Build a bigger network by giving some time!
Hey Gang~~
Let’s face it – everyone has a “bandwagon” or a “soapbox” they like to jump on occasionally. Whether it’s political or environmental or medical, we all have a cause we support. So it just makes sense that volunteer organizations are a great place to network. Think about it – there’s a group of people out there that you automatically have something in common with, which means no cold-calling or small-talk. You see where I’m going with this, right? Get out there and volunteer!
Besides putting your skills to good use at a cause you believe in, you demonstrate your expertise to other like-minded peeps, who may become, or refer you to, prospective clients. Think about those “volunteer types” – they’re people just like you. It’s too easy! And these days, the “I don’t have time” blahblahblah just doesn’t fly because we’re all virtual at some point. If you don’t have time to spend a day dishing out food at the homeless shelter, maybe you could volunteer to edit the pictures taken at the day’s event or type the thank you letter to the food donors. Seriously, how long does that take? And those who do like to get out there in the trenches are eternally grateful to anyone who will take the paperwork off their to-do list. See, we all have our strengths. The point is, you’re making connections and you’re making a difference. It’s a win-win.
So here are some examples of some services they need that you can offer, and guess what your action item is? You got it! Call your favorite nonprofit this week!
- Translating marketing literature
- Writing press releases
- Editing/Proofreading
- Writing emails
- Snail mail – stuffing, licking, stamping
- Generating sponsor support
- Database management
- Web development
- Graphic design
- Research
- Tracking legislation
Now go out there and give YOUR cause an AWESOME day!
Now don’t be shy— Some useful tips to work a room!
Hey Gang~~
Now I’ve said it before, but of course I’ll say it again…in the game of networking the people with the most relationships will win every single time. But here’s the thing – did you know that some people are just naturally introverted and shy, so networking events are actually hard for them? It’s a concept way beyond my comprehension, but it’s true! I read it on the internet, so it must be true! So in an effort to put an end to shyness everywhere, here are my tips for working the room instead of the wall:
- SMILE! I know you’re thinking, well duh, but seriously. Besides the obvious “it makes you more approachable” reason, you might actually trick yourself into having a good time.
- VOLUNTEER! More specifically, volunteer to work the registration table. This way you’ll have to talk to everyone and you won’t even have to think of what to say. “Good morning, what’s your name?” is already scripted for you.
- BRING A FRIEND! Preferably an extroverted friend, but any wing-man will do. Be careful not to use the friend as a crutch, though. You still have to meet some new people, not just talk with your old friend the whole day.
- FOOD! Hanging out by the food line is a gimme. It’s like the weather – you can always think of something to say about it and everyone has an opinion. And if you happen to say “those cookies look delicious” and someone proceeds to tell you about their grandmother’s secret cookie recipe, well look at that – you’ve started a conversation!
- HOLD ON! If you’re a fidgeter, try holding a drink or a pad of paper to give your hands something to do. However, DON’T hold anything electronic, because you know you’ll end up checking messages and then your approachability meter just took a nose-dive.
- UNITE! If you think you’re the only Bashful Betty in the room, you are sadly mistaken. Scan the wallpaper – you’ll see others in your predicament. Now go and meet them and form a united front.
These are a few easy tips to get you started – now get out there and make it happen! And while you’re at it, have an AWESOME day!
Are you supporting the Network Marketing Profession?
Hey Gang~~
I was sitting here at my desk thinking about a very interesting experience I had yesterday. You see, I had a new Teammate over at my house and we were going through some training ideas when he had to use the restroom. When he was finished he walked out and commented on how many products in my house were from different network marketing companies that were NOT from the company I work with. It warmed the cockles of my heart to have him notice. You see I have had a philosophy that I have been training my own team forever and it is really simple. Here we go. I will not buy a product from a store or website if there is some network marketing company that sells something similar!!
I love the profession of Entrepreneurialism so much that I will even pay a tiny bit more and even spend a little more time to support someone else’s business in every way I can. I have met some of my closest friends this way!! Let me give you a tiny example. There are candles burning in my office everyday, when I need a new candle I will usually (I now have a couple of close friends selling candles so I don’t do this every time) go on facebook or twitter and ask if anyone sells candles. Instead of buying 5 candles from one distributor, I will buy 1 from 5 different reps. The reason is simple, I want everyone in our AWESOME profession to be able to say they made some money.
Here are just a few examples of the types of products you can buy from someone in our profession. All toiletries, candles, gas mileage enhancer, energy drinks, silver coins, vitamins, minerals, coffee, birthday cards, direct t.v., phone service…..you get my drift.
O.K. you say you are NOT in network marketing?? You’re crazy but there is is hope. You see, if you are in business you will need some people talking about what it is that you do. A good professional networker usually has a much larger network than your regular Chamber of Commerce Member. If you want instant access, buy something from one! You will not get sucked into a meeting but you will be supporting a profession that in my opinion is one of our last hopes for flying out of the current economic “situation” and who knows who you might meet!
If you sell something through network marekting or direct sales, leave a comment with your link!
Give someone (and I mean a Networker) an AWESOME day!!
*6 is one of the easiest tools to use!
Hey Gang~~
I just wanted to write a super quick post on a little piece of conference call phone etiquette. You see I not only host conference calls but I regularly listen in on other people’s calls to learn as much as I can. Someday I will do a post on conference calls and all that goes along with them. If you are not listening to at least 3 or 4 calls a week, then we should talk but I digress.
