10 Biggest Mistakes Professionals And Entrepreneurs Make When Networking And How To Avoid Them

Writen by Alexander Alperovich

One of the reasons that entrepreneurs avoid networking is because they don't know the 'secret' steps to make networking valuable and profitable.

The truth is few of us truly understand the full power of building a $1,000,000+ network until we're already several years into a business. Most of us know that we have to get out and meet some people in order to get the word out about our business, but we don't necessarily know how.

If you are not naturally outgoing or comfortable with networking, you may find yourself shying away from attending meetings and events once you have a few clients under your belt.

Or maybe you continue to attend the meetings you've always attended even though they aren't netting you any new business. You know the people, and you're comfortable with them. It's no longer something you dread doing. Instead, you even look forward to catching up with those people you haven't seen since the last monthly meeting.

Wait a minute. This sounds more like socializing, not networking. That's the catch. Something that's supposed to be networking can easily turn into socializing or schmoozing, depending on the attitude you have towards the event.

1. Using networking to try to sell something during a first meeting. This is a short-term sales focus. Instead, it's best to develop an effective plan with my "PAR" Philosophy of Networking, which has a long-term focus on building a $1,000,000 network.

2. Networking in the wrong places.

3. Networking with the wrong people.

4. Viewing networking as socializing or schmoozing instead of making the effort to improve your networking skills.

5. Describing the elements of your business versus focusing on the benefits of the solutions you provide for your customers' problems.

6. Not nurturing your $1,000,000 network by staying in touch, or not responding to requests in a timely manner.

7. Staying in your comfort zone by networking only with people you know and not asking for referrals to others.

8. Attending networking events unprepared.

9. Focusing on yourself and the impression you're making versus focusing on learning more about the people you speak with.

10. Letting your $1,000,000 network database get out of date.

So let's talk about how to approach networking in order to maximize its potential for helping you develop a $1,000,000 network.

Networking is a process of trial and error. There is an infinite number of ways in which you could approach the art of networking.

The best networking begins with planning and taking action. Being strategic in your planning is important to your ultimate success as an effective, caring networker.

If you are interested in sharing your networking success stories or interested to receive more chapters from my ebook "Succeeding in America", drop me a note to Succeed@ImmigrantSuccessNetwork.com I would be would be an honor to interview you. Your networking story could be the subject of one of my articles or my future book. Looking forward to hearing from you. Your in your success in building your network.

© 2006 – Alexander "The Great" Alperovich is the author of ebook: "Succeeding in America" and co-author of the Bestseller book series "Wake Up - Live The live You Live, Finding Personal Freedom." He is also the Founder & CEO of the Focus On You, http://www.BrainstormingPartner.com and Immigrant Success Network, http://www.ImmigrantSuccessNetwork.com.

Attending Special Events Will Increase Your Exposure

Writen by Bette Daoust, Ph.D.

If an event falls into the area that is part of your expertise, find a way to attend and learn from others. Every time you attend an event, you should be able to come back with information that you can use for your own business. If you go through the display booths, you can pick up good information about what others are doing in the marketplace. It is also a good forum for developing new business relationships. This is much easier if you are simply a participant at the event. If you have a table, you will be more restricted in movement. People that drop by your table will have an interest in what you do but most often these events only provide you with exposure. I tend to let others display and wander around the room. This gives me additional information and ideas. While attending a special event, it will pay to mingle with other attendees and listen to what they have to say. You will gain more insight as to what the crowd is looking for. If you decide that you want to speak at this event the following year, you will have some insights about what they thought was good and also what they thought was useless. Go to these events with an open mind and learn as much as you can. Do not go with the thought in mind that you have to go because it might be good for business. Turn up your enthusiasm and get the most out of it. These special events are tools that help you towards being more successful.

Listening to what others have to say will help you to understand the audience. If you are lucky enough to be one of the speakers, you will be able to adapt your speech to fit the audience. I have been in the situation where my speech was out of the ordinary and I thought it was going to be a big bomb. When I walked around the room, I found that most people were looking forward to a change of topic. I had one of the biggest audiences in my break-out room; in fact they were spilling into the hallway.

Bette Daoust, Ph.D. is a speaker, author (over 170 books, articles, and publications), and consultant. She has provided marketing, sales, business development and training expertise for companies such as Peet's Coffee & Tea, Varian Medical Systems, Accenture, Avaya, Cisco Systems to name a few. Dr. Daoust has also done extensive work with small businesses in developing their marketing, training, and operational plans. You may contact Dr. Daoust at http://BizMechanix.com. You may also view her latest publications at http://BlueprintBooks.com. Dr. Daoust also writes for the National Networker http://theNationalNetworker.com.

Discover Your Own Source Of Business Leads

Writen by David Saunders

Generating new business leads is critical in your success, no matter what business you're in. Being aware of certain principals can help you increase your business leads list and generate an explosion of sales.

Never overlook the fact that the average person knows about 250 people. That includes you. Those are business leads, for you but each person is also a source of about 250 additonal business leads. Have you worked through your 63,500 business leads already? There're waiting to hear from you!

Following this concept, the more new people you meet the more sources of business leads you will find. I think these are always the best sources of leads, because you have an opportunity to get to know someone so they can know, like and trust you. The very best business lead is the one you are introduced to.

So how can you meet new people? Here are some suggestions for finding new sources of business leads.

Toastmasters -- This is not only a great organization to help you develop your skills as a speaker (you do speak, don't you?), but this is also the ultimate networking club for generating business leads.

Community Clubs -- If you have a hobby, chances are there is a club for it. Find one and join it. Become a member. If you just show up to hunt down business leads you will find yourself not getting the golden referrals. It's your hobby so enjoy it too.

School -- Do you have children or are you a student? Teachers and other parents know people too. Your link to a school can be one of the largest sources of business leads anyone could ever dream of.

Existing Business Leads -- Just because a business lead you have isn't looking for what you have to offer right now, doesn't mean that they don't know someone who is. Always ask your existing leads for business leads.

Family -- If you have something to offer that people want, aren't the members of your family potential besiness leads? Remember, each of them knows a potential of 250 business leads as well.

Friends -- I see so many sales professionals neglect the fact that their friends are business leads, or at least a source of them. If you have a friend, ask them for a lead. They know, like and trust you, I hope. Ask them to introduce you to a business lead.

Existing customers -- A satisfied customer is a gold mine for new business leads. Why? Because they're satisfied! Get a written testimonial if you can and use it to attract business from new business leads.

Internet -- Do you know how to generate your own leads through the Internet? The resources on the left side of this page can help you learn how to create web pages where business leads find you!

Your car -- Get a window decal for your business. Some of your best customers just happened to be at the same store where you parked one day...when you didn't have a window decal!

Those are just some ideas and I know there are many more. Before you pay for business leads, don't forget to look in your own backyard.

Dave Saunders is a business consultant and published author. If you would like to read about additional ideas for generating business leads, the original and expanded article can be found here. http://www.endless-abundance.net/articles/business-leads.php For additional information on business coaching, or if you would like to know more about an emerging trillion dollar industry visit this address to request free information. http://www.endless-abundance.net/gk

Features You Need To See In A Topquality Online Networking Web Site

Writen by Geoffrey Ponder

Many people who take Business Network seriously insist that personal interaction is crucial. Others consider online networking to be a valid alternative.

The people who prefer direct face-to-face interaction surely have their case made. How can you expect to learn much about a person, and about the personality, from exchanging emails?

Although I take part in both types of Networking, I tend to prefer Online Networking, mainly because it suits my character and way or working more. However in order to network effectively online you need a good web site to facilitate this. What features are necessary in such a web site?

Firstly there should be a way of learning more about each member of the Networking group. This information could be held in a variety of forms, for instance in a database or even as spreadsheet entries. It is more useful if the information is in a less structured form, as a profile which the individual can fill in as she feels is appropriate.

Usually there will be contact information; a summary of the person's character and achievements; accompanied by a brief description of the person's business.

It is all very well having profiles for each member of the group. However there also needs to be a way of finding the profile of particular members. For instance, you might already know of a member's name and want to learn more about that person.

Alternatively you might want to access a list of members who share a particular characteristic; for instance, the type of business they work in, the locations of where they live and work, or a specific personal interest.

Although being able to access information about other members is probably the most important function of an online networking site, other functions can be valuable as well. We'll consider just a few of these now.

As very few people will want to confine their networking completely to online, it is helpful to have an updated list of networking events taking place in your area. These will give you the opportunity to actually meet some of the people who you had previously only known through their online profile.

You probably want other members to know more about you. The usual way of doing this is to encourage people to check out your web site. An alternative way is to write Blogs in which you can offer useful information and advice while at the same time discreetly promoting your business. This promotion can be simply done by putting relevant details in the signature at the end of the Blog.

