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

Member’s Only Training Call.
Wed July 15th 2:00 pm MTN (1pm PST, 3pm CST, 4pm EST)

Zen of Social Media Marketing: An Easier Way to Build Credibility, Generate Buzz, and Increase Revenue with Shama Hyder

Spending hours on social media sites only to be disappointed by a zero return on your investment doesn’t put anyone in a Zen-like state. But, that’s ONLY if you are doing it wrong! If you go with the flow, you can rake in the profits AND have fun. Imagine that!

The Zen of Social Media Marketing is about understanding the mindset of the people (your prospects) who are using social media, and then using that to your advantage.

Do you remember the famous scene from the Matrix where Neo bends the spoon? It went like this:

Spoon boy: Do not try and bend the spoon. That’s impossible. Instead… only try to realize the truth.
Neo: What truth?
Spoon boy: There is no spoon.
Neo: There is no spoon?
Spoon boy: Then you’ll see that it is not the spoon that bends, it is only yourself.

Social media is like that spoon. If you try to bend it, it won’t bend.

Do you ever wonder how some people rack up friends and followers, build their lists, and just seem to be EVERYWHERE? These people are true Zen marketers. They may not even realize it, they are just going with the flow. And, they make it look effortless-because so much of it IS really effortless.

Come, learn how make your social media marketing effortless.

Follow on Twitter: @Shama

Networking Masters International members enjoy calendar friendly access to the call recordings. This is just one of many valuable perks of membership. For less than the cost of one take out dinner you can finally Get Your Networking Working!

Get all the details here: http://www.thenetworkingmasters.com/benefits

More Networking Masters International Events can be found at: http://www.thenetworkingmasters.com/events

Happy Networking!

What’s Newsworthy In Your Business?

So, you want to be tomorrow’s headliner. Every day, you’re working in your business dealing with clients, selling products or services, and it seems to be the “same old same old.” Things are going okay, but there’s nothing new to report. Nothing exciting going on! How are you supposed to get in the news?

That’s the big question… how do you find an angle that grabs attention and makes you stand apart? How do you find an idea that will get you free publicity?

To uncover the newsworthiness in your business, think about your ideal customer – your target market.

Put yourself in his or her shoes and ask:

• What would make me excited?
• What would make me want to learn more?

Then spin an angle that editors will respond to. But remember, you’re pitching a story idea – not an advertisement.

When you think about the stories you read in the newspaper, what is it that captures your attention? What makes it interesting for you?

Now turn that thought process inward. What is it about you or your business that would be of interest to others?

The juiciest idea may be in the details. For example, have you ever read a story about someone who graduated from high school? Probably not. It’s common…but if that person was a senior citizen or has suffered a major trauma, think of the spin that would place on the story. A story is enhanced if it contains an oddity or conflict. Look for the human interest value such as children, family, animals, diverting crisis. Here are a few ideas to get the ideas spinning.

• Is there anything interesting in your background that you can tie in?
• Trips you have taken that have added value to your services? For example a life coach that has backpacked around the globe, studied with Buddhist Monks, swam with the sharks, and discovered the importance of living in harmony with nature has a unique story to spin on helping clients find inner peace.
• Can you tie your expertise in to a world trend?
• What’s happening in the world around you, and how does it affect your customers?
• Human interest aspects can be used to spark interest. This could include the struggle and the victory of developing a new product or event. And the people behind the scenes can be instrumental in capturing emotion and attention.

Remember you’re not creating an advertisement; your story needs to be a newsworthy account about you or your company and of interest to the readers. The right angle should be both timely and entertaining.

If you think of a good twist that you think may be interesting, test it. Ask your clients…if they want to hear more, you know you’re on to a winner.

Networking with Ease [Volume 2, Issue 7]

Networking with Ease eZine – Volume 2 Issue 7

Hello Networking Entrepreneurs!

A warm welcome to all of our new subscribers! We’re so happy to have you as part of our community.

One thing you’ll come to know for certain is that I (Gina Bell, your Publisher today) LOVE quotes! And I’ve found the perfect one to kick off this issue of Networking with Ease… it’s inspiring and thought provoking too!