You see, for the last couple of days I have been on “open” calls which means all of the callers are on a live feed and not muted out by the Host. This usually happens during a question period or if the Host is having an interactive session. If you have ever been on a call where someone is rudely talking, screaming at the kids, doing a presentation or just carrying on a conversation with complete disregard for others, you know how obnoxious it can be. Here is a great little tip that you can use to never be “that rude tool” talking in the background. On every call service that I’m aware of if you simply hit *6 it will mute you out. This may seem like a tip not really worthy of a whole post but I promise if you don’t use it and are heard on the call you will not be liked! Here is my little seed plant, take out a little piece of paper and just write *6 on it and post it next to your computer.
Don’t be a tool, use the *6 tool!
Give someone an AWESOME day!
This is where all the networking magic happens……..
- All the magic happens here….
Howdy Gang~~
Last night I was having a conversation with a close friend of mine who is just getting started in a network marketing opportunity that could and probably will change her life forever. She was asking me about what it takes to have some success in her new venture and she asked me, “Case, can you tell me about a place where all the magic happens?” This was an AWESOME question with multiple answers. It was really interesting to be asked that question because I have always tried to figure out the answer for myself in every single venture I have ever been involved in. I want the magic pill that I can take to be wildly successful just like everyone else! Call it what you want but I think we tend to seek out the path of least resistance. I am sure I could do hours of training on this topic but I will keep this short, sweet and to the point! Here it is, get ready, are you set? In my opinion most of the solid networking magic almost ALWAYS happens right after an event usually at the bar!
O.K. let me explain myself a little and a few of you will need to pull your heads out of the gutter! LOL. There have been so many times I have been to events as a participant or even as a speaker (blatant plug here) where after the event a cold frosty beer is desperately needed. I usually head straight to the lobby or the bar of the hotel where the event is held. There you will usually find the dedicated folks that flew in for an event as well as the speakers. You see, as a speaker I can tell you that during the event the speakers are in a totally different mindset. They are prepping in their heads and the very last thing they want is to have their brains “picked”. However, after the event they need to let off a little steam and need to decompress from the event. They are usually more open to answering questions and explaining themselves a bit more. Here is the other cool thing, usually the more dedicated people are willing to stay after for their own decompression.
I have met some of the most successful people after events I have either spoke at or attended. I have found that this group is usually the “cream” that has risen to the top. Here is another cool thought, if you will find the successful people after the event and you are one of the people, congratulations, you are also part of that same “cream”. Kinda cool huh?
Here is your action step, next time you are at an event and you want to rush home to watch your recording of Glee, stick around for a few minutes and watch how some true networking magic is created!! Give someone an AWESOME day!!
If you like what you have read, I love me some social media sharing….Hit the little tweet button on the top of this post or hit up the facebook share button. Happy Magical Networking!
Avoid the F.I.N.E. trap if you want to build relationships!
Howdy Gang~~ How ya doing?
STOP.
If you blurted out “fine” on autopilot, then reach up and give yourself a good smack. Avoid the F.I.N.E trap! (F.I.N.E. = Feelings I’m Not Expressing) Snoozer questions like “how are you doing?”, “how’s it going?”, “how are you feeling?” are bad enough, but to add a snoozer answer to the mix is just adding insult to injury. Think about it, if you meet someone at a networking event and they say, “Hi, how are you?” do they really want to know? No, of course not. It’s one of those silly little courtesy games we play with each other. Hihowareyoufinethankshowareyou. So here’s your opportunity to turn it around. Instead of “Fine,” try “Awesome!” or “Any better and I’d be twins!” or “Everything is beautiful!” or “If I was any better, vitamins would be taking me!” or my personal favorite, “So awesome it ought to be a sin!”. NOW you have their attention. Nobody expects that kind of answer, so you’ve peaked their curiosity and it’ll prompt them to find out what made you say it. Plus, you’ve set the tone with your positive outlook and then who wouldn’t want to meet you? Or connect with you? Or do business with you?
Try it and let me know how it worked out, and feel free to share your best lines. Now get out there and have a F.I.N.E.-free, AWESOME day!
And hey, if you are up to giving me an AWESOME day, leave a comment, Retweet this or hit up my website!! 😉
Want to build your network? Meet everyone.
Hey Gang~~
I had such an AWESOME weekend. I was a speaker at Jeffery Comb’s More Heart Than Talent seminar in Los Angeles. I shred the stage with Jeff Combs and Cedrick Harris. It was an event filled with some of the hottest talent in Network Marketing profession with so much energy it was unbelievable!! There were many Golden Nuggets, so much content and amazing energy.
I was coming up with the top 7 lessons I took from that event and my number 1 lesson was to meet everyone. Now, this seems a bit silly but I met almost every single Entrepreneur in attendance and it was so wonderful to meet great people and add them to my network. So often people forget that just walking up to everyone in the room and introducing yourself will build your sphere very quickly. People will think you are friendly, outgoing, energetic, and a leader if you are the one introducing yourself. I know for some this is an overwhelming feeling but maybe, just maybe this will be the first step towards calling someone!
All seriousness aside, in the game of networking the people with the most relationships will win ever single time. Things become much easier when you have masses of people to draw from. For example, who would you rather do business with, the person who has access to a huge data base of ideal clients or the hermit? I’m just sayin.
Here is your action step. Introduce yourself to 5 people you never met. It can even be strangers, your Mailman, or your bank teller. Make this a habit….. 5 people per day. 5 people per day. 5 people per day. You will never know how this will impact you until you try. Have a wonderful day and give someone else an AWESOME day!
Jodi Hennessy
Send Out Cards
totallyawesomecards@gmail.com
http://www.sendoutcards.com/totallyawesome
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