Fast food drive up windows can really be a tool?

I use this all the time!

Howdy Gang~~

Where do you give out your marketing materials? Are they passively sitting in a holder somewhere on a desk or are you actively putting them out there?

Here’s an easy tip that kinda combines marketing with random acts of kindness. The next time you go through a toll booth, pay the toll for the car behind you and give your brochure/flyer/CD/card to the toll booth operator and ask him/her to give it to the person in the car whose toll you just paid. Do the same thing in a drive-through with someone’s coffee or food. You could even do this in a bar or restaurant, but be sure to pick your moments so the bartender isn’t too busy or it’s a dinner bill for a family of six.

Other places for your stuff…..

• With the credit card receipt at a restaurant, for your waiter
• In the airplane seat pockets (Do you really think they get cleaned out? Reach in sometime.)
• In the taxi seat pockets, or on the bus/subway seat
• In anything you mail out – bill payments, invoices, etc.
• On the magazine table at the doctor’s office

Those are just a few…..can you think of others? Please share!

Give someone an AWESOME day (and a brochure)!

Is that a Sharpie in your pocket???

One of th BEST networking tools!

Howdy Gang~~

You’ve heard to never go anywhere without a pen, right? Remember filling out that first job application at McDonald’s as a wee-little 15-yr-old and Mom saying, “Always have a pen with you when you go job hunting.” And despite this digital age we live in, that’s still good advice. Except now we need to step it up a notch and say “Always have a Sharpie with you when you go to a networking event.” Ummm, why?

How many times have you gone to write on a glossy business card, only to not be able to? So frustrating! Because so many people have glossy or colored or “busy” business cards these days, it’s hard to write on them with a normal ballpoint pen. That’s why you need to have a Sharpie, because those things can write on anything and – bonus – they don’t smudge. So you can write on the card, stick it in your pocket along with the others, and still be able to read it in the morning.

Also, while you’re writing on the cards, you may want to code them. For example, an asterisk might mean to follow up ASAP, a checkmark might mean to put them on your newsletter list, etc. Be careful with your codes, though. You don’t want to use a big X for someone you think is a loser or a frowny face or something obvious. You might think these cards are going in your pocket and no one else will see, but as soon as you think that, Mr. X will come over and say something like, “Oh, let me write my other phone number on that card,” and that could be just a little bit embarrassing.

So, go out and buy some Sharpies and start carrying them with you. You may as well take a few extras, because once people see what a good idea this is, they’ll be wanting to borrow yours. Which, of course, means that they will remember you.

Give someone an AWESOME day!

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!!

This is where all the networking magic happens……..

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!!  😉

Where are all your prospects??

Howdy Gang!!

I just wanted to give you some food for thought this morning.  I was on my way home from my free breakfast at Denny’s this morning (O.K.  I will say the chicken commercials during the Super Bowl really work) and I was thinking about where I could meet some new prospects or better yet where do my ideal prospects hang out.  This is a question I am asked all the time and I never really had the best answer……..until NOW!!  Remember that I like to do things a tiny bit different than most so when I look for people to network with I am always looking for new people, new situations and/or new ways to increase the number of people I have relationships with.  O.K. so let’s get back to my drive home from Denny’s. 

Let me first tell you that one of the groups I like to network with are sales people.  Why?  Because we are ALL in sales and these people have some amazing skills (the good ones anyways).  In my line of work I like to deal with professionals.  I like to work with super top notch quality people that actually have some people skills.  Another thing I look for in people is their level of Entrepreneurialism.  And then it HIT me like a ton of bricks!!  I got so excited it may just made my day, so I thought I would share it with you!! 

I will be taking a class at my local community college in sales!!  Now, I can hear it already so let me explain.  I am going where the people who I want to hear more about will be hanging out.  I know these people are being proactive in developing the skill of selling!!  It will be like shooting fish in a 55 gallon barrel!!  So let me give you another example.  If Realtors (by the way Realtor is only 2 syllables and I lost a HUGE sale because I use to say Real A Tor) are your best clients why not take a class with a bunch of them.  They HAVE to take continuing education classes so only the good ones try to maintain their licenses!!  Fish I tell you fish!!  If you sell makeup does it not stand to reason that a class teaching people how to become makeup artists might be a good place to start?  Who knows you may even learn something new about yourself or the products you sell. 

I gotta go get registered for some classes so I can start finding the fish!!  Happy networking!! 

P.S. Thank you in advance if you find enough value in this little post to hit the Retweet button on the top.  You ROCK!

