beginning of this article, your feelings on these definitions may vary from mine. It is important when seeking meetings to attend or groups to join that you have defined goals on what you are trying to accomplish. Be specific when setting these goals.

Remember business does not always come in the first contact or meeting. Be consistent for best results. Try to balance your networking with a combination of the types of groups and meetings that you attend. Each has it's own unique benefits and can help you with a well rounded presence in the business community.

Jeff Glaze is the Editor of http://www.AtlantaEvent.com, founder of http://www.privacy-first.com e-mail certification program and the author of several e-books. His company, Mostcool Media Inc. ( mostcoolmedia.com ), specializes in marketing planning, coaching, business networking training, web and media development. His e-book "The Six Xtremes Of Power Business Networking" is available here: http://www.atlantaevent.com/ebook.htm Jeff Glaze is available to speak to your group and can be contacted at 678.508.5975 Copyright © 2006 by MostCool Media Inc.

Networking To A New Life

Writen by Cathy Goodwin

Research shows that talking to strangers -- not people in your comfort zone -- is the single most powerful key to a creative career and business move. Yet many people resist. Sometimes they don't understand the concept of networking. At other times, they set impossible goals. Here are some guidelines for network for your second career, home or life.

Create your own supporting CAST

C= Cover Story. When you're a midlife, mid-career transitioner, you can't come across like an eager-beaver, bright-eyed-and-bushy-tailed newbie. You may not be comfortable calling to say, "I'm thinking of becoming a certified beach blanket analyst. Can we talk?" Decide whether you're seeking information, clients or both, and plan a positive opening that presents you as a fellow professional, not a beggar.

A = Action. Begin anywhere! Talk to people -- even those who seem unrelated to your dream. As you talk, you'll hear yourself refining your goal and moving to truth. Start with the nicest, friendliest sources you know and ask them for referrals.

S= Slow. It takes awhile to build a network. Begin before you need one, if at all possible. If you're starting from scratch, don't rush. Desperation drives away your best resources.

T = Target. Network to those who can help, not necessarily those easiest to find. Sitting at a table with eight potential clients gets you started -- but choose a networking event with eight referral sources and you'll move faster. Talking to ten sales assistants probably won't help you learn how managers hire sales people.

"No way -- not me!"

When you truly resist networking, we have to consider that:you're not sufficiently excited about the goal to generate momentum.

You're happily settled in a comfort zone and need an anti-gravity rocket to pull away.

You'd rather be boiled in oil than call and mingle.

You have unique challenges about the way you come across: you're too much of a maverick or too "different" to be effective

You're exhausted just thinking about it.

I won't ask you to become a new person, although I encourage responsible risk-taking and experimenting with new behavioral styles.

It IS true that the greatest rewards will go to those who can work a crowd effectively. My former colleague "Xavier" could give a twenty-minute talk and come away with at least three free-spending clients.

However, you can create an unconventional plan that builds on your strengths and allows you have to connect with strangers. You might take or teach a class, join an organization, promote your website aggressively and more. Your progress may be slower than your friend the networkinag champ -- but if you persevere you can reach your own goal without sacrificing your own sense of self.

About The Author

Cathy Goodwin, Ph.D., is an author, speaker and career/business consultant, helping midlife professionals take their First step to a Second Career. http://www.cathygoodwin.com.

"Ten secrets of mastering a major life change" mailto:subscribe@cathygoodwin.com

Contact: cathy@cathygoodwin.com 505-534-4294

34 Power Affirmations For Networking With The Affluent

Writen by Bill Marshall

Here are 34 affirmations I have created after studying the book "Networking with the Affluent" by Dr. Thomas Stanley. Even though the book is targeted to sales people, I believe that it is to everyone's advantage to network--especially to network with successful people. If enough successful people are favorably impressed with you and choose to help you, you can accomplish almost anything--certainly with respect to meeting your own needs and helping other people.

As with most tasks in life, success in networking begins with the proper mindset. The right attitude. When people fail at networking, it is usually the result of two things:

They approach the contact with an unconsciously selfish attitude. They want time with the prospect to show their products or services so that they can make a sale. While they may claim (and convince themselves) that they are really working in the best interest of the prospect, their interest only goes as far as how their product can help met a prospects need. What they are really saying is "I'm happy to help you, but only if the end result is that you buy my product." This is usually an unconscious thought process.

This is one reason that affirmations can be very effective in eliminating this problem. Affirmations can condition your mind so that you are always sensitive to what the other person needs. If you are really effective in helping others meet their needs (even when they have nothing directly to do with your product or service), then the odds are much greater that they will eventually not only buy your product or service, but refer others who also need your services.

Here's a hint: the biggest need and concern of most business owners, is increasing their revenues. Find ways to enhance their revenue, and maybe they will help you enhance yours.

