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

Networking with Ease: [Volume 2 Issue 6]

Networking with Ease eZine – Volume 2 Issue 6

Hello Networking Entrepreneurs!

Spring fever has officially arrived at The Bell residence!

We spent much of the weekend cleaning sorting, organizing and re-arranging. We even put a lot of our winter clothing into storage. If you aren’t familiar with the weather in central Canada, this is a bit of wishful thinking (a.k.a. early in the season) but we’ve got our fingers crossed for more of a “power of positive thinking” effect tee hee! (Keep your fingers crossed for us okay we’re anxious to use our deck!). Be sure to scroll down to this week’s featured resource – SPRING is the perfect time to do a clean sweep of your business to clear out the clutter.

Much of our time this week was also devoted to nursing a sick baby boy… our Shih Tzu Zander (Graham Bell… short for Alexander Graham Bell he he). Little did we know the breed is prone to sensitive skin and food allergies and had no idea it could lead to an ear infection… poor little guy.

Steve’s been a little under the weather too but that didn’t keep him from doing what he does best which is coaching both business and on the ski hill.

In this week’s issue of Networking with Ease, we continue to explore March’s training topic of “Follow up Keep In Touch”…  It’s essential to effective networking and repeat business! 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
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Make Meaningful and Memorable Connections with Your *Verbal* Business Card – April 09 Training Call:

“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 23rd 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:

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)

March 31st - NAHBM (National Association of Home-Based Business Moms) Virtual Networking Luncheon “to meet the experts” http://snipurl.com/evto7

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  http://snipurl.com/evuc5

April 23th – Gina Bell at AWE – International Association of Web Entrepreneurs Member Training Event

April 30rd – 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

The #1 Way to Follow Up With Clients and Prospects
~ Stephen Bell, co-Founder of Networking Masters International

Okay, so you’ve been out networking and you’ve managed to meet some pretty cool people. This is great but, now what?

A common question that I get from clients is “What is the ‘best’ way to follow up with someone I’ve recently met?”

Now, when it comes to follow up, there are many things you can do… i.e. pick up the phone and call them; send a letter, brochure, postcard, news clipping or invitation thru direct mail; sign them up to receive your print &/or email newsletters; plan to network with them at a regularly attended networking meeting/event etc…

All of the above can be highly effective follow up strategies… but, which one is BETTER? Well, this is a bit of a trick question because the answer depends on you and which one(s) you will actually do!

There really isn’t a “best” way to follow up. It really doesn’t matter what I think is the best strategy if it outlines an approach that isn’t comfortable or motivating to YOU.

Action Tip: Take a moment and think of the many ways that you could follow up with prospects and clients. Make a list and immediately cross out the ones that seem complicated or time consuming and focus your attention on ideas that are simple and quick. If you keep revisiting one of the strategies you originally crossed off the list, dig a little deeper and ask yourself what is preventing you from using that strategy? It may be as simple as finding a system to simplify it, or perhaps it is a task that can be automated or delegated?

One final consideration is… how do your contacts WANT to be followed up with? Simply asking them what their preferred method of contact is, will enhance their experience with you and your company. i.e. “Okay, great! We’ll do lunch next week then. Should I call you or email you to confirm a time?” or “Yes, I’d be happy to send you more information about that. Would you prefer that by mail or email?

You’ve heard it before, and I’ll tell you again… there’s a FORTUNE in your follow up. It doesn’t matter how you do it, rather that you do it!

Really, there are so many little things you can do to create greater results from your networking efforts.  A great start is to explore the wealth of information, articles, interviews and resources right here on this blog!

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
  

It’s SPRING – time to make a clean sweep of your business and clear out the clutter!

Do you know the single biggest threat to your success? It isn’t the economy. It isn’t your competitors. It’s YOU and all those negative beliefs, self-sabotaging habits and the fears that keep you on safe ground (because you and I both know that playing it safe is the surest road to mediocrity)!