Or there can be opportunities to directly plug your business in a marketplace-like location. This can be compared to the newsletters or magazines of professional organizations which have relevant articles, as well as advertisements directly promoting products and services associated with an individual member.

Here I have touched on just a few of the useful features that any quality Online Networking web site should make available. It is worth spending the time investigating the range of features on offer, and deciding which are potentially the most useful to you and your business.

*******************************
Geoffrey Ponder is an experienced technical writer with extensive experience of producing documentation for Investment Banks.

His web site, http://www.Networking-Knowledge.com aims to help any business person improve the way he/she networks, so that increased business success results.

Particular attention is given to Online Networking, as Geoffrey is convinced that this will become a standard way for business people to interact with each other on a world-wide basis.

Networking For Prospects Building Relationships One At A Time

Writen by Larry Baltz

A drink in one hand and a stack of business cards in the other. Yippee, you're on your way to networking success.

Is that really all it takes? If you listen to some of the so-called experts, yes. They think handing out your business card to everyone you meet is your most important networking tool. What a shame. And pity the poor fools who believe that.

Networking isn't a numbers game – a contest to see who gives away the biggest stack of cards. Networking in its purest form is a system for sharing information among individuals having a common interest. The key components are "sharing" and "common interest". Everyone involved is interested in a similar outcome – generating new prospects.

Networking success won't happen for you unless you have a give-and-take attitude. You have a responsibility to talk with the people you meet and make yourself available to them, just as much as you have personally to gather information from them. Certainly you can hope each is a prospect but treat them like a person, with courtesy and respect.

Follow these simple steps and the networking process will be an effective strategy for you.

1. Know Your Value

This is critical for any marketing activity, especially for networking. You have about 8-10 seconds to make an impression. You must, without hesitation, know how you add value and be able to clearly communicate it. No one will care what you do if they don't know how you can help them. A roomful of hungry prospects are only valuable if you can simply and plainly express your value.

2. Learn and Practice the Art of Listening

Networking events are demanding because most of us attempt to meet a large number people in a limited amount of time. We want to rapid-fire our introduction and elevator speech and then move on to the next person. That's not effective networking. You will only get results when you take the time to listen to an individual, learning a bit about her and showing genuine interest in what she has to say. Great networkers are great listeners first.

3. Understand Networking is Not a Sales Pitch

Networking is only a first step in the marketing process. Is a sales pitch an appropriate step before you get to know someone? Of course not, and yet it happens over and over again at networking events. Your goal should be to build a relationship with a prospect and networking events can be a valuable vehicle to jumpstart that process.

4. Master the Business Card Exchange

Passing out your business card to everyone you meet isn't an effective strategy. More importantly, focus on gathering cards from those you have met. When you have their contact information, you now are in control of the follow-up phase. If your only interest is in handing out cards, the relationships can only be continued and strengthened if they choose to follow-up with you.

5. Dedicate Yourself to Timely and Consistent Follow-up

Once you have their cards, determine who the key prospects are for you. Let's face it, your time is limited. Only follow-up with those you can stay in touch with on a regular and consistent basis. As soon as possible after the event, make initial contact with them. The opportunity to build a relationship will grow cold quickly and you can easily lose the momentum gained at the networking event.

Networking can be a demanding and time-consuming process. But if you follow a few simple guidelines, it can also produce a rewarding and prospect-building outcome.

Larry Baltz runs a company called More Sales – More Profits. He works with small business owners who want to get more clients and sell more products and services. Larry is a Certified Guerrilla Marketing Coach and small business marketing expert. For his free report, "Knock-Their-Socks-Off" Promotion and Marketing, go to http://www.moresales-moreprofits.com for your copy.

Contacts Or Contracts

Writen by Bette Daoust, Ph.D.

My advice is to go for the contacts and nurture the relationships then go for the contracts. The reason is that a contract is usually a one time shot and even if you do an excellent job, you have not taken time to create a business relationship. In this manner once the contract is over, it is literally over. If on the other hand, you take the time to form a business relationship and then get the contract, when the contract is over, you still have the relationship. This in turn can lead to further contracts, especially if they are pleased with the results the first time around. Relationships are the key to success in any business venture. You do not find the Japanese doing business with strangers. They take time to get to know you and then give you small projects to test your expertise. If you want to succeed, do it the Japanese way.

You should also apply this same technique when forming your Power Team. Form that business relationship and then do small projects together. This will give you insight on how well you work together and of the quality of work. It is at that point you can make your final decision to go with this person on the Team. I have tried a couple of Team members in my group from time to time and even though we worked well together, the other person was always too busy to work with us. This person was an absolute genius with the web but he was also in great demand. Even though he was ideal, we decided that some availability was also important.

Bette Daoust, Ph.D. is a speaker, author (over 170 books, articles, and publications), and consultant. She has provided marketing, sales, business development and training expertise for companies such as Peet's Coffee & Tea, Varian Medical Systems, Accenture, Avaya, Cisco Systems to name a few. Dr. Daoust has also done extensive work with small businesses in developing their marketing, training, and operational plans. You may contact Dr. Daoust at http://BizMechanix.com You may also view her latest publications at http://BlueprintBooks.com Dr. Daoust also writes for the National Networker http://theNationalNetworker.com

What To Wear To A Corporate Party

Writen by Martin Lucchi

Casual Fridays have created a certain crisis in the work force; how do you dress casual and still come off as a professional? This crisis is even more evident at the office party, where anything goes, and you have minimal time to change. What limits need to be enforced is up to debate, but a few basic concerns need to be addressed.

A good place to start is to keep your clothes to a PG-rating. For most items of clothing, this isn't usually a problem; shoes, pants, jackets, even scarves are usually G-rated. However, shirts and skirts are the big offenders. Skirts usually become an issue because they can show more than you want; just remember to keep the skirt within a hand's width of the knee, and definitely avoid slits, and those issues should be easy to avoid.

Shirts are an interesting issue on a lot of levels. T-shirts should be avoided at all costs, especially if they have something clever on them; your shirt should never appear smarter than you are. It is acceptable to wear a T-shirt under a button up shirt, open or otherwise, but a plain one is always best. Try to avoid open-chest shirts; quite frankly, even the most attractive chest will turn people off if exposed. Try to avoid tight shirts; this is more of a comfort factor than aesthetic.

Bras should always be worn to parties; they just tend to make the woman look more attractive. However, the bra does best if it's invisible, just like any other item of underwear. That last applies to men as well; visible panty lines are never attractive. Pants should be loose; again, it's more comfort than aesthetic. How can you dance in tight pants?

The biggest issue most people have with dressing up is basic coordination. Some colors (such as blue and yellow) tend to go together rather well, whereas others (blue and red) tend to create headaches when placed together. Others (such as blue and green) are attractive together, and others (blue and orange) should never be seen together. Patterns should be the same type, and the difference between them should be obvious; at the same time, a pattern with a solid is an excellent combination. Hawaiian prints are always fun, as are any outfits from different countries. The key is to have fun, but to not to the point that someone forms the fashion police specifically to deal with your outfit.

The key is to make a big splash, but not big enough that you are the only center of attention. The ideal outfit is one that allows you to make a big entrance and the fade into the background. It may sound contradictory, but you don't want anyone to know exactly when you left. It not only makes you look suspicious when the police start asking for alibis, but an air of mystery should be created.

What you wear defines you in the eyes of those around you; bear that in mind when you dress and you should do fine.

Martin Lucchi is a Web Developer for Eclipse Leisure, a British company that organizes hen weekends, stag nights, Corporate Events and corporate Christmas parties for the UK and Europe.

8 Techniques To Guarantee Maximum Success At Business Functions

Writen by Liz Pabon

In today's competitive climate, the adage, "It's not what you know but who you know" couldn't be truer. It's the "who you know" that leads to a new client, funding, great travel accommodations, etc.

There are some that say networking is simply talking to people while handing out a business card. I'm here to tell you that this is not effective networking.

Given today's highly competitive and in some cases, saturated markets, networking is a tool that helps us cultivate new relationships without spending a lot of money. It's one of the most cost effective marketing tactics available in business!

Networking is the process of developing and maintaining quality relationships that enrich your life and empower you to achieve your goals.

It's the cultivation of win-win relationships that are mutually beneficial.

If you are not networking (nurturing relationships and making connections) you are NOT working.

Successful networkers understand that there are key principles to follow to ensure success at business functions. Here are the top eight:

1. Adjust your attitude. Your objective is to work and build your network. If you're having an especially taxing day, get "into character."

Use a technique that skilled actors use (no matter how they personally feel) to alter their mood called Emotional Memory. Here's how it works, when you're meeting people for the first time you're essentially in "selling" mode and must present yourself as favorably as possible. Right before a scene, actors often visualize a pleasant experience.

Before you attend a business function, particularly if you're having an especially challenging day, close your eyes and recall how good you felt during a special experience (it can be a personal or professional experience). When you open your eyes, forge ahead with the same good feeling and see how quickly you get into character.

