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 Save Time and Leverage Properly With Your MLM/Direct Selling Business

The hope of entrepreneurs lives and dies based on time. Money can really come and go, but the aspirations of so many entrepreneurs are fleeting because they don't know how to manage their business effectively.

They give up so quickly because of fear that time will catch up to them or that they will run out of money in the time they have allotted in their mind. The truth is that you can really always find money, you can't bring time back. These are some simple areas to look to leverage your time well to get to your success faster.

1. Money- You should look to save a lot and spend wisely. Many people put money in areas that are not going to bring them any money back.

2. New Associates- Get referrals from your customers and use it to impact others. This will save countless dollars in marketing and advertising.

3. Star Associates- Protect your most productive associates and use them as sounding boards for everything that you do. They have the understanding of what is going on in the battlefield and their opinions will always be valid. Be willing to wrestle ideas with a panel of members from your company to find out what will bring the greatest amount of success.

4. Systems- Learn how your business will operate the best and let it run by itself without you pulling it along. These systems have to be simple, easily understandable, and the most effective way to empower your associates with the steps they need to make you, and them, the most profit and people coming into their business.

5. Cutting Edge- Be ahead of the curve when it comes to technology and systems. You will be very attractive to customers, media, investors, and employees. Make sure your opportunity has the newest cutting edge product.

6. Research and Development- When you have found what areas you can improve in or gain ground on the competition then make sure that you move correctly to find out what the consumer is really missing today. Quality is a priority before quantity.

7. Create an Avalanche of Excitement- The funny thing is that you probably already have the answers to a lot of questions, but you are not looking close enough to see what is making your business special. Find that unique selling point and announce it to the world. You will create an impressive niche.

8. Reputation- Create a brand that is credible. How many commercials do we see of companies claiming to be patriotic and how that is supposed to appeal to an American consumer like apple pie? Create your own apple pie image that will make your Granny come with a fist full of dollar bills.

9. Focus- Don't multi-task or you will spread your energy and put in mediocre efforts and it will be noticeable after a while. Make a list and get it done in order each day. This will save you hours.

10. Walk Away- One of the hardest things that any entrepreneur can do is be willing to step back and let the process happen. Many want-to-be entrepreneurs feel it is necessary to micromanage every aspect and that will frustrate your associates and misuse their skills. You are only burying their talents and missing out on more financial success.

I hope you are having a fantastic day…as I am and always do!

Don Egnor
TFF Mastermind Group
813-842-6131
donegnor@aol.com
http://www.joinmetoday.com