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?

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!

Networking Masters International Welcomes David and Kristin Morelli, Networking Magnetism Experts to the Resident Experts Team

We are thrilled to welcome David and Kristin Morelli, Networking Magnetism Experts to the Resident Experts Team here at Networking Masters International!

David Morelli has a PhD equivalent in the healing arts. He is a Spiritual Teacher, Energy healer, Intuitive, and Coach. He is a Licensed Non-Denominational Minister, Reiki Master, Certified Biofeedback Practitioner, Certified NLP Practitioner, and has extensive training in the field of personal growth. He has a degree from Naropa University and is a contributing author to THE CRYSTALCHILDREN by Doreen Virtue. David has taught and transformed thousands of lives with his profound insight and gifts. David blends timeless wisdom with humor and lightness so that all who learn from him enjoy the process of awakening to their true nature.

Kristin Sweeting Morelli is a Spiritual Teacher and Manifestation Coach. She brings profound heart and truth into helping people create lives of authenticity. Kristin’s path has included becoming one of the most influential women in the telecommunication’s world, negotiating $100,000,000.00 deals by the age of 27 and retiring as a self-made multi-millionaire and single mom by the age of 30. She has come out of retirement to facilitate the awakening of people’s authenticity and spiritual growth. She brings lightness, fun, and freedom in all areas to the inner journey. She is particularly gifted at helping people go from feeling stuck, to feeling inspired and believing in themselves and their purpose. She delivers truth in ways that bring growth with clarity.

David and Kristen are co-founders of the Center for Authentic Attraction at www.AuthenticAttraction.org, www.MyVibeTribe.com and www.EverythingIsEnergy.com.

David and Kristin will be speaking at this year’s 3rd annual Networking Masters Telesummit where you can listen in for FREE… All you need to do is enter your name/email in the box at the top right of this page. You’ll get access to more than 18 expert calls and replays!

Click here to learn more about this year’s event and the many fantastic experts ready to help you get your networking working.