Effortless Networking Do You Suffer From The Quotknowingdoing Gapquot

Writen by Sri Dasgupta

If you're reading this article, you probably read a fair amount in general. And my guess is that you probably know a lot about business networking and what you should and shouldn't do, at this point.

So the question is, are you doing everything that you already know?

We often know exactly what we need to do -- like eating healthily, exercising, and so on -- and yet, we don't do it.

Can you relate to it? Yes, me too!

Well, the same thing happens in our professional lives as well.

This is the "knowing-doing gap", as described by the authors of the book by the same title.

A lot of my work with private clients focuses on helping individuals close this gap.

So instead of giving you yet another tip on how to network better, how about I share with you a simple process to help you use what you already know?

Here it is:

1. Pick ONE thing that you've been meaning to do, but haven't done yet -- for whatever reason.
2. Make a commitment to do it this week.
3. Then, as the week progresses, pay attention to whether or not you actually do it.

Either way, you will get useful information to help you close the "knowing-doing" gap for this one particular thing.

So don't worry about "failing" -- just go through this 3-step process.

At the end of the week, answer these questions for yourself, and see what you get:

• Were you able to do what you intended to? If yes, what allowed you to follow through? If no, what prevented you from doing so?
• What did you learn about this particular "knowing-doing" gap? And how will use this information?

This last step of looking back at what happened in specific detail, and generating ideas about how you might leverage this information, is critical -- so don't skip it!

I'd be curious to know how this affects your networking efforts. So let me know how it went -- my contact information is on my website.

(c) Copyright 2006, Srirupa Dasgupta Srirupa Dasgupta is the author of Effortless Networking: Everyday Wisdom to Transform your Business and Life. She helps small business owners, entrepreneurs and self-employed professionals build, sustain and leverage the professional and personal network that is necessary to succeed. To get a free 15-page guide on the "5 simple ways to Network Successfully", visit her website at http://www.EffortlessNetworking.com .

How To Network Effectively

Writen by Dee Piziak

Networking is the single most effective way to job hunt and to increase business opportunities. Without a circle of high quality professional acquaintances, you will be severely disadvantaged throughout your career. However, building this circle requires planning and you have to continually work at it. How do you get started? Most importantly, how do you make sure you aren't turning people off or damaging your reputation? Read on to learn the fundamentals of effective networking - what TO do and what NOT to do.

How to Start

- There's really no single formula. However, I recommend that you start with a specific goal and timeframe. For example, decide to meet 3 new people in your field who work both in your company and in other firms over the next 6 months. Once you "program" that goal into your brain, you'll be amazed at the number of opportunities that come your way. Sign up for seminars, attend presentations, take a class, or ask a friend to introduce you to someone. Just get going. And don't worry about imposing – people are generally very nice and like to help each other out.

How to Get People Interested in You

- Who are you interested in networking with? Probably people who are cheerful, hard-working, well put together and well thought of, right? Well, then you need to work on being that kind of person yourself. You have to demonstrate that you are worth building a relationship with.

If you're meeting someone for the first time, let them do most of the talking. People love to talk about themselves. Ask them about their interests, profession…whatever. First, you'll learn pretty quickly if this person is someone you want to keep in touch with. Second, if you do ask them for their business card or contact information, they will gladly give it to you because they now look upon you very favorably as being "a good listener". Make sure you ask for permission to contact them in the future. Don't assume that you can. Just say something like "I'm glad we met. May I keep in touch with you?" If you've used the active listening approach I described, they always say "Yes" or "Of course".

If someone isn't interested in networking with you, just back off. Don't bug them or try to change his or her mind. Be objective about why this is the case and try to determine if there is something about yourself that needs improvement. If they never come around, don't worry about it. The world is a big place and there are plenty of great people out there.

Start Off Conservatively

- Wait for at least 24-48 hours to pass before getting in touch with someone after you meet them. Otherwise, they might get the impression that you're needy or over-eager. Don't ask for huge favors the very first time you communicate with someone, either. Networking is a give-and-take process, not a one-time event. People don't "owe" you anything just because you were introduced or exchanged business cards.

