Ten Commandments for Better Networking

Do you shy away at the very thought of networking at business functions? If you answered yes, you are not alone! Many business people and entrepreneurs get a bit uncomfortable when it comes down to walking up to someone and starting a conversation. Many others are concerned about getting effective results from the time they spend networking. The process does not have to be traumatic, scary, or a waste of time. When done properly, it can truly make a difference in the amount of business you can generate. With the right approach, you can use it to build a wealth of resources and contacts that will help to make your business very successful.

Use the following Ten Commandments to help you network your way through your next business networking event:

1. Have the tools to network with you at all times.

These include an informative name badge, business cards, brochures about your business, and a portable business card file containing cards of other professionals whom you can refer.

2. Set a goal for the number of people you’ll meet.

Identify a reachable goal based on attendance and the type of group. If you feel inspired, set a goal to meet fifteen to twenty people and make sure you get all their cards. If you don’t feel so hot, shoot for less. In either case, don’t leave until you’ve met your goal.

3. Act like a host, not a guest.

A host is expected to do things for others, while a guest sits back and relaxes. Volunteer to help greet people. If you see visitors sitting, introduce yourself and ask if they would like to meet others. Act as a conduit. The people who are too shy to move around will appreciate this and will remember you for it!

4. Listen and ask questions.

Remember that a good net-worker has two ears and one mouth and uses them proportionately. After you’ve learned what another person does, tell them what you do. Be specific, but brief. Don’t assume they know your business.

5. Don’t try to close a deal.

These events are not meant to be a vehicle to hit on business people to buy your products or services. Networking is about developing relationships with other professionals. Meeting people at events should be the beginning of that process, not the end of it. People in a networking event will not appreciate hard closing tactics.

6. Give referrals whenever possible.

The best net-workers believe in the givers gain philosophy (what goes around, comes around). If I help you, you’ll help me and we’ll both do better as a result of it. In other words, if you don’t genuinely attempt to help the people you meet, then you are not networking effectively. If you can’t give someone a bona-fide referral, try to offer some information that might be of interest to them (such as details about an upcoming event).

7. Exchange business cards.

Ask each person you meet for two cards - one to pass on to someone else and one to keep. This sets the stage for networking to happen. Never just walk around pushing your cards on people. They will end up in the trash. It is not effective to just hand people your card. Ask them for their card first. Then, there is a fairly good chance they will ask you for yours.

8. Manage your time efficiently.

Spend ten minutes or less with each person you meet and don’t linger with friends or associates. If your goal is to meet a given number of people, be careful not to spend too much time with any one person. When you meet someone interesting with whom you’d like to speak further, set up an appointment for a later date. Be sure to follow up with the people you would like to meet with in a timely manner.

9. Write notes on the backs of business cards you collect.

Record anything you think may be useful in remembering each person more clearly. This will come in handy when you follow up on each contact.

10. Follow up!

You can obey the previous nine commandments religiously, but if you don’t follow up effectively, you will have wasted your time. Drop a note or give a call to each person you’ve met. Be sure to fulfill any promises you’ve made.

I hope everyone is having a great day...as I am and always do!

Don Egnor
813-842-6131
donegnor@aol.com

How to Keep a Positive Attitude

Keeping a positive attitude isn't always easy, especially when you are going through a difficult time in your life or you are trying to get past years of habitual negative thoughts. Positive thinking is the key to having an optimistic outlook on life. You can keep a positive attitude, even when things aren't going smoothly in your life.

1.) Fill your mind with positive things. Read encouraging, affirming books and listen to upbeat, happy music. Think about happy memories or things you have to look forward to rather than bad things that have happened or things you dread.

2.) Develop yourself spiritually. Research shows that those who are spiritual live longer and more satisfying lives.

3.) Keep positive people in your life. Avoid people who have a negative mindset and surround yourself with people who are upbeat, spiritual and fun.

4.) Practice positive thinking. Try not to let negative thoughts enter your atmosphere. Think instead of all the good things in your life, even if there aren't very many. Concentrate on your good features instead of your faults.

5.) Laugh often. Watch a funny movie or hang out with someone who you can be silly with. Laughter is a great way to get a positive attitude.

6.) Learn something new or take up a new hobby. Get out and do things you love to do and enjoy yourself.

7.) Reevaluate your situation. It's easy to think negative or pessimistic thoughts when something happens. However, when you think rationally about the facts instead of the fears, you can see a more positive side of things.

When you do all these things on a consistent basis you will find that your attitude improves and will stay on the right path to help you reach success. Our mind can be our worst enemy when it comes to working your business and reaching out for success in today's world.

You will also find that it is you who has total control over your feelings and thoughts as well. When you let all the negative stuff take over your mind then it just makes everything much harder to control. Do not let anyone tell you anything different and always keep that positive outlook in order to move forward in your endeavors.

Don Egnor
813-842-6131
http://www.joinmetoday.com