Networking Your Way To Greater Success

Networking is the ability to know people, who know people, who know people, who know people who can help you succeed. Networking is your personal and professional success tool. But there's a catch - networking is as much about giving as it is about receiving.

True and lasting success comes from helping as many people as possible achieve their goals. It's based on what is called the Law of Reciprocity. The more people you help succeed, the more you succeed.

Networking is much more about giving than it is about receiving. Many people join a networking group with the attitude, "What can I get out of this relationship." A true networker asks, "How many ways can I help the other person achieve her/his goals?"

The Law of Reciprocity states that the more you give, the more you get. Give of yourself and time wisely. Give wisely, but not selfishly. Give of time, intelligence and experience without expecting something in return. The giver will end up the winner.

With that said - Start your networking with friends, family and associates. Ask yourself, "Do my friends, relatives and social contacts really know what I do for a living or what my goals are?"

Prepare a one-minute infomercial about yourself, your career and how your network can help you succeed. When you meet someone new, you'll have a minute infomercial ready to help get your point across effectively. If you can't condense what you do into a one-minute infomercial, you may not be clear about what you want or how your network can help.

Sit down right now, and make a list of twenty people who can help you go forward with living your life's mission. If they can't help you directly, they may know someone who can.

Be sure to keep your network posted about all your career moves and changes. When your goals change, professionally and personally, let your network know.

Remember too, that you are a part of network too. That's a responsibility that shouldn't be taken lightly. Actively help make contacts, referrals, and connections for your network. Not only will you feel personally satisfied, but also you're building a foundation of mutual respect, benefit and support.

You're not alone. There are people you know - right this minute - who want to help you live your life's mission. You, in return, can help them make their dreams come true, too.

I always remember a quote by Denis Waitley, "Cooperation is a two-letter word - WE."

Sharon A. Michaels is an e-mentor to women who want to work for themselves. Sharon has over 20 years of business, speaking and writing experience on issues of ending self-sabotage, living in abundance and wealth and making money in network marketing. Sharon offers books, webinars and tele-conferences on how to give yourself the power to succeed.

You can learn more about Sharon Michaels at http://SharonIsMyMentor.com

Sharon A. Michaels is also the Editor of the Abundance and Wealth site on BellaOnline.com To read more of Sharon's articles and sign up for her weekly newsletter go to http://abundanceandwealth.bellaonline.com

Copyright Sharon A. Michaels - When using this article please give full credit to Sharon Michaels and use the bio as written above.

Have you heard the latest on the Bhutto Assaniation in Pakistan?

It's All In The Relationship - The Power of Guan Xi

Successful business in China is not reached through merely a good project and good management, that's all significant of course but what can really make it or break it? Relationships - the Chinese call it "guan xi" (pr. Gwan shee). This term is so central to the Chinese culture that most people who have spent only a short period of time in China will come away knowing the word.

A winning business venture in Asia can almost be compared to a friendship in the way it grows and develops; an exchange of ideas and an acceptance of differences where input and effort are being applied by both parties. There is an understanding that true friendship is worth nurturing and developing because we never know when we may need a good friend. Strong relationships are most important when we have nowhere to turn, when we find ourselves in a hard spot.

To the Chinese guan xi may be protected at almost any cost. Consider the expression - Zai jia kao fu mu, Chu men kao peng you; At home depend on family, away from home depend on friends.

How do these ideals translate over into our borders? In this fast-paced, disposable culture it is sometimes easier to do away with something than to spend the extra time and effort to maintain or fix it. Do we also see our relationships in this light?

What is the motivation for the Chinese to maintain strong relationships in times of aggravation? Rather than looking at the negative they tend to realize the value of maintaining a positive bond. They may look beyond the here-and-now to envision how the relationship might be beneficial in the future. In the present, they may not have realized a mutually desirous outcome but realize that one or two years may bring a new opportunity. When the relationship is maintained in a positive light the window to opportunity will remain open.

How does face fit into all this? Understanding face is important in nurturing good relationships in Asia. The nearest illustration of face in Western culture would be the basic idea of pride; though face goes much deeper and is more complex than pride. In China face can be given, taken away, and even bumped. Sensitivity to face requires a sense of diplomacy - sensitivity to the pride of an individual or nation and the values and ideals that may not cross boundaries in style. Sometimes it's easy to have high expectations, when it comes to what we want for an outcome, but like in any relationship there is more than one individual involved, if you've had a personality clash before imagine something bigger; a culture clash - the clash of big personalities. The basis of mutual successes can be realized through well cultivated guan xi.

Life Experience

Focus Your Networking For Success

Not long ago, I attended a breakfast meeting of a group that was completely new to me. Panic set in when I entered the room. I had gone at the suggestion of a friend who thought I might meet potential clients for my coaching business there. I thought I would duck under the radar the first time and take time to plan my strategy for future meetings. No sooner was I on the buffet line than I realized this was a bad idea.

I quickly regrouped and found my focus, thinking about the questions used at a women's networking group in which I participated. I was able to spit out my name and name of my company and say I was "interested in meeting decision makers interested in transforming their ability to produce results." That led to the inevitable question, "What kinds of results?" and we were off and running. I had to leave the meeting a few minutes early but was pleased when almost everyone at the table I sat at gave me their cards as I was on my way. So much for ducking under the radar! The lesson: always be prepared for a networking meeting (or, for that matter, a trip to the supermarket or to the dentist's office)... you never know.

Your most important task is to know just how to describe your core business- clearly and succinctly. Make sure to include:

? Your name and role

? The value or ultimate impact to them of using your service or product

? Up to three examples of how you deliver your product or service

? Ideally, what you need or are spending your money on so you can give them a chance to help you.

The next, and most important in my mind, is be prepared to say exactly what you are looking for. Everyone is there because they are looking for something, too. Be as specific as possible. Include:

? Types of clients

? Business resources- lenders, vendors

? Other businesses for cross referral

? Decision makers in large organizations

? Help with solving a problem in your own business or personal life- a good accountant, computer expert, professional organizer, insurance or mortgage broker, financial planner, coach.

? Resources for your clients- their client profile, people who work in a particular industry, resources they need.

? Job leads or hiring resources

Here are a few examples:

"My name is Mary Smith and I help small business owners solve their computer problems on site or at my shop at reasonable cost. I am looking for women business owners [name where-- be a specific as you can] who are frustrated with computer consultants who spend too much time talking and don't solve their problems..."

"...I help sales people or improve their sales by providing one-on-one coaching and working with sales teams. I am looking to meet HR managers at X, Y and Z companies."

"... I founded a non-profit organization that provides environmental education on green space to companies and municipalities. We are putting together a board of Directors and are looking for experienced business people for our Board."

"...I recently left X Company. I am interested in meeting hiring managers in [name of industry] or hearing about any specific job leads getting ideas about using my skills [name them] in a new area [name it]."

Here are some examples of how to express what you might have to offer:

"I am planning to redesign my website and would love the name of a good web designer if you know one." "I am looking for a good accountant, bookkeeper, professional organizer, etc." "I am interested in trading my services with someone who can help me with [name what you need]. Would that be of interest to you or would you know someone?"

It is helpful to be "other-focused." Letting others know how you can help them is essential to building trust. There is no need, however, to remove our own needs from the equation. When others can give to us, it makes their heart feel good.