Mind Your Manners

- What ever happened to "Please" and "Thank you"? People of all ages are violating this basic rule and it's appalling. Use an appropriate level of formality and respectful tone. Over time you can become more relaxed but never, ever lose basic courtesy. If you're sending an email, watch your grammar and spell check it before sending. If you're leaving a voicemail, write it out first and practice saying it a few times. That way, it will be delivered it smoothly and naturally. Your verbal and written communication reflects who you are.

Demonstrate Respect for Process and Position

- Don't ask people to go around their company's internal processes or to leap over organizational levels for you. This puts them on the spot. Instead, ask them to explain what their company's process is and who they recommend that you contact. Always, always ask for permission to use their name before doing so. This approach shows that you are a responsible and trustworthy person. And, you will ultimately get in touch with the right individual(s) through a series of personal internal referrals Trust me – this works.

Set Up a Schedule

- A preset schedule will ensure that you keep in regular contact with your networking circle. 2-3 times a year is a good guideline, unless you are working with someone on a specific project or request. Make it a convenient time for them – breakfast, coffee, lunch, or after work. Keep it to 30 minutes. If the other person wants to make it longer, let them suggest it, not you.

Keep the Conversations Productive

- Be completely professional and upbeat in your networking activities. Networking is not a vehicle for you to whine, complain, or badmouth. It's an opportunity for you to learn from others and to help them out as well. Anybody who is a quality individual for you to know will not be interested in listening to garbage. In networking circles, word travels fast about which people to avoid. Don't get on that list.

Be a Giver, Not a Taker

- Keep track of how many times you ask for favors. You should be giving and taking in equal measure. End each conversation with "Thanks for your time. Please tell me how I can help you." Even if the other person says "Oh, don't worry about it." or "I don't really need anything right now." - they will always remember you as being a very unselfish and thoughtful person. I cannot stress enough how much networking is about helping others. Again, word travels fast about which people just take, take, take and never do anything for anyone else. Don't get on that list, either.

Be on Your Best Behavior at all Times

- Not everyone is an outgoing extrovert. And we all have bad days. But the world is a small place and people have long memories. You never know who you will run into and whose assistance you will need, even if it's years and years from now. You can never go wrong by being kind and respectful to everyone all the time.

You Must Sow Before You Reap

- Start networking NOW. Don't wait until you need something. There is nothing more annoying than getting a phone call from someone you just met or someone who hasn't been in touch for years (or worse yet, didn't return your calls when you contacted them) asking for a big favor.

If you truly don't need anyone or anything right now, then reach out to others and help them. And be sincere about it. Develop the reputation for being someone who helps others. Not only is it the right thing to do, but by doing so, you will build up a "bank" of goodwill that you can easily tap into when you really need it. Believe me, that day will come and when it does, you'll be amazed at the outpouring of assistance you'll get.

Protect Your Good Name and Reputation

- Don't feel obligated to let just anyone into your personal network. Be especially careful if you have any doubts about how a person's behavior will reflect upon you, even if you've known this person since childhood or if she is your second cousin. It can take someone less than 5 minutes to ruin the good reputation you've spent years and years building.

Don't blow the person off. Return the phone call and listen to the request with respect. Then simply say "I wish I could help you out. Unfortunately, I'm not in a position right now to be of assistance. If things change, I'll certainly get in touch with you." Leave it at that.

Dee Piziak is a manager for a Fortune 500 company and a university instructor. Her consulting firm, Acadia Communications, specializes in professional coaching, career development, and resume writing. Visit her website at http://www.acadiacommunications.com

Networking The Dine And Dash Technique

Writen by Lance Winslow

If you do a lot of networking then you know that if food is served it is a good time to throw out a few one liners, make eye contact with other guests and get some grub. However let me tell you a little secret about this. Sure get in the food line, but get in the back of the line not in the front with all the “free food free loaders” and carefully select only a few items even if you are hungry.

The best thing to do is to eat prior and not be such a pig a networking events sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce or other such civic group get togethers sponsored by service clubs, charities, political action committees or non-profits. I call this my: “Networking; The Dine and Dash Technique.”

