What’s In Your Network?

Here is a fantastic article from Stephen Bell, co-Founder of Networking Masters International to help you get your networking working…

What is a network?

Well dictionary.com states

net⋅work
Pronunciation [net-wurk]

an association of individuals having a common interest, formed to provide mutual assistance, helpful information.

I think this perfectly describes a business global network such as BNI.com; BNI is the worlds largest and most successful business organization in the world they pass millions of referrals between members each year resulting in BILLIONS of dollars in business. Simply incredible.

But what REALLY makes a network. Is it the countless numbers of members? Is it the formality or informality of the group.

Does it really matter how many people are in your group if you don’t really know any of them.

Every single person has a network. They just don’t consciously think about it. Lets look at some other networks.

Now some of you may know what these two symbols represent and for those who do not let me give you a little bit of a background. This network contains approximately 11 Million users world wide. Many of them business professionals, all of them consumers, and are loyal to their network.

This Network has users world wide and covers most of the globe just like BNI. This network is called World of Warcraft its primary purpose is for entertainment online gaming not passing business or creating joint business connections like BNI. I know .. some of you right now are saying Steve… your getting a little off the deep end on this one! BUT do you REALLY know who is in your network.

In my particular network in the online gaming world know as World of Warcraft I have learned I play frequently with a registered nurse, and area directors for a grocery chain, a professional dj, best selling author, professional contractors, bankers, sales professionals and many of them connected to very large companies. I did not realize how powerful my online social gaming network was until I needed computer help, traveling advice, sponsorship and door prizes for business & fundraiser events I was hosting. My network may not be a source of business referrals like BNI but it is a source of information, friendship and connections to people or businesses I would have never had the chance to have if I wasn’t involved in the online community.

There is many other forms of networking such as social media like twitter, facebook, linkedin etc etc. but I am not going to focus on them right now because I want to focus on networks like BNI or World of Warcraft where I can have instant and quick two way communications through live voice or personal conversations face to face.

One time I was sitting down with a business college of mine and I asked her what are your networks you invest time with and she quickly replied My Church. I has to pause for a second and think about this response it intrigued me so I asked her how many people go to your church she replied just over 500. I thought that was a good network but how well do you really know them and how many do you know by name and she replied almost all of them she was heavily active in her church and had been going there for several years. I then found out which church it was and realized someone I had been trying to connect with for business went to her church. I then ask her if she knew this person and of course she did and through that connection she was able to set up a personal appointment for me and I was able to then connect with this elusive business professional who until now was impossible to get a hold of.

What lessons can we learn?

1. You need to share your networks with others (talk about them)

2. You need to ask other people what they do (listen it is the best way to network)

3. Be consistent in the networks you are part of (that is how you really get to know people)

4. Every Network has a primary purpose but that doesn’t mean you will not benefit from it in other ways.

Let me give you some additional advice…

Just because you are part of a network will not build you credibility doesn’t matter if it is a business or gaming community. You need to earn it. Help others, participate, be a leader and truly care by giving without the expectation of receiving.

Next know this if you leave a network and come back you will have to start building social equity all over again. You will not have the same level of respect or connection as you had when you left. Remember what the primary purpose of your networking group is, no matter if it is, charity, online gaming, sports, or business, the primary function comes first and the referrals, friendships and connections will always come next to those who are key members.

Kind of like Capital One – Do you know whats in your wallet network?

Effective Networking on Twitter: Do What Good Tweeters Do!

Being a woman in business online, one of my favorite  – and highly effective – marketing / networking strategies is social media and I was thrilled to be recently identified as one of the “Top 20 Responsive Women You Need to Follow on Twitter” – By Holly Reisem Hanna founder of The Work at Home Woman.

The recognition sparked a question from my friends, followers and fans: “Gina, how can I be viewed as a responsive on Twitter too?”

My answer begins with a question for you:

When you login to Twitter to update your status, are you looking at the mutual benefit OR do you have a more singular “what’s in it for me” focus?

Now, don’t get me wrong. We are all in business to be successful and a BIG part of that is making money. And we all want to capture people’s attention (in a good way). The problem is that when we lead from a “what’s in it for me?” intention it comes across as salesy and one-sided.

Think of any relationship in your life… If it was consistently one-sided how long would it last?

People love to buy but they don’t like to be sold to. At a consumer level you already know this so why then do you keep trying to SELL?

The key to attracting new clients and making money through Twitter without being salesy is to shift your intention.

Be interested in others first rather than trying so hard to be interesting to them.

If you are using Twitter for business, do it in a way that adds value and increase to others rather than a blatant sales pitch – Yes, there IS a difference. It may seem counter-intuitive at first but it really works.

Below are two specific things that I do consistently to be responsive.

I believe that adding value and increase to the lives of others without expecting anything in return is the key to reciprocity. What goes around comes around.

