Dig a Well Before You're Thirsty

Harvey Mackay wrote the book more than a decade ago. I just really like the title. For Harvey, it was all about how to get what you want from the world through networking. And while I agree that building an active support network is one of the keys to success, it shouldn't be done at the expense of genuine, mutually engaged relationships.

In other words, don't think of people as merely stepping stones to get you where you need to go. If you're not in it to develop real relationships, there are those who will smell your insincerity a mile away.

Sure, we all have an agenda of some sort - goals, objectives, things we want to accomplish. But if you start to use people as the main source of fulfilling your agenda, your ultimate success (if you actually achieve it) will be built like a house of cards.

We all know Agenda Amy. She calls or emails without much of a "Hello, how are you?," and launches into a plethora of questions or is constantly making requests or demands.

Or you meet her at a party and she charms you with her tremendous interest in who you are and what you do. But you wonder why you leave feeling so exhausted. And you get an email from her the next day asking for an introduction to one of your contacts.

Agenda Amy is a user. A taker. She has no real interest in you as a person, only what you can do for her or how you can connect her to someone seemingly more powerful or influential. Amy is dying of thirst but she's never taken the time to dig her own well.

What Amy has neglected to take into account is that relationships take time to develop, and what matters is quality, not quantity.

As Harvey McKay writes, "You can't stop the world from changing, but one thing is always within your control: the strength of your relationships with others. As the world changes, one thing will remain constant: the relationships you develop over a lifetime." Notice he said, "over a lifetime," not "overnight."

Here are a few keys to digging a water-bearing well:

Take Your Time Getting to Know Someone New - We've all seen fast friendships fizzle out even more quickly than they began. You don't really know someone until you've seen them in action - with friends, family, peers, and especially service people. You can learn a lot about someone by how they treat a waiter or sales clerk at a store.

Give Without Any Expectation For Return - Give because you are in a position to help someone who deserves it. Give because it makes you feel great and you know what you put out into the universe comes back to you tenfold. But mostly, give because it could actually change someone's world for the better.

Underpromise and Overdeliver - No one likes a loud mouth name-dropper, except for Agenda Amy. She's drawn to this ego-driven, big talker like a bee to honey. Protect your network as you would a golden egg. Be willing to share and connect, but only once you know someone's intentions. Once you have an established, genuine relationship with someone, help them to dig their own well too.

You Can Have It All, You Just Can't Do It All Yourself - No matter how smart you are, no matter how talented, you can't do it alone. Take the time to build a great support network. Find and promote people who get it done better, faster and easier than you. It is said that the savviest business people surround themselves with people who are smarter than they are. That way, if you are off your game for a few weeks or even months, you have a team in place that's got your back.

By : Liz_Dennery_Sanders

Top Networking Tips For Your Business

Anyone who is into any scale of business can't over emphasize the importance of social networking. Business gets proliferated if you can reach out to a larger market; cater to everyone who might benefit from your services.

For this to happen, you need to adopt a communications strategy which is avant-garde as well as deeply rooted in the human laws of hospitality and fraternal feelings. A careful balance of the public and private spheres can help you forge such contacts, which can just take help you destructively make your way to the top of The Forbes' list.

But connect with people, conveying a genuine interest in them. Don't let your private gains come in the way of these essential moments of relationship building. Do a bit of research on any person you are going to meet.

The company they keep, the interests they endow, the food or drink or TV program they love to "consume." When you strike up a conversation with anyone in a social gathering like a business party, you need to have a game plan in mind.

Let's discuss that game plan.

Knowing the Right People and their Weakness.

An integral part of networking is about knows the right people to talk with. In a party, there are is equal proportion to good to worthless people. Don't waste your time on someone whose vision is so short sighted that he or she might detract you form the path of success. You might be wondering that if you try to grab the attention of the bigwigs, you might come across as a wannabe. It doesn't exactly work that way.

Maintain Amiable Relations with Everyone

Not everyone needs to know about your business. Interact with them on an informal basis. They will find that approach a lot friendlier than your useful proposal presentation techniques. Make the connection matter, by checking on these people from time to time. Pay attention to their needs and requirements and fulfill these to your best possible means.

The First Impression Makes all the Difference

Dress for the occasion. Your attitude gets reflected in your fashion sense, whether you are laid back in your approach, flamboyant in your business moves, sober at your moments of personal victories, everything can be perceived by your unconscious wardrobe choices.

Casuals are a strict no-no since they give off an impression of lack of seriousness. Be washed up and look refreshed. Don't let those dark circles show that you have been burning the midnight oil to make your enterprise stand on its feet.

Hide those imperfections beneath a veil of meticulously acquired sophistication. Have your witty anecdotes and relevant quips up your sleeves. If there is any particular opposite gender business executive you wish to impress, don't come across as a flirt.

Stay updated with the current business trends, you might need to make a value judgment. Be informed and diplomatic in your statements. You are going there to make friends, not increase your competition.

By : Simon_Johnnson

10 Tips to Make Planning a Corporate Outing Easy

If you're planning a corporate outing to reward your staff, then perhaps you've got everything under control, and are just counting down the days, until your big day out. Alternatively, you might not have any idea as to what sort of event your staff and colleagues will enjoy, and what will be most appreciated and worthwhile.

Here are some tips to help you get the best out of your corporate outing.

1. You'll want to choose something that will appeal everyone, no matter what their interests. Just because you do or don't like a certain sport, or location, doesn't mean that the rest of your colleagues and staff won't appreciate it.