2. Work the crowd. Step out of your comfort zone. Don't just talk with people you already know, make it your goal to talk with new people at every chance.

While it may seem easier to immediately look for someone you know, remember that your time is valuable and your objective at business functions is to make new connections.

That does not mean that you avoid people you've already met. It does however mean that you spend the majority of your time introducing yourself (yes, that's right) to people that you don't already know.

At business functions, think of your time as an expense line on your budget – this is aside from any monetary cost involved in the business function itself. I'm talking about YOUR time.

When we consider that our time has a price tag associated with it, making it a point to work a room and get the most from our investment of time is not only essential, its good business.

3. Introduce yourself to someone new. Although it can be scary and nerve wracking, remember that they are there to meet someone new too.

Stand up straight, put a smile on your face, walk up to someone you don't know and just say "Hi, my name is……"

4. Ask questions. The most powerful networkers know that at business functions, your primary objective (right after meeting someone new), is to get to know that new person and find common ground.

Finding common ground makes having a conversation more enjoyable and flows with greater ease. How do you establish common ground? By asking questions.

Much too often at business functions, we are focused on talking about ourselves and spend little time learning about others. The best way to establish common ground and build rapport is to place the focus on the other person.

Spend 99.9% of your time asking questions!

There's a dual purpose to this method in that you not only get to learn about the other person, but it also allows you to better qualify each person that you meet.

You might find that after learning about someone, both personally and professionally, they are not a good fit for your business.

You might also discover that while they are not your target market, they are a good fit for other ventures that you're involved with (philanthropy, associations, etc.) or are a good fit for other colleagues in your network.

Each encounter provides you with an opportunity to add someone new to your network, introduce people to one another within your network and position yourself as a valued ally.

5. Ask for their card. After all, how else will you stay in touch. They will ask you for yours as well but may or may not do anything with it.

Please do not assume that if you've given someone your card, they will call you. 9 times out of 10, they will not. Even if they say they will. Cultivating that relationship starts with you.

There are an alarming number of people that attend business functions, connect with new people, ask for their card and then do nothing. In technique number 8, we'll discuss what to do with those cards once you collect them.

Quick Tip: While you should always feel comfortable asking for someone's card, PLEASE do not make the mistake of handing out your business cards to those that don't ask. If you, or someone you know, makes it a habit to walk into a room and hand out their card to everyone within a 3-feet radius, know that people will remember you – for the wrong reason.

6. Call them by name. Make it a point to find people you've talked with during a business function and call them by name.

Nothing is sweeter than the sound of our own name.

They will not only be impressed (and remember you) but will show that you valued the time you connected.

This is quite different than investing your time at a business function with people you already know.

The objective here is to let those people you meet at the function know that you remembered them.

7. Introduce people you've met to one another. This falls under the "give more than you receive" category.

If you meet people that you think may share a common interest (you'll only know this by asking questions) or have a need to get to know one another, introduce them.

At business functions, you are considered a star when you show consideration and genuine interest in helping others.

8. The fortune is in the follow-up. Thanking people for talking with you is a crucial step in the networking process.

So many people take those few minutes of exchange for granted and don't realize how thoughtful a simple thank you card is in building rapport. Particularly when that card, and any communication from that point forward, is personalized.

Strive to Personalize.

We want to show people that we care, that they are important and that we are someone worth adding to their network.

Quick Tip: When you get home from a networking event, sort your cards into two piles. The first are our "A" prospects (those people that are a good fit for you) and the second, your "B" prospects. Send everyone in your "A" pile a personalized letter or thank you that affirms your meeting, send them your brochure and something that you promised; a referral, article, etc. Close with "hope to see you at the next function."

Your "B" pile will also get a letter from you that acknowledges the event you were at, reminds them of what you do and the fact that you know they don't need your services or product now but might later. Invite them to another event that might be helpful for them.

Networking is an ongoing process. Good networkers talk to people as if they really mattered. They make people feel important. They ask what they do or what they've been up to. They look for common ground. They remember names and make mental notes of important details; children, lifestyle, favorite hobbies and interests. They seem genuinely interested in what others have to say. And then, when the timing is right, they take the opportunity to seamlessly plant positive seeds about themselves – their background, accomplishments, interests, passions, projects – in a meaningful and measured way. Now go on, get out there and network!

Copyright 2006 Liz Pabon All Rights Reserved

About the author: Liz Pabon is a Personal Brand and Image Management Strategist. Liz publishes a monthly eZine entitled Keys to Success providing personal brand success strategies that work! Register for your subscription at http://www.head2toeconsulting.com

If you'd like to learn more about developing your unique personal brand, contact Liz at 916-788-2962 or email her at lizp@head2toeconsulting.com.

When not coaching her clients or presenting Small Business Branding workshops, Liz enjoys family time with her husband and four "fur kids" in Rocklin, California.

Are You Building Relationships Online

Writen by Douglas Titchmarsh

How's your relationship?

I'm not prying into your personal life, so no need to worry. it's just that lately I've noticed something about most network marketers which got me thinking.

Let me start with some background on these thoughts I had. One of the reasons an internet business seems so attractive is because of the ease with which you can communicate. This lends itself well to marketing, and in particular network marketing.

With me so far?

So we all jump into network marketing and mlm style business opportunities online to seek our fortunes, but this is where it all seems to go wrong.

The thing I've noticed myself and a lot of others doing online is just promoting our businesses.

We don't build relationships.

Network marketing is about networking with others, and I have heard it referred to as relationship marketing. But are we doing enough to build those relationships?

A recent example was a new style messaging system I was introduced to at http://www.profitmessaging.com/invite.php?f006bcd3bb . There you can invite "buddies" to message you, and add other buddies from the system to your buddies list. Then you can send them all a message safely from within the system. An Ideal opportunity to build a relationship or two.

Instead of getting to know each other, almost everybody jumped in and sent each other an advert for their business.

The result?

No one reads any messages.

No new relationships are formed.

It becomes another wasted opportunity to form relationships. There were one or two more savvy marketers who attempted to build relationships, but their efforts got lost in among the hundreds of "make more money than you can spend" ads.

In our personal lives we create many relationships, but for some reason once we start an online business, we forget to speak to people and instead send ads through the machine. We stop building relationships with people.

This has got me thinking, and I am going to try to break some habits, and start marketing myself, instead of the opportunities I am involved in.

I'm going to start building relationships.

It won't be easy, almost every other article, or ebook seems to be about how to promote your website, or your business, but rarely how to promote relationships. But it is possible, and we have all the tools to start building relationships.

For starters, we all have email addresses whhich could be used to start a conversation with someone. We have instant messengers, Yahoo, MSN and AOL to name a few, you can even use the software from Imvite http://www.imvite.com/dougyt which has a payment plan built in and can access most of the other networks anyway. And then there's Skype http://www.skype.com for voice chat which is as clear as a telephone, and free to download.

So we have the tools to form relationships, lets start doing it.

It can only be good for business to get to know each other and form friendships, partnerships, and trust. In the offline world you wouldn't dream of greeting a new potential customer by saying "Earn Millions Today" so lets stop doing it online.

Doug Titchmarsh
Online marketer, and real life person.

Doug Titchmarsh runs several sites including http://www.cashinonline.info and http://www.titchmarsh.com He also publishes an e-zine for marketers online and off which you can get by sending an email to douglastitchmarsh@getresponse.com

How To Talk To People Of The Opposite Sex

Writen by Peter Murphy

If you feel like you don't know how to talk to people of the opposite sex, you might be onto something!

Men and women definitely have different ways of communicating. Learning how the other half uses language will help to improve your communication with the opposite sex.

And if you're still not convinced, there is even a term that is specific to the different languages of the sexes. The term is genderlect. Suzette Haden Elgin coined the term in her book, Genderspeak. Her book talked about different methods men and women could use to better communicate.

Deborah Tannen went into even more detail about gender communication in her book, entitled You Just Don't Understand: Men and Women in Conversation (1990, Ballantine.) Tannen says that even when a man and woman are raised in the same neighbourhood or even in the same home they will grow up in different language worlds.

The question of how to talk to people of the opposite sex really needs to first be answered by understanding the ways men and women differ in how they express themselves.

Here are some of the biggest differences, starting at a very young age:

1. Girls talk or use language as a way to be liked. Little boys often talk to be boastful.

2. A little girl will request something. A boy? He makes demands.

3. Girls tend to use language as a way to create harmony - to get closer to someone. If you guessed that young boys keep conflicts going by talking, you are right!

4. Girls talk using words and will use more words to explain something. A young boy is more likely to use actions to emphasize what he is trying to say.

As we grow and learn how to talk to people, being aware of these differences can help (especially when the people you are talking to are of the opposite sex.)

