I’m so excited to let you know about a zero-sales-pitch, no-fee-to-attend interview series I’m participating in this month…

It’s called The Best Business Advice Ever Series (I love that!)

When I think about all of the advice I’ve been given over the years to start and grow my business, I’ve often thought that it would have been so much easier had I only learned some of it a lot sooner!

Wouldn’t it be great if you could bypass the frustrations and go directly to what works?

This month, my colleague Sherri Garrity is continuing her free Business Advice Series with top-notch entrepreneurs who are sharing their best business advice ever in 15 minutes or less.

This is your chance to hear from each of them what’s worked, which mistakes they learned from the most, and the one piece of advice they have to share with you. The event starts March 22 with a special presentation by Sherri on Why the Typical (and traditional) Business Advice Doesn’t Work.

All you have to do is sign up for the series. It’s completely FREE.

All of the interviews are short, and to the point, so you can listen to them over a cup of coffee, or while you’re in the car or running errands.

Don’t miss this event – Sherri’s pulled together an incredible range of guests and her kickoff presentation is sure to cut to the core of what you need to do to build your business to its peak potential.

Go check it out and register for this FREE event at: http://snipurl.com/uwv9u

~ Gina xo

You are invited to join me, Gina Bell, Resident Networking Expert for the AWE (International Association of Web) April Member Event: Your Network Is Your Net Worth-Why Relationships Are The New Currency.

Link for Event Page:
http://aweconnect.com/blog/networking

Date: Wednesday April 15, 2009
Time: 11 am (PST), Noon (MST), 1 (CST), 2 pm (EST)

On this special call, we’re going to:

• - Explore business networking and the concept of Social Capital.
  - Talk about myths and misconceptions surrounding “networking” and how you can avoid falling victim to them.
  - Discuss the “real” value of networking, how it relates to building high social capital.
  - Discover why every entrepreneur must develop effective networking skills to create a relevant and responsive network
  - Reveal how your network can actually become an insurance policy for success.
  - Identify at least two specific ways you can begin to build your social capital and finally get your networking working for you in new, more powerful ways.

Gina Bell is President and co-Founder of The Networking Masters, creator of Joint Venture Mavens; co-author to “The Power of Mentorship for the Home Based Business” and “The Networking Masters to the Rescue” series of books as well as forthcoming author to “Soulful Networking”.

For years, Gina has been teaching entrepreneurs how to effectively leverage their networks and accelerate their success thru purposeful networking and relationship building strategies. Her clients enjoy increased business thru face-to-face and online networking; finding referral partners; developing win-win strategic alliances and creating profitable joint ventures.

HOW TO REGISTER FOR THIS AWE MEMBER EVENT:

If you are an AWE Member:
Call-in information for live call is on your member login page. Missed the live call? Get the audio download on your member login page within 48 hours. If you do not have your password, e-mail us at support@aweconnect.com

If you are not an AWE member yet, find out more about AWE Membership Benefits by clicking here: http://aweconnect.com/blog/membership-benefits

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.

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.

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

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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.