Not networking strategically. Unsuccessful networkers, are a "master of the ones." They have one or two contacts in a lot of affinity groups. There's no concentration of power. Most of the time, they don't even know what affinity groups their contacts belong to. Successful networkers network in clusters. They target the leaders of networks. They use tools of mass communication to reach large blocks of potential contacts--especially, publishing articles and giving speeches/seminars. Of course these articles and speeches cover topics that are considered important to the target audience. These tools allow them to help multiple members of their network in a short period of time and establish themselves as experts in their specific field.

Here are several affirmations I have written for myself as the result of studying Thomas Stanley's book.

1) My power network is multiplying everyday.

2) I help people in my network achieve their goals and objectives.

3) I now serve my network with respect, professionalism and intelligence.

4) I connect to new contacts and allies everywhere I go.

5) I regularly participate in fund raising activities for worthy, charitable causes.

6) I am a network facilitator. I bring people in my network for their mutual benefit.

7) I create powerful, positive connections with good people everywhere I go.

8) I create new business opportunities by connecting with people at the point of their needs first.

9) I establish expertise and credibility by studying and understanding issues important to my target network.

10) As I connect with my network, I ask questions and listen carefully for indications of their needs.

11) I now find creative ways to help members of my network multiply their revenues.

12) I take the initiative to be an advocate of issues important to my network. I am an activist.

13) I read the trade publications of people in my network regularly.

14) I multiply my network by regularly publishing articles in their trade publications-articles that are of interest to them.

15) By reviewing trade publications and attending trade association meetings, I stay current with the issues and challenges important to the members of my network.

16) I help members of my network fulfill their needs regardless of any immediate personal benefit to me.

17) I am now a strategic networker.

18) I now network with the major business and political leaders in my community.

19) I regularly network with opinion leaders in targeted affinity groups.

20) I multiply my network in clusters.

21) I regularly participate in and contribute to strategic organizations and associations.

22) Opinion leaders contact me regularly for my help and advice.

23) Opinion leaders seek me out to add me to their network of contacts.

24) I regularly network with the advisors of affluent and influential leaders.

25) I am a master of clusters rather than a master of the ones.

26) I am a recognized industry leader and expert in my profession.

27) I demonstrate my expertise by regularly publishing articles of interest to my strategic network.

28) I have a clear understanding of the anatomy of wealth and power in my community.

29) I write articles that target my network and have them published regularly.

30) I am now well known by the opinion leaders in my network.

31) I regularly connect with community and government leaders at the local, state, and national level.

32) I target clusters of networks, not just individuals.

33) I regularly recognize the achievements of people in my network.

34) I have made a lifetime commitment to helping members of my network solve their specific problems. I am patient in developing my network.

Copyright (c) 2005 Bill Marshall - All rights reserved. Feel free to republish this article provided you include the copyright information and the weblinks where possible.

For practical self-improvement tips, visit http://www.poweraffirmations.com . Get my new free e-book, "Power Affirmations: Power Positive Conditioning for Your Subconscious Mind"

Networking The Power Of Being Visible

Writen by Martha Lanier

There are numerous ways of marketing, but one of the most exciting and most rewarding is through networking. Whenever attending an event, imagine meeting at least one person who has the potential of generating an abundance of extraordinary business for you.

With this in mind, enter the room with a mission to meet or receive a business card from everyone there in an attempt to locate this one person. Here are eleven techniques to make this opportunity less challenging and more rewarding.

1. Determine exactly where you will network to reap the biggest benefit for your time and money. There is nothing worse than networking to a group of people who are not a match for your product or services. To determine where to find your target market, it is necessary to define in detail your ideal customer. Once you have done this, it will be easier for you to determine where to find them.

2. Dress professionally for the event. If you are in doubt as to the most suitable attire for the location or the event, simply contact the host and ask. A good option is to dress conservatively and if undecided, dress "up" rather than "down". Logo shirts may or may not be suitable depending on the event.

3. Arrive at the location early and "walk" the room. Take ownership mentally of your surroundings then place yourself close to the registration table so you will have an opportunity to meet and shake hands with everyone who enters. It is far easier to greet people as they arrive than to single someone out or join a group already involved in a conversation.

4. Prepare your own name badge in advance and be wearing it when you arrive. Print your name in a large font that is easy to read and then slip into one of the plastic holders that either attaches with a pin or clip. If your budget allows, you can have one engraved. Always keep this with you so you can use it at other events as well.

5. Use the stick-on nametag to write something catchy or humorous and then place it just below your personally made badge. This actually draws attention as people pass by and their curiosity often will generate a great conversation.

6. Eat either before going or after you leave. Remember your purpose is to meet people and develop business relationships, NOT satisfy your hunger. There is nothing worse than trying to balance a plate of food, eat without spilling it and always be wondering if you have food lodged between your teeth. You will always need one hand free for handshakes and receiving and passing business cards.