First the people at the back of the line are your more influential people, they have been doing this party thing all their life and they are not interested in being first in line like a bunch of first graders. Indeed they also eat well, as they are successful and have seen a million shrimp plates and fancy food platters in their life.

Additionally, you can do a lot better when breaking the ice when you do not have food in your mouth and it is nearly impossible to hand someone a business card if they ask for one, while holding a drink and a napkin under it and a small paper plate of the latest and greatest treats of the hour.

Lance Winslow

Build Your Own Mlm Prospecting System

Writen by Troy Berlin

Ok, we've heard it all before. "Join now and we'll build it for you", or "Join our downline building club and you'll get rich". In fact, I receive several emails per day promising some variation of these statements. I'm sure you've seen them too.

Let's be completely honest. I've even fallen for several of these lies and scams myself, and you guessed it, not one of them made me rich.

I'll agree, an automated system would be great, but the truth is that it will never provide a long-term successful income. You see, people want to work with people, not web sites or emails, and with a failure rate of nearly 98%, there's no debate that something is not working as promised.

The question is what portion of the MLM Prospecting System needs to be overhauled and stream lined.

The answer is All of It!

Let me explain. You've probably been told to write down a list of your family and friends, order an affiliate web site, send out thousands of emails, or even waste money sending packages of flyers, booklets, audios or videos.

Don't feel bad, I've tried it too, and all I accomplished by doing this was putting myself into deeper credit card debt, while my MLM Company made out like bandits by selling everyone marketing materials.

The truth hurts, but there it is. Now, what can the average person do to turn this situation into a profitable venture?

The first step is to think outside the box and be prepared to grow as a person, develop your skills, and commit yourself to success.

Now, what makes a powerful MLM Prospecting System work?

Before I disappoint you, let me just say that the most successful people in the MLM industry utilize a very simple system to build their businesses. It's not about the Internet, computers, or guru marketing tactics. It's much more simple than that.

There's no magic bullet or super secret marketing tactic.

In a nutshell, your MLM Prospecting System should be built on a foundation of relationships. Web sites and emails cannot build relationships.

There are basically 5 elements to a strong MLM Prospecting System.

1. Lead Generation
2. Personal Contact
3. Presentation
4. Training
5. Mastermind Team Building

I will be detailing each of these topics in future articles, however, I want to briefly go over the basics of each element right now.

Lead generation is the basis for any MLM Prospecting System. You may have the knowledge to generate your own leads, or you can delegate this task to a reputable lead generator. You see, the one thing that successful people understand is the concept of delegating tasks. Find someone who is good at something and put them to work. It's a win win situation.

Now, you have a lead generator that is producing hundreds, or even thousands of target market leads. What now? Simple, you personally invite them to evaluate your product or opportunity. Don't waste your leads by sending them a generic email that they delete. Build the relationship with them and make a friend. This is not as difficult as it might seem. Always keep in mind that it should be based on their needs and not yours. If they honestly feel that you're there to help them they will be much more receptive. People are much more attracted to a teacher than a salesman.

The presentation is where most systems fall apart. Remember, automated presentation systems do nothing when it comes to building a relationship. People not only want to hear about the company, product, and pay plan, but more importantly they need to know that they can succeed and they need to see that you have a simple, effective system in place that will help them. The key however, is not presenting to prospects one on one. The leaders are presenting to literally hundreds of people per day via a simple tool called the conference line. There is a certain skill and technique to be mastered here, but this is how large numbers are created in any MLM business.

Training is perhaps the easiest part of the MLM Prospecting system. Your goal is not to train everyone, in every aspect of the business. Keep in mind; the average person will never be a salesman or public speaker. So don't teach them to do that. Most people are comfortable with working a job, so give them a job. Simply train them to contact your prospect list and set appointments for your "LIVE" presentation. This way they only need to learn this one skill to build a successful business. Just imagine, how fast would your downline grow if you had 100 people each inviting 2 people per day to your conference call presentation. That is how you create exponential growth. Anyone can be an appointment setter, but very few will ever master sales or public speaking, so use this to your advantage.