2. You'll need to decide what sort of event to choose, and then choose the time of year to hold your corporate outing. You might have chosen a specific sporting even, such as a cup final, or international cricket match, or tennis tournament, and so won't be flexible on dates. Or you might have chosen a date and want to find something to do on that date.

3. Plan in advance so that there is plenty of time to get everything organised, and that colleagues can prepare themselves. Work may schedules and meetings might need to be changed, and this shouldn't be done at the last minute.

4. Make sure that you send out proper invitations. Rather than word of mouth, or a vague email, wouldn't it be nicer to receive a proper invitation outlining the day's events to your colleagues?

5. Don't forget to mention the dress code and whether staff need to bring anything else. Perhaps you'll do something during the day, and then go for a meal afterwards. Will you expect people to wear the same clothes, or will they need to bring a change of clothes? Will you expect staff to dress casually or formally?

6. If you've planned your corporate outing for during work hours, then will it be compulsory to attend? It might be that you're event won't be in your town or city, and won't get back until late, which can be awkward for some staff and their families. Would it be easier to arrange something for a weekend instead?

7. You and your colleagues will want to see that the corporate day out is time and money well spent. You don't want staff to think that they could have been more productive cold calling, or it would have been more beneficial to ensure that the company accounts are up to date.

8. Value for money is important, but you shouldn't choose a location or an event on cost alone. You won't want staff to think that you're stingy, or moan that they had to pay for their meal, drinks or transport themselves. If you're serious about organising a corporate outing fro your staff, then do it properly.

9. You'll want to make sure that your staff have fun, and can relax during the day. Now isn't the time to talk shop, so concentrate on the event itself, and leave the office talk for the office.

10. The perfect corporate outing will leave your staff and colleagues feeling valued and willing to work harder. It should be seen as a reward, and something to look forward to. It shouldn't be seen as a chore, and something that will be boring and that people will try and avoid.

By : M_James

The Top 5 Networking Tips

In this age of technology many have turned to the internet and social networking sites. These sites may help you reach out to people all over the country.

However, you can still be very effective networking in person by joining various organizations.

By networking in person you will build lasting relationships that help you market your business or find employment. Here are some tips to be successful in your networking.

1. Choose to join or attend as many organizations or associations that you have interest in. You will find that each group will have a different focus.

Some may be centered around building business relationships while others may be focused on volunteering. You should determine what you hope to gain from joining the association.

This will help you decide if a particular organization will help you accomplish your goals.

2. Be mindful that networking is about building relationships and being yourself. Networking gives you the opportunity to help others.

An excellent way to be successful at networking is to volunteer within the organization. When you become part of the organization you will stay visible to the others within the organization - and it is also a great way to give back to an organization that has helped you.

3. During your networking meeting you should practice asking others open-ended questions.

This means to ask who, what, when and where. Asking questions that require more than a yes or a no will help spark conversation as well as show the person you are interested in what they have to say.

4. Be articulate. Being able to communicate well about what you do and who you do it for will help you get others to refer customers to you.

Additionally, being articulate when asking someone for their assistance or when they ask how they can help you is very important.

Know exactly what you need and why it is of importance to your business.

5. Follow up quickly with any referrals that have been sent to you. When someone gives you a referral it is also a reflection on them and you do not want to disappoint your networking connection.

Additionally, you should thank your networking colleague for the referral regardless of whether business is obtained from it as they will be apt to send you more if you acknowledge their referral.

By : Tony_Jacowski

Networking - How to Start a Local Business Network With No Budget

If you are just getting started in business, you need all the help that you can get. In fact, the odds of your success are automatically stacked against you.

By joining a network, you can flip those odds back in your favor by surrounding yourself with experts. Read on to find out how you can create a local network on a small budget.

Before you start a network, you will need to scout out a venue for a meeting place. Although most of the activity of the group will take place over email and through the phone, you will need to periodically get together to swap war stories, get advice, and help each other.

Not to mention that this is also a great place to swap leads and referrals with other members. Look for a venue that is free to use. Many times this will be a place like a church basement, a library conference room, the local chamber of commerce, or even someone's home.

Once you have secured a location, you are in the position of hand-picking members so that you can benefit from the cream of the crop. Look for local business owners that you would like to maintain a long-term relationship with.

Look for complimentary services, but never direct competitors. Networks are a place to tell all, so if you share your secrets with someone that can use them against you, this is never good.

You can post notices, send out emails, call, or canvass that local owners that you want to join. Start with a small group of people around 5-10 when you are just getting started.

As the group grows, you will need to have officers in order to keep everything straight and to maintain a standard of quality from the members as well.

Once you have your members you will need to decide how often to meet, whether you are going to have rules and bylaws, and if you are going to charge dues to belong to the group (to cover overhead). Meeting every other week or monthly will be plenty.

By creating a network, you are giving your business access to people that have been there and done that already. They've made the mistakes that you have yet to make and through their wisdom, you may never make them.

With a network you get out what you put in. It is critical that you help all of the other members to the best of your ability as well. If you show that you are willing to give, when you need help other people will come to your rescue.

By : Joshua_Black

Following Up on the Referrals You Give is Good Business

Following up on the referrals you give to others is essential in building your close contact network. This is so rarely done, and it is so vital to successful networking. Here are a few of the many reasons you must do this.

First, you are meeting new people every day. And as you meet new people and hear their needs, you'll begin to work on solutions to their problems.

Since you know a lot of people and since you know how to connect them to the benefit of all, you will be sharing many leads and referrals.

Following up with those you give leads and referrals to ensures that you keep in touch with the new people you meet. It gives you a logical reason to reconnect.

