I knew that networking would be critical to the establishment of my new business and was a major part of my strategic sales and marketing plan. Since my business is entirely targeted to women, I researched women’s networking groups in my area and just started showing up with business cards. Something surprising happened. I started making connections at these meetings with women I truly enjoyed, respected and admired. I attribute this positive result to the fact that instead of going out and bombarding people with my message, I entered the room determined to find out more about these other women. Naturally, in the course of our conversations I was able to discuss my company and the services I provide, but it goes deeper than that.

To effectively network, you need to take an interest in the other person, listen to what they are telling you and, eventually ask for what you need. So many people write off the person they are speaking to within a couple of seconds but keep in mind that you are not just communicating with that person, you are communicating with their entire network…likely more than 200 people. Who knows who their sister, business partner, brother, husband, etc may be. Perhaps the one person who can take your business to another level?

The best networkers truly want to help their contacts. It’s not a manipulative thing. You don’t feign interest to get what you want. You truly engage and try to match make in a business sense. After all, most valuable business people are well known for their broad and diverse network of resources. It is very valuable to be the one person people think of to call when they need a marketing research company, a professional organizer, a talented graphic designer, an awesome speaker, a top-notch meeting planner or a great attorney.

A phenomenal woman I know, Neen James is a dynamic, funny and truly gifted speaker and an expert on helping people increase their productivity. She also happens to be one of the authors of a fabulous book called, Network or Perish: learn the secrets of master networkers.

According to Neen’s book, there are some effective ways to find the right network and to get the most out of networking:

• Choose the right network for your business
• Organizations can be expensive to join. Visit the meeting twice before joining
• Commit to the events
• Get involved—volunteer for a committee or to do a job during the meeting itself
• Never hand out cards with crossed out information. Always present a positive image
• Schedule a follow up time and a 20-minute coffee meeting
• Appear confident – even “fake it till you make it”
• Be aware of your body language—stand up straight and tall
• Don’t fidget
• Introduce yourself first
• Shake hands
• Use a person’s name several times when you first meet
• Have some prepared questions planned
• Listen intently

• Have a :30 “elevator speech” prepared for when someone asks what you do
• Work to think of connections you can make for the person to whom you are speaking. People will naturally want to connect you with prospects as well
• speaking about what you do, focus on the benefits your customers receive as a result of working with you. For example, "as a result of my ser
  What Every Employee Should Know About How to See Customer's Problems from Their Creative Side
  Customer Service is a blessing and a curse; a blessing to the customer and a curse to you, the employee. At least so it seems. Although as the Customer Service representative for your employer, you are faced with a never-ending barrage of complaints, problems, and questions on a daily basis, the pressure of the job could easily become a source of anger, frustration, and other forms of counter-productive behaviors. You seem to live in a pressure-cooker of stress.Rather than let the pressure get to you, why not develop attitudes that will help you become more cheerful, positive,
  ired. I attribute this positive result to the fact that instead of going out and bombarding people with my message, I entered the room determined to find out more about these other women. Naturally, in the course of our conversations I was able to discuss my company and the services I provide, but it goes deeper than that.

  To effectively network, you need to take an interest in the other person, listen to what they are telling you and, eventually ask for what you need. So many people write off the person they are speaking to within a couple of seconds but keep in mind that you are not just communicating with that person, you are communicating with their entire network…likely more than 200 people. Who knows who their sister, business partner, brother, husband, etc may be. Perhaps the one person who can take your business to another level?

  The best networkers truly want to help their contacts. It’s not a manipulative thing. You don’t feign interest to get what you want. You truly engage and try to match make in a business sense. After all, most valuable business people are well known for their broad and diverse network of resources. It is very valuable to be the one person people think of to call when they need a marketing research company, a professional organizer, a talented graphic designer, an awesome speaker, a top-notch meeting planner or a great attorney.

  A phenomenal woman I know, Neen James is a dynamic, funny and truly gifted speaker and an expert on helping people increase their productivity. She also happens to be one of the authors of a fabulous book called, Network or Perish: learn the secrets of master networkers.

  According to Neen’s book, there are some effective ways to find the right network and to get the most out of networking:

  • Choose the right network for your business
  • Organizations can be expensive to join. Visit the meeting twice before joining
  • Commit to the events
  • Get involved—volunteer for a committee or to do a job during the meeting itself
  • Never hand out cards with crossed out information. Always present a positive image
  • Schedule a follow up time and a 20-minute coffee meeting
  • Appear confident – even “fake it till you make it”
  • Be aware of your body language—stand up straight and tall
  • Don’t fidget
  • Introduce yourself first
  • Shake hands
  • Use a person’s name several times when you first meet
  • Have some prepared questions planned
  • Listen intently
  Here are some of my own tips:
  • Have a :30 “elevator speech” prepared for when someone asks what you do
  • Work to think of connections you can make for the person to whom you are speaking. People will naturally want to connect you with prospects as well
  • speaking about what you do, focus on the benefits your customers receive as a result of working with you. For example, "as a result of my se
    How to Build Good Client Relationships and Really Mean It (Part1)
    Attracting and keeping long-term clients is a prevailing approach for your growing business. Long-term clients who are pleased with consistent on-going good service, are likely to refer others to your business, and are more likely to buy further services from you. The confident professional, small business owner gains by focusing on certain sound tactics for long-term client maintenance. Just like a free online classifieds, your business should always keep, treasure and maintain healthy relationships with its contacts.Focus marketing on your existing clients. Your present cu
    tner, brother, husband, etc may be. Perhaps the one person who can take your business to another level?