7. Whether you are uncomfortable initiating a conversation or not, break the ice by asking the people you meet at least five questions about themselves or their business that you would also like for them to ask you. Remember, they begin to like us when our interest is about them. This is the smart start for building strong professional relationships.

8. When approaching others, it is easier to walk up to a group of three or more people and gradually enter in the conversation. When you walk up to only two people, you risk interrupting a conversation already in progress.

9. Ask permission to give someone your business card before automatically giving it and assuming they want it. This gives more value to your card when they agree to accept it. Ask for their card before they have an opportunity to give it to you. A tip is to keep your business cards (and a slick pen to write notes) in your right pocket and the cards you receive in your left pocket. This way you will be less likely to pass out someone else's card thinking it is yours.

10. Make brief comments on the back side of the business cards you collect. Others are generally impressed that you are taking notes. This will also jog your memory when you follow-up with them. Make it a point to always learn something unique about them or their business. Always write on the front of the card the date (including the year) and the type or location of the event.

11. Follow-up, follow-up, follow-up. After the event is over, read through all of the cards you have collected and determine which ones (or maybe all) warrant your time in following up. At the very least send an email, post card or handwritten short note thanking them for sharing their time with you and your desire to remain in contact with them in the future. For the leads with the most potential for future business, call the following day to schedule follow-up meetings.

Martha Lanier, President of IGNITE Your Potential, Inc. helps ordinary believers become extraordinary achievers. Her programs focus on personal empowerment which results in increased productivity both personally and professionally. She can be contacted at 770-886-6033 (Atlanta, GA), email at martha@marthalanier.com or visit her website at www.marthalanier.com. Copyright 2005, 2006 IGNITE Your Potential, Inc. All rights reserved. Duplication whole or in part must include this entire attribution.

Mingle For Business Success

Writen by Joshua Feinberg

Mingling is an important business skill in your new computer consulting business. In fact two of the most important marketing activities you will do are networking and relationship marketing. Mingling is key to your success with both of these.

Even if you don't feel confident with social mingling, you need to do it. It is not an option. Some of your most important contacts will come from chance encounters at networking events. You don't want to miss out on these types of opportunities because you succumb to shyness or a lack of confidence.

Mingling is not always fun - sometimes you have to force yourself to do it. The good thing is, the more you do it the better you get. Attend as many events as you can, breakfast meetings, luncheons, dinner meetings, after hours events, and B2B expos. Other great places to mingle include seminars and workshops.

All of these events are great because you keep connecting with people you met in the past. While you mingle you keep reminding them that you are there and ready to help them when they are ready. This way you use mingling as an informal follow-up technique.

But just as important, don't just talk and mingle with the same people every time. It's easy to get into a slump. You have your friends and you have your clicks and everything, but you need to make sure you meet and mingle with new faces at every event you attend.

The Bottom Line on Mingling

Mingling is a great way to make contacts. It's also a bit unnerving. Tell yourself how important mingling is. This should give you the motivation you need to get out there and do it.

Copyright MMI-MMVI, PC Support Tips .com. All Worldwide Rights Reserved. {Attention Publishers: Live hyperlink in author resource box required for copyright compliance}

Joshua Feinberg helps small business technology providers get more steady, high-paying PC support clients. Sign-up now to get your free access to Joshua's field-tested, proven secrets for generating more monthly recurring service-contract-revenue with PC Support Tips.

Finding The Purpose In Online Networking Groups

Writen by Patty Benton

Have you ever wondered what the purpose of networking groups online are? We all know they are for getting to know others with the hopes of someday obtaining a client or referral. But don't they have more of a purpose? Aren't they for finding other people to build relationships with to benefit your business, your clients' businesses, and their businesses? I think underlying to networking groups is also finding lasting relationships and friendships. Working virtually we spend most of the day in our own offices, with no contact to the outside world. While there are many blessings to this, it can be lonely. So how can you get the most benefit from a networking group online?

First, you can remember the etiquette of online communication. We all know the basics. Don't use all capitals; that is considered yelling. Use proper punctuation and capital letters, otherwise your lack of grammar will take away from your message. What I am talking about is the etiquette of respect. I see "arguments" break out in groups because of miscommunication or someone overstepping the boundaries and trying to force their opinion on someone else. What happens to the parties involved? Most of the time, they lose the respect of the other group members. How sad is that when they spent all this time building their reputation, and in one moment, they blow it!

So, how can you avoid this happening to you? Stay out of arguments. Don't get involved in the "office" politics online! I know that sometimes this is difficult when you see someone being unfairly torn down. Know that if you do try to step in, you are opening yourself up to being drug down. Unfortunately, there are unprofessional people on the online networking groups. You have to rise above those. Don't let them draw you in. By showing that you are the bigger person, you are taking another step in building your reputation.

