Purposeful Networking: What’s Your ONE THING?

Have you ever had a conversation like this?

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

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

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

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

Okay… stop! Reality shift time…

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

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

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

Wow! right?

So… what is your one thing?

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

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

The possibilities are endless!

Okay, now it’s your turn…

ACTION STEPS:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Does this describe YOUR network?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Gina xo

Int’l Assoc of Web Entrepreneurs (AWE) Member Event: Your Network Is Your Net Worth-Why Relationships Are The New Currency

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

Media Releases…Defining Your Audience

Having a story printed about you and your business is the best form of FREE advertising there is. Why you ask? Because it’s believable.

A news story in a local or national publication can give more details about your business in a way that allows your expertise to shine. People skim through the advertisement sections but are more apt to read informative articles.

Think about the last time you opened your newspaper and saw a story about a local business. Perhaps you read about a trendy new restaurant or martini bar that piqued your interest. Or maybe a neighbourhood book store was bringing in a famous author to promote her new book. Did the story grab your attention? Were you enticed to take action and check it out? Chances are if this topic was of interest to you, it did. And that brings us to finding the right market for your story.

Sending a media release to every editor of every newspaper and magazine will get you no where quickly. You will soon make a name for yourself – and not a good one at that. You already know (or you should know) how to find your ideal customer – your target market. It’s the same process to find your ideal publicity vehicle.

The first step in figuring out who to send your well-written media release to is to look at your own target market.

• What newspapers and magazines do they read?
• What television shows are they watching?
• What radio stations are they listening to?

Next, research the editors, journalists, freelance writers, and producers inside those publications and programs that work on stories relating to your industry. But always keep in mind that it is their job to publish their newspaper or magazine or to air their television or radio program. They entice people to subscribe, watch or listen, and encourage advertisers to pay money for ads. Their job is not to promote you.

Editors have their audience’s interests top of mind. To be effective, consider the journalist’s perspective. An editor will be reading your media release to see if it is of interest to his or her defined audience.

It does take time to create a targeted media list but the effort is worth it. Names are usually posted on Web sites and newspaper mastheads. It may take an enquiring phone call to see the best source for your story. As you grow your list of targeted contacts, you are developing a reference guide not just for sending your media releases, but also for article writing that can help to boost your business exposure.

Keep in mind that publicity is not about you – it’s about giving editors what they need to create a strong story. In other words, you’re making their job easier by giving them exactly what they need to create a compelling piece…and getting free publicity for your business as a bonus.

Entering and Exiting Conversations…Gracefully

Although entering a room is uncomfortable, nothing is more daunting than entering a room full of people… already in groups. They say that ‘breaking up is hard to do’ but “breaking in” is more difficult. Being able to do so enhances our business and careers. How we gracefully join a work in progress concerns many people who find it awkward. To make it easier, here are strategies for breaking and entering and exiting.

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Breaking In

There are several ways to do that. One way is the lesson learned from shy people: arrive within fifteen minutes of the appointed hour. That way the room is not full of already formed groups. When we do see many groups in any room, find the group with three or more people who look and sound like they are having a good time. Stand in the periphery and when acknowledged step in and respond. BONUS TIP: When you see someone in your group’s periphery, step back. In doing so, you will have included the excluded and that is memorable.

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Gracious Exits

Parting is such sweet sorrow but we must exit and move on.

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Exit One

After an interesting conversation, interrupt yourself, indicate the conversation was pleasant, interesting, and informative and offer a phrase or sentence that summarizes the conversation. Offering a hand for a handshake, signals “the end”. One colleague smiles and says, “I could monopolize your time but you must want to meet others.” It works for her.

Ask for a card if appropriate and offer one of yours. Then walk a quarter of the room over to another individual or group so your conversation partner won’t think you just turned your back.

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Exit Two

After a conversation that is belabored, still be polite because doing otherwise could cause a problem down the road. Offer your hand for the handshake and in a most upbeat voice, “I hope you enjoy the rest of the meeting, party, game, and conference.” And still walk a quarter of the room away from the person. Chance is an interesting game because we never know who will reappear in the rooms of our life and be the key contact.

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Exit Three

Another way to exit is a ‘bring-along”. Instead of excusing yourself, offer to introduce your new contact to others. An introduction spoken with respect, interest and energy is infectious.

Helping others increase their contact base is kind, smart and memorable! It’s a way to develop your business, your reputation and your bottom-line.

Whether it’s a conference, a meeting or an event, Susan RoAne helps people increase their communication, interactions, comfort and confidence in every room.

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