Reconnecting is rarely done in networking today. This is why so many people have a big stack of business cards from people they barely remember on their desk.

They intend to reconnect but rarely do. When you reconnect with others you will show them you are interested in them, their success, and in helping them solve their problems. Chances are they'll find interest in you since you've found interest in them.

Second, you need to know if the person to whom you are referring people is converting them because you may be sending the wrong kind of referral.

Most people cannot effectively communicate to others what a marginally good client looks like, much less an ideal client. We are exposed to thousands of marketing messages every day. It is highly likely that you won't be giving perfect referrals every time.

To truly understand the needs and business of someone else, you'll need to spend more time with him. If your networking partner can't convert the referrals you send him because they're the wrong kind, you're wasting time, your networking partner's time, and the time of the referred individual.

Third, if your networking partner is not following up, you need to find a new networking partner. Many times we begin to bring a new individual into our close contact network, only to discover that he doesn't follow through on the leads and referrals we give him. Do not invest your valuable time and reputation in someone who will not follow up.

Finally, following up shows your networking partner that you are worthy of referrals. While you can expect that others will refer you if you refer them, following up on the referrals you give provides evidence that you will follow up on the referrals you receive as well. This means more referrals for you.

By : Glen_Gould

8 Secrets to Black Business Networking and Membership Clubs

There are several secrets to networking in a particular field or industry. Networking is literally one of the main keys to spreading the word about your business.

article will focus on Black Business Owners due to black business owners are more likely to fail 5 times more than their counterparts.

In March 2008, a huge campaigned was launched by Lee Green to teach, train, empower and edify black business owners. Online entrepreneurship and marketing training for black business owners was developed through a membership site.

Although there is massive amounts of information within the membership club, this article will discuss 8 secrets to networking and being a member of the largest money attracting and marketing training organization focusing on Black business owners and those who desire to start their very own business.

The reason the below benefits are secrets is mainly because few business owners have the knowledge when it comes to networking online and marketing their business online.

1. Business Directory

Business directories are a great tool when you have a body of individuals whose sole purpose is to provide the best services to their customers and partners.

Members are given the opportunity to showcase their business, gifts, skills, talents and abilities in the form of a directory.

When a member is ready to buy or is in need of a particular service they will look within the membership first to purchase what they want, need and or desire.

2. Business Benefits

The business benefits within the Black Business Builders Club is enormous. A guide on how to make money online, internet marketing training videos, business ebooks and articles, and software programs are just a few of the benefits offered to members. The benefits can be utilized by the entire family and not just business owners.

3. Training

Internet Marketing Training is becoming more and more prevalent as people begin to come online to start a business of some sort. Its imperative that people are taught how to effectively market online, not be scammed and learn how not to spam. Training is offered via webinars, conference calls, video, audio, email, blogs and articles.

4. Discounts

Travel and shopping discounts are also offered to members. Members can be found receiving discounts from major retail stores, car gasoline discounts and travel discounts.

5. Video Communications

Video and audio being used on websites, within articles, on capture pages and on blogs is big business. Email marketing is pretty much the same. The Black Business Builders Club offers video/ audio postcards which have received rave reviews.

Can you imagine receiving an email that is in video form? The video postcards have been known to encourage people to become members because they are so impressed receiving a personalize video/audio postcard.

6. Networking

Networking provides an opportunity to build alliances. Networking and building relationships is completed online. Each member is a member of the National Black Business Trade Association (NBBTA.org). The mission of the NBBTA in short is to empower and uplift entrepreneurs.

Weekly trainings are offered where members learn from presenters which is an opportunity for relationships and stronger communication amongst members.

Messaging systems and club chats are available for members to contact each other and for members to get on a group call to discuss pertinent issues or to just strike up general conversations.

Interactive discussions stemmed from blogs and forums keeps the membership community interactive with several topics being discussed and learnd on a daily basis.

7. Earn Income

The key to having more household income coming in than going out is saving and for consumers to find opportunities to earn referral fees on products and services they are already using.

There are many telephone companies who will give their customers a referral fee for telling others about their service. This is the easiest way to keep more household income.

The Black Business Builders Membership Club gives members the opportunity to earn 74% referral fees when they inform other people.

In conclusion, having a business directory is basically free traffic for members and it gives members the opportunity to buy from one another which results in recycling dollars within the membership.

The business benefits are valuable for any business owner or for any person who is interested in building a solid prosperous business online.

Training, discounts and cutting edge technological tools and resources are beneficial for members who want to stay in the fore front of the ever evolving world of changes on the Internet.

8. Opportunity to Learn and Effectively Market Your Business Online

Lastly, the Black Business Builders Membership Club gives members the opportunity to learn while they earn an income. The sky is the limit as far as how much a person would like to earn by way of referral fees.

The idea is for business owners to effectively learn how to market their business online, realize the success they are achieving from learning how to effectively market online and earn referral fees while building and sustaining their business.

By : Rhonda_K_Hicks

First, Assemble a Crowd

Business networking communities online are just like any other community, I'm never sure why people think they should behave differently online.

The mistake I see people making, is to head straight for the Classified Ads section and expect people to take notice of them.

You HAVE to engage, you HAVE to involve yourself in the community before people will be interested in you and your business.

Consider this for a second, you arrive at a breakfast meet or other networking event where you don't know anyone. Immediately you stand on a chair and start broadcasting your message and your current special offer.

What do you think people would think of you? Yet people do exactly that here. Have you met the people who do that? What did you think of them?

Aren't they often the people standing in the corner that nobody else wants to speak to? EXACTLY the same happens online, these people fly in, post an ad, and nobody reads it.