Remember there are boundaries to each networking group. Each one has established the rules they expect everyone on the group to follow. Be sure to follow what they have set up. Each group has their own purpose, and you will join each one for the purpose it serves. I know that on a lot of my virtual assistance groups, there isn't a lot of room for debate on topics. They are established to help assist each other and ask questions about running a virtual assistance business. Because of this, someone else established a group that was for debating topics and issues that come up in the virtual assistance industry. Look at each group and see what purpose it would fulfill, and then be sure to follow their boundaries.

Networking online has a great purpose and can really help you to be successful in your business. By maintaining your integrity, following the boundaries of the group, and supporting others, you can get amazing satisfaction from a group and create some lasting friendships!

© 2005 JERPAT

You have permission to reprint this article electronically or in print, as long as the text and byline remain unedited. A courtesy copy of your publication would be appreciated.

How Important Is Career Networking

Writen by Tony Jacowski

At the outset, let's accept that there is no such thing as an ideal candidate, and there is no employer who is ideal for everyone. Still, every time we see someone change his or her career or make an upward move, we say or at least think that he/she is brilliant and was the ideal candidate for the position and that the company is lucky to have hired him or her. But did the candidate really get lucky, or were they just smart?

Is Career Networking So Important?

Don't have an iota of doubt about this in your mind: networking plays an important role in career moves. Despite having reasonably strong work experience and skills, lacking in networking abilities could jettison your chances in finding a good job. Your networking contacts can help you beat the competition and open the door to mostly unadvertised job openings through referrals. That the 'Wall Street Journal' claimed a couple of years ago that '94% of successful job seekers claimed that networking had made all the difference for them' should go on to prove the point.

Let's take a hypothetical case of a person in her middle age attempting a career change. The point of contention is not whether or not that person got a raise or a promotion. That worker was traveling to her job a distance of 12 miles every day for the last twelve years and she was beginning to develop frustrations about the employers and her job. However, she could not afford to just quit. She watched the classifieds of local newspapers and lodged her resumes with dozens of recruiters. She knew there were some companies closer to home, but she had been told that there were no vacancies that matched her job profile.

On a Sunday Mass at the local Church she bumped into her childhood friend. Sometime after a friendly exchange, the conversation tuned to her job situation. It turned out that her friend was working in one of those companies and she knew of one vacancy where she could fit in. What followed next is not of importance but this lady got a job at the company where she wanted to work.

In this day and age, savvy career networking is a must. By growing your network, you will have not only expanded your circle of friends but also work acquaintances who may be able to help you open new doors when you finally decide to change jobs or careers.

Tony Jacowski is a quality analyst for The MBA Journal. Aveta Solutions – Six Sigma Online ( http://www.sixsigmaonline.org ) offers online six sigma training and certification classes for lean six sigma, black belts, green belts, and yellow belts.

Telecommuting Info Or Intox

Writen by Gamra Zenaidi

New Information and Communication Technologies (NICT) continue to influence our lives on the professional, economic, social and family levels. As a consequence, we are faced with new values, new relations and new behaviours which we have to adopt or to adapt to.

One of the innovations brought by these technologies -and in front of which we are still perplexed and hesitant- is telecommuting or distance work which is presented as a means to reduce costs and to increase productivity.

The fundamental characteristics of telecommuting are:
a- The place of work is no longer the same, it is distance work.
b- There is a new form of organization of work.
c- The interactions between the employee and the employer are achieved primarily thanks to the means of telecommunications.

All experiments in this field show that telecommuting has many advantages and opens new prospects for a better productivity, a better life for the individual and the family. Yet, experts point out that there are still a few drawbacks.

I- Advantages:

a- Advantages from the point of view of the telecommuter:

 decrease of stress and increase of effectiveness.

 better integration of family life and professional life: telecommuters can better reconcile employment and family life.

 fewer absences due to family urgencies, mainly for telecommuters with children.

 reduction of the time wasted in transportation especially in public means of transport. Employees have much more spare time which they could devote to para professional activities (training, studies...) or to valorising leisure activities.

 decrease of the expenses related to transport, clothing and meals taken outside, thus improvement of the purchasing power and the standard of life.

 increase of autonomy and responsibility.

b- Advantages from the point of view of the employer:

 increase of productivity.

 possibility of recruitment of high quality employees.

 reduction of space costs.

 reduction of costs related to absences and delays.

c- Advantages from the point of view of the community:

 decrease of unemployment rates in less industrialized areas through maintaining people in their regions.

 reduction of pollution due to road traffic.

 reduction of traffic jam and road accidents.

 increase of population stability.

 reduction of costs of stress-related diseases.