“You are one connection away from being able to change your life.”
Author, Larry Bennett

So often we hear stories of chance meetings and “million dollar connections”. And it’s absolutely true that you never know WHO will open the door to your biggest, most exciting opportunities.

Connecting with others in meaningful ways certainly paves the way for life changing relationships. The question is… are you paying attention?

In this week’s issue of Networking with Ease, our feature article explores this very topic and how “conscious networking” is essential to making meaningful (even million dollar) connections. Enjoy!

Happy Networking!

Gina & Stephen Bell,
a.k.a. “The Bells”
Signature of Success Consulting, Inc.
Corporate home to:

Networking Masters International
International Non-Fiction Writers Association
JV Mavens Partner and Prosper Network
.

Make Meaningful and Memorable Connections with Your *Verbal* Business Card – April 09 Training Call: NOTE – Call Date Change!

“Your Verbal Business Card” How to be so remarkable your prospects beg to know more (and tell everyone your story)
with Networking Masters International co-Founder Gina Bell
DATE/TIME: Thursday April 30th at Noon PST, 1:00 pm MTN 2:00 pm CST, 3pm EST
Tele-webcast link: http://instantTeleseminar.com/?eventid=6803967
Join us for the live call. Members enjoy access to calendar friendly recordings. (Annual Membership is FREE for a limited time… see BIGGEST GIVE details below!)

It’s inevitable so, you might as well be ready for it, the most commonly asked question at a conference or networking event (heck, even randomly in public) is “What is it that you do?”

Instead of reacting with a deer-in-the-headlights stare, or blurting out a response that generates a confused stare right back, how would you like to be able to answer confidently with a well-crafted, memorable and conversation generating response?

Say goodbye to boring, bland and salesy elevator speeches! During this energizing coaching opportunity you’ll discover how to:

* introduce yourself in a fun and interesting way

* win the attention of your audience in as little as 10 seconds (because if you don’t, you’ve lost them!)

* leverage third party evidence for maximum impact

* engage memorable conversation, invoke curiosity and leave your new contacts longing to know more!

Are you a member of Networking Masters International? Networking Insiders are in the know with access to more than 100 interviews and teleseminars in the member’s only archives. We’ve made it easier – and more affordable than ever – to be a member. See the BIG GIVE announcement below (psst! For a very limited time – membership is FREE – by invitation only! Good thing you subscribed!)

OTHER TELESEMINARS, INTERVIEWS & EVENTS:

REMINDER & LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER: Today is your absolute last chance to participate in a special one-time only call that David and Kristin Morelli – our Networking Magnetism experts – are gearing up for called “Quantum Leap Your Wealth”. The call is TONIGHT at 8:00 pm EST (www.time.gov for your zone) and there are over 5,000 folks registered for it! Are you one of them? I hope so! If not here’s the link: http://snipurl.com/40dnlastcall

April 27th – Gina Bell Interview with Kim DeYoung for Metromom Telesummit – Get the FREE preview call here: http://bit.ly/BoJ5J

April 30rd – Networking Masters International – Members Only Training Call 2:00 pm CST

May 1st – Gina Bell at Ultralist Building Jam Session! A totally F-R-E-E course that will teach you absolutely everything you need to know to build a foundation, grow your list and create raving fans. Register now at: http://snipurl.com/listjam)

May 4th – Networking Masters International – Private Member’s Only Q & A Coaching Call. 2:00 pm MTN (1:00 PST / 3:00 CST / 4:00 EST).

May 7th – FREE Teleseminar with “The Bells” – “7 Must-Know Marketing Myths: How Misconceptions Sabotage Client Attraction and Prevent You from Making a Living Doing What You Love!” – Registration link to follow

May 14th – Gina Bell at NAHBM (National Association of Home-Based Business Moms) Telesummit. It’s a Mother’s Day Party and You’re Invited! http://snipurl.com/evto7

September 9, 10, 11 – Gina & Stephen Bell at Get Your Networking Working Blueprint Workshop – TICKETS NOW ON SALE! Act fast to benefit from early bird savings and easy-on-the-budget installment options.