Marilyn Edelson, MCC

Marilyn Edelson, MCC, President of OnTrack Coaching & Consulting http://www.ontrackcoaching.com and principal and co-owner of IT Decisions Coaching http://www.itdecisionscoaching.com is former Managing Director of eWomenNetwork--Boston Chapter and can be reached at 617-964-3202 or marilyn@ontrackcoaching.com

Putting Your Distribution Network to Work for You

When you own a business, it is very important that you ensure you have a good distribution system in place. From the software you use, to the distribution manager that you select to even how your entire distribution network works together it is very important to ensure that you always have the best setup possible so that your business is running at full capacity.

Keeping your business flowing is very important, and this includes ensuring that your distribution network is working properly as well. With a good system that is running correctly you should not notice any problems in moving your products, nor should your customers and clients experience any delays or hiccups in your system. This makes it much easier for the entire company to work much smoother and keeps your business at the top of its potential.

While you may wonder exactly what purpose it serves, there are few times when it is possible to run a company without having a good network in place. In order to really keep your products flowing to customers you are going to find that you need an effective system in place. So while you are building your distribution system, you should consider the exact needs of your business so you can ensure that your distribution network is functioning in the exact manner you need it to function.

This could mean that you need a custom software solution, or it could even mean that you need some help in ensuring that it runs properly by hiring an employee or two to manage the department for you. It could mean you need to work with a shipping company to work out a shipping discount, or even a shipping schedule. You need to work carefully to ensure that you are designing it to work around your exact needs.

You must keep in mind when designing your system that there are times when you simply cannot use pre-designed software as well as you cannot use a system that has been designed by another business. You may discover that the system that has been designed for a different business is not capable of meeting all of your needs without causing potential problems. While it may seem easier initially to simply copy the system of another operation you should never do this without caution since you will be forcing your business to adapt around a preexisting one, rather than adapting your system around your own.

Keeping your business flowing as well as all of your customers happy is a huge area where opportunity always exists. Working to ensure that everyone is as happy as possible is a key element to ensuring that your distribution network works flawlessly and really supports your business rather than causing you increasing stress and anxiety. Your business relies on you to provide leadership and management, so rely on it to provide the tools you need for an effective system.

Read more about how Distribution Management can help your business from software to distribution channels at http://www.managementdistribution.com

Article Source: Free Ezine Articles

The Power Of Joint Venture Marketing And Strategic Alliances

Joint Venture's and Strategic Alliances, what they are and how they can help you, to who's using them to succeed - and yes even how I made $88,000 in 60 days.

Joint Ventures have changed the way we do business just as the Internet has changed the way we find customers and deliver our goods, services and information. Together they make an incredible and extremely powerful ally.

I've worked behind-the-scenes with many multi-millionaire internet entrepreneurs and info-preneurs and, quickly realized that most people do not fully understand the full potential of joint ventures or even how to set them up.

So let's change all that!

Overall, think of Joint Ventures in the form of this picture. Joint Ventures can bring customers from around the world directly into the palm of your hand.

So, what exactly is a Joint Venture?

Forbes Magazine wrote: "Good-bye mergers and acquisitions. In a global market tied together by the Internet, corporate partnerships and alliances are proving a more productive way to keep companies growing.

JV's may be the most powerful trend in the history of business in the America's and fast becoming world-wide, followed by Asia Pacific region (China), then Europe (3rd) and then Japan and Africa - according to data collected by Thomson Financial.

A Joint Venture or "JV" can simply be two people (or companies) working together for a specific purpose. The purpose may vary; one time can it be to promote you, then the next time to promote your partner, or both at once. Other purposes could be: to make money; to gain exposure; to enter a new territory or to market with the help of someone who has solid ground in that market; another is to add a piece of technology to your product without re-inventing the wheel, etc.

It is an arrangement where businesses come together to share knowledge, resources, target and/or geographic markets, and profits. Joint ventures can take on various forms.

1. Companies can come together to form a Joint Venture that becomes its own entity with ownership rights and shares. Typically this happens in BIG Business, or multi-national companies, where the term "Joint Ventures" typically refers to a merger of 2 companies into a new legal entity.
2. OR what is most common (and often the preliminary to anything bigger) they form more casual JV agreements where they launch a special one-time promotion or share resources to individually increase market reach and profits.

Joint Ventures are a phenomenon in the business community - big biz and small. It's really powerful for entrepreneurs as it can introduce you to new targeted customers in a very fast and effective way - particularly if you don't have a huge advertising budget or none at all.

In the Internet marketing world and small or medium sized offline businesses, many people use Joint Ventures as a marketing technique where they find partners that offer different (yet complementary) products or services, and who share the same or similar target markets. They create an informal arrangement together where they work together to expand their customer reach and advertise and promote with ZERO out of pocket expense.

For example they could "borrow" each other's company's customer list by promoting each other and pay a commission on any leads that turn into new customers for the JV Marketing Partner - this way there are no advertising expenses or up-front costs. While this is the most common way to "JV", there are also many others and we encourage you to discover them within our club.

Business owners are discovering that by working together everyone wins, you scratch my back, and I'll scratch yours. That's how JV's work. Don't compete - Co-operate and Partner.

Is a Joint Venture the same as Affiliate Marketing?

"Affiliate Marketing" is another term closely associated with Joint Ventures. This is a form of joint venture where one person, known as the affiliate can be the go-between for the person who has a product or service to sell, and the customer wanting to purchase it. Affiliates earn a percentage or "affiliate commission" on each sale. Affiliates can range from the average entrepreneur or individual who personally recommends a product or service to their customers that they don't typically carry, all the way to multi national companies. An example of this is the bridal shop that recommends a particular tuxedo shop or dry cleaner. The customer is happy for the recommendation, and the bridal shop owner is happy as they may receive a commission or referral fee from the customers purchase. The dry cleaner or tuxedo shop is happy as they receive new paying customers.

In the last 10 years or even less, there have been virtual affiliates or "super affiliates" who have built their own home businesses, simply by finding great products and services and then matching them up with customers who want them. Some super affiliates are so good at it and make their joint venture partner so happy by selling the product or service that they may receive 25% - 50% commission on some items. In fact, some business owners have started offering 75% or higher commissions to super affiliates on small "lead generating" products. They don't mind large commission fees as they know that their new customers will buy other products which they can sell directly and make 100% of the profits.

Is a Joint Venture the same as a Strategic Alliance?

Strategic Alliances happen in large corporations as well. Typically a "Strategic Alliance" is an arrangement made between 2 or more companies where no legal entity or new company structure is formed. Instead they simply build a relationship with other companies, trades people and/or entrepreneurs where both agree to offer cross promotional opportunities. They recommend each others services and can often split advertising costs by sharing direct mail-outs.

Another form of Strategic Alliance is actually telling customers that they have formed an "alliance" with sister companies and therefore the customers will receive special treatment or discounts from other participating companies.

How can Joint Ventures help me?

Think of Joint Ventures or JV's as bringing you closer to your customer (almost directly) through the channel of another business, where you each create a win/win situation. The benefit of this, besides the obvious cost savings of fewer sales people and high advertising costs, is that when both partners win, you both want to keep the partnership going and you will grow together in both profits and relationships.

Joint Ventures can be used to increase your publicity and put you in front of your target market. They can also be used to launch a new product or service directly to your target market (with zero cost fees) through other people's list(s). You can use Joint Ventures to co-create products, books, seminars or communities with.

Let's quickly go through some of the fun and profitable types of Joint Ventures you can do and how they can help you. In fact, there are over 20, that we will reveal to you in the new privatejvclub.com, but below are just a few that you can do:

Agree to cross promote for zero or some commission.

Find places to advertise on member's websites, newsletters, email campaigns etc.

Offer an affiliate program for constant referrals.

Find people to co-create new products with.