Spend some time getting to know the other people in the community. Find out about their businesses, see if you have knowledge or advice that might help.

By doing so, you will also get an understanding of their business, which might help you to pass business their way in the future and will definitely help you to understand how your products and services might help them.

First assemble a crowd of people who know and like you. In fact, why not just do that, business might just start flowing to you without you ever asking for it.

By : Stefan_D_Thomas

Become a Prominent Networker

Networking is an art as much as a business strategy. It is also a skill that can be learned, and one that you require if you want to be successful in the current business arena.

There are many tricks to networking, however, you don't have to be a magician to learn this valuable ability, you just have to pay attention to several details and be conscious about the way in which you approach people:

1. Adapt your attitude
Networking is about helping others; it is a way of life, and as it comes, it goes. It takes advantage of the laws of the universe, which will always rule it.

2. Evaluate your network
Be sure to know whom you know. Make a list of all the people you know, including your hairdresser, the cashier at the supermarket, your mechanic, your accountant, your dentist, and even your favorite waiter. Important 'titles' mean nothing, you never know who will lead you to someone who can truly help you.

3. Relate to people of all ages and backgrounds who are good professionals
You can learn valuable things from everyone you meet. You can find mentors anywhere and everywhere. Offer to help them from the heart, and ask for help confidently.

4. Form a network before you need something
Attending business networking events, community organizations, or chambers of commerce only when you need them for something is not going to take you anywhere but down. In networking, you don't look out for yourself, instead, as you look out for others, the help you need will come your way.

5. Stay visible
You have to be everywhere and get known. Say yes to every invitation, even if you want to say no, other successful networkers will be there too.

6. Become a matchmaker
Help your contacts meet the people who can help them meet their needs. Only the most powerful people are selfless enough to help others succeed without a personal interest in the match.

7. Keep in touch
Just call or write to say hi and to ask how things are going. Invite people to lunch or coffee, just to have a good time learning more about them, no hidden motives involved

8. Keep people informed
When someone refers you, gives you an idea, or a lead, keep them informed of your progress so that they know to what extent they were useful. It is just simple, but deep, courtesy.

9. Value small talk
If you think small talk is BS talk, excuse me, but you're a snob. The intelligent networker knows that small talk leads to big talk, because this is how we bond.

10. Have manners
The best of the best are always respectful, courteous, and gracious, and they always acknowledge others for their help and support.

11. Reciprocate
Give back your support, help, and advice. In fact, if possible, be the first to give all these to others, and expect nothing in return.

12. Follow up
For effective business networking, you have to stay in the loop as to how your contacts are doing after you helped them, in this way; you ensure they will be there for you when your time comes.

By : Jonathan_Boyd

Master the Art of Asking Questions

The regulars hide every time Martin arrives at a marketing event, leaving the new networkers to their own fate and Martin's dreadful questions.

You see, just like Martin, many people believe that asking endless questions makes people feel comfortable and more willing to open up; when in reality 'questioners' invade your space and are just plain annoying.

Good questions can stimulate a conversation when they encourage intelligent observations and personal experiences; however, cross the line and you will kill any chance of starting a relationship with the other part. 'Questioners' just take information, energy, and time.

The first time Martin attended a marketing event, Phillip approached him to greet him, and started a conversation.

As incredible as it may seem, within five minutes of knowing him, Martin fired a questionnaire at Phillip that left him dumbfounded. He literally drained Phillip and annoyed him to the extent that he wished iPhones had a mute button that worked on people.

Needy people may welcome a 'questioner'. Their need for attention is so big that they can't believe their luck when someone just can't stop asking them questions about themselves, however, serious professionals don't have the time and energy to waste on such insecure people.

Yes, 'questioners' are, in many cases, people who are so insecure about themselves and their capacity that they ask lots of questions to see where they can find a space to fit, or else they think of themselves as so bright and important that they think they deserve answers from everyone and in regards to anything.

There is the caring and flattering curiosity of someone who wants to know how you made it to where you are in order to learn from your experience, and there's the other side, the person who wants to suck your experience out of you as if by asking questions they could seem wiser.

Good questions are asked out of a sincere interest for the person. The best networkers ask questions that make us a part of the dialogue without intruding. They will listen to our answer and make an intelligent and important remark.

The best way to get good in the art of asking questions is by listening to those who already master it. Pay close attention to what they say, how they say it, and what they do, but most importantly, observe how others react to their words.

By : Jonathan_Boyd

In Business, You Have to Give to Receive

There are countless successful business styles; however, an infallible one is based on the principle of giving in order to receive. Connecting with others and giving from the heart most certainly will bring an abundance of business back to you.

Take Sally Jones, for example. Sally was born a giver. She is a jewelry designer and owned a small jewelry business.

Not very long ago, she moved from a small mid-west town to New York City, only carrying her work materials and equipment, and lots of dreams for her jewelry venture.

One year later, Sally's jewelry pieces were featured in some of the best fashion stores on New York's avenues and had a staff of ten people.

You may be wondering, how did a complete stranger, a shy and innocent girl from a small town made it so big so fast in a city like New York?

Well, as we said before, Sally is a natural giver, and as soon as she arrived to the big apple, she started being herself.

She went out of her way to help everyone however she could, from neighbors, to passersby on the street, to people in need.

On her limited means, she once fed a family of six for a whole month; she volunteered with local sheltering organizations, and every weekend she took a different group of orphans to the movies, the museum, or to the park. In her free time, she designed her jewelry.

Don't even go there... she didn't do all these things with the thought of acquiring business; honestly, would you be able to do just a fraction of all that with the only motive of getting more clients?