Many of those early traits continue, as we grow older. Men will continue to use communication as a means of staying independent, while women will continue to use language as a tool for intimacy.

Grown-up men often will talk to establish status (remember the boasting as little boys?) Women will connect themselves to others by using language to build up rapport.

Tannen calls these differences 'report-talk' (men) and 'rapport-talk', for the women. Understanding this one specific difference can really show how women quite often take what men say, personally, when they really were only 'reporting' on a situation.

Learning how to talk to people is made a lot simpler when you understand genderlect - the language of the sexes.

Peter Murphy is a peak performance expert. He recently produced a very popular free report: 10 Simple Steps to Developing Communication Confidence. Apply now because it is available only at: conversation starters

What Is Networking And Why Is It Important In Business

Writen by Heidi Richards

When I began my networking journey, I attended any and all networking events as time permitted. Every event was fair game! Today I am much more strategic in my networking endeavors. I discovered which events and organizations gave me the best return on my investment of time as well as how to be an effective, caring networker.

In order to know where to begin you must first understand what networking is and why it is important to grow your business. Networking in its purest form is simply talking to people, making connections and developing rapport to grow our circle of influence. Business networking is essentially the same except that our primary objective in business networking is to help us grow our businesses. For most of us, building a network means meeting people we can do business with or who will do business with us, or refer people who will do business with us, are our ultimate goals.

In fact, some of the best networks are those created by people who own and run their own businesses. When you create valuable networking relationships, you build them on a foundation of mutual trust, sharing knowledge, experiences and resources to help one another grow your businesses by either referring one another or doing business directly with one another.

It works like this: If you do a good job, one customer might tell three to five of her colleagues, family and friends about you. Whereas, when you build a network of say 10 to 20 strong advocates, they may each tell only one person about your, however your "exposure" is now more than doubled – With the right network, the ultimate in "word of mouth" marketing takes place. You promote your network, and your network promotes you.

Have you ever attended a BNI or Le Tip or other form of structured networking groups? Perhaps you are already a member of a similar group. If not, you might consider becoming involved in one to the fastest growing business networking concepts around. These groups invite business professionals to join on an exclusive basis. That means, that if you are a chiropractor and become a member of one of these groups, no other chiropractor will be invited or allowed to join.

These groups have regularly scheduled meetings (anywhere from monthly to weekly) with a list of rules and objectives to which you must abide. In some cases, a minimum number of referrals is required to participate. In others, simply doing business with one or more in the network is all that is asked of he members. However, keep in mind that for this type of networking to be worthwhile for all parties, each must make every effort to do business with other members of the group.

If this form of structured networking isn't for you, there are other options for finding potential networking venues and partners. Here are some ideas to help you on your way to networking success.

a. Develop a joiners mentality. By that I mean, don't just sign up to get our name on a roster. REALLY JOIN. Get involved. Participate in discussions, events and BE VISIBLE. The saying "out of sight, is out of mind," holds true when it comes to networking. I have been involved in groups and decided to take a hiatus from attending for 2 to 3 months (and sometimes more) only to have people come up to me and tell me they forgot the name of my business so they had to find someone else either through a friend or through the local phone book. BUMMER!

b. Attend networking functions. These can include Chambers of Commerce meetings, after hours socials, ad hoc committees and special events task forces.

c. Get involved in a community service group such as Kiwanis, Lions, Jaycees, etc.

d. Volunteer with a non-profit organization, whose mission you are passionate about and believe in. People who have similar passions will want to do business with you.

e. Host events – I started an event called Goddess Gatherings more than 2 years ago in my home. It is an intimate gathering of women (8 max.) who share a common interest and/or wish to expand their own circles. I invite women who do not yet know one another although they may be familiar with their names. These women are women in my circle of influence either directly or indirectly (they are either members of the 22 groups I belong to and attend regularly or they are part of a circle within these groups). I might invite a "surprise" guest who can entertain the women - such as a masseuse or tarot card reader- or feature a business such as a jeweler or make-up artist. This helps make for a memorable evening and the women either start their own Gathering or look forward to being invited to another gathering hosted by either myself of one of the women in attendance.

f. Look for ways to cross-promote with businesses that complement yours. For instance, a spa might join with a health food store or restaurant and promote their products and services for staying healthy. A salon might join a florist to promote weddings or proms and a realtor might join with a mortgage broker to promote a "one-stop" experience for home buyers.

g. Interview others. A great way for me to network is to interview women for projects I am working on. Since most people are flattered when you ask their opinion about something or experiences in life, this has been a great means of increasing my own circle for various reasons. I might interview a woman (or even a man) about an article or book I am writing, or a seminar I am developing. People love to share their stories. I tape the interview (with their permission, of course) and give them a copy afterwards. It helps to have a list of questions ready prior to the interview, however, unless they insist, I don't give them the questions ahead of time. I have done these interviews via phone, email as well as in person. Many of the women have since.

h. Join an online business or social networking community such as MeetUp, Ryze, Max-in-Common, Linkd In, Open BC, to name a few,. These groups have subgroups made up of people with a specific focus and similar interests. Or you can join a non-specific group to gain more knowledge, exposure and contacts.

Make a point of attending one new networking event a month just to "check it out." Make a list of the people you know, the organizations you have heard and read about and the companies who currently do business with you. These are all great resources to tap into to find new venues to network. Get the local newspaper and look at the organizations and businesses hosting events to which the public is invited. Attend them.

The best networking begins with planning and taking action. Being strategic in your planning is important to your ultimate success as an effective, caring networker.

If you are interested in sharing your networking success stories, drop me a note to heidi@speakingwithspirit.com. It would be an honor to interview you. Who knows, your story could be the subject of one of my articles, or you could even write your own.. Looking forward to hearing from you. Here's to your success in building your network.

© 2005 - Heidi Richards is the author of The PMS Principles, Powerful Marketing Strategies to Grow Your Business and 7 other books. She is also the Founder & CEO of the Women's ECommerce Association, International http://www.WECAI.org (pronounced wee-kī) – an Internet organization that "Helps Women Do Business on the WEB." Basic Membership is FREE. Ms. Richards can be reached at Heidi@speakingwithspirit.com or heidi@wecai.org.

Social Networking A Link To Like Minds

Writen by Howard Winwood

Not all dot-com dreams died when the Internet stock bubble burst.

Amazon.com, the king of the dot-com era, is keeping some of them alive in 2005 inside a small office on Capitol Hill.

Light floods into a sparse whitewashed room above a yoga studio, where former Amazon director Josh Petersen and his cohorts sit around a large table plugging away on laptops. This is home to the Robot Co-op, a tiny company owned by the online retail giant.

The seven-member group has created a Web community based on sharing personal goals and dreams with a worldwide audience.

Its Web site, 43 Things.com (www.43things.com), invites people to list their goals and get information from other people who have done those things or want to. The free service has attracted a global following of 12,000 people in two months.

43 Things is part of growing wave of online social networking, encompassing Web logs, as well as Friendster, LinkedIn and other sites that form virtual communities. Go online to find a date, a plumber or someone halfway around the world who shares the same passion for belly-dancing.

Like their dot-com predecessors, the social-networking companies have generated plenty of hype and millions of dollars in venture capital. The field is getting crowded with services vying for attention, from Friendster and Google's Orkut to MySpace, tribe.net, craigslist and local startup Judy's Book. As people spend more time online, developers are inventing new ways for them to connect with each other.

Big companies' interest

No one can say for sure where this trend is heading, but Internet giants like Google, Amazon and Yahoo! are taking a keen interest.

One factor lending support to the business model is the sea change in advertising. Printed ads aimed at a general audience are being replaced by online ads targeted down to the smallest personal detail. If a company like Amazon knows that Julie in Tacoma wants to learn to make Greek food, it can send her cookbook recommendations or an ad for a local cooking class.

The technology is constantly evolving, too. Compared with earlier sites such as Friendster or LinkedIn, what's different about 43 Things is that you don't need to search for people with the same interests. The software finds them for you.

The same concept is behind the photo-sharing service Flickr and Web bookmark-sharing site del.icio.us.

People are matched based on the same key words or tags they use to express a goal, such as "lose 10 pounds." After the first person posts a new goal on the site, every other person with that goal is added to the group, creating instant networks.

Advertising on the site also works through matching key words, so that it can be automatically targeted to specific goals. A company might buy a Google ad to promote its teeth-whitening formula, and that ad appears on all the 43 Things Web pages where someone has listed a goal of "whiten my teeth."

The process means most of the site's 44,000 pages feature targeted ads, all without a single sales representative. 43 Things had paid advertisements from the first day it appeared, Jan. 1.

A similar process serves up Google text ads based on key words in Google searches.

"If we make the site useful to people, that model will work out just like it does for Google," Petersen said.