And… be sure to join us for Authors Unscripted Talk Show Thursdays at 3:00 pm at INFWA.com

Conscious Networking… Are You Paying Attention?
~ Gina Bell Bell, co-Founder of Networking Masters International

Today, more than ever before, it’s essential that entrepreneurs develop and really leverage their networking skills.

When the economy thrives the focus tends to be on financial capital, financial equity, physical assets, etc… it’s a lot easier to access funding through a bank or investors right.

During times of economic uncertainty… purse strings are tightened, access to financial support is limited or non-existent. All of a sudden the same assets and equity no longer have the same degree of leverage.

What entrepreneurs often don’t realize is that relationships and the social equity developed as a result has a direct reflection on financial capital.

Surrounding yourself with a network of people who really care about your success is like having an insurance policy for success – regardless of the economy. This network, your community will provide strategic introductions, referrals, information, advice and more… all of which can have a dramatic financial result.

So, have you started paying closer attention to your network yet? Do you have a follow up keep in touch plan? Are you staying visible? Are you memorable? Are you adding value and increase to the lives and businesses in your community? (this applies to your online networks too).

Action Tip: Spend some time thinking about this today and take it one step further… identify two people that you know who should meet based on mutual interest or mutual goals. Introduce them. Tell them why you think they should connect – who knows, you may have set the stage for their “million dollar connection”

Here are two more great articles to get your networking working:

• * An Interview with co-Founder Stephen Bell on “True Networking”
  
• * Media Releases… Defining Your Audience by Networking with the Media expert Susan Regier
  

Have you heard about the Ultralist Building Jam Session?

It’s a totally F-R-E-E course that will teach you absolutely everything you need to know about growing your list of loyal, raving fans.

Only the top online business and personal development/ motivational experts are allowed to teach during this course and Gina Bell, co-Founder of Networking Masters International is among the expert team!

Register now at: http://snipurl.com/listjam

Yes, you read it right… You can be one of a limited group of entrepreneurs who claim FREE annual membership for one full year. Your only investment – a small shipping and handling fee of just $9.95 (less than you’d spend on an average take-out lunch!).

Hurry! When word gets out about this Big Give, the memberships will go fast!

.
.
.
.
Here is a brief description of what you’ll receive when you join… Membership Benefits include:

* Networking Mastery 3-CD set. Enjoy a new CD in your mailbox every 3-4 months
* Live Monthly Teleseminars (includes downloadable audio recordings)
* Live Monthly Q & A/coaching calls (includes downloadable audio recordings)
* Immediate access to an ever-growing educational audio archive worth thousands of dollars (currently more than 100 recordings on file!)
* Member Discount: Get Clients Now! Group Mastermind at www.getmoreandbetterclientsnow.com
* Member Discount: 3-day Live Get Your Networking Working Blueprint Workshop. Watch the event trailer now at www.getyournetworkingworking.com
* and a whole lot more!

Full description and details at: http://www.thenetworkingmasters.com/benefits

Payment Methods: MasterCard, Visa. Membership fee CDN dollars.

Membership Renewal: Credit card payments automatically renew in 12 Months. Regular annual membership fee is $239.40 per year renewed at easy-on-the-budget monthly installments of just $19.95 per month. You will receive a membership renewal reminder via e-mail 10 days before the renewal. It’s very important that you register with a valid and monitored email address. Also, please add info[at]thenetworkingmasters.com to your safe senders list.

Networking Masters International is a division of Signature of Success Consulting, Inc.

Networking with Ease: Our Biggest Give – ever! [Volume 2 Issue 5 - March 20, 2009]

Networking with Ease eZine – Volume 2 Issue 5

Hello Networking Entrepreneurs!

Did you hear the news? Last week we announced the biggest, coolest, most exciting program in our entire careers! The best part of it is that it will really benefit hard working, motivated business owners and entrepreneurs like you!