Everyone who follows me receives an automatic direct message (auto-DM). I stopped using this technology for a while when people started to abuse it but I’m using it again very effectively.

I don’t know about you but I get DM spam in my twitter inbox every day. Anything that’s similar to “Hi! Thanks for following. Check out my website here …” or “Hi! It’s great to meet you. Here’s my FREE report” gets deleted immediately.

So how do you get YOUR auto-DM to stand out from the crowd? Remember… you’ve got to shift your intention. The example DM’s above are me-focused and salesy. What can you say that shows genuine interest in others and even gets conversation started?

Here’s mine…

“Hi! Thanks for reaching out! What do you love to tweet about the most? ~ Gina”

And guess what…

People respond. People tell me every day what they love to tweet about most. And just the other day someone added that they normally don’t respond to DM’s at all but mine was self-centered at all and they liked that.

The difference between the spammy salesy DM’s and mine is that it engages conversation and builds rapport and opens a door to what really matters… real relationships with real people.

The second thing I love to do is to connect people that should meet. This one’s easy but the key is to pay attention. Read people’s Twitter bios, take notice of what others tweet about and connect like-minded people. This is a great way to make sure you’ve shifted your intention to being interested in others first.

Twitter is where I meet my best joint venture partners too. It’s really become the hub for a lot of my joint venture marketing strategies. If you’ve been wanting to develop joint venture relationships there’s still time to join me for the Ready to JV 4-week Tele-Course starting March 10th. Just one successful joint venture can dramatically up-level your business.

So now YOU can do what good tweeters do. Give it a try and keep me posted on what you experience as a result okay. I’ll share more tips on how to be more responsive on Twitter again soon.

Wait! While you’re here, I’d sure love for you to share your thoughts and experiences below okay.

~ Gina xo

Purposeful Networking: What’s Your ONE THING?

Have you ever had a conversation like this?

THEM: [Insert your first name], thank you SO much!

YOU: Oh, it was my pleasure. I’m so happy I could help.

THEM: Seriously, I really appreciate this. If there’s ever anything I can do to help you please let me know?

YOU: um, er, oh sure, thanks, I will.

Okay… stop! Reality shift time…

How often does this dialogue occur? Probably pretty darned often – and more than you realize.

And, how often do entrepreneurs make the most of it? Rarely (which is such a shame!). The good news… you’re not alone. The bad news… this is a HUGE missed opportunity.

Now, let’s flip this around. What if the next time this dialogue unfolds you were prepared with a relevant response, a specific way that they could help you if they are able?

Wow! right?

So… what is your one thing?

What kind of “help” do you need right now? What challenges are you facing? What one thing can others do to help you?

* Can they connect you to someone in their network?
* Make an introduction? Provide a testimonial or endorsement?
* Take you as a guest to their networking group?
* Provide advice or feedback on something specific?
* Teach you how to do something?
* Recommend a resource?
* Help you spread the word about something exciting?
* What exactly can others do to help you?

The possibilities are endless!

Okay, now it’s your turn…

ACTION STEPS:

1) Think about this and set a goal to be able to answer specifically and relevantly the next time someone offers to help you… Make sure it is clear and specific.

2) Go the extra mile by sharing exactly how others can help you here by posting a comment to this blog. And, if you have a story or example of how you asked for help and got it – that would be great to showcase here too! {Oh and who knows… you may discover ways that you can help others too!}

7 Relationships for Six-figure Success (a.k.a. Your Network is Your Net Worth)

Today I’ve been thinking a lot about social equity, the strength of my network and quality of relationships within it. (Social equity is one of my favourite topics to teach!).

Social equity is simply the standards and mutual value of your personal and social relationships. The key to positive social equity is the element of mutual benefit.

If you’re familiar with my previous posts you’ll know that this is a time of transition for me (and Steve too). It’s scary and exciting all at the same time!

When your social equity is high, the people within your network truly care about you and your success as you care about theirs. There’s a great deal of mutual benefit and as a result, transitions are much easier to manage because it’s easy to garner support in many areas.

They are relevant in that they are interested in your area of expertise.

They are responsive in that they read and comment on your communications.

They are loyal in that they stay around as you and your company(s) grow and evolve.

And, they care in that what you do and who you are really do make a difference for them, they notice and it matters.

Does this describe YOUR network?

When you have a relevant, responsive, loyal and caring network it’s almost impossible to fail. I like to call positive social equity an insurance policy for your success.

But the diversity of your network is equally important. There are specific relationships that are essential to long-term, high level success. I’m talking six, even seven figure success.

For example, if your network only includes customers and prospective customers, there are critical gaps you must consider.

