What the heck is a Tweet? And how can it help me with my business networking?
Well… a ‘tweet’ is a 140 character (or less) message on Twitter.com which basically answers the 1st question most people ask when calling someone on the phone: “What Are You Doing?“.
At first, many people think it’s a trivial concept. I mean, who cares if someone is ‘making oatmeal for the kids’, or ‘putting files in briefcase ‘cuz late for work yet again’, or ‘tired and getting ready for bed’…
But when you look a little more closely, you’ll soon realize it is an amazingly powerful concept. Not only in business, be it online or offline, but in many many ways, people around the world are benefitting from Twitter.
Do you think Facebook, the social networking GIANT, would offer $500 million to buy Twitter if there wasn’t tremendous value behind the brand and their platform? That, in and of itself warrants further research, wouldn’t you agree?
Watch the Common Craft video to see what Twitter is in Plain English:
Follow me on Twitter to see what I’m up to and to get the inside scoop on some networking articles, videos, and tips: My Twitter Profile
Comment on this article if you have any thoughts about Twitter and how you may be now, or envision yourself using it.
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Any business’ success or failure can largely be traced to networking. Networking will put you into contact with those that can help your business grow, from suppliers to financial backers. Yet many business owners are unsure how to tap this valuable resource. Here is a guide to making the most of your networking opportunities.
1. Research opportunities - Dedicated industry events are perhaps the best place to network, offering a chance for those in the industry to come together for the same purpose. However, some events are more relevant than others. Look for opportunities that are most likely to yield success.
2. Make the first move - It can be difficult to approach strangers, especially if you are shy. However, it is important to leave shyness behind and make that initial approach. Remember that you may have something valuable to offer the other person as well.
3. Talk to everyone - Even if someone looks like he or she will be unable to help you out, make that contact anyway. He may know someone who can offer you something or you may be able to offer her a valuable resource, creating a favor that will later be repaid.
4. Rehearse your dialogue - Do not write yourself a script, which will end up sounding canned and insincere, but practice discussing your business until you feel confident in presenting it. Remember that you are your own best representative.
5. Dress to impress - First impressions are critical, so make sure to dress well. Also check your posture and the way that you carry yourself. You should look confident but not overbearing.
6. Be positive and upbeat - No matter what else is going on in your life, leave it behind when attending a networking event. Be unfailingly polite and show a positive attitude about yourself and your company.
7. Keep circulating - Do not become drawn into an extended conversation. If you click well with someone, agree to follow up by email or telephone. It is important to meet as many people as you can at each event to increase your list of contacts.
8. Have your business card ready - People will not contact you unless you provide an easy means of doing so. Carry plenty of business cards in an easily accessible pocket or handbag.
9. Keep your expectations realistic - You will not find success at every event. However, if you persevere and continue to attend networking events, you will eventually find the contacts that you need.
10. Follow up - If you meet someone who may be a helpful contact, be sure to get his or her business card. Call or email that person within a few days to maintain an excellent rapport.
Networking is critical to the success of almost any company. Yet many business owners are intimidated by the prospect. Follow the simple tips above to increase your chances of making successful connections.
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Paying a sincere compliment is an ideal way to connect with someone at a networking event because it attracts people to you, helps solidify bonds, and lifts people’s spirits.
A sincere compliment is like a gift because it makes both you and the receiver feel good. It’s an ideal way to break the ice and connect at a business or social event. It’s worthwhile learning how to compliment people the right way. Here are 5 tips for giving compliments that connect people and attract interaction.
1. Be sincere. It’s easy to tell the difference between a true compliment, and sounding like you are kissing up. What’s the difference? Only compliment something that deserves it. If the speech was a flop, compliment the speaker instead on their savvy handling of the Q&A. It’s easy to spot phoniness, and people know what they did well, and where they fell short of the mark.
2. Be specific. Instead of saying: You are a wonderful cook, say: Your chocolate mousse was decadent. Do you have a special recipe? Instead of saying: You look nice today, you can say: That scarf is a great color for you. Even more specific: That blue scarf is a great color because it matches your eyes.
3. Be careful of backhanded compliments. Have you ever been the victim of someone saying to you: Wow, what a change - you look so much better. It makes you wonder how bad you really looked last time. Instead, you can say: You look terrific. What’s your secret?