Bets are on! Sally didn't have the experience to think of that, she did all those things just because she felt inclined to do them, but believe it or not, her business started to bloom almost immediately.

Sally is a people person, and as such, as soon as she arrived to New York she started making lots of good friends, and these friends became clients who talked to other people, and soon, she had made her jewelry popular among a significant group of people, and as the caring person she is, she thanked them in many ways.

After trying it once with huge success, she made it a habit to invite groups of friends and clients to small gatherings at her jewelry studio.

She would show them how she worked and what her vision was, and would greet them with great food and a special gift.

This was perfect for her business and her style, because it blended the two things she loved the most, her art and pleasing people.

Successful people have a single personality no matter the occasion. Be it business or pleasure, Sally is always her old giving self.

But how exactly did Sally land the huge opportunity to feature her jewelry pieces all over New York City?

Well, one Sunday morning she was strolling along Central Park with a group of ten kids from an orphanage, when a woman who was walking her dog, fell down.

Even though Sally had her hands full with the kids, she ran to help her get up, helped her sit on a bench after making sure she was alright, and ran to call her driver who was waiting for her on the other side of the park.

The woman was already gone when Sally noticed she had lost a beautiful gold and blue gems bracelet when she fell. Sally ran to find her and was able to return the bracelet before the woman left the park.

When the woman offered a reward, Sally kindly rejected it saying that she just didn't want her to lose such a beautiful piece, and that's when the woman noticed the necklace Sally was wearing. It was a beautiful and delicate white gold and pink stone piece. The woman, whose name was Amanda, asked her about it and Sally told her she had designed it.

To make a long story short, it turns out Amanda was a famous fashion executive in charge of selecting the clothes and accessories for a major chain of fashion stores, and within two months of Sally helping her, she got her a really good place at the stores' jewelry section.

By : Jonathan_Boyd

7 Ways to Build Your Business by Networking

Do you love to Network? Do you network? Do you even understand the value of networking? I first learned the value of networking in my early 20's and believe to this day many of my successes can be attributed to my ability to effectively network beginning at a young age.

I remember being invited to an ICSC party in Las Vegas when I was 25 by a retailer I was in the midst of negotiating a deal with and the guest list represented the who's who as far as retailers are concerned.

It was evident to me almost immediately that I was the only broker at a party intended to keep us out (and retailers in).

I even tuned out the few who were gossiping behind my back about the fact that I wasn't on the official invite list and thus shouldn't be there.

Youth was on my side; being naïve at the time I focused on meeting and beginning relationships with as many of these individuals as I could.

And I was genuinely interested in them as people first, what they did for a living second, and lastly how I might be of assistance to them - not the other way around. My Rolodex grew by leaps and bounds that evening.

Little did I know that evening would lay the groundwork for the next several years as I got more deals done then my competition because my calls got returned.

I had developed the emotional equity I needed. I connected to develop relationships and without the open hand most others seem to have.

Attending networking events with a "what's in it for me" attitude is transparent and extremely unattractive. So just how should one approach networking to get the biggest bang for the buck? I am glad you asked, read on...

1. Learn to appreciate relationships: Appreciate one person daily. This can be done with a phone call, email or personal note and only takes minutes. The benefits of this one tiny habit alone will produce a tremendous payoff.

2. Practice networking one day at a time: While in line at Starbucks, the grocery store, even the airport practice striking up a conversation. Eventually you will be able to do this with ease. And, you never know when you'll come across just the person you've been looking for.

3. Join a networking group: There are so many - Rotary, Kiwanis, The Chamber of Commerce, industry associations, mastermind groups. Join these groups to meet new friends and to help foster the success of their business.

4. Go to industry functions: ICSC, CCIM, SIOR, NAIOP, CREW (for the ladies in the business), anything! Just go and enjoy the people you came across. Have the intention to seek out one person at each event whom you can help. Become resource rich!

5. Learn to smooze: Practice making people comfortable around you. Learn how to talk on a variety of subjects thereby being able to choose from your conversational arsenal when needed.

6. Make connections: Approach a group or person, introduce yourself and learn something about each person - be interested. Now, go back to your office and follow-up with each person.

7. Offer help and follow through: If you're in the position to help someone you meet networking, follow through and do it. The law of reciprocity will pay you back ten-fold.

The bottom line - be sincerely interested in people and cultivate the talent to be of genuine service to others with no expectations in return.

The practice of networking will provide you with many "get out of jail cards" to cash in when you need them!

Who can you reach out to today?

By : Cindy_Saxman_Spivack

Small Business Networking - Create a Breakfast Club

The small business network is the single most powerful thing that you can join in order to bring our business to the next level. This group also acts as an insurance policy against disaster.

Some business owners do not have time to participate in a full network. Here is an alternative method that you can use to help your business today.

It's called a breakfast club. This is a small networking group of business owners that meets once a week, or once a month for coffee and donuts (or whatever you want to eat).

These meetings are not formal, but they do serve a single purpose- to get more business for each of the owners present at the meeting.

The way these meetings work is that the meeting can only consist of members that are non-competing with each other. Perhaps you have a lawyer, a dentist, a plumber, an accountant, and a web designer.

Each of these members has their own customer list, but they are not able to provide any of the other services of the other members. During that particular month of business, these business owners will try to find out additional services that their customers may need help with.

This allows the business owner to be more full-service for their customers, which is an added bonus and helps keep the customers around longer.

When the owners get together, they swap customer leads with each other. They will explain the needs of each customer and then give the leads to the person that can help them.