12,000 registered

Since the site went live, more than 12,000 people in 900 cities have registered and shared their goals, from the most mundane to the most bizarre. Among the throngs seeking to lose weight or visit foreign lands are three who want to take a bath in champagne and six hoping to learn how to raise just one eyebrow.

Some Seattle residents have started a bike-riding club and organized a gathering of neighbors in the Central District, while the site linked two people in Quebec and Beijing who decided to practice English together using Internet telephony.

John Hornbaker of Seattle has used the site to share his experiences using the iPod and climbing Mount Rainier.

"It was interesting and fun, seeing what all these other people wanted to do," he said. But he didn't receive much in the way of feedback. After a while, his interest started to diminish as he became busy with other activities. Hornbaker's not sure how much time and effort it takes to get something worthwhile out of it.

Social-networking sites need a certain critical mass to realize potential benefits and generate significant revenue, said Mark Mahaney, an analyst with American Technology Research.

"Whoever has the largest network has a real advantage over other players," he said. "It tells me if there really is a business opportunity here, you better build it quick and fast."

Amazon roots

The idea behind 43 Things has roots in Amazon's personalization feature, automatically suggesting new products based on what customers order. Petersen, the Robot Co-op's chief executive, and others helped create that feature at Amazon in the late 1990s.

Five sobering years since those halcyon days of the Internet boom, their new company retains some of that time's Utopian ideals.

But while the creators of 43 Things proclaim a desire to change the world, they don't want to live like robots to do it. Typical office hours are from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and employees have salaries that pay the mortgage, generous health benefits and unlimited time off for personal goals, which is the whole point of their new venture.

"A lot of startups have a very rough path before they succeed," said Petersen, 33. "We wanted to have a humane work environment from the start. We didn't want to ask our families to take on risk or take on partners who push for a return on investment in two years."

Unlike many startups today, this one faces no particular pressure to make money just yet.

"A lot of people came up with some lousy ideas because they were trying to make money and left a lot of good ideas behind," Petersen said.

Petersen said he and partner Daniel Spils, 36, began working on the project in Spils' basement last summer, after Petersen took a paternity leave from his search-technology job at Microsoft. Petersen had left Amazon in 2002, and Spils left later the same year to focus on playing music as the keyboardist for Seattle band Maktub. They made pitches to several other investors before settling on Amazon in the fall.

Petersen had worked with Amazon Chief Executive Jeff Bezos while creating the personalization technology, and a verbal agreement with Bezos in September set the Robot Co-op deal in motion.

"No one can say we know exactly where this is going," Petersen said. "That's a path they were comfortable with."

Amazon won't disclose the size of its investment or what it might demand of the robots later.

"We're not discussing the details around the strategy there or speculating on the future of the company," said Amazon.com public-relations manager Drew Herdener. "We don't discuss our investment strategies."

Company potential

Clearly, social networking has the potential to be a game-changing phenomenon, and Amazon wants a hand in it. As sole owner of the Robot Co-op, Amazon owns any technology the team develops, Petersen said. Although Amazon does have seats on the company's board, the co-op has autonomy in its daily operations, he said.

"We built it," Petersen said. "We're in charge."

The Amazon investment caused a bit of a stir when it was reported last month in Salon.com, the online magazine. Some users said the co-op should have notified people earlier. But traffic to the 43 Things Web site tripled in three days as a result of the publicity.

Petersen and Spils, the chief operating officer, said they have no specific obligation to share information with Amazon and wouldn't compromise their users' trust.

"The worst conspiracy theories bother us," Petersen said. "You can't make a site like this by abusing your users."

43 Things' privacy policy states that the company may collect and share with partners the information that users provide, including names, e-mail addresses, physical addresses, phone numbers, ages and genders.

So far, users don't seem to mind sharing personal information with the world, and many post their photos and links to their own blogs.

Such information could be a marketer's dream. Because the goals are so specific, the ads are better targeted, Spils said. About three-fourths of the 44,000 goals listed on the site feature text ads automatically generated by Google on the side of the page.

The group that wanted to learn how to raise one eyebrow, for example, is shown an ad for "shaping perfect eyebrows" from an online beauty guide.

The robots share their own lives through links to their personal blogs, and the Web site gets plenty of help from visitors. When Petersen wants some suggestions from users, he posts a goal such as "explore how 43 Things can promote online learning." Soon people as far away as Quebec, Australia and New Zealand chime in with ideas.

The goal-obsessed robots use index cards to scrawl ideas or features they want to work on and sort them by priority. Each week, goals are taped to the wall with the time estimated to finish and the actual time each task took. A stack of 50 index cards lists features they are considering, including adding a link on 43 Things pages to Amazon's Wish Lists.

For now, Amazon is giving the robots the luxury of time. "We're totally free right now," Spils said. "We don't check in."

Howard Winwood

Goto http://www.directmatches.com/hwinwood and look at the first of it's kind social networking company with a pay plan attached to it.

Business Networking Locally

Writen by Mikel Freije

Owning your own business of any type is going to require some amount of networking. Networking is a method of building awareness of your business, among people who may be likely at one time or another to use your products, your services or to refer someone else to your business. Networking is all about getting to know other people, and locally your best bet in finding additional network contacts is going to be with other business owners.

You can find many types of networking opportunities around you. Every club and every association that you belong too is going to be a part of your network. From there, every person you come into contact with and every person you talk with is going to be part of your network.

Make a lasting impression

You can make a lasting impression on the people that you meet by talking about what you know best, and by talking about topics that are vital to your business. If you are not sure about a topic that is being approached during a conversation, ask questions. This will show you are part of the conversation and that you still want to know more. Just listening is going to keep you out of the conversation and will not make a lasting impression of you on any one.

Make your voice known

Join local chambers of commerce; join local men and women's associations. Join the local PTA, the sports boards, and join clubs that interest you. If you don't find a club locally that does interest you, create one and build your local network from that point. The more people that you can put yourself into contact with is going to increase awareness of yourself, of your business and what you have to offer. Even if you are selling online, you have to be proud of what you are doing, and talk about it as often as possible to build a network of people that will call on you when they need your products or services.

Once you have built a good network it is important that you maintain and set goals for yourself. As you have set goals, you need to keep them. This means, that if you strive to meet one new person a week, or to make it a point to call one person you know each week that is not a current customer, you are going to increase your business. Think about this, for every five calls you make, and only one turns into a sale, that is one more sale than what you had. Increase exposure for your business, and use this for your personal success.

Author, Mike Freije, contributes articles on Business Networking for http://www.freeinfoarticles.com . For more information, visit http://business-networking.tagandlink.com and his Success University on http://mfreije1.successuniversity.com/new

How To Be A Good Prospect At A Trade Show

Writen by Julia O'Connor

Trade shows are fast paced, noisy with high energy and expectations. Rather than just wandering the aisles and collecting stuff, as a Prospect for any exhibiting company, you should take your time at the show seriously. Those who attend are better prepared than ever before, partly because of internet research and partly because trade shows are serious business.

These 7 Tips will make life easier.

1.) NOT EVERY PROSPECT IS A LEAD --

If you define a lead as a person or company unknown to the exhibitor, that is probably 90% of the attendance at a large show, as an average of only 10% of the visitors to a show have an interest in a particular segment of an industry. So, as a prospect, don't feel guilty bypassing companies with no remote affiliation for your business. On the other hand, in today's competitive world, you must look for trends, which means looking quickly at all exhibiting companies to see what's new.

2.) BUT - I AM A CLIENT --

One of the sad facts about trade shows is that clients are often taken for granted by exhibiting companies. You may work with Mike in Miami and he's not at the show in Chicago. Step up to the booth and introduce yourself as a client. Consider yourself a partner with the exhibiting company - and they should treat you accordingly. If they don't, complain to Mike when you return home. No firm wants to lose a client, and not every person knows each client individually or as a company.

3.) WATCH YOUR LANGUAGE --

Review the questions you need answered by exhibitors. Make them short and be very clear in your statements. Industry jargon may confuse people. Acronyms may not be universal - ABC may mean Absolute Better Control in one segment, and Attitudinal Beaver Cages in another.

4.) USE YOUR EARS --

Listening skills are critical on both sides of the aisle. When you are clear in your questioning, you should receive clear answers to your comments and questions. Keep asking until you are satisfied they understand your concerns. If you believe you are talking to a brick wall - well, it's just not a company you want to do business with, so walk away.

5.) TAKE AN RFP --

You can take a simple RFP (Request for Proposal, or RFQ - Request for Quote) to selected exhibitors. If you don't get a response within your required time period, call the company and explain why they didn't get the bid. This is a simple way to test prospective companies, but be certain it is a real project, not just a test.

6.) MAKE APPOINTMENTS --

If you're closing a deal, a trade show is face-to-face time to complete negotiations and sign papers. If you have serious interest in a company, ask for a specific time to talk about specific concerns. The appointment may be in a conference room at the exhibit or off-floor in a more casual atmosphere. No matter where, make certain you show up on time and are prepared to deal.