4. Cross gender compliments: When men compliment women, focus on accessories rather than clothing items. So you can compliment a woman on her necklace, but not her blouse. Even better, compliment her excellent speech or stellar performance on a major project. Women can also compliment a man’s tie, rather than a shirt. Women can be freer to compliment other women on their fabulous shoes or dress, when men should steer away from anything too personal in complimenting women. They can be perceived as being too forward.
5. Be appropriate: Consider the setting and your relationship with the person. Commenting on a colleague’s new hair color is fine, but mentioning it to your boss is stepping out of bounds. Or telling the bride that she looks lovely is fine, but save your congratulations on her losing 50 pounds for private time.
Do you have other ways to strengthen your business relationships? Comment below. I’d love to hear about them.
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Have you been networking and not getting many new clients?
Business to business networking is one of the most powerful ways to gain new customers. But not all networking is equally effective. You can dash from one networking event to another, spamming people with your business cards, and end up tired and frustrated.
To get new clients from networking, you have to know where and how to network. Here are three tips for networking that brings results:
1. Find the right network. Are you looking for business from small business owners, or large corporations? Do you specialize in a specific industry, such as financial or healthcare? Finding the right network is crucial to making connections that bring you business. Otherwise you can spend a great deal of time connecting with the wrong market.
2. Invest in your network. Once you find a great network for you, invest time and energy in it. Join the executive, volunteer to help with fundraisers, and invite individual members for lunch or coffee. People join these organizations because they want to connect. Go with the view of helping people in the network, and they will help you as well.
3. Have patience. If you are networking with people from large organizations, it takes a great deal of patience and persistence to get work. Eventually it pays off, often when you least expect it to. For example, I met a director of corporate communications from a very large company who said she needed a freelance writer in my field. She gave me her card and asked me to call her. After many phone calls and a few e-mails that received no answer (but leaving phone messages only occasionally) I was about to give up when she actually answered the phone. This lead to a meeting, and a great deal of ongoing work with this company.
Networking is a business tool that works when you do it properly. It’s more effective than cold calling, and a lot more fun as well!
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Relationship Marketing. If you are in business, then chances are you have heard this term. What does it mean? I am going to quote my friend and relationship marketing expert Bob Burg and say that the definition is: “The cultivating of mutually beneficial, GIVE and take, win/win relationships.” Now, Bob has used this definition when talking about networking in general, but I think it applies here equally as well. You see, relationship marketing, or referral marketing (which I use interchangeably) is about building relationships, not selling. When you place an ad, you are selling, but when you place a phone call and ask about someone’s family, you are using relationship marketing. See the difference? As you build and cultivate these relationships, you are becoming someone that the other person truly knows, versus knows about. Again, to refer to Bob Burg in his infinite wisdom, “All things being equal, people will do business with, and refer people to, those people that they KNOW, LIKE, and TRUST.” Remember that quote, and LIVE it. Don’t just do something because it will work, do it because it is the right thing to do…that will bring you true long term success.
Ok, now that we have that out of the way, on to the list! I believe relationship marketing is truly the king of marketing, and if done correctly, will allow you virtually unlimited success. Here is why:
1. Practicing relationship marketing removes client objections- Think about one of your good friends for a minute. If they sold a product or service you needed, would you choose to do business with them, or someone you didn’t know? How about if the person you didn’t know offered that product or service at a slightly lower price? If you are like most people, you value that relationship more than the few dollars in price difference. This holds true for other objections as well. Establish a solid relationship, and you will get more business and more referrals from that person.
2. Relationship Marketing is more inexpensive than virtually any other marketing activity-How much does it cost to have a conversation? Nothing. That is the cost of relationship marketing. Keep in mind that I am talking about acquiring clients, but perhaps even more importantly, building the relationships with referral sources. The same principles apply to both and while developing a great relationship with your clients is vital, doing so with other business owners and potential referral sources can really explode your income.
3. Customer retention-According to many surveys, acquiring a new customer/client costs 5-7 times as much as keeping an existing one. Many have heard this fact before, but how many truly pay attention? Think about your current marketing efforts. Are you spending your time and money keeping your current customers happy, or trying to get new ones? If you spent all your time making your current customers feel valued and opening yourself up to referrals from them, your marketing budget would go down, and your income would go up. Any reason you can think of to NOT do that???