Now, the new business has a qualified lead, because the original business owner told the person that they had someone that could help them.

The new customer visits the business and is already pre-sold before they even walk in the door. All that the service provider has to do is assure them that they can solve the problem as best as possible and close the deal.

There is no cold calling in this situation, because the lead is pre-qualified. This is only one of the benefits of a breakfast club. If you have the time, you can expand it to a full-blown network, capable of many other things.

However, if you only have the time to meet once a month, you can still benefit greatly from this small act of lead exchanges. Just think, all you have to do is get a cup of coffee once a month and you can gain thousands of dollars worth of new business.

Joshua Black is the developer of the Underdog Millionaire's Guide to Networking. This guide gives you over 118 different tips that you can use to build a small business network. Check it out at: http://www.how-to-business-network.com.

By : Joshua_Black

Build a Small Business Network Or Die

If you are a small business owner, did you know how badly the odds are stacked against you that you will succeed? 16 out of 17 small businesses fail. 95% of small businesses will never reach their 5th birthday.

If your business is not already 8 years old, chances are it never will be. So how do you give yourself the edge that all of the other wished for? Build a small business network. Read on to find out more.

The network is the key component that will put your business up there with the ones that have made it.

Almost every ultra-successful business owner knows that it's not WHAT you know, but WHO you know.

Building a successful business is all about the right connections and being able to admit that we can't do this alone.

It does not matter what business you are in, or whether you only run a web-based company or a physical business.

Networking is the key to building a better business above the 95% of the other guys that will never get there.

A business network offers unbelievable advantages, from getting specialized mentoring and helping others, to having a nearly-endless stream of qualified customers call you without requiring any advertising to get them.

Networks are built around the idea that you need to give before you can get. Successful member of a network will agree to a code of ethics that everyone will follow.

Each member of the network agrees to help any other member in need when that person's skills are required.

Having a network at your fingertips is like having the best part of each person's mind available to call on when the specialty needs a solution.

If you need a lawyer, call your legal friend. If someone needs website help, they might call on you. Maybe you need human resources help or the wisdom of someone highly successful. You can also barter for free services by trading your services with someone for something you need.

While all of the other businesses are out there floundering and paying full price at the same time, you will have a tight-knit group of people that you can call upon day or night to help solve your problems.

You can also use your network as a mastermind group, where you periodically meet to solve a single problem that a member is having.

If the whole group puts their mind to a single problem, more can be accomplished that each member working on it alone. Networking is the key to building your business more that you ever thought possible.

Joshua Black is the developer of the Underdog Millionaire's Guide to Networking. This guide gives you over 118 different tips that you can use to build a small business network. Check it out at: http://www.how-to-business-network.com.

By : Joshua_Black

Are You an Absent Networker?

Have you been invited to networking events but declined? Does the thought of going into a room full of strangers fill you with fear? Do you think you wouldn't know what to say or that you would feel stupid?

You could be missing out on a good way to increase your sales. Different businesses benefit from different types of promotional activities but often a combination of several of those activities can increase business. Networking can be one of those promotional activities.

The best way to introduce yourself to networking is to find someone you know who already networks. They will have a range of contacts who can help you find the best type of networking event for you. If you don't have such a contact then do an internet search for business network in your area.

Depending on your circumstances you might find that some of the events just don't fit in with your schedule but you should be able to find something suitable. You may prefer to attend an event where you can simply mingle with other attendees rather than one where everyone is offered the chance to address the whole room for a minute.

Then it's a case of making contact and attending.

If that sounds quite frightening then read some articles on how to prepare for a networking event. Preparation will mean that you feel much more comfortable because you will know what to expect and you will know what is expected of you.

Think about your target market. Who are your best customers? Then think about what you have to offer them. Keep it as simple as you can so you can quickly and easily explain your business to someone else. Make sure you have some business cards to hand out.

If you are attending an event where you are expected to give a short presentation to everyone then read some articles on presentation. If you get nervous easily there are people who can coach you on presentation skills and hypnotherapy can help you reduce your nerves so you can feel more confident.

If you feel uncomfortable meeting new people then ask the organisers to introduce you to some people when you arrive. This is much easier than just walking into a room of complete strangers. Most good networking organisations will have someone to greet new attendees.

People who attend networking events are just like you - business people. Some of them may be sole traders with very small businesses based at their home and some could be from larger multinational companies. They are all people though and people who are interested in business.

If you are still unsure because you lack confidence in groups of people who you don't know then contact a hypnotherapist or NLP practitioner who will be able to help you increase your confidence.

Networking can be daunting if you haven't done it before but it can also be a valuable source of new contacts and a good way to keep in touch with other business people. Attending networking events can be a regular and enjoyable part of your sales strategy.

By : Sharon_Stiles

Business Networking - Making the Most of Face to Face Time

Since no one has figured out how to make more land, it is considered by many to be the best investment money can buy. But is it really? There is at least one thing that has the potential to yield a virtually unlimited return on investment - your time. Let's do the math.

1. Suppose you have determined that your average revenue from each client is $5000 a year.
2. Suppose you attend a two-hour networking event with a ticket price of $25.
3. Suppose you chat with 10 people and have a meaningful conversation with two of them.
4. Suppose one of those people becomes your client.

Would a net income of $4975 be worth the investment of two hours of your time? Wouldn't it be worth it even if the ticket cost $100?

Do your homework

Before you begin re-arranging your calendar so you can attend 30 networking events this month, consider the following to be sure you are getting the best return on the investment of your time.