Locate internet radio shows to be interviewed on.

Find other experts (members) you could interview on your teleclasses, podcasts or websites to gain publicity, content and leads.

Find other experts (members) you could interview on your to create a CD product to sell with their permission.

Offer a lead generating product to members to use for incentive marketing (free bonus when people buy their product). Example: free 7 day e-course or e-book or report.

Offer a lead generating product to members to use for generating traffic to their booth at trade shows & expos (free bonus when stop by booth). Example autographed book.

Look for entrepreneurs who can endorse your product or give you a testimonial for your product or write forward in your book.

Research your product, ask for critique/ feedback on products, ideas, services etc.

Trade Links exchange to increase traffic to your website.

Who uses Joint Ventures in their Marketing Strategy to grow their Business?

Ok, the quick answer is probably every major business large or small that is successful in generating a lot of income is using Joint Ventures.

But let's look at a few examples (the list is simply too long to list them all):

Just a sample of the many Big businesses: WAL- MART, Home Depot, Starbucks, Airlines, ING Direct - The Amsterdam-based global financial services group.

Many marketers and entrepreneurs use Joint Ventures to get their products out to the masses quickly by asking partners to participate in a product launch, or getting their book to a best-seller status, or even to gain leads for their own customer base by asking other speakers or experts to participate as a live or 'virtual' speaker. The JV Partner sends out a promotion about the event, both parties collect leads, and if any one of those leads buys a product, both parties share in the revenue.

I have participated in this type of joint venture myself. I simply asked 2 companies to let their customers know about my product and sold close to $88,000 of product in less than 60 days. Of course, I offered them a thank you commission. So both parties benefited. But this promotion cost neither partner any extra expense to put on, so if no-one bought my product at all - neither myself nor my joint venture marketing partner would have lost anything.

Speakers/Authors: Drew Miles, Robin Elliott (dollarmakers.com), Cynthia Kersey, T. Harv Eker, Wendy Robbins, Mark Victor Hanson & Jack Canfield (Chicken Soup for the Soul Founders), Robert Allen (Nothing Down, Multiple Streams of Income)...the list goes on.John Assaraf, a best-selling author of The Street Kid's Guide to Having It All and contributing expert on The Secret (movie), used joint venture strategies to help propel his book to the Best-Sellers list. A.J. Brown of (TradingTrainer.com) promoted someone else's program and earned over $4500 in affiliate fees. Joel Christopher (www.masterlistbuilder.com) has been known to say his first JV project generated $33,000 in sales over 17 hours.

Internet Marketers/Experts: Alex Mandossian, Matt Bacak, Tom Antion, Yanik Silver, Joel Christopher, Lisa Cherney, Armand Morin... and countless others.

Almost every Author: Just open up a book jacket. Do you see testimonials? Endorsements? Many people trade their endorsement for free advertising in the book. Their endorsement, name and website URL appears on the book jacket or website. Both parties gain recognition, but also credibility through simple association. These are all benefits that cost neither party any money - no risk, no money and all reward. This is a form of Joint Venture.

Or have you seen chapters written by other contributing authors? Again, the person contributing gets more widely known and more publicity. In fact multiply that by 100 if the book they contributed to becomes a best-seller. This is a form of Joint Venture.

PERHAPS THE GREATEST NEWS:

The person doing it the least but yet could benefit the most is ... YOU!

Small Business Owners, Entrepreneurs and Service Professionals...from the handyman, mortgage brokers, accountants, financial planners, investment advisors, caterers, stylists, coaches, counselors, doctors, healers, naturopaths, to lawyers - the list goes on and on.

The fact is, if you're not using JV's today or within the next 30 days - you are throwing away massive income and many lost sales.

If you want to fast-track finding marketing partners and learning about JV's , the PrivateJVClub.com is a powerful Joint Venture club that helps you grow your business by creating strategic alliances around the world or in your local area. Inside you will find the tools required to take your business to new heights as well as a knowledge base ensuring that you know how to get every ounce out of each idea, contact or process.

The PrivateJVClub.com has the potential to open to you the secrets, the tools, and the contact relationshipsthat many of the most successful businesses use everyday. Visit: www.PrivateJVClub.com to receive a special discount today.

Considered one of America's most influential entrepreneurial mentors to help you get clients, skyrocket sales, and become famous in your niche or field, Stefanie Hartman, is known as "The Expert's Expert". CEO of Centaur Strategies, she founded the entrepreneur's "Millionaires-in-Training Mentorship Program" that literally teaches you how to re-invent yourself, become a published expert and create a six-to-seven-figure annual income from selling information you already have! Learn the "behind-the-scenes' marketing, business & profit secrets from the marketing expert to the guru's. www.mitprogram.com www.PrivateJVClub.com

Networking Opportunities - Make an Entrance and Leave with Recognition

You've probably been to a party or two this winter with no success in the networking field. Most of us have. It's not always easy to get into the popular circles and negate the crowds at parties for attention and recognition, but there are a few solid tips that you might want to have in your repertoire before you enter the realm of networking. Establishing connections is important for your business.

Face to Face Interaction Required

No matter how dynamic your digital influence may be, you're definitely leaving money on the table if you have no personal identity. How many people do you see in the average week? Winter season offers magnanimous opportunities to be seen and get recognition for your accomplishments, but you'll have to get out there and squeeze the field.

Know the Territory Intimately

Regardless of where you're going for the party, you should know the territory. Find out who will be there ahead of time and be prepared with a few details of recognition before you arrive. Knowing something about the primary players at a party will give you the edge. When you ask about Mayor Heath's husband who slipped on the ice three weeks ago, she'll remember your name and that you inquired.

Identify Common Factors

What do you have in common with other guests? As you enter, if you've not noticed before, you might notice the vehicles in the parking lot. Are there a lot of pickup trucks and you drive an F-350 Duelly? You might recognize some kindred spirits inside. Smile and wave at those you know, and speak to them with recognition. Use names if you know them. (Be sure not to call someone by the wrong name.)

Read the Local Society Sheets

Keep up with local action, know the popular folks about town, and remember just who's been on vacation lately. Those details will carry you through a night of too many white wines and sarsaparillas. But more than getting you through, they will bring you recognition and identity. Your friends will remember that you remembered them.

Introduce Yourself to Strangers

Any loners standing off to the side, take a moment and befriend them. Introduce yourself and take a moment to get to know them. Nobody wants to be alone and by taking a moment to introduce yourself, you'll be remembered by that one person. You never know when that one person may mean success to your business.

Small Talk and a Smile

When you smile, the light opens up and you accept friends. No matter what you're talking about, smile. Don't introduce big issues, just get to know your new friends and let them know you'll remember them. Say their name frequently and remember details by repeating them back to the person you're talking to. This is a great time to exchange cards.

Above ALL Have Fun!

You may wonder about your next party if your last party was a bomb. Forget about that one, go on to the next one and expect to have fun. Arrive a few moments after the party has started and leave a few minutes before it's over. You'll make an entrance and leave a memory.

Do you need a statement that identifies who you are at your next business event?

http://brandyourmarket.com for a dynamic and memorable BRAND that identifies who you are in the business world. Claim your FREE Subscription to The Branding Iron. Jan Verhoeff has been identifying business Brands and Making Recognition her line for many years. Read more about this Entrepreneur at http://janverhoeff.com

Building Alliances Leads to Business Success

The best way to achieve success in a competitive market is to conduct business with those that know you and trust you. Success is based on building meaningful relationships with clients that love what you do and desire to help blow your horn. The best concepts are networking and marketing, these are the quickest paths for business success.