II- Disadvantages:

a- Disadvantages from the point of view of the telecommuter:

 possibility of exposure to loneliness.

 fear of being cut from professional environment (office, colleagues…)

 difficulty of reconciling family life and professional life for those who do not know how to organize and manage their work well.

 difficulty in managing time for those who are not well-organized.

 possibility of negative effects on the career: slowness of promotion, likeliness to be forgotten, neglected…

 fear of female agents of telecommuting as a means which might accentuate or revive career disparity with their male colleagues.

b- Disadvantages from the point of view of the employer:

 fear of an excessive independence or loss of control of agents.

 fear of the changes resulting from the passage to telecommuting: need for changing all work methods and communication with the personnel and the users.

 fear of novelty and its probable results in general.

III- Profile of a good telecommuter:

The personality of the candidate is determining. A good telecommuter is independent and autonomous ; he/ she works with clear objectives and with little supervision. He/ She shows proof of responsibility, reliability, self-discipline and respect of priorities and deadlines. He/ She generally does not have a direct relationship with the management of human resources or he/ she is able to manage them remotely.

To be able to succeed in his/ her work effectively, a telecommuter needs the support of his/ her employer, to remain in contact with his/ her company or administration and to pursue the goals which are allotted to him/ her by regularly communicating information on the evolution of his/ her own work and that of his/ her collaborators.

IV- Conclusion:

The possibilities offered by the NICT in the domain of telecommuting, teletraining and teleconferencing are enormous. Consequently, reflecting seriously on this new flexible method of work is essential in an era where the technological know-how is in constant evolution and where competitiveness has become more merciless than ever.

In the developing countries, it is high time that mentalities evolve and open on the experiences achieved in the domain of telecommuting and teletraining in the developed countries. Governments are called to combat reactionary tendencies which are opposed systematically to progress and which prevent the others from advancing in this way. They ought to sensitize and to encourage employers to take measures towards the implementation of telecommuting.

High School English Teacher, ICT Trainer, Collaborative Projects Coordinator.

Corporate Career Development Networking

Writen by Jeanie Marshall

As a natural part of my empowerment consulting practice, I often find myself in discussions with my clients about their jobs and careers. Sometimes we talk about new jobs or job opportunities; sometimes we talk about promotions; sometimes we talk about careers over the long-term.

These are all very different types of conversations. Most of my clients who are in corporations are mid-level to senior-level managers, who are competent and have already proven their value to the company. I also work with clients who are outside the corporate structure or are consultants to corporations, with whom career development conversations are different.

It is common for people to want to have a career development plan. Many think that those successful individuals who have preceded them in the corporation had a plan to get where they got. Some did, but quite honestly, it is easier for them to claim that they had a plan with the benefit of hindsight and success than to produce the plan they wrote years before.

There is a whole field of professionals who offer career development resources and consulting. I think their services can be extremely valuable, especially when moving from one company to another. I am more familiar with helping people to advance and develop careers within the same company, as an integral part of my consultations. And so, that is my focus in this article.

In these client conversations about career development within the same company, I usually fairly quickly replace the concept of a "career development plan" with a "career networking plan" or a "career development networking plan."

I've been working with a client who has been kicking and screaming about the idea of networking. She has been doing excellent work and feels she should be promoted based on her work. In one way, she's absolutely correct. However, at her level in the organization, not only are there fewer openings, but a group of disparate persons with their own agendas usually decides about promotions and job changes.

When multiple persons with all different needs are involved in such a decision, there must be agreement that she is the one to promote or accept or move. Such a scenario usually requires more than doing the requisite job skills well. In most cases, the "more" comes down to ongoing activities she must be engaged in: networking and building authentic relationships.

I want to be clear, when I speak about career development networking, I do not mean to start networking to get a job that is now in the interview stage; my view is that this narrow type of networking is more appropriately called "lobbying." Instead, I am speaking about networking over the years — building relationships that are two-way, developing collaborative partnerships, feeling appreciation about interactions, expressing sincere congratulations when others are promoted, and engaging in conversations about a variety of topics.

When many individuals are all well-qualified for a job, something "more" must stand out in the final candidate. This "more" may be related to job accomplishments, but likely, the "more" is related to relationships — perhaps the one who is best known, or the one who is most liked, or the one who has consistently good interactions with others.

The candidate who is well-networked is likely to increase the chances that all the decision-makers will agree, "this is the one." There might sometimes be a thrill about a hotly contested position, but all things considered, the best transitions take place when there's general agreement to select the final candidate.

Career Development Networking — a Starting Plan

First of all, it's important that you think of networking as two-way! This is essential. The word "networking" has become rather polluted by the way some persons are using this word. Use the word however you want, but please understand that here I am using it to mean an exchange. Be pragmatic, of course, but understand that you are only "networked" if a two-way connection is happening. This is absolutely essential to understand, if you want to make this an empowering practice.

In my empowerment consulting sessions, I'm often coaching clients about the best persons to network with, the subjects to speak about, and how to speak about the subjects. Those who are a little shy or reticent about speaking with someone at much higher levels sometimes just need this added encouragement to take the step to network.