We want you to experience being a member of Networking Masters International… not just for 30 or 60 days but for one full year.  That’s right… for a limited time you can become a member of Networking Masters International – for FREE! (Reg. $187/yr).

As a “NETWORKING INSIDER” you’ll have access to:

• * monthly training teleseminars;
• * monthly Q & A coaching calls;
• * a growing member download archive with 100+ hours of audio;
• * access to a private networking and mastermind network
• * and a whole lot more!

When motivated and creative entrepreneurs like you begin to connect in meaningful ways – on purpose and with  passion – it makes a difference for everyone involved – especially for the potential clients out there who can benefit most from your brilliance.

So, be sure to take advantage of the BIGGEST GIVE before it’s gone and get your networking working for you in new and profitable ways!

Imagine… effortlessly attracting more (and better) clients, income and opportunities within your own relevant, responsive, loyal and caring network (economy). Exciting isn’t it!

Happy Networking!

Gina & Stephen Bell,
a.k.a. “The Bells”
Signature of Success Consulting, Inc.
Corporate home to:

Networking Masters International
International Non-Fiction Writers Association
JV Mavens Partner and Prosper Network

.

GET YOUR NETWORKING WORKING TRAINING EVENT – MARCH 09:

“Follow Up Keep In Touch”
with Networking Masters International co-Founder Stephen Bell
DATE/TIME: Friday March 27th at Noon PST, 1:00 pm MTN 2:00 pm CST, 3pm EST
Tele-webcast link: http://instantTeleseminar.com/?eventid=6575655
Join us for the live call. Members enjoy access to calendar friendly recordings. (Annual Membership is FREE for a limited time… see BIGGEST GIVE details below!)

On this call you’ll discover a simple, proven follow up keep in touch system that will increase your visibility, referrals and customer loyalty. Stand out from the crowd and get your networking working by staying in touch and building relationships with prospects and customers.

There really is a fortune in your follow up!

Are you a member of Networking Masters International? Networking Insiders are in the know with access to more than 100 interviews and teleseminars in the member’s only archives. We’ve made it easier – and more affordable than ever – to be a member. See the BIG GIVE announcement below (psst! For a very limited time – membership is FREE – by invitation only! Good thing you subscribed!)

OTHER TELESEMINARS, INTERVIEWS & EVENTS:

March 25th – Gina Bell at JV Mavens Mastermind Q & A Coaching Call

March 27th – Networking Masters International – Member Training Event with Stephen Bell, Follow Up Keep In Touch 2:00 pm CST

March 31st – Networking Masters International – Private Member Q & A Coaching Call 2:00 pm CST (dial-in details will be emailed to Networking Insider members privately)

April 1st - Gina Bell at Femalepreneurs.com Business Success Coaching Club

April 4th - Gina & Stephen Bell at BNI Saskatchewan 3rd Annual Charity Awards Gala

April 14th - Gina Bell at MOMeo Telesummit

April 15th – Gina Bell at AWE – International Association of Web Entrepreneurs Member Training Event

April 23rd – Networking Masters International Member Training Event with Gina Bell, Create and Leverage Your Verbal Business Card. 2:00 pm CST

April 30th – Networking Masters International – Private Member Q & A Coaching Call 2:00 pm CST (dial-in details will be emailed to Networking Insider members privately)

September 9, 10, 11 – Gina & Stephen Bell at Get Your Networking Working Blueprint Workshop – TICKETS NOW ON SALE! Act fast to benefit from early bird savings and easy-on-the-budget installment options.

And… be sure to join us for Authors Unscripted Talk Show Thursdays at 3:00 pm at INFWA.com

VERBAL LOGO EXTRAORDINAIRE
~ Gina Bell, co-Founder of Networking Masters International

Recently I heard what has become my favourite business related quote…

“Marketing is the tax we pay for being ordinary” ~ author unknown.

It’s not the most motivating or inspiring quote around but it does hit the nail on the head in terms of the primary goal of marketing… and that is to draw attention to your product or service as “the” best choice for your target market AND, to be remembered for it.