Finally, develop a Mastermind team. This is simply a group of 2 or more people with a common mindset. There is power in numbers and when you develop a strong Mastermind group your business will explode. Brainstorming with your team will result in a more streamlined MLM Prospecting System. Remember, you cannot do everything yourself, but as a team, you can accomplish anything.

In short, a successful MLM Prospecting System will never be based on computers or the internet. It will be based on YOU, and your ability to establish relationships, present your opportunity to large numbers, delegate simple tasks to your downline, and establish a Mastermind team effort.

The truth is that the most successful marketers in the world have been doing this for years, but they're not teaching others how to do it for themselves. Once you start thinking like a leader, you'll start generating the income of a leader.

Troy Berlin has been involved in small business, and home-based business operations for more than 15 years. and is currently active in home business consulting, training, and coaching. Anyone can achieve success in there own business by applying a simple, effective, and proven system. The Secret is finally revealed in a Complimentary 22 minute consultation! Learn More - http://www.MentorMindset.com

Networking Groups Go Virtual

Writen by John Davin

Many of you have asked me how to make new contacts to sell your products and services. As always, I have told you the very best way to meet new business contacts is to network, network, network. Of course we are excited about showing you 100's of different ways to network every day to generate business leads, but now I am also very pleased to tell you about virtual versions of a referral network!

What you need to know about the new virtual referral groups:

A virtual network is like any other network or leads group, but we meet and communicate through the Internet instead of meeting at a restaurant for our meetings.

We use a revolutionary service called voice conference rooms that allow us to meet online, share our business web sites, live voice conversations and give and receive referrals. We can even record the meetings for members who cannot attend.

This system also gives you a reason to contact virtually every business in your city to make new contacts and new friends. I'll explain more about that in a minute.

How to join our referral group:

Networking groups usually accept one representative from each zip code for respective business type - e.g. banker, car salesperson, financial consultant.

What virtual referral groups do:

We meet 1-3 times per week through our virtual office here on the Internet. Once in the room we learn about each other, our businesses, what type of leads we need for our business, and most importantly, we exchange leads with all the members.

Here are the specific steps each meeting will take.

1. Interested parties log into the community room that represents their zip code. The goal is to have one person present from every industry. For example, each group will have one accountant, one web site developer, one insurance agent, one tax advisor, one carpet sales company, etc. That way, we have up to 35 different businesses represented.

2. The meeting is called to order.

3. New members are introduced and welcomed.

4. An informal networking period allows member to "Mill about the room," and meet the other members of the group for networking purposes. This lasts 10 minutes.

5. Each person takes a turn to stand up (takes control of the microphone and web browser) and talk about his/her business for 1-5 minutes. The speaker can show a power point presentation or even take all member to their web page to show off products or services or sign members up for a free newsletter or whatever.

6. New members have an opportunity to talk about their business, and what type of business referrals they desire for their business.

7. Each person gives their referrals to other members for the day.

8. A guest speaker talks about his topic of expertise. This could be his business or a presentation on how to increase business or other business related topics.

Again, presentations can be a voice presentation, a voice presentation with visits to web pages on the Internet, or even power point presentations.

9. A question and answer session about the virtual referral network is offered.

10. The next meeting is scheduled.

11. The meeting is adjourned until the next meeting is called.

What you need to participate:

- Access to the Internet.
- Speakers to listen to the meeting.
- A microphone to talk to the rest of the members.

Again, in addition to the convenience of meeting from your home or office computer, you will:

Save time.
Save gas to travel.
Save expense of a meal.
Save the tip for the meal at the meeting.
Be able to be as casual as you like. Best of all, because everyone saves the time of traveling, you can spend more time talking about your respective business, how to build more paying business for your businesses, and to make more referrals

My best business ideas to you, John Davin

Copyright (C) 2005 John Davin All rights reserved

About the author:

John Davin is a home based author and business consultant. You can reach him at his web site, http://www.freebusinessplans.info for his books and online business seminars.