Cold calling, direct mail and other traditional selling methods do little to build relationships- they simply anger and frustrate. With what frequency do you take cold calls? And when was the last time you spoke with a million dollar insurance agent that cold calls?

Today's selling professional requires techniques that help to accentuate and differentiate from others. In a business culture where social networks proliferate the only true network is that built between a client and business professional. Clients enjoy the candor and the knowledge that is shared from a vendor. To this end, there are several methods that assist selling professionals.

Networking

Truly the best selling professionals constantly network. Selling professionals by nature require constant engagement with others to comprehend business trends and meet new opportunities. For over 27 years I attend at least one to two networking events per month and I can measure these to business. Admittedly, there exist a plethora of networking associations and organizations, choose those close to your location and aligned with your business. Review your local paper for functions that interest you and attend as a guest, but go. If do not attend your competitors are. Others cannot know your business with just a shingle hanging in the breeze.

Referrals

Proper networking and selling etiquette involves referral acquisition. Similar to gaining closure agreement many professionals abhor asking for the order! Business is driven by the ability to ask for new business. If clients are happy with your work they will willingly provide others that can need to receive your value. The best way to seek referrals is when you are first engaged with the client and they are at that emotional high. More importantly you want to ask when you are in the account, since this is the best time to be top of mind. Post sale is not an alternative simply put, out of sight out of mind.

Another imperative item to remember is that there is strength in numbers, the more you obtain the fuller the pipeline. There is a story of an insurance professional that would visit clients and not leave without three new referrals. Even if the client provided one or two, the agent would not leave until he received three or more. Needless to say, the agent retired an extremely wealthy individual.

Follows up on referrals

It might seem pragmatic, yet there is much evidence to illustrate that a myriad of professionals that obtain do not follow up. Friends, family and clients typically provide these golden nuggets, so it is vital that one follows up. Call immediately after you receive a contract or verbal conceptual agreement. Ensure you mention the person that referred you and mention their enthusiasm for working with you.

Positive attitude

Good networking professionals have a positive attitude. They do not carry baggage with them nor do they illustrate negative feelings should things go awry. There is the story of a business professional that greeted all with "I am awesome!" Coincidentally he did this even through attempting to fight a debilitating disease. People enjoy doing business with positive people.

Enthusiastic/Energy

Remember the donkey from Winnie the Pooh- Eye Or? This poor donkey is about as unhappy as anything I know. Sometimes listening to him is depressing enough. This is true with human relationships. Individuals desire to be around warm, energized people. Many can feel the excitement of those around them. If you want to be a memorable networker, review your image, ensure you are excited about the event, the people and your business. People feed off positive energy, enthusiasm is fuel for networking, alliances and differentiation.

Trustworthy

Candor is the most imperative issue in today's business environment. Ironically, an important business trait constantly discussed is ethics. Appalling as it seems, there are numerous daily instances of those attempting to buck trends and gain momentum while not following rules. Consumers enjoy conducting business with trusting relationships.

Good listening skills

Remember a time when you were with someone either at a cocktail party or other event, and the person spoke and never came up for air? Bothered you didn't it? Clients are engaged with professionals that can provide value by understanding needs and listening. Clients clamor for solutions not prescriptions and the best people understand the art of listening. Use techniques such as open and closed questions and pausing to truly understand how to assist.

Enjoys helping

It is better to give then to receive. Those that want to gain will give first. Similar to tithing, professionals must provide content to gain something. Think of tips, techniques and referrals that you too can provide. This technique is a great opener for building relationships since others will identify with your willingness to provide helpful information.

Sincere

Avid athletes concentrate on CORE. Fundamentally this is the system upon which all musculature and symmetrical principles assist to build a nutritional body. Selling and networking exercises CORE too. One of the muscles of CORE is sincerity. Differentiation is built upon a sincere desire to build relations, become personable and assist coexisting needs. Admiration is built based on trust and willingness to assist. Dale Carnegie described this in his now famous work, "How to Win Friends and Influence People". Key exemplars: 1) Talk in terms of the other person's interests and 2) Make the other person feel important - and do it sincerely.

The key to business building and success is producing things others don't. One needs to discover methods to rise above the din and become visible. With global competition increasing and a shift in industries requiring selling professionals there exists the need to become outstanding. There is also the issue of working smarter not harder to produce required results. Refrain from tired non-functioning sales methods and begin new strategies that can escalate your rewards and make you an outstanding performer!

?2007 Drew Stevens Ph.D. All Rights Reserved.
Results is about choices you make
You are the average of the 5 people you spend the most time with. - Jim Rohn
2. Use approaches of the masters
Find a mentoring group or mastermind group and share the secrets that make others successful
3. Journal your success
Develop a journal of all your successes, do not lament about failure seek out positive results and attitude.

Why Most Home Businesses Fail

Delegation Management is being introduced into the home business arena. It is proven to eliminate the fatality rate that plagues the home business industry. Statistics show that 99% of all businesses will fail which includes the home business arena. Through delegation management and marketing this failure rate is and will decline. As delegation management and marketing start to become more understood the public will gravitate to the home businesses that make these strategies their cornerstone.

It is a know fact that the existing system of duplication does not work. People have become weary to hype that promotes flawed strategies. The argument that the reason people fail is because they don't work at the home business is hollow at best. The person who purchases a home business usually does so because the individual selling the business makes promises that persuade the owners to buy. These promises are usually laden with untruths and false expectations. But the real reason why people fail is because they don't get the training needed to run a business. They are left to their own devices. The most critical point is that if the new home business owner is guided at all they are usually guided to duplicate the business model that everyone else follows. Because they get no training, except from the person who sold them on the home business, they are only taught to duplicate what the other person knows. Neither are skilled in running a home business therefore there is a great chance that both will only last a short period of time.

The duplication business model is one that requires a home business owner to do all the work themselves. If they are fortunate to team up with a spouse it gets easier, but for the most part they are being an employee in their home business. They are essentially the home business, and if one part of the system breaks down the whole business will fail. If the duplication method actually worked more would be successful and the fatality rate would be lower. The ones that survive are ones that figure out the delegation process.

By learning Delegation Management and Delegation Marketing you will assure your success. These new concepts have been around for many years in the Fortune 500 corporate marketplace, and now are introduced into the home business environment. Flawed strategies are usually not discovered until someone decides to look into why existing systems don't work. Or the systems that are being used are so bad that the failure rate becomes so evident that people stop attempting to create home businesses out of frustration. In the home business arena experts have looked at why such a huge failure rate, and discovered that the existing strategies don't work. Using duplication management and marketing, the home business owner will only accept a system that has its own unique strategic plan. Once the plan is decided upon then the home business CEO executes the plan. These plans are successful plans but require delegation management to implement them.

The home business evolution has escalated for several reasons. One people want to create multiple streams of revenue or individuals are either tired of working for someone else. Other reasons may be more individual like losses of job or economies are getting tight therefore more household income is needed. Either way attempting to create revenue through losing strategies will only cause more economic loss and hardship on the individual trying to create more wealth. Through strategic planning and delegation management the outcomes are known before they happen, guiding the home business owner to achieve the desired outcome. Multi-level marketing only works through delegation management and marketing, and will not occur under the old duplication model. But further setting up a model of business that allows you to hire sales people to build your business for you is even smarter.