Here are six specific types of relationships, in addition to your network of prospects and customers, that you should spend time developing high social equity with (and why):

1. Family and Friends who “get” what you do. What I mean by “get” what you do is these are friends who support vs sabotage success. When you share your plans and ideas they fuel your excitement rather than burst your bubble. They don’t look at you like you’re crazy

2. Mentor(s) to inspire you and lift you to new heights of success.

3. Coach(es) to teach and motivate you to keep growing and moving forward.

4. Masterminds/Associations of like-minded and motivated people moving in the same direction as you to connect, collaborate, commiserate and celebrate with.

5. Complimentary Experts/Service Providers. These are business owners who share your target audience but serve them in a way that is complementary vs. competitive. These individuals or companies are perfect for co-promotion, collaboration, joint ventures, referrals and more!

6. Industry Experts to stay informed, remain innovative, and strengthen your expertise.

So as you build your own networks and strive to develop high social equity, remember the seven types of equitable relationships and the essential ingredient of mutual benefit.

Stay tuned to my next post where I’ll share some specific ways to build and nurture relationships to create positive social equity.

I’d love to hear how your relationships are supporting your success. Please feel free to comment

Gina xo

How to Bounce Back Fast When Someone Bursts Your Bubble!

This post started out as a quick shout out and update of some very cool teleseminars we want you to know about but I realized there’s more to tell you…

Let me ask you…

Have you ever put yourself out there with a new product, program or service and experienced an immediate and totally unexpected backlash?

That’s what happened to me last week…

And I can tell you, my initial reaction was to curl up in a ball and cry my eyes out. It hurt.

I did cry but thanks to the amazing women (and a few men) that I mastermind with, I was able to pick myself up, dust myself off – in record time!

Here’s the really awesome part…

When I was in the midst of the frustration, anger, self-doubt and plain old stuckness that comes with any kind of response you’re not prepared for, my intuition kicked into gear and I reached out to my mastermind for… help.

I posted my situation to our mastermind forum and within minutes I had people who truly care about me and my success sending me virtual hugs, sharing their experiences and helping me to move forward again.

There’s no info product, article or eBook that could have impacted me the way this group of amazing women did that day (and still do).

If you’re going through anything similar, I want you to know that you’re not alone.

And that there are some really simple things you can do to manage the fear and self-doubt that comes with any kind of negative response …

1. Get out of your head and follow your heart.

When you’re in the midst of a painful situation it’s easy to curl up in a ball and completely shut down or, the oppositive, to lash out too quickly.

The negative self-talk we all experience is louder and nastier than ever.

The key is to get out of your head and follow your heart. Challenge the self-talk and compare it to the truths you hold in your heart. The sooner you do this, the quicker you’ll bounce back – stronger than ever!

2. Reach out and ask for help.

My mentor reminded me of something this week…

There’s a big myth that exists in our minds that admitting our fear somehow makes us weak or unsuccessful. And I agree with Marie… this is total baloney.

Here’s her advice on this one:

“I feel fear regularly…especially when I’m in the midst of creating a lot of cool, new stuff.

When you step outside of the norms in business and life, expect some fear. Just don’t let it stop you.

The best thing to do is to gently call yourself out on it and more importantly, call a friend.

The secret is to share your fear from a neutral place (meaning: don’t FREAK out and believe your fearful thoughts) and allow your friend to “talk you back from the ledge.”

3. Fail Forward and Take Immediate Action.

A philosophy that serves me well is the idea that every “failure” offers an opportunity to grow. In fact, the Chinese symbol for “crisis” also represents “opportunity”.

When something goes wrong or doesn’t unfold according to plan, rather than view it as a failure and get caught up in your head like I mentioned earlier. Get into action.

Here’s what I mean…

Rather than continue to moan and groan and feel angry and frustrated with the negative reaction I encountered just days before, I re-focused positive energy to the new Fun, Fame and Fortune programs I’m preparing for 2010.

I mapped out my virtual and live retreats programs, organized the time lines, created content and then celebrated with my honey on the deck .

I’ve had the privilege to be part of an amazing mastermind this year. Surrounding myself with people who really care about my success makes all the difference in the world. When you have this, it’s pretty difficult to really fail.

I’m so excited to launch these new programs. They’re infused with the essentials I’ve identified for creating my own fun, fame and fortune with the goal that they will become your reason why it’s impossible for you to fail.

Setbacks can be the ideal fodder for mega creativity – if you get out of your head, ask for help and… fail forward.

Okay…

I’ve gotta run. My sister is here and Steve is going to install her new stereo. Then, it’s time for a dip in the pool!

Thanks, as always, for reading and I’m excited to share more about my failing forward with you as it unfolds.

Oh… about the teleseminars you should know about. You can read about them here:

July Member Event: The Zen of Social Media Marketing with Shama Hyder

5 Startling Mistakes Even Smart Entrepreneurs Make When Hosting a Telesummit/Series and How to Avoid Them with Special guest experts Sherri Garrity, Debbie Lachusa and Susan Daffron.

Have the best weekend ever and I’ll talk with you again soon.

Gina xo

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