Business Networking in the 21st Century - Art of Networking™ -
Keeping in touch.
Find archives of business networking lessons at www.GenieNetwork.net I have spoken to so many of you who have been to my Art of Networking™ sessions who have had great success in today's marketplace.
"Knowledge is a treasure but
practice is the key to it."
-Thomas Fuller
Today let us discuss the Art of Networking™ Keeping in touch.
Each month every business professional should take a hour to develop your monthly goals and meetings. Because this is a large part of your business referrals which equate to sales which develops into your income.
Mention the word "networking" - and most people do not understand it or may have some idea of what it is but need to learn the process. Do you really understand the process, benefits and dynamics that link people together? Genie Network is about teaching you that process and connecting you with the right people.
As we roll into a new year business professionals should consider taking time to strengthen their relationships. It can be a simple task that connects you at the same time. Over the past month I have contacted many people I have not spoken with for sometime. The "catch up" is wonderful. You learn so much about what is happening with everyone and in business. More importantly you stay top of mind with them and build the relationship.
People buy from people they like, trust and know - if you do not keep in touch how will you be the one they buy from when they are ready or refer to when they meet someone.
Keeping in touch is a simple task this time of year. Have you considered sending out Happy New Year cards? It is very affordable. Have someone take a picture of you at your desk and mail a minimum of 20 out to key strategic partners. A simple note with a gel pen or marker adds a personal touch.
Another way to keep in touch is make your list of top 20 people you would like to keep in touch with and call one per day. Remember if you have information or a lead or referral to call them with is even better.
Buy contacting one each work day in January it is not a huge task and you do not feel like you are in a call center. A simple hello, this is what is happening in your world what is happening in yours and how can we make 2010 a better year.
Personal contact is setting your business and you up for success in the coming year. It is also a practice that should be continued for the whole year. The month of January makes it easier to start. 1. Start a new habit. 2. Keeps you top of mind. 3. Builds your business. 4. Leads you to unbelievable opportunities. 5. You personally grow..
RESULT = Referrals/Leads!Sales = Income
"DO NOT expect referrals/leads immediately.They will come as you build your business network and awareness of your business and build trust among members.How clear you are and how well you convey what you do and how they can help is key.
Quality is important.It takes time to develop these relationships."
The Genie Network provides you with the tools to create and build a business referral network and grow your business.
Business networking will assist you in every aspect of your life. Whether you are seeking a job, looking for a new client, help on a project, locating a mentor, a strategic partner, a new hair stylist, seeking a new employee or a doctor. Without business networking it is difficult to attract and build your business or locate the services you are seeking.
Referrals have credibility and separate you from the crowd.
Business networking is about talking to people. Learning to be clear and concise of what you are looking for. If you are experiencing difficulty with this. I strongly recommend Intentional Business Networking workshop. You will learn how to located oranges in an apple orchard. Reserve January 13.
It all goes back to taking action. Referrals open doors.
Business Networking in the 21st Century - Art of Networking™ -
Business Networking with a group of business professionals.
Find archives of business networking lessons at www.GenieNetwork.net I have spoken to so many of you who have been to my Art of Networking™ sessions who have had great success in today's marketplace.
"Knowledge is a treasure but
practice is the key to it."
-Thomas Fuller
Today let us discuss the Art of Networking™
Business Networking with a group of business professionals.
Each month every business professional should take a hour to develop your monthly goals and meetings. Because this is a large part of your business referrals which equate to sales which develops into your income.
Mention the word "networking" - and most people do not understand it or may have some idea of what it is but need to learn the process. Do you really understand the process, benefits and dynamics that link people together? Genie Network is about teaching you that process and connecting you with the right people.
Last weeks session on finding a job with business networking defiantly struck a commonality with many readers. I have received tons of positive feedback thank you. The Genie Network will be focusing additional information regarding this subject in later newsletters.
As we roll into a new year business professionals should consider building their referral networks. One way of building referral networks would be using the information provided in previous newsletters regarding strategic partners and what creates your client. Using the these tools will determine who you invite and meet with on a regular basis. This week I have outlined the purpose of a business network and benefits.