We teach delegation management and marketing, which results in our Partners earning high levels of income. In addition to our models we use a system called Jaguar Marketing which allows Partners to achieve the designated 10K Per week in income. Some earn even more. We are frustrated at the attitude of people trying to create a home business, and are even more amazed at the amount of money that is wasted in the attempt. I always refer to the statistics that "If ten percent of the people control ninety percent of the world's wealth, then this proves that the majority of the people follow the ninety percent advice." Do you want to be in the ten percent, and if so please call us? Only a small amount of people will take action. Our phone numbers is 610-280-7000 and ask for Rachel Coleman. she will set up an appointment for you or fill out the form click here, and one of our staff will call you to set up a convenient time for us to explain our process to you.

Dr. Raymond Jewell

Host, FinancialFreedomRadio.info

10K Week Income Program

Holiday Networking - Ten Tips to Create New Relationships and Shine at Any Event

Holidays are a great time to schmooze and network - just remember the difference! Schmoozing is all about mingling with people you know, like colleagues and friends. Networking is meeting new people to broaden your circle of contacts, which can come in handy when you're looking for a new job or changing careers.

I like to look at networking like this: It's about finding out what someone else needs, then seeing if you can help the person fill that need. This way, you never "use" your network. Instead, you build healthy relationships based on helping to meet each other's needs.

Does networking make you uncomfortable because you're stretching outside your comfort zone and striking up conversations with strangers? Just keep in mind that it's all about building relationships. If you feel shy or are afraid you'll say or do the wrong thing, or worse, bore the person you're engaging in conversation, just follow my top tips.

1. Dress the part - Are you attending a formal event? Is it business casual? If you're a woman, you can never go wrong with a smart, white shirt and black slacks. Men, you'll look dashing in a sports jacket and tie. Add a sprinkle of individuality to your look. It can be a conversation starter by attracting someone to approach you.

2. Add a splash of color - If you're shy or uncomfortable, try wearing a dash of color to brighten your mood and exude confidence. Women, add a scarf or brooch. Men, choose a brightly colored tie.

3. Be a curious cat - Think about questions you can ask to get to know other people. Some ideas: What do you do? What business are you in? What's big in your plans for the new year? Stay away from topics on religion or politics unless you want to be known as someone who is bold and pretentious, or if you relish a good-natured debate.

4. Volunteer - Lend a helping hand. It can be a wonderful icebreaker to meet new folks.

5. Look for the little things - Watch for subtle types of communication. If someone smiles at you, smile back. If you bump into someone, start a conversation. Look for something you have in common to start a conversation on the right foot.

A party wouldn't be the same if there weren't some bloopers for which to watch out. Here are my top five suggestions:

1. Don't talk about yourself all night - Remember, conversations are never monologues. Make sure you give the other person plenty of opportunities to share comments, tell stories, and carry their 50% of the conversation.

2. Don't be an infomercial - Bring the best part of who you are to the party. Be genuine, be yourself. Never brag or use the networking event as an informal job interview.

3. Don't look removed - Crossed arms, a worried frown, or sitting in a corner are not magnets. It's best to keep your body language open. Try smiling and looking friendly. If you look approachable, chances are you'll meet new people.

4. Don't assume people want your card - If people want your business card, they'll ask for it.

5. Don't overdo it - Know when the conversation is nearing the end, and it's time to move on. Mingle and circulate. Don't talk with the same person all night. If you've really hit it off, schedule a time to get together and deepen your friendship.

Happy Holidays! And, happy networking!

c) Copyright - Elizabeth M. Lengyel, PeopleCoach, Inc. All Rights Reserved Worldwide.

Elizabeth M. Lengyel, President of PeopleCoach, Inc., delivers career breakthroughs. A trusted career coach, Elizabeth is passionate about helping ambitious professionals get juiced about their careers. The result? The right job in the career you love.

Visit http://PeopleCoach.com to receive Career Boost, a free 7-part audio program, and to hear her invigorating weekly radio show: Career Juice! Refresh & Revitalize Your Work.

5 Simple, Easy Ways to Stay In Touch With Clients, Contacts, and Prospects

You've simply got to stay in touch with your network. The old adage, "Out of sight, out of mind," is grounded in real truth.

With time being in such short supply and your network continually growing, how can you stay in touch efficiently and effectively?

Here are 5 tips for staying in touch and remaining top-of-mind with your entire network:

1. Send Out Cards (www.sendoutcards.com).

Create personalized hard-copy greeting cards through an on-line service that uses real stamps and are mailed through the U.S. Mail. They are inexpensive and look just as good as a real handwritten greeting card. You can even scan in your own handwritten signature, and it's almost as fast as writing an e-mail.

Tip: Since so many holiday cards go through the U.S. Mail in December, why not consider sending a more outstanding "Kick Start The New Year" card campaign in January?

2. Send out a personal newsletter once a month.

Give your clients and contacts tips and free information. This newsletter doesn't have to be lengthy - just meaningful and relevant to your network. Tell your contacts and clients where you will be speaking, what articles you've written, and new information for their business.

Constant Contact (www.constantcontact.com) has a very easy, inexpensive service, and pre-designed templates that allow you to use your firm's logo, etc.

3. Use Google Alerts.

Set up a Google Alert system so that you know when your clients and contacts are showing up on the web. Go to www.google.com/alerts and sign up for various alerts that pertain to your network. When you see them appear on the web, send them a quick e-mail acknowledging you've noticed the news. They will appreciate your awareness and remember your attentiveness.

4. The 6-month Outreach Program.

Run down your contact base every six months. Check in by phone or e-mail with folks you are curious about or who you want to let know you are thinking about them. Isn't it worth just one hour every six months to be top-of-mind with your key contacts? You never know what new projects and needs have cropped up for them.

5. I was thinking about you...

Forward articles, tips, or newsletters that may be beneficial to your contacts or clients. Let these folks know their needs and interests are on your mind.

(c) 2007, Fox Resources Inc, Nancy Fox, All rights reserved

Nancy Fox is President of Fox Coaching Associates, a coaching and training firm specializing in assisting professionals and business owners nationwide"make rain without the pain(tm)." She has worked with hundreds of legal and other professionals in leveraging contacts, building successful relationships in business, and making lots of rain.

When Is a Referral Never a Referral?

I am asked all the time: How do you know if a referral is a good referral versus being a bad referral? The answer is quite simple: From the involvement from the referral source.

I always advocate that a person should earn referrals by way of personal (in-person or telephone) introductions. Never ask for (nor accept) a person's name or telephone number. A person may feel as though they are genuinely referring you to another. But they are not. All they are doing is providing you a name and telephone number, and in most instances, cursory conversations about it.

This type of referral (or introduction) is missing some very important elements.

Here's a scenario that has happened to us all: A close colleague hands you a business card from someone they just met during lunch. Your colleague tells you that you should contact the person because they may be interested in working with you. How do you handle this situation? Take their card? Pick up the telephone??

Well, this is what I would call a cold-introduction. Before taking any action on your part, you are much better thanking your colleague for mentioning your name, and then replying to them, "That's great Sue. But would you mind contacting her again and seeing if the three of us could have lunch together?"

The key concept here is that personal introductions will always trump cold introductions, especially in the game of referrals. You should strive for this level of commitment from others who recommend you to others. After all, they are endorsing you by recommending you to others.

That's not being conceited. It's being downright respectful to the other person's time. You could say something like:

"Sue, again, I appreciate you mentioning my name. Have you told her to expect my phone call? Would you be willing to call her again tomorrow and mention that we both talked, and that I'll be calling soon? Would you please do that for me??"

Notice how you are enlisting the referral source's help in warmly introducing you to the other person, even after their preliminary discussions about you.

Action Step: Train your colleagues, clients and prospects that you want their personal introductions of you to others. Always attempt to enlist their help in introducing you, rather than just passing you a name and/or telephone number.