Many successful people already understand the need to network within their company. They probably don't need a plan. Some jobs require that individuals know, interact, and partner with others in the company, and so they are usually well-networked naturally. If the company is large, though, there are many persons outside the scope of the current job who are potentials for expanding a network.

Here is a simple approach to getting started. Make two lists of persons in your company. The first is a list of the persons you already know and like. The second is a list of the persons you believe can, at some time, help you in your career — you may already know them or not. It is o.k. to have the same person on both lists; in fact, this strategy depends on that!

The intersecting subset of those two lists is the starting place. In other words, start your networking plan with the persons you like, whom you think can help you in your career. You will have more success by starting where it is easiest. Keep your lists updated over time, so that this is an organic process.

The next step is to decide, person by person, how and how often to network. Again, start where it is easiest. If you have regular meetings with someone on your target list, sit near the person, or suggest that you have lunch afterward, or take an interesting article to give to the person. If you consider you are already actively networking with this person, you may not need to adjust any actions. Just be certain to keep the person on your radar screen.

For best results, keep a journal of your networking. In your journal or on your calendar, make a notation for yourself for your next contact. By all means, do not over-commit yourself to starting to build too many new relationships at the same time. As a relationship is in the stage where either you and the other person are at ease to "call anytime," you have built a relationship, so continuing it is easier.

Networking is as simple as such examples as I've just given; a networking plan is also simple. It just requires some, ummmm, planning and paying attention.

Copyright © 2006 Marshall House Jeanie Marshall, Empowerment Consultant and Coach with Marshall House, produces Guided Meditations on CD albums and MP3 downloads and writes extensively on subjects related to personal development and empowerment. Voice of Jeanie Marshall, http://www.jmvoice.com

Hit Your Target Market With A Well Cooked Cross Promotion Utilising Your Business Networks

Writen by Ben Angel

Our society has never been so well connected, so why is it that business owners all around the world still can't seem to get to their target markets faster?

With the "IT" landscape continuously changing, working out ways to take advantage of all of this new technology has never been so time consuming.

However, business owners and companies have never been in such a prime position to utilise their business connections to reach their target markets easier.

But how do you utilise your business networks to access more customers faster, reduce your marketing costs and create mass awareness in a relatively short amount of time.

IT Based Cross Promotional Strategies

Think for a moment, are there business owners out there that would like access to your existing client base?

Of course there are, there are 1000's of businesses that would love to have that privilege. And alternatively are there businesses out there that you would like to access their target markets?

Goes without saying!

So what are you going to need to ensure you create a recipe for success for your IT based cross promotional strategy…

1 X Website

Access to email

Solid online strategy that has large emphasis on collecting individuals emails, names and phone numbers

Special offer/free gift that is time and quantity limited with a strong call to action (your offer/gift will be designed to help you convert clients)

A business/businesses that share your same target market and you both offer complimentary services to each other (In other words don't approach your competitors unless you're looking for a knuckle sandwich!!!)

Most of these ingredients are readily available online or at business networking events. Ensure you collect all of the above; miss out on one of the ingredients and your sure to come up with a half baked strategy. (Pun intended)

How does it work?

Step 1. Create a landing page on your website that has your special offer/free gift featured and only certain individuals with the required url address can access it. (You will forward this url address on via email)

Step 2. Take your special offer to another business and ask them if they would like to give their existing clients free gifts from your business, in exchange do they have free gifts they would like to give to your existing clients. (Only approach business owners you already know and have a solid relationship with, this strategy is based on trust more than anything)

Step 3. Create an email with your special offer/free gift that your fellow business owner can forward on to his existing database with ease or they can simply add a section to their next newsletter they send out. (The unique url will be placed within the email your business colleague forwards on to send your prospects to your special offer/free gift page)

Step 4. Do the same for your business colleague to your own database and guide them through the same process as mentioned above.

A few things you will need to consider for your strategy to work:

-Is your free offer compelling enough for individuals to hand over their contact details?

-Is it of add value to your business colleagues clients? If not, they won't even consider forwarding it on, on your behalf.

-Do you have the best intentions? Those who go into this strategy looking to create a solid win/win will always come up trumps.

-Is your promotional offer well written, if you can't write to save your life, pay a professional copy writer to do the job for you.

There you have it, one recipe for an IT based cross promotional strategy. It can serve you anywhere from 1 – 1000's of prospective customers. Preparation time includes researching your target market, fellow business owners target market and coming up with a strategy that you will both benefit from greatly.

Remember to test and measure each cross promotional strategy you utilise and refine each time, like any marketing strategy it can take quite a few goes to get it right.

Ben Angel is the Director and Founder of Nationwide Networking a business networking group that meets monthly to share referrals, knowledge, gain business advice from keynote speakers and work together to proactively help each other grow their businesses. By attending, you are taking a positive step towards making your business more profitable and easier to run. Our monthly networking events combine facillitated networking activities to connect you with high quality business connections as well as a live interview with high profile business professionals to give you immediate access to the best business advice available. Past guests have included, James Tuckerman - Australian Anthill Magazine, Sam McConnell - Marketing Magazine, Diana Williams - Fernwood Fitness and Greg Hocking - Hocking Stuart Real Estate. http://www.nationwidenetworking.com

How To Collect Business Cards

Writen by Bette Daoust, Ph.D.