Join Carla Young creator of MOMeo Community as she interviews three of the expert speakers from the Spring (Success) Cleaning Telesummit as we discuss the mental clutter that is holding you back from achieving your true potential as an entrepreneur in this FREE preview call series! http://snipurl.com/evuc5

Call #1: Sales Expert Kim Duke shares THE biggest sales mistakes entrepreneurs make time and time again and how to instantly and easily turn your sales around with no money! PLUS a sneak preview of her brand new 90-Day Formula!

Call #2: Success Expert and Former Olympic Medalist Jim Hunter reveals inner psychology behind why over 82% of lottery winners end up broke within 3 years and what winning an Olympic medal taught him about the mental game and success!

Call #3: Lynn Burkholder and Carla Young share the insider secrets into WHY we as women and mothers are particularly subject to the FEAR FACTOR in our businesses and in our lives (and what you can do about it to avoid the terror trap)!

**PLUS**… we’ll reveal the super-sneaky way for you to listen in to the ENTIRE paid telesummit for FREE!

If you want to make 2009 your best year EVER, grab your spot for the FREE Preview series NOW! http://snipurl.com/evuc5

P.S. Gina Bell, co-founder of Networking Masters International is a resident expert for MOMeo Community and will be speaking at the MOMeo Telesummit on April 14th.

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!

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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.

An Inside Look At Successful Networking with “the” Metromom Kim DeYoung

I recently had an opportunity to interview a woman entrepreneur who shares my view of “Soulful Networking”. I’m thrilled to share the insights and golden nuggets Kim DeYoung of Metromom.com so willingly revealed:

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[Gina Bell, Networking Masters International] Kim, in your opinion, what is the biggest benefit of networking and why?

[Kim DeYoung, Metromom.com] I look at networking as an opportunity to connect with new people. There are so many benefits of connecting with others both personally and professionally. I’ve noticed that when I network authentically I benefit in the following ways:

· The satisfaction of being of service to others.

· Enhancing my visibility and credibility.

· Establishing affiliations that can lead to direct business, referrals and affiliate relationships.

· Enjoying cooperation and collaboration that often leads to joint ventures.

[Gina] Networking is a concept that seems to be largely misunderstood. In your opinion, what is the biggest myth or misconception surrounding networking today and how can networking professionals move past it to get their networking working?

[Kim] A lot of entrepreneurs I know, especially women, hate networking because they focus on quantity instead of quality. The biggest myth surrounding networking is that we have to “collect” tons of names. Instead of collecting, I focus on connecting. I’ve found that I enjoy networking more when I approach it as a way to establish a quality long-term connection rather than quickly gathering a bunch of business cards.

[Gina] If you had to choose between networking face-to-face or networking online… which one would you choose and why?

[Kim] For me as a connector, I love to interact personally face-to-face. Nothing replaces the opportunity to connect in person and it must be a part of anyone’s business-building activities.

BUT, in today’s Web 2.0 interactive world, we can connect with many who we can’t meet in person. Either way networking can be enjoyable, if you have the right intention of being of service and are focused on quality vs. quantity.

[Gina] Can you share some of the ways you are using the internet for business networking?

[Kim] Blogging & Forums- I love sharing tips and resources with other mom entrepreneurs. I also enjoy being a resource of content for other people’s communities.
Groups – I have a group on Facebook and TwitterMoms and I’ve really enjoyed participating and watching the great interaction within these groups.
Reach out – I observe, read, follow and connect with those I find interesting and authentic. I observe who’s doing what and saying what on FB and Twitter. If I resonate with someone, I’ll reach out directly by phone or email and take the steps to see where that relationship goes.

[Gina] Can you share one tip that will help our audience get better results when networking face-to-face?

[Kim] Focus on what you can give, not on what you can get from the interaction. You’ll enjoy yourself more and put the other person at ease when you show genuine interest and ask great questions. Again, I’m all about the quality not the quantity when it comes to networking.