Daryl T. Logullo is the Founder of Strategic Impact! and MaximumReferrals.com He concentrates on referral building strategies for today's professional. Get a $199 FREE Sample Client Referral Letter, to study, adapt and apply to your own busines, here: http://www.MaximumReferrals.com/am

6 Tips To Better Networking - Things Anyone Can Apply Today

The other morning I was networking with a kind woman who asked me what the most important things were in networking. As I wrote the email back to her later, I thought I'd make some suggestions on how to best network in general to the bulletin as well - who knows whom it may help?

(1) Remember to be yourself; speak with people like they are people and not sales subjects. You are simply meeting people, learning who they are, what they do, and then looking for ways in which you may be able to "broker synergy" - introducing them to someone who can help them, buy from them, or otherwise.

(2) It isn't about YOU. If you treat networking as a personal showcase, and talk only about you - you'll be mightily unpopular with your "network." If, on the other hand, you be sure to split time with those you meet - you can BOTH effect great results.

(3) Networking takes time and faith - no, I'm not talking religious faith - but more belief that it will work - and along with that patience and time. Rome wasn't built in a day - neither will be your network. Conservatively expect 12 months to see real results. You may be able to see something in 6-9 months if you try hard to meet and particularly to help people.

(4) Never stop networking - keeps eyes and ears open for how you can assist and help others at all times. While on vacation, floating down the river, I met someone I was able to refer a great place to stay to, in the next town they were headed to. You just never know....

(5) Never judge a book by it's cover - you never know (a) who people are and (b) who they may know. A quick anecdote - when I worked for AT&T a gentleman walked into our small business center and was dressed in overalls badly stained. The two women I worked with asked me to handle him as they figured he was a bad prospect by his appearance. Turned out he owned a huge local company with needs for over 200k in phone systems, and that he'd had to work in the one warehouse that day, to cover for a shift manager who was injured. In addition, Ronnie is still someone I network with almost 20 years later.

and

(6) Networking brings out a real chance to better yourself and increase your value to friends, family and others, as you help everyone get ahead and meet each other. It is also a chance to form superb friendships - with people you otherwise never ever would have met.

Cheers and happy networking!

Andy Greider
Google Me! - and follow the link to http://www.qaliassignup.com
Entreprenuer, Marketing and Business Consultant (http://www.carrollwhite.com)
Radio Show Host, Author (http://www.uniquenessispower.com)

Business Card Do's and Don'ts

The business card is one of the most used and least understood tools in business today. Whether CEO of a Fortune 500 Company or founder and part-time CEO of a web-based start-up, the business card is an effective communication and marketing tool. But like any tool, it must be used properly. The do's and don'ts of business card etiquette, while not the key to wealth and success are helpful to prosper in a business or organization of any size.

The Business Card

If you work for a mid-sized to large company or organization, the style and format of the business card will have been decided for you. If you have your own company or organization, then keep the business card traditional in size and shape. Have them printed with all your key contact information in additional to you company or organization's name, logo and tag line.

When to Carry Business Cards

Unless you are going swimming or otherwise actively engagement in sports, carry your business cards. Do no limit carrying them to work days, the office or business functions. Some of the best opportunities for business networking are at the least likely events or times.

How to Carry Business Cards

Some people carry business cards loose in their pockets or their purse. The best thing to carry them in is a business card case. These are available in metal and leather. I carry the leather one made by COACH and it has served me well. The metal ones are acceptable also as long as they are no bigger than the business cards.

When to Offer Your Business Card

Some people whip out their business card every time they meet someone at work or at a work related function. The best times to offer your business card are:
- When someone asks for your card.
- When you ask someone for their business card.
- At the END of a meeting with a client or potential client before they leave.
- If someone asks for your contact information (business or otherwise).
- At the end of an air flight if you have talked with the person sitting next to you.
- If you dine next to someone outside of your company at a professional or networking function (business-related), you may tell them that it was enjoyable talking with them and offer them your card as you shake hand and leave.

Business Card "Don'ts"
- Don't give your business card to people who work with you. If you are that unmemorable you may need a professional coach.
- Don't give your business card to people at a reception or networking function unless they ask for yours or your contact information.
- Don't drop them in bowls for raffles as you will only be contacted by someone trying to sell you something.
- Don't give them to others to hand-out for you.
- Don't leave them on bulletin boards or in stacks at any place other than your own desk - and only then if you meet face-to-face with customers or clients.
- Don't hand them out to anyone at a church service (social functions are acceptable) or at funerals.

Old Business Cards

Old business cards make great book marks and also work well for "to do" lists.

Business cards are both a blessing and a curse. Until everyone passes all contact information through technology, we will still have a tool called the business card. Know when and how to use them as an effective business development and communication tool remains essential to success.

George F. Franks, III is the President of Franks Consulting Group, a Bethesda, Maryland management consulting and leadership coaching practice. George has over twenty-five years of experience working with companies of all sizes plus associations, non-profit organizations and individual leaders. He is a member of the Institute of Management Consultants (USA) and many other professional and non-profit organizations. Franks Consulting Group is on the web at: http://franksconsultinggroup.com George can be contacted at: gfranks@franksconsultinggroup.com Franks Consulting Group also publishes a blog on related topics at: http://consultingandcoaching.blogspot.com

Pump Up Those Business Networking Genes to Increase Sales

Business networking is one of the most effective marketing strategies. The more people you meet the greater likelihood of increasing leads and putting them into your marketing funnel.

Since people buy from people they know and trust, business networking event provide opportunities for people to meet you , to begin to know you and hopefully start to trust you.

How good you are at business networking is a reflection of how well you unite your marketing skills, selling skills and self leadership skills. All of these skills are necessary when you are actively marketing yourself through networking event.

So the question is: How good are you at meet and greet? And, more importantly what are your results from these business events? Do you have stacks of business cards accumulating on or near your desk? What process do you have in place to start capturing some of the hidden wealth within these cards?

Networking as defined by Lillian Bjorseth in her book Breakthrough Networking: Building Relationships That Last is:

A mutually beneficial relationship

Unfortunately, many in business see networking as a one way relationship - What's in it for me? They forget to view people as people, because they are viewing them as objects. This perspective is well explored in the book by the Arbinger Institute Leadership and Self Deception.

When you meet and greet people with the attitude (habit of thought) that you are there to help them, you can begin to develop authentic relationships that will last. Then you will learn if they have a need for your products or services. The more they talk, the more you will discover and be able to overcome any future stalls and objections if and when you make that sales presentation.

One indicator of how much your networking gene is really pumped is when people start asking you about this person or that person. When you are authentically connected, people will know and you will not have to tell them.

So keep exercising that business networking gene because you will never know where that next great relationship will begin.

Do you want more sales? Then register for FREE professional sales skills assessment http://www.processspecialist.com/sales-skill-assessment.htm.

Are you where you want to be? To find out where you are, then M.A.P. for Success, a FREE email course may help you begin to chart a course of business, professional or personal success. Visit http://www.processspecialist.com/action-plan.htm.

Please to contact, Leanne Hoagland-Smith, Your Chief People Officer and Business Coach, who works with individuals and organizations just like you that are tired of not being where they want to be and truly want more for their businesses and their selves. 219.508.2859

How To Network Your Way To Success In Any Industry

You have no doubt heard the expression: "It's not what you know, it's who you know."