Ordinary isn’t noticeable or memorable. Not only that, who wants to pay a lot of tax – even if it is just metaphorically speaking?

So the goal then is to be EXTRAordinary… noticeable, relevant and memorable to your target audience and potential referral sources.

When it comes to networking, the very best way to gain more mileage and return for your investment of time is to develop an extraordinary verbal logo. A verbal logo is what you say in response to the most commonly asked question… “So, what is it that you do?” HOW you respond to this inevitable question will determine how noticeable and memorable you are.

The most common error people make is to say what they do by way of industry labels… i.e. “I’m a (fill in the blank)”… or, in regard to their company name i.e. “I work for (fill in the blank)” or “I own (fill in the blank)”. Now, these statements may be true but they are boring with a capital “B”, it doesn’t mean much to the person you’re speaking with and worse yet, they may have had a negative experience with the industry or company.

So how do you respond in an extraordinary way? Try focusing your response on the clients you serve and the results you deliver. The easiest way to do this is to describe your ideal client and why they work with you…

But there’s a bit of a catch. When asked “So, what is it that you do?” your initial response will ultimately depend on who asked the question first. Here’s what I mean…

If the other person asks you first, keep your response very simple and then toss the question back to them… “I’m in marketing… What do you do?” I do this for two reasons:

1) Being interested in them is memorable for THEM

2) to get them talking. By listening to their response and probing with some additional questions; when they finally ask me what I do, I can customize my response to be more meaningful to THEM. (P.S. It’s ALWAYS about THEM).

Once the conversation rolls back my way, THEN I’ll share my verbal logo.

To give you an example, here’s my standard response to the inevitable question:

“My clients are motivated entrepreneurs who want to promote themselves in a way that is comfortable not salesy. Together we find strategies that feel right, boost confidence and most importantly attract more of their perfect clients.”

The goal is to get them to respond back with “Oh, how do you do that?” or “Wow! Tell me more”… and even better “That sounds like exactly what I need, can I have your card?”… (and remember… if you get them talking first and really listen to their response, you can tailor your verbal logo to serve a need/want they shared with you in conversation so you really do become “exactly what I need”).

So challenge yourself to create an EXTRAordinary verbal logo that leaves your new contacts begging to know more about you and what you do. Developing your networking skills like a verbal logo is one way to give yourself a competitive advantage. Did you know, there are countless ways that you can improve the overall results of your networking efforts?

A great start is to explore the wealth of information, articles, interviews and resources right her on this blog!

Here are two more great articles to get your networking working:

• * The Gift of Thoughtfulness (Is a Gift to Yourself) by Bob Burg
  
• * Find the Lesson and Move On by Gina Bell
  

Join us every Thursday at INFWA.com for Authors Unscripted Talk Show.

The focus is entrepreneurial authors, their books and beyond. Enjoy topics that will boost your business and life too!

Earlier this week we interviewed Michelle Donovan “The Referability Expert” and co-author to The 29% Solution.

About the book: Develop your networking skills, increase your connections, and become part of the roughly 29% of people who are separated from the rest of the world by just six degrees.

The 29% Solution is the first book designed to integrate networking into the way you do business on a weekly basis with fifty-two quick, straightforward networking strategies.

Your income is directly related to your ability to network your business for growth. This book gives you the tools to become a great networker and part of the 29% of the population that produces exceptional results.

Click the link to listen to the interview replay: http://www.audioacrobat.com/play/WwdGNlXx

Yes, you read it right… You can be one of a limited group of entrepreneurs who claim FREE annual membership for one full year. Your only investment – a small shipping and handling fee of just $9.95 (less than you’d spend on an average take-out lunch!).

Hurry! When word gets out about this Big Give, the memberships will go fast!