For crying out loud, shell out the $3.49!

Is it only $3.49!

Hey Gang~~  Casey here with another super easy simple little thing you can do to increase your effectiveness in developing a long relationship with someone whom you just met.  This is so easy to do but also easy not to do.  I will also give you a real life example of how not doing this can make someone feel like they are of no value to your network.

O.K. Here is the deal.  The most valuable thing I have in my business is both time and knowledge.  As is the case with most professionals and especially Entrepreneurs.  I would like to tell you a little story of something that just happened to me this past week.  I had met this guy at a networking event and it was very clear TO HIM that I was a good candidate for his services AND I had the knowledge to help him improve his business on a massive scale.  He was pretty good about following up with me so I thought “hey, maybe he is someone good to know”.   He called and asked if I would meet him for a cup of coffee so he could “pick my brain”.  I tried to schedule the meeting outside of my own production hours but his calendar for whatever lame set of reasons would not permit it.  It is worth repeating at this point that I was the prospect AND the one whose pea brain was about to be “picked”.  So I reluctantly gave up a two hour block of top production time to meet this guy and listen to his pitch.

I show up at the coffee house on time and he is already there, sitting down and had already prepped the table for what I am sure he thought would be a lay down sale.  It was covered with a brochure, flip chart, samples and by far the most telling an application for his services.  Interestingly enough, he also had a coffee of some sort. (a fancy latte I believe).  When I walked up to he table and shook his hand, he did say how nice it was to see me and that he appreciated the time I took t come listen to his deal and have him “pick my brain”. Then he said the DEAL KILLER, “I’ll wait here if you want to go get yourself a coffee”. Really? No, I mean….Really?

Now, let me tell you what went through my head. I was about to give up valuable time AND be pitched AND be asked about how to improve his business and he was making me buy my own coffee?  Please understand, I can buy my own coffee but this guy was not thinking.  He came across as cheap and unthoughtful.  I went up and bought my iced soy latte (hint if we ever meet for coffee) and while I was at the counter I was telling the Barista about the situation. Even she chuckled.  Now, please understand something, it was NOT about the coffee.  It was about character!  He lost me before he started and in fact I told him this during our “picking” session.  I did tell him that he could have had a way higher chance of closing me if he had taken just $3.49 and offered to buy my iced soy latte!

I know this seems like a rant but there is a very valuable lesson here.  If you are prospecting and or selling something and even better meeting with someone who can help you build your business, you might want to think about the time, energy and resources you are sucking away from them and provide them some sort of value as well.  I would never expect someone to buy my coffee but I assure you by offering it does show you are a bit mindful.   This is a really long story with a short moral…….

For crying out loud, shell out the $3.49!!

Give someone an AWESOME day!

A 30 second way to build a relationship with someone you just met!

Pick your favorite social media site and check for connections

Howdy Gang~~

Casey here with a really simple yet VERY underutilized tool to continue building a relationship with someone you just met.  Look, here is the real deal.  How often do we go to an event where tons of business cards are being passed around and when you get home you have nothing but a handful of business cards and nothing to do?  It is amazing to me how many people still feel that they can just go pass out some cards and business is just going to flood their doorstep.  Well here is what I do and for some reason everyone thinks I’m smart (no comments from the peanut gallery please) because I love getting business cards at an event but I actually DO something with them, even if I have NO intention of ever talking with the nimrod. (I have no idea why, but I love the word nimrod!)

I want to get to know as many people as I can AND scout out the ones I want to do business with.  I do want people in my information loop and I choose to use social media sites as a great way to do this.  Note: I almost just went and deleted “nimrod” but then I smiled and just typed it again!  On my facebook page, I keep people up to date with what I am doing but also use it as a data mine for things and situations I can help others with in their businesses.  So, Are you ready for this thing that I do?

Easy: When I get home from every event I ALWAYS try to connect with the folks who were cool AND the NIMRODS on Facebook and twitter just to keep them in the loop.  It is free and you never know who they may know.  This sounds really easy to do but the reality is it is just as easy NOT to do.  This will increase your connections and everyone wins.  Now look, I am sure someone will say “yeah but why do you want to connect with nimrods?’ I don’t but they may be connected to someone I would like to know OR maybe they can introduce me to someone they have a relationship with. 

Bottom line, In order for you to increase your social currency you must build a reputation for helping people.  I run everyone I meet through Facebook right when I get home.  I may or may not leave a message but I am just looking to connect. 

Give me an awesome day and click on one of the little blue links to connect to a non nimrod!