7.) BUIILD RELATIONSHIPS --

Can you build a lasting business relationship in 20 minutes or less? Yes, if you consider your businesses to be a partnership. Skills are necessary, but a successful business relationship requires more then that. Try humanity, ethics and morality. Good prospects learn to size up the exhibiting company quickly.

Trade shows can be intimidating when you're walking the aisles. These tips will help.

Julia O'Connor - Speaker, Author, Consultant - writes about practical aspects of trade shows. As president of Trade Show Training, inc,, now celebrating its 10th year, she works with companies in a variety of industries to improve their bottom line and marketing opportunities at trade shows.

Julia is an expert in the psychology of the trade show environment and uses this expertise in sales training and management seminars. Contact her at 804-355-7800 or check the site http://www.TradeShowTraining.com

Effortless Networking Building Your Network From Quotscratchquot

Writen by Sri Dasgupta

For the first 15 years of my professional life, I lived and worked in the same town.

Then, I moved every year for 3 years in a row!

Disruptive as it was, I learned a great deal from that experience.

One of the things I learned was how to quickly establish myself, professionally and otherwise, in a new location and community.

Although I figured it out incrementally, through trial and error, it has now become a very simple formula.

I've relocated recently, and of course, this is what I'll use to rebuild my network again!

So here is my 3 step "formula":

1. Figure out what would make you feel "grounded" or established.

   For me this means getting to know at least a couple of people in the local business community. Or joining at least one group in which I might get a sense of "belonging" right away.

   This makes me feel "grounded" because I know that I can meet other people through them.

   So I usually look up the local Chamber of Commerce, search for associations for women business owners, a local chapter of my professional association, and so on.

   From a personal perspective, I like to know whether there's a place nearby to go dance Argentine Tango!

   I also look for kid-related stuff -- playgroups, childrens activities and programs, childcare options, etc.

   For me, just *knowing* that these options exist in my new location is comforting. So I search for all this before the move. In fact, I've already done this for my upcoming move!

2. Find and engage in at least one of these things.

   For me this means that once I arrive at my new location, I start checking out and showing up at each of these organizations or events.

   The first time I did this, I thought I'd feel awkward or uncomfortable showing up alone.

   Well, sometimes I did and sometimes I didn't.

   Looking back, I realized that whenever I was genuinely curious, I NEVER felt uncomfortable or awkward.

   I had so many questions and was so focused on finding out the answers to my questions, there was no time to feel awkward!

   So when you start checking out your new community, take your questions with you and show up with genuine curiosity. It will serve you well on many levels.

3. Make at least one "friend", and build your new community from there.

   As soon as I meet someone whom I "click" with, I get his or her contact information and ask if we can talk again soon.

   From this person, I find out more about the organization or event where we met, other people in the community, specific information or regulations about running a business in that town, and any other questions that pop into my head...

   Anyway, during our conversation, based on the kinds of questions I ask or the interest that I express, it becomes quite apparent to the person I'm talking with, whom else in the community or organization I should meet.

   And my new "friend" usually makes these introductions, sometimes without my even asking for it.

   So I get to meet other people, and start building my new community, through this one person (very effortlessly, you might say).

The best part is that this person usually does end up becoming a true friend. I'm still in touch with my first friends from all the different places where I've lived.

(c) Copyright 2006, Srirupa Dasgupta Sri Dasgupta helps business professionals get better results from their business networking efforts through focused and relevant conversations. She is the author of the Effortless Networking, and writes regular articles offering business networking tips and related resources.

Should You Offer Commissions For Customer Referrals

Writen by Debbie LaChusa

As a small business owner you may find yourself in a situation where you want to partner with another business but they are asking for a commission on your services. You will want to be prepared to handle such a request BEFORE you find yourself in this situation.

Whenever someone asks you for a commission in exchange for marketing your product or service, it is basically an affiliate or referral program. This can be one of the most powerful forms of marketing because it promotes word-of-mouth marketing. Who better to refer clients or customers to you than someone who fully understands the value of the services you have to offer?

Often these people are your current satisfied customers, or as is the case with this question, they may be strategic partners. Strategic partners are those individuals or businesses who agree to refer business to you, sometimes in exchange for you doing the same for them, or perhaps for a commission. Either way, it is important to make sure it is a win-win situation for both sides.

If you consider these individuals or businesses are in effect doing your marketing for you, then you realize paying a referral incentive or commission is merely a marketing expense.

When you consider that referred customers are "warm leads" and are a lot more likely to purchase from you than a "cold" prospect because they come with an endorsement from someone they trust, then you see even more how valuable this referral marketing can be.

My suggestion is to approach this as a potential business partnership. Make sure they completely understand the benefits you can provide to their customers and let them know you would like to design a mutually beneficial partnership. Before you offer to pay them a commission, find out what is important to them.

What are they looking for that you can possibly help them to get? In this case the potential partner IS your target audience so know them and approach them with a relevant proposition. Be willing to pay a referral fee or commission if that is all they are interested in, but also be open to other ideas.

I have negotiated some amazing partnerships just by spending some time talking and brainstorming with potential partners. In other cases I have straight affiliate/commission partnerships. It all depends on the partner and how we determine we can BEST HELP EACH OTHER to be successful.

(C) 2005 Debbie LaChusa

Debbie LaChusa created The 10stepmarketing System to make marketing your own business as simple as answering 10 questions. Learn more about this unique, step-by-step system and get a free 10-week Marketing E-Course when you subscribe to the free, weekly 10stepmarketing Ezine at http://www.10stepmarketing.com

Is The Company You Keep Hurting Your Business

Writen by Laurie Hayes

When you look at your friends, it's like looking into a mirror. Take the sum of characteristics of the five people you spend most of your time with and you will be the average of that sum.

It is usually quite easy to tell where a person is going by knowing whom she is spending the majority of her time with.

Make a list of the five people you spend most of your time with. Next to each name, identify which category he or she falls into …

1) small or large business owner
2) investor
3) employee
4) solopreneur
5) retiree
6) unemployed
7) home-based business owner

Regardless of which category your associates fall into, this exercise is not meant to judge or measure worth. We are all equal. This exercise is designed to clarify where you are investing your time and energy and how that impacts your business success.

In order to grow, learn and succeed in your home-based business, you need to spend your time with people who have been where you want to be or who are traveling the same path as you.

In order to be challenged, and educated, and have your mind opened to new possibilities, it is imperative that you surround yourself with friends and acquaintances who will move you towards your goal.

This doesn't mean abandon your loyal, long-term acquaintances because they don't share your interests. They are a very important part of your life.

What is does mean, however, is if you want to succeed in business, it is important that you associate with like-minded individuals.

Expand your circle of influence.

Join a group or association made up of home-based business owners. Join on-line forums where you can share ideas and seek input and guidance. Create a mastermind group made up of peers who are on the same path as you or individuals who have existing businesses and are willing to mentor you and each other.

Associating with like-minded individuals will allow you to develop and maintain a business mindset; will increase your confidence and knowledge, and ultimately your success as a business owner.

Laurie Hayes, founder and visionary behind The HBB Source™ helps government and corporate employees break free of their jobs to live their dream of entrepreneurship. To subscribe to her FREE e-zine for valuable resources designed to create business success, visit http://www.thehbbsource.com

Giving The Gift Of Your Name The Networking Factor

Writen by Janice Smallwood-McKenzie

Although, this is about giving the gift of your name to others, it certainly runs a close second in importance to "Whats' in a name?"

What is giving the gift of your name? Giving the gift of your name is when you see someone you haven't seen in a while and you are kind enough to give (remind) him or her your name (the gift) again without any hesitation.

It's not nice to keep someone guessing about your name. Don't assume they will remember your name and don't make it a guessing game. It's a challenge that most people would rather not experience.

Okay, I'll confess my experience, reluctantly I might add. There is a lady by the name of Barbara Fouch and I simply adore her. I know that she knows that I adore her and I thought I was extending a compliment when I asked Barbara, "Do you remember who I am?" My thinking was, Barbara, I am the young lady who simply adores you would ring in her mind as the answer to my question.

Barbara quickly pulled me to side at a museum reception and said, "don't ever say that, it gives your power away." Of course, I never said it again. It was important for me to remind Barbara just how special she was to me; however, I went about it the wrong way.

A simple, "Hi Barbara, I am Janice Smallwood-McKenzie, it's so nice to see you again would have worker perfectly!" That way I would be giving Barbara the gift of my name, and she has an opportunity to let me know if she remembers my name, and I am not putting her on the spot.

Perhaps, it takes 3-5 times for some people to remember your name with little effort, but just know that "Delmonte" was not built in a day, and actually as you continue to give your name over and over to the same person... it's simply great advertising!