Your ability to quickly and effectively transform yourself from a perfect stranger into the perfect ally in a matter of minutes will give you a tremendous advantage over your reserved peers and competitors. It is through successful networking that you gain access to the people and resources you need to achieve your goals. But what exactly does networking mean? Webster offers the following definition:

"A process by where people who have common interests and concerns come together to exchange ideas and information, for the purpose of professional development and accomplishment."

If you have a product, service, talent, or company to market and you are fully prepared to do business with others, the following steps will help you network your way to success.

1.) Upgrade Your Appearance: Humans are visually oriented creatures. We develop impressions, form judgments, and make assumptions (right or wrong) based upon what we see. Take time to pay attention to the details of your appearance and look the part that you want to play (e.g. consultant, accountant, marketer, lawyer, etc.). This does not mean that you need to be decked out in designer clothes. It means you need to understand the importance of putting together a visual presentation that says you care about how you are perceived.

2.) Be Objective Oriented: Before you set out to network ask yourself, "What do I have to offer of value to others?" It's in helping others fulfill their objectives that your services, products, and talents are utilized. Your mission is to make sure that the information you share with others is applicable to the fulfillment of those objectives. Keep this in mind as you navigate your way through conversations.

3.) Be Tactful: In this reality tv-driven era that we live in where everything is bold and crass, those tactics don't work in networking situations. People are more likely to be offended by brash, over-the-top personalities. Don't let your personality quirks blind people to the benefits of doing business with you.

4.) Have A Mental Script: Practice your introductions and be able to clearly and concisely explain who you are, what you do. It's also crucial that you supply supporting facts and details to give people a deeper understanding and greater appreciation of what you have to offer as an ally. And be consistent with the professional information that you publicly divulge. People often share notes with each other about who they meet. When those notes are compared, you want to make sure that an accurate and authentic picture of you is painted.

5.) Provide Business Reasons: Why should anyone care about what you have to say? They don't - until you make your conversation beneficial to them and provide the business reasons to take interest in what you are saying. The real interest people have is not in you, but what you can offer or do for them. Cater to it at every turn.

6.) Qualify Your Contacts: This is done by done by asking questions. Asking questions allow you to get clarification or amplification of details which will confirm or diminish interest, and reflect your comprehension of what your contact is saying.

7.) Listen More Than You Talk: This rule applies no matter who you are networking with. Through active listening we can evaluate what our potential business ally has to offer and identify their needs and concerns. Talking too much reduces your chances of getting this vital information and makes you come off as self-centered. It's also annoying. You will discover that asking questions will help you to balance your conversations in both directions.

8.) Issue A Call To Action: After you have qualified your contact as a potential business ally, you should issue a call to action. This can be an invitation to meet with you at a future date to incorporate yourself into the equation for their (greater) success, to offer services that provide solutions to challenges/problems, negotiate the sharing of resources, or discuss business ideas, plans, or opportunities. This is usually done over lunch or dinner, but you can think outside of the box and invite people to activities and events that afford you the opportunity for one-on-one dialogue with minimal distraction. This is why golf has become the networking activity of corporate America. Rule of thumb: if you issue the invite, you pay the tab.

9.) Follow-Up & Follow-Through: Once you obtain your new contacts, it's imperative that you follow-up with them. Send an email to say hello, or to arrange for the aforementioned lunch or dinner date. It's important to note that it's during this critical stage which most people stop their networking efforts when in fact, the greatest effort and energy utilized in the networking process should be used to convert your contacts into profitable relationships. By profitable I mean relationships that yield beneficial dividends - financially or otherwise.

10.) Deliver The Goods: We network as a means to an end. Often that end is the delivery of a product or a service, but it's also being able to deliver on potential or a promise. Ultimately, when we network, we are seeking those opportunities. At the end of the day, that's what networking your way to success is all about.

Good luck in all of your future networking endeavors!

Gian Fiero is a motivational teacher, speaker, author, entrepreneur, and associate director of the National Association Of Record Industry Professionals, a networking organization that promotes career advancement for music industry executives. He has been a business advisor for the U.S. Small Business Administration in San Francisco, California, and currently teaches Career Planning, Publicity, and Public Relations at San Francisco State University.

Introduction To Social Networking

Social network theory views social relationships in terms of nodes and ties. Nodes are the individual actors within the networks, and ties are the relationships between the actors. There can be many kinds of ties between the nodes.

In its most simple form, a social network is a map of all of the relevant ties between the nodes being studied. The network can also be used to determine the social capital of individual actors. These concepts are often displayed in a social network diagram, where nodes are the points and ties are the lines.

The shape of the social network helps determine a network's usefulness to its individuals. Smaller, tighter networks can be less useful to their members than networks with lots of loose connections (weak ties) to individuals outside the main network. More "open" networks, with many weak ties and social connections, are more likely to introduce new ideas and opportunities to their members than closed networks with many redundant ties.

In other words, a group of friends who only do things with each other already share the same knowledge and opportunities. A group of individuals with connections to other social worlds is likely to have access to a wider range of information.

It is better for individual success to have connections to a variety of networks rather than many connections within a single network. Similarly, individuals can exercise influence or act as brokers within their social networks by bridging two networks that are not directly linked (called filling structural holes).

Degrees of Separation and the Global Social Network

The small world phenomenon is the hypothesis that the chain of social acquaintances required to connect one arbitrary person to another arbitrary person anywhere in the world is generally short. The concept gave rise to the famous phrase six degrees of separation after a 1967 small world experiment by psychologist Stanley Milgram.

In Milgram's experiment, a sample of US individuals were asked to reach a particular target person by passing a message along a chain of acquaintances. The average length of successful chains turned out to be about five intermediaries or six separation steps (the majority of chains in that study actually failed to complete). Academic researchers continue to explore this phenomenon. Judith Kleinfeld has written an article that points out the many problems with the original Milgram research.

A recent electronic Small World experiment at Columbia University showed that about five to seven degrees of separation are sufficient for connecting any two people through e-mail.

Internet social networks

The first social networking website was Classmates.com, which began in 1995 and used the Old Boy Network method of social networking. Other sites followed, including SixDegrees.com, which began in 1997 using the Web of Contacts model.

The year 1999 saw the development of two competing models of social networking, the Circle of Trust developed by Epinions and utilised by Ciao.com, Dooyoo and ToLuna and the Circle of Friends developed by Jonathan Bishop, which was utilised on a number of regional UK sites between 1999 and 2001 and flourished with the advent of a website called Friendster in 2002.

This is now one of the most dominant methods of social networking in virtual communities,

perhaps for the reason that it gives the user control rather than being computer controlled. There were over 50 social networking sites using the Circle of Friends in 2005 when one such online community, MySpace, was getting more page views than Google. Google has a social network called Orkut, launched in 2004.

Social networking began to be seen as a component of internet strategy at around the same time: in March 2005 Yahoo launched Yahoo! 360°, their entry into the field, and in July 2005 News Corporation bought Circle of Friends-based MySpace followed by ITV buying Old-Boys Network-based Friends Reunited in December that year. It is estimated that combined there are now over 200 social networking sites using these existing and emerging social networking models.

In these communities, an initial set of founders sends out messages inviting members of their own personal networks to join the site. New members repeat the process, growing the total number of members and links in the network. Sites then offer features such as automatic address book updates, viewable profiles, the ability to form new links through "introduction services," and other forms of online social connections. Social networks can also be organized around business connections, as in the case of LinkedIn.

Blended networking is an approach to social networking that combines both offline elements (face-to-face events) and online elements. MySpace, for example, builds on independent music and party scenes, and Facebook was originally designed to mirror a college community, though it has since expanded its scope to include high school, job-related, and regional networks.