Why the business card grab is not why you are there? So how do you obtain the card and show interest that gains confidence?

One of the things I am also always asked is, "How do you collect cards?" and "What do you do with them when you get them back to the office?" What really happens when you collect business cards? Often they get put into a pocket with many others. Have you ever collected cards to later find out that you have no idea who the person was? This happens all the time. It is probably better to pick a few good leads rather than collect everything (sometimes that is difficult to do if people trade cards with you). Choose one pocket for the timely leads and carry post it notes to add information.

It is quite easy to cull the cads as you gather them. First, I only collect cards from people that I can either do business with, form an alliance with, or simply become a referral for them. Sounds easy, but the trick is to be able to ferret out who these people are. I also take notes on the back of the card or on a pad of sticky notes and attach it to the card so that I do not forget who they are and what services they provide. I even try to put faces to the cards by describing them on the sticky notes. These people will be amazed that you can remember them the next time you meet and they will then want to talk to you.

Some people look at their stack of cards the next day, or two days later is even worse, and they are bewildered: they can't remember who was who. Cards with simply black and white designs can look very alike; it is very important that you try to differentiate the cards you collect. Do this by writing on the back with a Y or N or M for Yes, No, Maybe significance. I then keep my cards in a zip lock bag for each type of card. It makes it easier to follow up. I also make note of the event we attended so as to keep a record of what we were there for. It also helps me to keep track of where the best events for attracting business are. If you are starting out cold, then keeping records will be very important - just remember not to collect every card on the floor.

Bette Daoust, Ph.D. has been networking with others since leaving high school years ago. Realizing that no one really cared about what she did in life unless she had someone to tell and excite. She decided to find the best ways to get people's attention, be creative in how she presented herself and products, getting people to know who she was, and being visible all the time. Her friends and colleagues have often dubbed her the "Networking Queen". Blueprint for Networking Success: 150 ways to promote yourself is the first in this series. Blueprint for Branding Yourself: Another 150 ways to promote yourself is planned for release in 2005. For more information visit http://BlueprintBooks.com/

Is Word Of Mouth Advertising Fantasy Land

Writen by Lance Winslow

Some marketing consultants and authors of marketing books actually believe that word of mouth advertising is Fantasy Land? Isn't that interesting indeed. So one could ask themselves why these marketing gurus and self-proclaimed wondermen or girlie men think this.

Well I have wondered why on Earth anyone could come to that conclusion; and I have determined and am under the opinion that they have never actually marketed a real business in their life; well except the marketing business tapes, seminars and books that they peddle. Is word of mouth advertising really fantasy land?

More than one marketing consultant has publicly stated this in his ignorance (opinion), but maybe they just do this because they want you to believe in their marketing and advertising schemes and want you to purchase their books. But indeed if their books were any good they would in fact tell you how to increase word of mouth in your business and then you might tell another friend to buy their books to learn how? Since they do not generally do this it is obvious we have two competing theories here.

Now then should you buy a marketing book from a gentleman who has only been able to write and sell books? Are you in the business of selling books? Most likely not, as your business sells some other product or service; therefore if you take advice from someone who has only been able to market one thing in their life, which in no way pertains to your business then no wonder your business is struggling. We all know word of mouth is the best way to grow a business; do not listen to anyone who tells you other wise.

Lance Winslow

Small File Box With Resumes To Help Customers

Writen by Lance Winslow

I bet you have not thought about it much, but there are many ways you can help your customers in their daily lives. If you have a customer who just got laid off from their job, tell them you will be glad to take a few of their resumes and put them in a file box and when Corporate Executives come into the store you will be sure to put a good word in for them. Many years ago I use to drive from company to company to wash cars. Sometimes companies were hiring and sometimes laying off or closing. It was easy to put a small box behind the seat of my work truck and sense most of those who gave me their resumes were customers. I helped them and maintained a customer, because once they got a new job they could resume my mobile car wash services. It sure made people happy. I use to laugh at that, but I placed so many people over the years in jobs and they were so grateful they always referred so many new customers to me. As business owners we know thousands of people and we understand networking, use this skill to keep your customers gainfully employed so they can continue to patronize you. When you see someone out looking for a job, get their resume and keep it in a small file box behind your seat. Label ten folders with categories such as:

Clerical

Computers

Sales

Engineers

Management

Medical

Legal

Labor

Construction

Etc.