* Be sure you know the average revenue impact each client has on your business.
* Evaluate how well the group attracts people who fit your ideal client profile or share it as a target market and could therefore be a good source of referrals, if not actual customers.
* Learn what you can about the mission of the group and the people in leadership roles.
* Once you've found a group that is a good fit, show up regularly and participate. Consider volunteering in some form. It's a great way to build relationships fast.

Size doesn't always matter

The percentage of ideal clients that the group attracts is far more important than the number of people it attracts. Using this formula, I have found groups with fewer than a dozen regular participants that have been excellent sources of ideal client relationships.

Keep your eye on the big picture

If you find yourself calculating the value of an event according to the quality of the cheese or chicken, you've lost your business bearings and have strapped on your consumer cloak. To borrow a line from Cher in the movie Moonstruck, "SNAP OUT OF IT!" and get back on business track.

These principles can be applied well beyond the realm of face-to-face networking. Once you understand the dollar value of a client, you can apply this same method of evaluation to anything that calls for an investment of your time. Choose wisely because you only get 86,400 seconds each day and every one is a nonrenewable resource!

By : Lisa_Almeida

Business Networking Tips

Networking has been good to me over the years. Apart from referrals, it has been the single most successful way of generating new business and building my professional network. It must be the salesperson in me, but there is nothing more rewarding than meeting and connecting with new people who end up as friends, associates or clients.

I just love the randomness of networking and the fact that you never know what fantastic people you will meet.

However, networking can be a very time consuming and very costly exercise if your not maximizing the opportunity you have in front of you. I often tell the staff of clients that networking is not about putting a beer or wine in your hand and talking to people. It's about talking with a purpose and seeing what common interests or common ground you have.

As my good friend Maurice Gilet from BNI says 'it's called net-working for a reason - it's not 'not-working'!

Here are some tips and information that you might find useful - so get out there networking!

Tip 1

When choosing an event think about what type of companies are likely to attend (large or small) and the position of the person that will attend. It is well known that Senior Managers of most medium to large companies won't engage in business networking (because they think they don't have to) unless it is for a specific industry event or because the guest speaker and topic are of interest to them. Typically, they send their junior staff or sales staff but, don't be put off by this because you can still get a lot of the information you need you just need to get them talking and ask some questions. For example:

1. What do you do?
2. How's business?
3. Is it a large company? How many people do you employ?
4. Do you have more than one office?
5. What kind of clients do you deal with?
6. How do you find new clients (i.e. marketing, advertising or direct sales)
7. If I was to contact your company, who would be the best person to speak to regarding......

Tip 2

If you want to get the most out of any networking group, you will need to attend more than once so that people get used to seeing you and talking to you. When you have been about three times you should notice that people will start to recall your name and business name. Using the service of a new contact or sharing business referrals is based on trust and credibility and trust takes time to establish and build.

Tip 3

Have a goal for each event, i.e. two new contacts, one meeting, or two potential candidates. This way you can judge whether the event was worthwhile and whether it's worth doing again.

Tip 4

If the thought of networking and walking into a room full of strangers is intimidating for you, ask a friend or colleague to join you. This way the event will be more enjoyable and you will always have a 'safe haven' for those times when you are on your own or looking for people to talk to. Just make sure that you don't just talk to each other!

Tip 5

Arrive early so you can look at the name tags on the registration desk and see what type of people will be attending. There may be someone attending from a prospective client; by standing near the desk you can save time searching for them by watching who picks up the nametag.

Tip 6

Stand near the registration desk when people are arriving; people may think you are part of the event and will feel more comfortable talking to you.

Tip 7

Most importantly, always remember to follow up the contacts you have met within 24 hours. A simple email to those who just briefly chatted with or a phone call suggesting a meeting to those who expressed an interest. If you don't follow up the people that you have met, you are wasting the time and effort you put into going in the first place.

By : Karen_Andrews

The Power of Mastermind Groups

often recommend that small business owners and entrepreneurs have three key tools in their "success toolbox": a coach, a mentor and a mastermind group.

I've covered coaching and mentoring in another article and on my web site. Let's explore the role of mastermind groups in helping you to set and achieve your goals.

Mastermind groups are small (6-8 people) and made up of peers and colleagues who are on a similar path as you. Most groups are not local because this helps you avoid the potential issue of working on ideas with competitors. So instead, groups meet by phone for an hour or 90 minutes monthly to do goal-setting, brainstorming and to review action steps.

Mastermind group members should be working in a similar role (entrepreneurs, online marketers, freelance writers, etc.). This allows for an effective exchange of ideas and information that everyone can contribute to.

They should also be of an equal experience level to prevent experienced members from feeling there is no value in the group and less experienced members from feeling lost or intimidated.

A critical requirement of the group members is that they keep their commitment to meeting times. The ongoing appointment should be on every one's calendars and considered as important as a client meeting. To keep everyone accountable, many groups charge a meeting fee. Everything discussed should be considered confidential as well.

Groups should have a facilitator who is experienced and understands group dynamics. A facilitator is the traffic cop of the group-NOT a teacher or coach.

They make sure everyone stays on point, gets involved and the conversation flows. They can contribute when asked but that is not their primary purpose.

In the first few meetings, groups should explore what their individual value systems are. You cannot build a success plan if you don't know what you value in life and what you need for your own personal happiness.

For many people, more time trumps more money. Everyone has a different set of values and they should not be judged. Having members understand your values allows them to hold you accountable for setting goals that don't conflict with those values.

After value systems have been defined, mastermind groups should begin setting their individual goals. It is crucial that group members are capable of BIG dreams, bigger than they've had in the past and dare to say them out loud! Goals should be actionable with target dates that are short-term.