Purpose of a Business Network
Hold other members accountable to refer business to each other
Keep members top of mind
Create a "common" vision/mission that promotes all business members and the development of their businesses
Co-market each other (marketing tools/resource ideas)
Train each other on how to sell each others products/services
Continual development of networking skills and assessment of goals
Generate referrals/leads as a result
Business mentorship
Everyone should have clear expectations for the business network they visit and join.
Remember:The real networking happens outside of the business network meeting.Networking is relationship-based. Business network members should plan to meet outside of the regular weekly meeting to discuss their businesses, build trust/respect in each other, develop partnerships, etcetera.
The RESULT = Referrals/Leads!Sales = Income
"DO NOT expect referrals/leads immediately.They will come as you build the business network member awareness of your business and build trust among members.How clear you are and how well you train the business network members (your sales force) will determine how successful you are.Set realistic expectations for referrals/leads.
Quality is important.It takes time to develop these relationships."
Genie Network business referral networks are decentralized meaning they are autonomous from the parent organization with respect to their business network guidelines.Why?We feel that individual business networks and their members should be empowered to dictate certain guidelines at a local level.
Genie Network encourages affiliated business networks to set "goals" in their guidelines rather than "rigid" policies that restrict business networks and members, innovation and growth.It is our belief that your business network should first try education/training to assist members in giving/receiving referrals.
Business Network Guideline Outline:
(Business Networks dictate and set guidelines within the their organizational guidelines.The follow is a sample of guidelines set by the business network.
Number of referrals per week (or month)
Attendance
Size
Mix of professionals
Speaker/Presentation timing and format or holding multiple categories in your group
Joining other referral based organizations
Socials
Community Service
Business Network Marketing
Co-branding/Co-marketing
Innovation - ideas, injections into selected meetings in addition to structured meeting flow
Many business professionals meet monthly some meet on a weekly basis and are very effective.
The Genie Network provides you with the tools to create and build a business referral network and grow your business.
Business networking will assist you in every aspect of your life. Whether you are seeking a job, looking for a new client, help on a project, locating a mentor, a strategic partner, a new hair stylist, seeking a new employee or a doctor. Without business networking it is difficult to attract and build your business or locate the services you are seeking.
Referrals have credibility and separate you from the crowd.
Business networking is about talking to people. Learning to be clear and concise of what you are looking for. If you are experiencing difficulty with this. I strongly recommend Intentional Business Networking workshop. You will learn how to located oranges in an apple orchard. Reserve January 14.
It all goes back to taking action. Referrals open doors.
Business Networking in the 21st Century - Art of Networking™ -
Finding the ideal job with business networking.
Find archives of business networking lessons at www.GenieNetwork.net I have spoken to so many of you who have been to my Art of Networking™ sessions who have had great success in today's marketplace.
"The things you fear are undefeatable not by their nature
but by your approach." - Jewel
Today let us discuss the Art of Networking™
Finding the ideal job with business networking.
Each month every business professional should take a hour to develop your monthly goals and meetings. Because this is a large part of your business referrals which equate to sales which develops into your income.
Mention the word "networking" - and most people do not understand it or may have some idea of what it is but need to learn the process. Do you really understand the process, benefits and dynamics that link people together? Genie Network is about teaching you that process and connecting you with the right people.
Today we will discuss finding the ideal job with business networking.
Over the past few months I have had many conversations with business professionals seeking a new job. Why are some so successful. I talked with a business professional who is a manager of a large organization who will be cutting 300 employees. After talking with him many have already located positions. How I asked?
Let us talk about James. James was a trainer for the organization and loved his position however with lack of growth his position was eliminated. James researched what companies employ corporate trainers. He found 6 companies within his area then started his business network of friends and colleagues who knew people within the companies he was seeking employment.