The newest social networks on the Internet are becoming more focused on niches such as travel, art, tennis, football (soccer), golf, cars, dog owners, and even cosmetic surgery.

Most of the social networks on the internet are public, allowing anyone to join. Organizations, such as large companies, also have access to private social networking applications, known as Enterprise Relationship Management. They install these applications on their own servers and enable employees to share their networks of contacts and relationships to outside people and companies.

A recent development of social network is the integration of marketplace element in it, known as the Social Marketplace

There are many discussions as to where social networking is headed next. The advent of the Internet has enabled informal social networks to connect with people globally and with time shifting (through email), although in practice, most interactions are with people who live and work nearby.

A new type of social network are links between web pages. These can be studied in their own right (i.e., where are the hubs?) and as links between individual's web pages in social software where individuals begin with their address book, and expand their network by adding friends, "friendster" acquaintances and imaginary friends. This creates connectivity through being discovered through friends of friends, etc. Future applications may allow for discovering the social networks of others by stumbling upon them.

gibLink is poised to become a leader in the adaptation of social networking and a social marketplace under one roof. By revenue sharing with it's members, gibLink will create a huge impact on this new business phenomenon.

For more info on Gibline go to:
http://www.gibline.com/profitstorm

 

About The Author

Robbie Fanucchi has been involved with Internet Marketing for over two years.

For more home business information check out his blog at:
http://profitstorm.blogspot.com

Check out how social network is changing the face of Internet Business:
http://www.gibline.com/profitstorm

Networking & Business Advertising - Soft Sell or Hard Sell?

Imagine being able to reach 1000s of business people for the fraction of the cost associated with general advertising. Well now you can use online networking platforms dedicated to businesses.

Many online platforms have dedicated areas where business people can advertise their services for free once they are a paying member. In Ecademy we have Marketplace which was a lot more powerful when the adverts were shown on the front page than it is now.

The best way to start on these sites is to participate in the discussion on the blogs page and slowly work your way towards advertising your wares in their marketplace. There is nothing worse than to join a site, plaster it with adverts for a few weeks and then leave never to be heard of again!

The worst thing you can do is to advertise your business in areas that are designated for blogging only. In Ecademy we have the Blogs area where it is OK to talk about business and non business related issues but is frowned upon by the members when they create what is known as a "blogvert" - in essence this is a shameless plug which makes almost no attempt at hiding the advert for their products.

Most of these sites promote "soft selling "as opposed to "hard selling" tactics.

In a nutshell what this means is that when you join do not blast your proposition to each and every member but rather try and entice them into asking about your business and what you can do for them. Do not be too pushy or manipulative. Realise that most people who join these platforms have also got businesses and that they will be trying to make contacts with potential buyers as well.

I believe in the theory of random connections. Basically what I mean by this is that one should not purely base their networking on the basis of potential business but rather focus on making decent connections and contacts. Strive to help other people and you never know who might in turn return the favour... if not now maybe in many years to come.

The art of online networking is to not to expect too much too quickly. The benefits will accrue over time and many years. Some people make the mistake of trying online networking for a few weeks and then giving up because they did not achieve any positive results. It takes time to build trust amongst other members especially the long serving ones who have seen many new people come and go.

I first tried my hand at online networking in June 2006 and quickly realised that normal rules of business do not apply. The best way to enjoy yourself on these types of platforms is to try and make friends. Business will come later... and rest assured it will come if you participate in the blogs and clubs.

Be enthusiastic and helpful, listen and join in the discussions but beware... do not let online networking take over from normal day to day business chores that still have to be carried out. It is far too easy to change networking to notworking!

Do you know any other platforms that allow businesses to advertise their wares? How has your experience been so far of business networking platforms? Have you got any tips for "newbies"?

 

About The Author

Naz Daud is the Founder of the CityLocal Internet Business Franchise Opportunity.
http://www.citylocal.co.uk
http://www.citylocal.co.uk/frontend/franchiseinfo.php?cityid=79
http://www.ecademy.com/account.php?id=120141

Networking: The Power of Being Visible

There are numerous ways of marketing, but one of the most exciting and most rewarding is through networking. Whenever attending an event, imagine meeting at least one person who has the potential of generating an abundance of extraordinary business for you.

With this in mind, enter the room with a mission to meet or receive a business card from everyone there in an attempt to locate this one person. Here are eleven techniques to make this opportunity less challenging and more rewarding.

1. Determine exactly where you will network to reap the biggest benefit for your time and money. There is nothing worse than networking to a group of people who are not a match for your product or services. To determine where to find your target market, it is necessary to define in detail your ideal customer. Once you have done this, it will be easier for you to determine where to find them.

2. Dress professionally for the event. If you are in doubt as to the most suitable attire for the location or the event, simply contact the host and ask. A good option is to dress conservatively and if undecided, dress "up" rather than "down". Logo shirts may or may not be suitable depending on the event.

3. Arrive at the location early and "walk" the room. Take ownership mentally of your surroundings then place yourself close to the registration table so you will have an opportunity to meet and shake hands with everyone who enters. It is far easier to greet people as they arrive than to single someone out or join a group already involved in a conversation.

4. Prepare your own name badge in advance and be wearing it when you arrive. Print your name in a large font that is easy to read and then slip into one of the plastic holders that either attaches with a pin or clip. If your budget allows, you can have one engraved. Always keep this with you so you can use it at other events as well.

5. Use the stick-on nametag to write something catchy or humorous and then place it just below your personally made badge. This actually draws attention as people pass by and their curiosity often will generate a great conversation.

6. Eat either before going or after you leave. Remember your purpose is to meet people and develop business relationships, NOT satisfy your hunger. There is nothing worse than trying to balance a plate of food, eat without spilling it and always be wondering if you have food lodged between your teeth. You will always need one hand free for handshakes and receiving and passing business cards.

7. Whether you are uncomfortable initiating a conversation or not, break the ice by asking the people you meet at least five questions about themselves or their business that you would also like for them to ask you. Remember, they begin to like us when our interest is about them. This is the smart start for building strong professional relationships.

8. When approaching others, it is easier to walk up to a group of three or more people and gradually enter in the conversation. When you walk up to only two people, you risk interrupting a conversation already in progress.

9. Ask permission to give someone your business card before automatically giving it and assuming they want it. This gives more value to your card when they agree to accept it. Ask for their card before they have an opportunity to give it to you. A tip is to keep your business cards (and a slick pen to write notes) in your right pocket and the cards you receive in your left pocket. This way you will be less likely to pass out someone else's card thinking it is yours.

10. Make brief comments on the back side of the business cards you collect. Others are generally impressed that you are taking notes. This will also jog your memory when you follow-up with them. Make it a point to always learn something unique about them or their business. Always write on the front of the card the date (including the year) and the type or location of the event.

11. Follow-up, follow-up, follow-up. After the event is over, read through all of the cards you have collected and determine which ones (or maybe all) warrant your time in following up. At the very least send an email, post card or handwritten short note thanking them for sharing their time with you and your desire to remain in contact with them in the future. For the leads with the most potential for future business, call the following day to schedule follow-up meetings.

 

About The Author

Martha Lanier, President of IGNITE Your Potential, Inc. helps ordinary believers become extraordinary achievers. Her programs focus on personal empowerment which results in increased productivity both personally and professionally. She can be contacted at 770-886-6033 (Atlanta, GA), email at martha@marthalanier.com or visit her website at http://www.marthalanier.com. Copyright 2005, 2006 IGNITE Your Potential, Inc. All rights reserved. Duplication whole or in part must include this entire attribution.

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