When you see a Human Resources person, take out the box and ask her if she would like to copy any of these resumes, ask her which categories and positions they are looking for put that information on the box lid on a 3 X 5 index card with their name and phone number. They'll be impressed and want to become a permanent customer of you business because you are showing an interest in their company. This is also the easiest way to sign up a corporate account. The Human Resources person is the one who can give you the green light. You are also cutting down on the unemployment line. Good job. Think about this idea, it works.

Lance Winslow

Measuring Value For A Networking Group

Writen by Bette Daoust, Ph.D.

How do you measure a group's worth to your organization?

It is sometimes necessary to measure the value of a group. You may be asking yourself why you would want to measure the value of a group whose purpose is business. You would want to measure the price of membership vs. the business you will get out of the group through either referrals or direct business with members. There are several ways that the measurement can be taken. First, you will need to assess the current membership. You should develop a scale of 1 to 10 and give each member a rating based on a set of predefined criteria. What criteria should you use? That will depend entirely on your goals for belonging to the group. For example, if you are selling services for repairing computers, you may rate members by the number of computers they have at the workplace, and you may also add a factor for who they are currently using on the servicing side. It is best to define at least 3 criteria for a sampling of the members. You will not want to measure every member, but a small cross-section will do. Second, you should measure the amount of business each member (or a sample of members) has received by joining the group. You may also want to know how much business they do with other group members as well.

Once you have the measurements, these same criteria should be applied to each of the groups you are interested in. Next you will want to do a comparison of the groups and then make your selection based on facts rather than emotion.

Now that you have thought out and used a measurement tool for deciding the value of a group, you will want to test as many groups as possible. You may decide to join only those groups that measure in the top 20% of your scale. One thing you may want to consider is the time and place of the meeting. Your calendar must be open and flexible enough to deal with attendance requirements.

Bette Daoust, Ph.D. has been networking with others since leaving high school years ago. Realizing that no one really cared about what she did in life unless she had someone to tell and excite. She decided to find the best ways to get people's attention, be creative in how she presented herself and products, getting people to know who she was, and being visible all the time. Her friends and colleagues have often dubbed her the "Networking Queen". Blueprint for Networking Success: 150 ways to promote yourself is the first in this series. Blueprint for Branding Yourself: Another 150 ways to promote yourself is planned for release in 2005. For more information visit http://www.BlueprintBooks.com

How To Shmooze

Writen by Mark Meshulam

Definition: talk idly or casually in a friendly way
Value: priceless

Gearheads like me have trouble understanding that great ideas and hard work aren't enough... you gotta shmooze too. Every day we deal with peculiar life forms called "humans", and they have needs beyond the performance of tasks. They like to connect on a human level, too.

Even non-gearheads need this reminder. Sometimes they are trying so hard to get the job done, or are just uncertain and uncomfortable, that they forget to blend this critical element into their work.

Have you ever been frustrated seeing a back-slapping moron doing very well in business, while you, the much more capable one, are struggling? Then these ideas are for you. When working with customers, vendors or co-workers, try this:

1. Don't start by diving into the task. Spend a couple sentences warming up first. A simple "How was your weekend?" followed by listening to the answer, will start the interaction on a human level.

2. When you listen, listen also for the emotional tone of the response and respond to it. Example: if the person is harried, consider saying, "Hey, you look like you are under a lot of pressure right now... what can I do to help?" And mean it. And try to help.

3. Sprinkle the person's name into your conversation once or twice. People pay more attention when they hear their name. And it brings you closer to her.

4. Smile and relax. Putting yourself in a good, balanced attitude will help her get there too.

5. Don't take yourself too seriously. Recognize that we are all imperfect and struggling. Share a bit of your struggle and recognize theirs. Example: "Wow, I tried so hard to get this done, but it was really tough. I know you must be having a hard time with your part of it, too. "

5. Create alliances as opposed to adversity. In business we are constantly trying to get someone else to do what we want them to do. Frame your request against a backdrop of mutual benefit. Instead of, "I need this...", try "In order for us to reach our goal, I can accomplish this if you can do that."

6. Observe people you consider to be good shmoozers. Note what behaviors are effective and try to add them to your skill set. The art here is to still be yourself at the same time. Think of it as an adjustment to your approach rather than a complete redo. If you have been a vocal non-golfer, don't suddenly morph into Tiger Woods overnight and expect to be taken seriously.

7. Try to gain a clear vision of the difference between who you are, and what you do. The former is called personality, the latter is called behavior. Personality is very close to your core. Behavior is actions which you undertake. Developing shmoozing skills involves experimentation with your behavior.

But the real beauty of working on your shmoozing is that the positive responses you will get from others will, in turn, be gratifying to you. And this response will make you happier and more successful, which in turn will go right to your core.

What started out as developing a business skill has a real chance of actually enhancing your life. Is there a reason to wait?

Copyright 2005 Mark Meshulam

Mark Meshulam offers: hotkey screen grabs and keyboard shortcuts, email ticker reminder system, send large files with FTP using download links.