.
.
.
.
Here is a brief description of what you’ll receive when you join… Membership Benefits include:

* Networking Mastery 3-CD set. Enjoy a new CD in your mailbox every 3-4 months
* Live Monthly Teleseminars (includes downloadable audio recordings)
* Live Monthly Q & A/coaching calls (includes downloadable audio recordings)
* Immediate access to an ever-growing educational audio archive worth thousands of dollars (currently more than 100 recordings on file!)
* Member Discount: Get Clients Now! Group Mastermind at www.getmoreandbetterclientsnow.com
* Member Discount: 3-day Live Get Your Networking Working Blueprint Workshop. Watch the event trailer now at www.getyournetworkingworking.com
* and a whole lot more!

Full description and details at: http://www.thenetworkingmasters.com/benefits

Payment Methods: MasterCard, Visa. Membership fee CDN dollars.

Membership Renewal: Credit card payments automatically renew in 12 Months. Regular annual membership fee is $187/yr. You will receive a membership renewal reminder via e-mail 10 days before the renewal. It’s very important that you register with a valid and monitored email address. Also, please add info[at]thenetworkingmasters.com to your safe senders list.

Networking Masters International is a division of Signature of Success Consulting, Inc.

Get Your Networking Working Interview with Josh Hinds of BusinessNetworkingAdvice.com

Q. How do you define Business Networking and why do you feel it is important?

Josh Hinds: I define Business Networking as two or more people who come together with the idea of getting to know each other better in the hopes that they might help each other in their respective business endeavors in some way. While the above is an official way of saying it, ultimately I think it’s a lot simpler than that. You could also say that networking is really just about connecting with others and looking for ways to create win, win relationships where each person benefits from knowing the other person.

Business networking is extremely important for many reasons, but here are just a few which I think illustrate why it’s worth ones time to make networking a part of their professional life.

First, when you really get the whole networking & connecting thing you realize that it really brings an element of fun to what can be an otherwise daily grind in the world of business.

Rather than being focused on yourself, you’re looking for ways to enhance the lives of others by either passing along introductions between people you believe should know each other (often referred to as being a connector), or looking for ways to fill the needs of members of your own network. Opportunities literally flow the way of the person who has a strong network of folks.

If you want a key tip for building a strong professional network, simply remember to always be looking to do cool and nice (even if unexpected) things for other people. When you fill the needs of other people you endear yourself to them in a way that you simply can’t imagine. Plus, quite frankly it can be a lot of fun to help others, not to mention more often than not you will find that the person you served in some way will go around telling the story of how you helped them. If that’s not a win, win I don’t know what is.

Q. If you had to choose between networking face-to-face or networking online… which one would you choose and why?

Josh Hinds: I actually don’t know that I could choose between either. I’m one who believes that we’re always “networking” or should be. Because I believe that essentially networking is “connecting and building win, win relationships” I don’t think there’s ever really a time not to be doing it in some capacity. Now don’t get me wrong, if your idea of networking is focusing on getting your business card into the hands of as many unsuspecting folks as possible, or talking on & on about whatever business you happen to be in, well then of course there would be appropriate & inappropriate times to “network” (btw. I don’t personally think that’s a particularly effective approach to take anytime, but that’s my opinion ). So assuming that you take the more natural approach, with a focus on building rapport with folks first, and learning about the other person (so that you can know if you’re in a position to help them or connect at a deeper level in some way) then is there really a perfect place to network? Again, I don’t think so.

Just think of each meeting as an opportunity to strengthen the given connection in some way and you’ll be way ahead of the game. I think people have different ways they prefer to connect, so being able to meet them on their “own turf” is important. I’ve connected with incredible folks online that I’d have quite possibly never been able to offline, and vice versa. Along the same lines I’ve met a number of wonderful people online who I have gone on to connect with offline through different seminars & events I have spoken at.

Though again, I think if you’ve really adapted into your life the networker lifestyle, opportunities to connect become apparent all the time. Here’s an example from my own life.