4. Customer insight is an invaluable resource-People that know you well will often tell you what they think, especially if you ask them, which you definitely should do. How can you get better at what it is that you do unless you get feedback on how you are doing? The best people to get this from are those that you have established strong relationships with. They know you and can be candid. The feedback we receive is not always what we want to hear, but as a business owner, it is what you NEED to hear. Customer surveys are a great way to get this feedback. Pay attention to what your clients and referral sources are saying and heed their suggestions. Chances are, if they are feeling a certain way, others are as well.
5. Relationship Marketing will multiply your network exponentially-The average person has about 250 people in their personal and business network. As a business owner, you may have even more. The point here is that for every person you meet and establish a quality relationship with, you have the ability now to get to their 250 person network. If you have 250 people in your network, and they have 250 in theirs, that is 62,500 potential clients and referral sources. Spending your time building and establishing relationships with as many of these people as possible is literally ALL you would ever have to do to become as successful as you want to be. I am not saying you are going to convert all 62,500 to become clients, but, let’s just say it was 1000. 1000 people that became your clients or referral sources, might that make a little difference in your monthly take home pay? Oh yeah, if you DID make 1000 your goal, I hope it wasn’t lost on you that the network you are now working from is 250,000 (1000 people x 250 in their personal network) Online social networking sites take this principle to a whole other level. I know someone, they know someone, in turn, THEY know other people. For instance, currently, my personal network there is about 140 people. If you add up those people that are connected to them, and those THEY are connected to, my network is almost 5 million people. They key is to develop relationships with the 140, and then eventually, you will start to get to know their people as well. There is a RIGHT way to do it, and a wrong way though, so bear in mind the principles of relationship marketing and work on developing relationships, not just trying to get into their network.
There you have it. 5 reasons why relationship marketing is your key to unlimited success. Like all things that WORK, it is not just as easy as running out and trying to meet a bunch of people and turn them into clients or referral sources. There really is a right way, and a wrong way to becoming successful with these principles. I have devoted myself to helping others become successful and have spent considerable time creating resources for others to use in their efforts. The key thing to remember is, do things for the right reasons, and usually, the right results will occur.
Good luck, and I wish you much success in your relationship marketing efforts!
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I recently received an e-mail from someone who read an article I wrote about collaboration and working together.He said, “The type of networking you talk about describes the way things should work, but in the real world most people seem to have an attitude of what’s in it for me?“He asked, “How can I prevent wasting my time and efforts on people, only to find that they have this kind of attitude?”
The short answer to his question is this—stop hanging out with the wrong kind of people and start actively seeking out the right kind of people.Trust me, I’ve been there and done that when it comes to getting stuck with the wrong people. Moving beyond that and building the kind of network that wants to help you (knowing that you also want to help them) is a journey—not a destination.
I have two suggestions to make finding the right networking partners easier.First look for some of the signs relating to people who fit the profile of good networkers.They include:
People who ask how they can help you or what they can offer you (and mean it) before they ask anything from you.
Individuals who show that they are willing to work on creating a professional relationship over a period of time because they understand that they must develop credibility with you before asking for your business or your referrals.
Those who make the time to go beyond the normal business interactions with those whom they want to be able to ask for support.
Professionals who understand that networking is more about farming than hunting and show it in their actions by making the effort to get to know you outside of the business environment whenever possible, knowing that the more of a friendship there is between you, the more expectations you can both have from each other’s networking efforts.
People who do what they can to bring business and contacts to you and their other networking partners, who share pertinent information with you, and invite you to business meetings that’ll position you favorably with others you need to get to know.
Individuals who give of their time and knowledge in order to help their referral sources succeed.
Second, immerse yourself in the process of relationship building.
A network that is a mile wide and an inch deep is not a strong network.Create a personal network that is both wide and deep.Meeting with people regularly is the key to making this happen.Participate in networking groups where you are going to see the same people on a regular basis. This will help you develop relationships and screen out the what’s in it for me? networkers.
We know that marketing to existing clients returns at least five times more bottom-line profit than the same dollar spent on marketing to acquire new clients. It just makes sense to take excellent care of current clients. Keep in constant touch with them and let them know you care. If you don’t, your competitor will. Below are ten tips — ideas to help you creatively stay connected with your current clients and turn them into loyal fans.
1. Besides your regular newsletters, send letters and emails. Share something that will be of genuine value to them (books, articles, information and/or appropriate networking opportunities). Knowing and keeping in mind what they are passionate about will help you to be effective at this.