James contacted them and met with a couple of the referrals and asked for their help. He found out who the contact person was and their email address. He asked questions about positions available within the company and his experience. James asked for permission to use their name as a referral. James then emailed his resume with the referral he had met with. Letting the company he wanted to work for he would be available within the month. Needless to say within a week James received a call. He was given 3 interviews with individuals in the company. The following week James was offered a position that will move him into the training position.
Many business professionals seek positions by randomly sending out resumes and wonder why they never receive a call. If you are referred into the company you typically will receive a courtesy interview. Your job is to sell yourself to land the job.
I personally know this works. I was seeking a sales position with a good base and commissions. Each summer I volunteer and help a friend with her business. I would take time to help and have great fun doing so. One day another friend also came to help. We talked about work and what we each had done. I mentioned it would be great to get back into the sales force of a large company. This friend found out about a position at her corporate headquarters and called our mutual friend. She proceeded to tell our mutual friend that this would be the perfect job for me. My friend called me and told me I should apply for this position that it would be what I was seeking. Using the friend as a referral with her permission. I emailed my information to the person I was given the lead from and a week and a half later was offered the position I have been seeking. Four months after we had volunteered and worked together!
Now remember I had to sell myself to land the position however, I would not have had the opportunity to do so without business networking.
Business networking will assist you in every aspect of your life. Whether you are seeking a job, looking for a new client, help on a project, locating a mentor, a strategic partner, a new hair stylist, seeking a new employee or a doctor. Without business networking it is difficult to attract and build your business or locate the services you are seeking.
Referrals have credibility and separate you from the crowd. You do not need to compete with the hundreds when you are referred. Think about how you find the people you are looking for - you typically ask who do you know? It is no different with other services or needs you are seeking.
Business networking is about talking to people. Learning to be clear and concise of what you are looking for. If you are experiencing difficulty with this. I strongly recommend Intentional Business Networking workshop. You will learn how to located oranges in an apple orchard. Class will be offered again soon.
It all goes back to taking action. Referals open doors.
Business Networking in the 21st Century - Art of Networking™ - Mentors
Find archives of business networking lessons at www.GenieNetwork.net I have spoken to so many of you who have been to my Art of Networking™ sessions who have had great success in today's marketplace.
"There is no such thing as a great talent without great willpower." -Honoré de Balzac
Today let us discuss the Art of Networking™
Mentors
Each month every business professional should take a hour to develop your monthly goals and meetings. Because this is a large part of your business referrals which equate to sales which develops into your income.
Mention the word "networking" - and most people do not understand it or may have some idea of what it is but need to learn the process. Do you really understand the process, benefits and dynamics that link people together? Genie Network is about teaching you that process and connecting you with the right people.
MN - Reserve you seat at Intentional Business Networking - December 9, 2009. Learn more here
Today we will discuss Mentors.
Mentors are the most valuable tool to your success. First let's define a mentor. A mentor is someone whom you trust and shares your vision. Mentors are coaches, teachers, sounding boards, disciplinarians, lead by example and share your vision and possess expertise. There are many ways to meet your potential mentor.
Mentors keep you on track. They are are brutally honest. Mentors are not demeaning or condescending. They are a coach and a teacher. Many times we have ideas that we need to bounce off one another your mentor is a great place to start they makes you think twice. You will refine, define and recalculate your idea which then becomes successful.
If you do not have a mentor how do you locate one. Mentors should be someone you respect. Respect for their knowledge, personal qualities or maybe their field of expertise. Mentors are open and willing to discuss honestly decisions, ideas and guide you without "telling you". Mentors coach and lead you to see different ways of seeing the same idea.
Once you locate this person invite them to coffee and discuss your mentorship and if they would be willing to mentor you. Mentorship needs to be a open and willing partnership with understanding between the two individuals.
Without a mentor it becomes difficult to see all angles of problems, growth and decision that move you forward. Many times we become complacent and stagnant. A Mentor will guide you through these periods. Assisting you in growth and success they see in you however, you have not yet realized.
Once you have found a mentor and have built the relationship of trust and understanding you may wish to touch base on a regular basis. If you are working on a goal orientated program let you mentor know. They make you accountable.