A while back I was at a gas station. I noticed a lady who was dressed up very nicely. I thought to myself that if I were all dressed up the last thing I would want to do is be pumping gas. So without much thought I said hello, can I help you by pumping your gas? I see that you’re dressed up and would hate to see you get your outfit messed up. I was very casual about it so as not to make her feel uncomfortable. So I ended up helping her in that way. As I was pumping the gas she mentioned she was going to a particular event, she asked what I did, and I mentioned briefly that I was a professional speaker & trainer. She asked for my web site and I gave it to her. After a few moments and several thank-you’s and you’re welcome’s we were both on our separate ways. End of story… except that unbeknownst to me this woman got to her event and ended up sharing the story with what evidently was the entire place she had been about the “motivational speaker guy” (her words not mine…lol) who helped her. She also passed along my web site and I ended up hearing from a number of people she had shared the story with.

So I think the moral of the story is, we never quite know how big an impact a simple gesture or act of good will can have. The catch is, you have to do it with a genuine servants heart — and be unattached to any potential outcome that may or may not appear from having done so.

Q. Can you share some of the ways you use the internet for business networking?

Josh Hinds: I use the internet in lots of different ways to network and create connections. One of the buzz words (at least at the time of this interview) is “social media” — if you didn’t know better you’d think it was some new phenomena, actually, in my humble opinion anyway different forms of social media have been around for a long, long time. For example, think about message boards & forums, and if you’ve been around online long enough you’ll know what I’m talking about when I say IRC chat & usenet. That said, there are plenty of new social media outlets which are new, for example, I love twitter because it allows me to use it however I want to use it in a given moment. I can use it as conduit to join & participate in conversations, as well as a broadcast medium for something I want to get the word out about quickly. I also want to make the point here, I see a lot of folks saying the “right” way to use twitter is this way, or that way. I think that’s pretty silly. I don’t think twitter really has any rules. In fact if there’s a right or wrong way I think it would be more along the “people skills” side of things, as opposed to the technology of twitter itself. By people side I mean, are you connecting in ways with people that will make them feel good about you, and want to get to know you better? Or are you acting and connecting in a way that makes them run for the hills. That’s what I mean when I talk about the “people skills” side of things. I think that’s pretty much universal and independent of whether you’re networking online using any number of tools from twitter, facebook, your own blog (i.e. via connecting through the comments on your blog or site) or if you’re offline at a BNI meeting, chamber of commerce meeting or even lending a helping hand at a gas station as I mentioned in the story above. The technology changes, but the people side of things are always important. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE and am thankful for the technology. But think about it this way — I suspect when folks started using the telephone they were every bit as excited as people now are about the unlimited potential which tools like Twitter & Facebook, among many others hold for building deep quality connections.

Q. Can you share a couple of specific tips or recommendations to improve business networking skills?

Josh Hinds: Absolutely!

First, I think it really helps to get to a point where networking becomes natural and effortless. Once you realize that as long as you network in a way that your focus is on the other person, looking for ways to help & serve them in some way then anytime (literally) is a good time to be networking. Remember, networking is connecting.

Always be looking for ways to add value or be valuable to the people you have met and wish to build strong quality networking relationships with. In order to do this we’ve got to build rapport with these folks. Again, doing so is often as simple as looking for ways to be of service in some way, or as I like to say, find ways to do cool and nice things for others.

Here’s another example to illustrate how these opportunities are all around us if we’ll take the time to be aware of them and on the lookout.

One day while I was on twitter I noticed a tweet (twitter message) run across my twitter stream (twitter messages from folks run top down, top messages being newest. Hence its referred to as a stream by some folks ). The message was from a fellow who was also a professional speaker. He was sharing a web page he’d created. I clicked the link and had a look. The site was nice, but I did notice it took a while for the page to load. Turns out that unbeknownst to him he hadn’t shrunk down the file size of the picture of himself, so while it rendered fine on the web page, its file size was simply HUGE, which was causing the web page to load slowly. Rather than make a big deal of it, I simply saved the image of him to my computer. Shrunk the file size down and attached it as an email back to him saying I enjoyed his site, and explained that I’d made the file size smaller for him and he was welcome to use it on his page if he liked.