[Gina] Can you share a networking success story?

[Kim] A few years ago, after just moving to CT, I was working on developing leads for my Melaleuca business and periodically purchased “internet leads” of people interested in business opportunities. I contacted a man named Dave who lived close by. Eventually we met and during our time together we really clicked.

Here’s the interesting thing, while Dave is an amazing guy, we have not worked together, at least not as of yet. However, based on his comfort with our connection, he introduced me to a special woman named Victoria who runs a very dynamic local networking group. This led to an entire community of great women in CT that began showing up in my life.

Dave was the seed that began my local networking tree, and gave me the gift of my business. From the beginning our relationship was based in truth, honesty and me doing business in a “Kim” way. The reason this connection had value was because I took the time (and vulnerable leap) to open my heart to him and establish a real relationship.

ABOUT Kim DeYoung & Metromom.com:
Serial entrepreneur Kim DeYoung (aka “The Metromom”) is the founder of Metromom.com and The Metromom Entrepreneurs Association a resource and community for driven and evolving entrepreneurial women that want to do business authentically and on their own terms. Learn more networking tips by order Kim’s free CD: 5 Surprising Secrets Every Mom Entrepreneur Must Know.

Get Your Networking Working With Confident Conversations

Taking the time to prepare BEFORE networking face-to-face or online leads to confident conversations and meaningful connections.

If you’ve ever stressed about talking to strangers at networking events or have found yourself paused in front of your computer screen wondering how to start a conversation within a social network there are simple things you can do.

BEFORE you go to a live networking event or, login to your favourite social network, develop an inventory of open-ended questions and interesting discussion topics that you can leverage to get conversation started with the people you meet.

The key to networking with ease and confidence is to use “open-ended” questions which require more than a one word answer to get the conversation rolling – naturally.

Prepare Opening “Conversation Starter” Questions:

• Do you find these meetings helpful to your business?
• I’m new here. What can you tell me about this group?
• Hi! I don’t think we’ve met yet…I’m Gina Bell, and you are?
• What brought you to this meeting?
• That’s a great pin (suit, scarf, purse…etc), where did you get it?

If you’d like to continue the conversation to get to know them a bit better you can ask them:

• Where are you from?
• How do you keep yourself busy when you aren’t working?
• Where do you work?
• What is it that you do?
• How will I know if I meet someone that could use your product/service?

Notice that these “get to know you” questions focus on the person you are speaking with rather than the organization, or event itself.

According to Susan RoAne, Author of What Do I Say Next? “Small talk is what we do to build to big talk. It is what cements relationships and success.”

Where can you find “Small Talk” Topic Ideas?

• Current Affairs
• Best Selling Books
• Movies
• Business News
• Industry Trends

Consider your personal interests and areas of expertise to come up with additional topic ideas. Start and develop a journal of interesting topic ideas for future reference.

Good Resources for “Small Talk” Topic Ideas are News (Local, National & International, Paper, TV, Internet, Radio), Magazines, Books, Movies, etc…

Why worry about small talk? Small talk in conversation allows you to find common ground, something in common to spark a connection…this is the catalyst for confident conversations, rapport and the beginnings of developing a win-win business relationship.

Small talk leads to discovering fascinating facts about the people you meet. These facts are the key to becoming a valuable asset in their network and building social equity with them. Based on these findings you can follow up in a memorable way (they’ll be very impressed that you remembered the conversation); make strategic introductions for them, send them information, resources and referrals that will help them and more.

When you become a valuable asset in the network of others, your social equity grows and this always has a positive reflection on financial capital to. What goes around comes around.

TIPS:

1) Listen. Really listen to people and remember the fascinating facts. Write them on the back of business cards, enter them into your contact database notes.
2) Use the information you discover to be a connector and someone of value to THEM. This is true networking.

3) Allow the conversation to unfold organically. (i.e. Don’t grill them with question after question! Get in on the conversation too but again, try to listen more than you talk).

Happy Networking!

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