I don't know why I prefer Delmonte over a cheaper generic brand... I guess after hearing it so much, I just pick it up by default! Smile... select your brand of choice, but you get the point!

The personal touch makes the difference.

By the way, "Everyone is important" is the Networking Factor!

http://www.101NetworkingCommandments.com

Ms. Smallwood-McKenzie is a Networking Coach in Los Angeles and she helps small businesses and professionals to expand their political, business, and social bases. She is the Author of "The 101 Commandments of Networking: Common Sense But Not Common Practice." Enjoy Free Preview compliments of http://www.101NetworkingCommandments.com or visit Amazon.com to read Customer Reviews of this guide. This networking guide is available wherever fine books are sold. Janice's e-mail address is ConfirmedCoach@netscape.net

Business Cards What To Do With Them

Writen by Jan Jasper

Get Rid of Business Cards You Don't Need

Everyone collects lots of business cards, and nobody really knows what to do with them. We're afraid to throw them out. But there's little benefit in saving them in a jumble in your drawer. There are a variety of containers available, from plastic to electronic. But to think first about storage misses the point. Before you think about "What's the best place to put them?" ask "Would I really need this again, and if so, why -- and when?" Be firm; get rid of cards from people you are not likely to contact in the future. If you have a great many business cards, it can actually backfire - the more cards you have, the harder it is to find a specific one when you need it. Less is more-- It's easy to keep them in order, and easier to find when you need them. And remember, the point isn't to collect the cards, but to keep them in a way that makes it easy to use them.

Add Useful Details

Once you've decided which cards are keepers, jot a note on back of each card stating where you met the person and what you might contact them about. This should be done as soon as possible, especially if you return from a networking event with a pocketful of cards--otherwise when you come across the cards later, you'll have no clue as to who these people are.

Different Ways to Store Your Cards

Now that you've culled your cards and made notes on them, you're ready to think about where to put them. Don't use plastic business card books with a dozen or so slots per page -- it's impossible to keep cards alphabetized. If you insist on staying low-tech, use a Rolodex with alphabetical tab dividers.

The alphabet's easy for people whose names you'll recall later, but what about service providers who are recommended to you that you're merely keeping in case you need them later on? Let's say your friend Jane Smith recommends a great cyberlaw attorney named Joe Moon. If you file it under Moon you won't remember the name. File it instead by category --under Lawyer, under L in your Rolodex. Do the same for plumbers and accountants and anyone else you might do business with.

The Power of Software

But the old fashioned Rolodex is limited. It's much more effective to use contact-management software (Outlook, Act and Goldmine are some popular brands). This gives you the best of both worlds -- if you tag Joe Moon's record with the word "lawyer," you can locate him by looking up "Moon" or "lawyer" and find him either way. If you also note that Jane Smith recommended him, you can look it up this way too.

Such software does more than automatically alphabetize your entries by contact name, company name, and type of business. It also provides almost unlimited room to type notes on each contact. You can record when you last talked to them and about what. It can also save a record of e-mails you sent to or received from them. Used fully, contact management software keeps a record of all your dealings with each person. This does more than supplement a faulty memory. It permits you to slice and dice your data in a variety of ways. You could search for all referrals who were sent by a certain person, all the prospects who phoned you in July, all clients in a certain zip code, all clients who spent over a certain dollar amount, etc.

Should You Buy a Card Scanner?

If you have a great many cards, you may not want to type them all into your software. There are small, inexpensive scanners made specifically for business cards that capture all the text information on the business card (name, company name address, phone, fax, and e-mail address) and feed it directly into your contact management program. This could save a lot of time if you collect tons of cards, for example if you attend trade shows and plan to follow up by doing a big mailing. But I've heard mixed reports about the accuracy of the card scanners. They are often thrown off by graphics, unusual fonts, speckled paper, and so on. It can take time to get the hang of it. Card scanners probably aren't worth the bother if you only have a small number of business cards.

© Jan Jasper; 2001-2006

Jan Jasper has been helping busy people to work smarter, not harder since 1988. She is the author of "Take Back Your Time: How to Regain Control of Work, Information, & Technology" (St. Martin's Press). Jan has helped thousands of people juggle multiple projects, survive information overload, and get the most from office technology. She also does configuration and training for software such as Goldmine & Microsoft Outlook. Call 212.465.7472 or visit http://www.janjasper.com

How To Make Sure You Never Forget A Name Again

Writen by Clare Evans

Get Ready

The first step is to prepare yourself mentally. Make a conscious decision to remember all the names of the people you are about to meet.

Listen

When you're about to be introduced to someone, listen carefully and CONCENTRATE! How often does it go in one ear and out the other because we're not really listening or our thoughts are elsewhere?

Repeat

If you miss it, ask them to repeat it. When you first hear someone's name, repeat it straight away, "Good to meet you John" and try to use it three times during your conversation, "So, tell me John …" and when you leave, "Thank-you, John, it was good to meet you ... If you realise you've forgotten their name by the time you come to end the conversation – politely ask them again? This will help reinforce their name in your mind. If it's an unusual name ask how it's spelled.

Association

The easiest way to remember someone's name is by association.

Do they remind you of anyone? A friend, relative, work colleague, actor or well-known person, living or dead?

Do they have the same first name as someone you know? Does their first name or surname create an image in your mind?

What type of person do they look like – a lawyer, an accountant, a typical …salesman, teacher … (what's typical to you will be different from someone else, use your association)?

Does their name link directly to an occupation in which case the image is easier to form – Baker, Gardner, Porter etc.

Create a picture

Now create an image with as many of the elements as possible – the person who they remind you of, a location, the image of their surname and the person you know with the same first name. Make it as visual, colourful, bizarre and as detailed as possible.

For example Michael White – reminds you of an accountant, visualise him with a massive 'white' calculator, pouring over a pile of papers and account books, surrounded by large, colourful numbers.

David Brooks reminds you of Woody Allen and has the same name as your Uncle David – visualise your Uncle David in 'Manhattan' dancing around in a 'brook' that meanders between the buildings.

Another obvious association is between someone's name and a physical feature or trait. The shape of their face, a distinguishing part such as eyes, ears, chin, nose, hair colour etc. Alan Blackburn has big black sideburns (does that translate?). So emphasis the image – see your friend Alan (also called Alan) with big black sideburns or a large 'allen' key with great big Black sideburns.

The first thing you think of is the strongest association – use this, it will make it easier to recall later.

Practice

This might sound like a very long-winded and lengthy approach but the brain is amazingly fast, efficient and brilliant at recognising images. The more you practice, the faster you will get at making associations and the easier it will become. The brain works more effectively with images and the more bizarre they are the more likely you are to recall the information.

Try not to link the image to their clothing or something they are wearing such as jewellery, especially if you are likely to meet them again. They are highly unlikely to be wearing the same thing when/if you next meet them.

If you're with a group of people for a whole day, linking to clothing can work while you get to know them better. It helps to keep recalling their names throughout the day and using their name when in conversation with them.

OK, my examples may not do it for you but hopefully you get the idea.

If you get introduced to more than one person at a time, for instance in a group, take your time, scan each face and find the association. The more you do it the faster you'll become and the easier the associations will be to find.

Review

Another important key to remembering names and faces is to review them regularly. When you're at a meeting or social event, you can briefly scan the faces in the room and recall the names. The more often you do this, the more likely you are to remember them. When you get home, recall their face. If you have their business card, recall their face linked to their card and if possible do the same the following day and a week later to get it into longer-term memory.

The more often you associate the face with the name, the more likely you are to remember them the next time you meet them. You know how good it feels when someone actually remembers your name and people are always flattered when you do.

Use these ideas and with a little practice you need never forget a name again.

Clare works with individuals and small business owners to help them plan and organise their time more effectively. Learn how to prioritise, plan and delegate, organise your perfect life, organise it effectively and enjoy the process. Spend your time doing what matters and stop worrying about the things that don't.

Sign-up for her free monthly newsletter at http://www.clareevans.co.uk or send an email to claresnews@aweber.com and receive free tips on managing your time.

Copyright 2006: Clare Evans

Effortless Networking Getting Other People To Show Up And Network

Writen by Sri Dasgupta

A reader emailed me this question recently: "How do I get other people to show up and network?"

That's an interesting question.

My immediate response was, what do you mean by "show up and network"? Show up where? And "do" what?

In other words, what exactly do you mean by "networking"? What action do you want and expect these other people to take?

These questions are important, because let's be clear: you can't get anyone to do anything they don't want to (or aren't able to).

However, if you can explain to someone what you want from them, they can tell you whether or not they're willing and able to do what you're asking for.

So if you're having trouble getting people to "network" with you, here's what you do:

1. Be clear in your own mind about what you want these other people to do. What specific action do you want them to take?
2. Approach people who you think may be willing and able to do whatever it is that you want. And ask them.
3. If they agree, you're on a roll. If they aren't able to do what you want, ask if they can suggest or introduce you to someone else who can. Then repeat step 2.