Notice I didn’t try to charge him, I didn’t say, hey I did this for you, and by the way I do this for a living (cause I don’t…lol) use my services, or hey I’m doing this for you because I want something from you. No, I didn’t do any of that. I simply did something nice & cool for him. And the funniest thing happened. I got a great email back from him, and later he mentioned through twitter what a nice thing I had done for him. Again, I didn’t do it initially for any other reason than I thought it would be nice to do. These are the sort of opportunities to serve (and in doing so build your network immensely) which present themselves all the time, we just have to be open to seeing them.

Q. In your opinion, what is the biggest misconception surrounding effective business networking and, how can entrepreneurs get past it?

Josh Hinds: I think a lot of people think it is something that they have to do in a certain way, at a certain place. They don’t realize that effective networking can be as simple as understanding that any place, the place they are at the moment is often as good a place as any to open up and connect with another person. Now certainly, depending on the type of connections you want to build there are ways that one should go about networking in order to stand a better chance of connecting with a given person or persons from a particular industry. For example, the chance of meeting or running into the head of XYZ company is going to be infinitely higher if you go to their shareholders meeting than say if you stand around in the milk section of their local grocery store hoping to catch them. You see my point? Even still networking isn’t something that need take away from other things. It’s not something that you have to spend less marketing dollars in order to begin networking. It’s not an either or situation (it doesn’t have to be anyway).

I’d sum it up like this. You’ve heard the old saying, “everyone is in sales, even if they don’t realize they are” (which I believe is true by the way)? Well I believe the same could be said about networking — since business networking effectively is really just about building quality professional working relationships with others.

Q. Can you share a personal “networking” success story with us?

Josh Hinds: Now there’s a question, it’s kind of like trying to eat just one potato chip.

When I first started my web site that went on to be GetMotivation.com — initially I just wanted to use it as a way to introduce people who visited my web sites to speakers & authors in the personal development industry that I enjoyed either listening to or reading their books. In short, I started with little more than a links page. I didn’t have any grand idea or dream really to create a business around this idea. Nor could I have fathomed in my wildest dreams that from that simple web page a community would form which has led millions of people from all over the world to visit the web site, nor that I would start writing and speaking on topics related to professional development myself. No, when I started that simple web page it was simply something I had a passion for and so I did it. Well, I’m really big on the idea that if you follow and do what’s necessary, that is lead with action life has an incredible way of filling in the details for us.

You see, one of the key things that I did when I got started with my web site was to actually use it as an opportunity to reach out, introduce myself and make real connections with the people I would be featuring. The speakers & authors whose work I enjoyed. It was a simple email in most cases — just letting them know who I was, that I enjoyed their work, and that I planned to help send my audience to learn more about them. Initially, especially before I had any “audience” to speak of I’m sure many of the folks I wrote to didn’t think much of it. But some did and would write back.

I didn’t realize it at the time but that was one of the key steps in getting me to the point where I am now. Where I’ve made a comfortable place in the personal & professional development industry and have been able to help lots of others get their messages out to the masses. Initially I could have very easily chosen to bypass the wonderful opportunity that existed to connect with others in the industry I so dearly loved. That would have been the easier route, but had I made that choice I’m convinced I’d have never gotten to the point where I am now professionally. At best it would look far different, and I’m certain the memories wouldn’t be near as enjoyable to recount.

If I could offer one closing thought it would be to keep in mind that every day offers up countless opportunities to be an effective networker — when you get the point that it’s really just all about creating quality connections, constantly developing them and pouring on the value. If you’ll do unto others as you’d have them do unto you, you’ll find that networking becomes a thing of ease.

About Josh Hinds Speaker, Author, and Coach is the founder of GetMotivation.com which has been visited by millions of people world-wide – as well as a growing network of personal and professional development related web sites which include: BusinessNetworkingAdvice.com, BusinessLeadershipAdvice.com, SalesTrainingAdvice.com and GoalsSuccess.com. He is also the author of Why Perfect Timing is a Myth: Tips for Staying Inspired and Motivated. Day in and Day out! In addition he publishes the Let’s Talk Motivation! newsletter which provides a source of ongoing motivation to his readers.

Josh practices the simple belief that opportunities open themselves up when you lead with a sincere willingness to help others. www.getmotivation.com

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