2. Call them sometimes with no sales agenda, just to see how they’re doing. Maybe ask if they have any needs you could help with.
3. Occasionally, arrange to meet in person. Ask questions and listen, and always give your undivided attention. Remember to turn off your cell phone. Make them feel important and special.
4. Make an effort to understand your clients’ needs and introduce them to others who could be of help to them.
Well, this is a question I see popping up a lot lately. My answer to put it bluntly is NO.
Is Social Networking very cool? Absolutely! Is it effective? Most certainly. Will it replace all forms of traditional ‘real world’ networking? Not even close.
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Networking in general, be it online, offline, or any other place, is all about(yes you may have seen me blog about this once or twice before :)) RELATIONSHIPS.
No matter what approach you take to initially making connections with people, what’s of critical importance is that you find an effective way to build on that initial contact.
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Tim Ferriss has spent more than five years learning the secrets of the New Rich, a fast-growing subculture who has abandoned the “deferred-life plan” and instead mastered the new currencies—time and mobility—to create luxury lifestyles in the here and now.
Whether you are an overworked employee or an entrepreneur trapped in your own business, this book is the compass for a new and revolutionary world. Join Tim Ferriss as he teaches you:
• How to outsource your life to overseas virtual assistants for $5 per hour and do whatever you want
• How blue-chip escape artists travel the world without quitting their jobs
• How to eliminate 50% of your work in 48 hours using the principles of a forgotten Italian economist
• How to trade a long-haul career for short work bursts and freuent “mini-retirements”
• What the crucial difference is between absolute and relative income
• How to train your boss to value performance over presence, or kill your job (or company) if it’s beyond repair
• What automated cash-flow “muses” are and how to create one in 2 to 4 weeks
• How to cultivate selective ignorance—and create time—with a low-information diet
• What the management secrets of Remote Control CEOs are
• How to get free housing worldwide and airfare at 50–80% off
• How to fill the void and create a meaningful life after removing work and the office
You can have it all—really.
Do you believe it? Comment below and let me know your thoughts…
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Having just attended two networking events in an equal number of evenings (PR-Net and 27 Dinner), I had the opportunity to practice some of the tips I learnt from Colette Carlson’s “Communication secrets to change your life” seminar last weekend. I’m still learning and some of these tips take a bit of practice (they don’t call it net-work for nothing), but I’ve found them to be incredibly useful:
1. Wear your stripes
Make sure to introduce yourself at every opportunity. Let people know who you are upfront. Don’t lose an opportunity by simply saying “Hi, I’m Robynn”. Rather say “Hi, I’m Robynn Burls, the owner of Encyclomedia, the online media database for the PR industry. And you are?” Now people know who you are and it opens the opportunity for them to ask you more about what you do.
2. Introduce yourself to the loners - you’ll be their heroNo-one likes to be standing alone at a networking event, it’s embarrassing! It makes you do stupid things like pretend you’re checking email on your cell (and we all know you’re really only trying to look busy).
Make a point of walking up to the person and introduce yourself. The loners will be so grateful to finally be involved that they won’t be able to forget you. Remember, the objective behind good networking is to become memorable in the minds of others.
3. Bring outsiders into the conversation - more hero-factor
When you’re chatting in a group and you see that certain individuals are being side-lined, pull them back into the conversation by saying “John, what do you think about that?” By giving him the opportunity to get back into the group, you’ll make yourself more memorable to John.
Also, when you are talking, be inclusive and connect with everyone’s eyes, not just the person who as
Well… a ‘tweet’ is a 140 character (or less) message on Twitter.com which basically answers the 1st question most people ask when calling someone on the phone: “What Are You Doing?“.
The short answer to his question is this—stop hanging out with the wrong kind of people and start actively seeking out the right kind of people.
We know that marketing to existing clients returns at least five times more bottom-line profit than the same dollar spent on marketing to acquire new clients. It just makes sense to take excellent care of current clients. Keep in constant touch with them and let them know you care. If you don’t, your competitor will. Below are ten tips — ideas to help you creatively stay connected with your current clients and turn them into loyal fans.
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2. Introduce yourself to the loners - you’ll be their heroNo-one likes to be standing alone at a networking event, it’s embarrassing! It makes you do stupid things like pretend you’re checking email on your cell (and we all know you’re really only trying to look busy).