    The best networkers truly want to help their contacts. It’s not a manipulative thing. You don’t feign interest to get what you want. You truly engage and try to match make in a business sense. After all, most valuable business people are well known for their broad and diverse network of resources. It is very valuable to be the one person people think of to call when they need a marketing research company, a professional organizer, a talented graphic designer, an awesome speaker, a top-notch meeting planner or a great attorney.

    A phenomenal woman I know, Neen James is a dynamic, funny and truly gifted speaker and an expert on helping people increase their productivity. She also happens to be one of the authors of a fabulous book called, Network or Perish: learn the secrets of master networkers.

    According to Neen’s book, there are some effective ways to find the right network and to get the most out of networking:

    • Choose the right network for your business
    • Organizations can be expensive to join. Visit the meeting twice before joining
    • Commit to the events
    • Get involved—volunteer for a committee or to do a job during the meeting itself
    • Never hand out cards with crossed out information. Always present a positive image
    • Schedule a follow up time and a 20-minute coffee meeting
    • Appear confident – even “fake it till you make it”
    • Be aware of your body language—stand up straight and tall
    • Don’t fidget
    • Introduce yourself first
    • Shake hands
    • Use a person’s name several times when you first meet
    • Have some prepared questions planned
    • Listen intently
    Here are some of my own tips:
    • Have a :30 “elevator speech” prepared for when someone asks what you do
    • Work to think of connections you can make for the person to whom you are speaking. People will naturally want to connect you with prospects as well
    • speaking about what you do, focus on the benefits your customers receive as a result of working with you. For example, "as a result of my se
      Sports Are Easy, Business is Tough
      In football the goal is to cross the goal line more often than the other team. In basketball it is to get the ball in the basket more than your opponents. In track, ski, and auto racing it is to cross the finish line before the others. These are easy concepts to understand. To win, one must design strategy that takes advantage of your strengths, to eliminate or reduce your weaknesses, inspire yourself and teammates, build physical endurance and speed, then hone your skills and practice until you are unbeatable. At least the theory is simple and if Abner Doubleday were to come ba
      lping people increase their productivity. She also happens to be one of the authors of a fabulous book called, Network or Perish: learn the secrets of master networkers.

      According to Neen’s book, there are some effective ways to find the right network and to get the most out of networking:

      • Choose the right network for your business
      • Organizations can be expensive to join. Visit the meeting twice before joining
      • Commit to the events
      • Get involved—volunteer for a committee or to do a job during the meeting itself
      • Never hand out cards with crossed out information. Always present a positive image
      • Schedule a follow up time and a 20-minute coffee meeting
      • Appear confident – even “fake it till you make it”
      • Be aware of your body language—stand up straight and tall
      • Don’t fidget
      • Introduce yourself first
      • Shake hands
      • Use a person’s name several times when you first meet
      • Have some prepared questions planned
      • Listen intently
      Here are some of my own tips:
      • Have a :30 “elevator speech” prepared for when someone asks what you do
      • Work to think of connections you can make for the person to whom you are speaking. People will naturally want to connect you with prospects as well
      • speaking about what you do, focus on the benefits your customers receive as a result of working with you. For example, "as a result of my se
        Britney Spears Murdered Her Celebrity Brand
        Last Friday, celebrity Britney Spears decided that she would kill her pop icon status, which took over a decade to create. Her brain waves were obviously malfunctioning when she shaved her head outside of a closed salon in Sherman Oaks, California.A celebrity’s visual image, or visual brand, should be one of their most valued assets. A superstar career is based on talent and ability but more than anything it is built on public image. And when I say image, I mean they must look the part.Take the TV show American Idol for example. Every once and a while you will see a con
        – even “fake it till you make it”
      • Be aware of your body language—stand up straight and tall
      • Don’t fidget
      • Introduce yourself first
      • Shake hands
      • Use a person’s name several times when you first meet
      • Have some prepared questions planned
      • Listen intently
      Here are some of my own tips:
      • Have a :30 “elevator speech” prepared for when someone asks what you do
      • Work to think of connections you can make for the person to whom you are speaking. People will naturally want to connect you with prospects as well
      • speaking about what you do, focus on the benefits your customers receive as a result of working with you. For example, "as a result of my services, my clients achieve reduced stress and overwhelm, increased self confidence, increased earning potential and the ability to spend more time with their family without sacrificing work"
      • Be sure to express your positive thoughts about the person’s business. So many times we assume successful people know that they come across effectively, look fabulous or have created an amazing business. When you admire someone, tell them. They will truly appreciate it
      • Remember, networking is a process. Chances are you won’t meet 10 potential clients at the next event. Your goal should be for others to get to know you, the resources you possess and the services you offer. People want to do business with people they like. Realize that these events allow people to become acquainted with you and eventually utilize your services or recommend you to someone else
      • Just get out there and enjoy yourself!