If you think this is too simplistic or generic, I dare you to try it out!

Often, the simplest things are the most powerful and effective.

(c) Copyright 2006, Srirupa Dasgupta Sri Dasgupta helps business professionals get better results from their business networking efforts through focused and relevant conversations. She is the author of the Effortless Networking: Everyday Wisdom to Transform your Business and Life, and writes regular articles offering business networking tips and related resources.

Finding Networking Opportunities Is Easy

Writen by Leni Chauvin

Business networking is all about forming strong relationships built on mutual respect and trust. Those relationships are the , The basis for the single most important tool that we all need if we want to survive in the competitive 21st century.

I'm talking about referrals and today's savvy business professionals know that,just as night 
follows day,networking leads to referral business.

Opportunities to network--to meet people for mutual support (and 
eventually referrals)--are everywhere. Here are just a few places to 
consider starting your networking efforts:

Professional Associations
Join your professional association. It's a powerful source of 
richly rewarding contacts that can result in a tremendous number of referrals from people with a different specialty than yours. If possible, join the professional association of your target market. 
Form networking relationships there. See and be seen among the members and before you 
know it, you will be considered the "go-to" person in your industry.

Special Interest Groups
Whether you're interested in sports, the Internet, politics, crafts, 
poetry, theater, travel, or underwater basket weaving, there are other people who share your interests. Ask around, look at your local newspaper listings or search the Internet for groups you can join.

Newcomers Clubs
If you're new to a city and haven't had the chance to meet many 
people yet, you'll be delighted to learn that a lot of communities all 
over the world have clubs for people just like you.

Type your town or city and the term "newcomers club" into your 
favorite search engine and you'll be able to tap into people who can help you start networking in your area.

Networking Events
Again, go to your favorite search engine. Type in your locale and 
the term "networking events."

Your Local Newspaper
Review the business section of your local newspaper. Often they list upcoming events for the week in Monday's edition. If you can't find any networking opportunities listed there, call a business reporter 
and ask him or her to point you in the right direction. The call 
itself can be a very powerful networking moment.

Leads Groups
These are structured networking organizations usually limited to one person per occupation. The purpose is primarily to exchange business referrals, and the amount of business that comes from a well-run group can be staggering. I started and ran my own leads groups for over a decade and I know how powerful they can be in accelerating business growth.

Again, ask around for a good group in your area or search the search engines under "business networks," "leads groups," or "referral groups" plus your town or city's name.

Workshops and Seminars
These can be wonderful networking opportunities, especially the ones 
that run over several days. Take advantage of the interactive exercises and the breaks to get to know other participants. Staying 
in touch after the event is over is key in deepening those 
relationships

Volunteering
Do something good for others while creating lasting relationships with your volunteer colleagues. Knock people's socks off with what 
you do as a volunteer and it will give people an indication of how you 
conduct your business. This will make you incredibly attractive to 
potential referral partners in the group.

Chambers of Commerce
Check out the networking opportunities that your local Chamber of 
Commerce offers. Also use them as a resource for finding other networking events in your community.

Parental Networking
Opportunities abound to meet people through your children. Whether you're leading a Scout troop, chaperoning a dance, attending a soccer game, setting up carpools, or manning a booth at a bake sale, doesn't 
matter. What matters is that it's pretty well impossible not to create relationships with other parents when you are surrounded by them.

The Best Place to Network
The best place to network is always where members of your target market hang out.

Bottom Line:If you want more business, you need referrals, and if you want referrals, you need to network.

(c) Copyright Leni Chauvin

Leni Chauvin, The Client Attraction Coach™, has helped thousands of self-employed and commissioned professionals attract more clients, make more money, and have more fun while they're doing it. For tons of f.r.e.e. client attraction, networking, and marketing resources including the mini course "7 Key Client Attraction Tools For Solo Professionals" visit http://www.AttractClientsGalore.com

What Is A Mastermind Group

Writen by Keith MacLean

A mastermind group is a collection of people from the same or different educational, financial, and cultural backgrounds who meet periodically to discuss issues that they face in the world. These issues can be anything the group would like to discuss. Many mastermind groups have been founded for specific reasons that the members have agreed are issues that interest them and need to be addressed. Mastermind groups have been started in many different fields including business, retail, real estate, education, and others. A group is usually eight to ten people who meet regularly at a specified meeting place.

The mastermind group was founded on the theory that two or more minds working toward a solution to an issue is better than one mind working alone. The group members feel that as individuals their judgment is not always accurate when trying to work through an issue at work or in business because they are bringing in too many other issues into the mix. A mastermind group can help a person stay focused on one issue. Everyone will work to solving the issue or at least offer advice on what to do next.

It is up to the group to decide how often they want to meet and where. They will also decide who will bring an issue to the table and who will start the discussion. It is a good idea to designate a moderator each time the group meets so that the group stays focused. As in any group setting, individuals will find a few people that they are closer to than others. This may pose a problem for some. Being able to trust everyone in the group is important and should be established early on so that people do not branch off into smaller groups within the group and begin to take sides when tough issues come up.

This is the unfortunate outcome of many groups. But by discussing these pitfalls early on, hopefully they will not become problems for the group later on. A mastermind group can be a powerful force in a person's life. Having others to talk candidly with about important matters is a great relief to many people.

Keith MacLean, check out the MasterMind group that is literally going to change the world. http://www.20minds.com

How To Generate A Huge Income From Your Business Free

Writen by Cynthia Minnaar

It is possible for you to generate a huge income with your business using only word of mouth advertising, especially if the program you are advertising has a detailed step-by-step training program, which makes it so simple for the newcomers to duplicate exactly what you are doing.

Here is an example to consider: Say you tell 10 people who trust your recommendations about your business. Out of those 10 people, say just 3 decide to join your business.

Watch how quickly this can grow without any more effort from you.

Now, those 3 people are reading and acting on the same steps outlined in the training program provided and they tell 10 people about the business so 9 more people sign up right away. Next, those 9 people each tell 10 people about the business and 27 of those 90 visitors sign up right away and so it goes on and on building a solid foundation for a huge, free advertising campaign.

The key to realize is that you can reach your income goals, and surpass them, as long as you have the faith to continue moving forward.

It is a simple fact that a large and growing percentage of people in countries where Internet access is available are looking for ways to earn extra income from home online.

The market for your business is massive. Your ability to reach that market is what you need to develop! A great place to start is by telling everyone you know about your business: You can do it in person; with a personal letter; with a phone call; with email. The important thing is to just do it!

Make a list of all the people you know. Write or type down the person's name and how to contact them. Do not judge the list at first. Just take the next few hours of your day and think of everyone you know. Make one column with the person's name and make another column with the method you prefer to communicate with this person (example: face-to-face, personal letter, telephone, email, etc.).

Whatever you do, do not underestimate the power of this list. The list that you develop now could be the goldmine you have been searching for that will lead you to a lifetime of financial success and personal freedom.

Remember, the only one you cheat is yourself if you did not complete this exercise to the best of your ability. That, and you could also be cheating others out of finding your business because if they do not find it through you, they may never find it and that could cause them to remain stuck in financial struggle, or worse, they could get taken advantage of by some other business opportunity they try that has no chance of working for them.

Once you have your master list, you need to take action and contact everyone you can (or feel reasonably comfortable contacting about your business) through your preferred method of communication:

Face to face: Telling people about your business face-to-face can be very effective.

Letter: Some people you know would appreciate receiving a personal letter in the mail. Here is your opportunity to contact your family and friends who have not heard from you in a long time and who would appreciate a letter from you and you can promote your business at the same time!

Just be yourself and make what you do known to others. There is no need to be pushy and do not try to sell them anything. Your website will take care of all the selling for you. More and more people are naturally looking for ways to earn extra money from home and if it is not you who introduces them to your business, it could be someone else.

Telephone: Some people are very comfortable talking and sharing information over the phone. As always, just be yourself. People are attracted to confidence and confidence is a by-product of being you. Therefore, when you relax and be yourself, people will be attracted to you and interested in what you are doing. When people are interested in what you are doing, they will naturally find out about your business. If it is the right thing for them, they will join without any arm twisting or any other high pressure sales tactics.

Email: Here is another super easy way to tell people you know about your business.

Remember, the more people you contact, the faster your profits will grow! Keep in mind nothing is ever perfect. Do not sit around waiting until you have got the perfect message to send. Just communicate. Do not hold back. Above all, be yourself. Get busy and start emailing your friends and family now.

This is a very powerful method of advertising that many people either overlook or shy away from, but you can literally make all your financial dreams come true using this free method of advertising.

Cynthia Minnaar works from home online and invites you to visit http://www.cyns-home-biz.com for web income generating ideas and opportunities, articles and marketing tools.