They must mesh with values. The group will hold members accountable who's action steps and goals routinely go unmet and ask them if this is truly something they want.

When you gather a group of driven, engaged individuals you have access to more resources, ideas and contacts than you would on your own. This is the hidden power of joining a mastermind group! They also help you identify, and remove, stumbling blocks you might have missed on your own.

Add a mastermind group to your success toolbox! I guarantee you'll see results.

By : Steve Schlagel

Business Networking Skills - Five Social Skills Tips That Are Key For Networking Success

Networking skills are an absolute must for people who wants to grow their business. And the key is the word "skills."

Networking requires specific skills, and many of them are basically social skills. Read on for how you can improve your networking success by polishing your social skills.

Social skills help us connect with others, and that's what we need to do during networking. Some of them are mostly a matter of awareness and paying attention, while others take real practice.

Either way, the more often you do something, the more it will become second nature. So make an effort to do the following five things regularly, and watch the results you'll get.

1. Remember to say "please" and especially "thank you."

Saying "please" and "thank you" may be so basic that you don't think it even falls under social skill but instead is common courtesy. Be that as it may, courtesy is so important that it deserves to be listed here, and it's a large part of what makes up good social skills.

2. Make proper eye contact

Making eye contact frequently and appropriately can make the difference between coming across as likable -- and not. Look at the person when you're speaking with him or her, but without staring, and pay close attention.

Even if you're one of those people who actually can pay attention when they seem to be preoccupied with other things, maintaining eye contact will be worth your while. Don't just pay attention, but make sure the other person knows that you're paying attention. And eye contact is the traditional way to show it.

3. Repeat the other person's name

In a conversation, be sure to repeat the other person's name. It will make them feel very much acknowledged. It will also help you remember their name. There are a lot of quotes about how much people love the sound of their own name. The thing is - it's true.

4. Support others

Whenever you find yourself talking with someone, pay close attention. That's true especially if that person is new and possibly a prospect, but it's common courtesy in any case. Listen with an open mind, and look for ways in which you can help him or her.

5. Repeat something they've said recently

When you've had a conversation with someone and talk to them again, repeat something they've said. Ask them about something specific to follow up. It shows them that you paid close attention, and they will appreciate that.

By : Sue_Clement

Creating Your Network - Doubling Your Income

First of all what is a network? How does that relate to being an actor?

"A network is a large group of people who communicate, are interconnected and work together as a system."

If you create a network you double, triple, exponentially multiply your work opportunities a gazillion times. The more people who know you, like you, want to work with you, the more work you will get.

Then, the process of submissions, auditions and trying to get work is reduced to zero. Offers come out of nowhere from people who know you, have been referred to you, have seen your work.

It's like virus marketing or the internet which is a humongous network. Career-wise you can then focus on just doing the work-a film, a play, a new prime time series.

You become a working actor, not an actor trying to get work.

So how do you build a network? How do you get a team of people on your side to represent you? Submit you for roles? Hire you? Create projects for you? Develop your career until you are at the top?

Here is a roadmap:

1. Create a database of people you know- maybe that's only 10 at the moment: other actors, playwrights, directors, a few casting directors, agents you met through a "pay-to meet", a personal manager, an acting teacher.

Enter their names in a database with email capacity. There are many database email programs out there. We use Constant Contact.

There's also Icontact, eweber, infusionsoft, numerous companies and software but CC is easy to learn, has 5 minute tutorials and is free for the first 2 months - while you try it out. Then, if you sign up, it's affordable.

2. Grow your list weekly by meeting more agents, casting directors, writers, directors. Join organizations where you can network-NY Theater Meet-ups, AFI, Shooting People, Director's Guild, AFTRA, SAG, AEA, NY Women in Film and TV, LA Women in Film & TV, New Dramatists Guild, theater groups, acting companies...anything that will allow you to meet more people in the industry.

If you know 5 people you will probably NEVER get an acting job. If you know 50 you might get a call, an audition, a job once a year. If you know 500, you'll get a job once a week!

3. Enter all the names of your contacts and check out the graphics, templates and usage of the program. It allows you to send out everything from press releases to holiday cards, download a photo into your personal messages (create your own stationary), design flyers, etc.

Even if you are challenged on the computer-this is easy. It's all done for you with a few clicks. Not too difficult.

4. Start by sending out a few - "Hi! How are you doing'? Just wanted to say hello and tell you what I'm up to..." messages. As it becomes easier, send out an announcement when you are in a show, when you book a commercial, get a callback for a film, are appearing in an under 5 on a Soap, to wish them a Happy Birthday, Happy Labor Day, Happy Thanksgiving...there are templates for every reason, season and you can design more to relate to your career progress.

5. When you have a new demo reel or a new website, send a link in an email so they can see your most recent accomplishment and work .This seems like a lot of fuss but it's not any different than sending messages on Twitter, Facebook, or MySpace, only you are accomplishing a whole lot more.

You are building not only your network of people who like you. You are building your career. Just like in the Tipping Point (a book you should read by Malcolm Gladwell) you suddenly have reached a critical mass- a list of 100 or 250 or more.

Friends and Agents will forward your info on to other interested parties- Casting Directors who were looking for your type or tuned in to see you or Googled you when they were casting something. It all comes together. And you start working.

How long does this process take? Depends on how actively you apply the concept and follow up with the system. Months, a year or two. Isn't that better than staying in the same spot sending your resumes and post cards out and paying to meet one Industry contact at a time or having one audition at a time? Give it a shot!

Successful Marketing!

By : Gwyn_Gilliss