#6 on our list is Asking the Right Questions

So what do you do? Why are you here?  What’s the name of your company?

These are all lousy opening lines that will surely lead to your networking demise. I have heard those same questions asked more times than I care to admit. The questions you ask when you meet someone will open the door to the communication that will follow after an introduction. Not knowing what to ask or how to open an interesting conversation might just create an uncomfortable silence or invite someone to walk away from you and move on to someone more interesting.

In a perfect world you should have someone personally introduce you. In the next tip I will discuss how that plays out in more detail, but for now let’s just say you are flying solo. Try something like “Hi my name is Jason Evers, nice to meet you.” Then stop and listen! This is so important because what comes out of their mouth next needs to be REMEMBERED – their name! I’m am so guilty of forgetting a name right after I hear it, so here are a few tips I use;  Ask them to repeat their name again and then repeat it back to them like; “Charly, so nice to meet you.” Another thing you can do is this – most people will introduce themselves along with their profession, PERFECT! Now you can say “Do you have a card?” Keep that handy because if you forget their name you just refer to the card. :-) It works like a charm every time!

“Nothing can stop a man with the right mental attitude from achieving his goals; and nothing on earth can help a man with the wrong mental attitude.” – Thomas Jefferson

#5 on our list is Positive Opening Statements

Be aware of your opening statements when meeting someone for the first time. At this particular point in time, you have the ability to steer the conversation in any direction.

For example; someone steps up to you at a networking event and introduces himself. You both exchange the normal hellos and the next thing out of your mouth is, “Man I can’t believe the turnout here, I was told this was a great group and there is barely anyone here.”

By doing this you are guaranteed two things; one you are forgettable, and two this conversation will go down a negative unproductive road – GUARANTEED!

Why not take this approach, “I heard this was a great group, that couldn’t be more true! I’ve met so many great people already! With this terrific weather were having, I wasn’t sure that anyone would be here.”

You notice with an opening like this you are sure two things are going to happen, One you put a positive spin on what some may feel as a let down, and two your conversation will start on a most positive subject the terrific weather.

“To listen well, is as powerful a means of influence as to talk well, and is as essential to all true conversation” – Chinese Proverb

#4 on our list is – Be sure to listen!

Just in case you weren’t paying attention, I said listen

After attending a LOT of networking events over the years the one thing I noticed when speaking with people, is that they rarely give you a chance to talk. They are too busy selling themselves… “I do this, and we do that, we are the best because blah! blah! blah!”

It is so important during the initial relationship building phase that you don’t be one of those people that only goes on about themselves. My advice to you is to sit back and really take time to LISTEN! When you make it all about them you are showing true interest in them personally and what you are saying is that what they do matters to you. Now THAT is powerful!

When they walk away from this meeting they will think WOW! I just made a great connection! And the reason why they will feel this way is because you listened…. most people don’t.

So remember, one of the easiest ways to really make a powerful connection while networking is to listen to what others have to say, pay attention to what they offer and you never know they might actually listen to who you are, what you do and how you can really help them!

Happy Networking!

I don’t care how good-looking you are, how well dressed you  are, how charismatic you are or how remarkable you think you are… You will be  forgotten! I know it’s a huge blow to the ego, right? I for one never thought  people would forget about me, but sadly enough they did.

That’s why I decided I wouldn’t let people forget about me!  I had to find a way to make myself a little more memorable than the average  Joe. If you truly want to create quality long-term  relationships that will produce long-term revenue you have to follow up!

I’m not talking about following up with the normal every day  “Hello I just wanted to follow up from the networking event the other night, it  was really great meeting you. And by the way, if you ever want to sell your  house or know someone looking to buy in this area please don’t hesitate to call.”
– Joe the Average Realtor.

WRONG! That guy is forgotten before the letter is even read, if  they even get to the end of the letter before hitting the delete button or  throwing it in the garbage!

How about this – “Hello Kimberly, It was great meeting you  the other night, WOW! I can’t believe how good that food was, and how about that entertainment, huh? Amazing!

I wanted to make sure I sent you this before I forgot, the  moment you mentioned to me you loved white water rafting I couldn’t wait to print out this article I read on the internet, listing the top ten places you can white water raft in the United States for less than a 100 bucks pretty sweet!

I hope to bump into you again soon, in the meantime keep an  eye out for my friend request on Facebook.

Have a wonderful day!”

Joe (the not so average networker!)

RIGHT! See how there is no selling or talking about yourself at all! This is a very important part – Remember we are building relationships not looking for sales!

To insure that you don’t miss out on any of these imporant tips, please take a moment to subscribe to this blog if you haven’t already done so.

So this is part two of a series of blogs on Networking! I have built the bulk of my business on networking and over the years I have discovered what works and what doesn’t.  In this series of blog posts I would like to share some of the valuable tips I have learned and hopefully they will help you in your networking experience. To insure that you don’t miss out on any of these imporant tips, please take a moment to subscribe to this blog if you haven’t already done so.

Tip # 2 – Pass Referrals and expect nothing in return!

“You can have everything in life that you want if you will just help enough other people get what they want.” Zig

This is one of the hardest things for most people to openly embrace. But without embracing it, they can

forget about creating a huge referral network. Let me explain… If I asked you, whom do you remember from the last networking event you attended? You would probably say “No one really.” But what if someone from that last event called you afterwards to say “Hey John, after we spoke at the chamber event last week about how you would like to do more business with contractors, I sent out an introduction e-mail to the five companies I have been working with for years along with your contact information and a link to your beautiful website – I hope this works out well for you.”

Hmm?? My guess is that you’re remembering that guy! Even if you don’t land a job from it, the gesture was sincere and he made a positive impression on you.

This is a terrific way to create a new business relationship! I recommend you take one person from your next networking event and find a way to extend a sincere referral to them and then see what happens! The key here is to remember that giving is a wonderful gift in life because everything you give comes back to you – multiplied!

Happy Networking!

Networking really is a very important tool in today’s business world. Over the years I have just about done it all when it comes to growing my business through networking. I have come to find out what works, what doesn’t and what to stay away from. In this series of blog posts I would like to share some of the valuable tips I have learned and hopefully they will help you as well. To insure that you don’t miss out on any of these imporant tips, please take a moment to subscribe to this blog if you haven’t already done so.

Tip # 1 Know where to network!

This is probably the most singular important thing you need to know about networking. Now, I’m the type of person that gets passionate and excited about new things so those who know me, most likely know that I go all in and always give it my best.

Networking wasn’t any different. I started off by jumping in head first, shoes on, ready to take over the world of networking. This meant that I went to every local event, fundraiser, chamber event, function, etc… you name it, and I was there!

Don’t do that! Just like everything else in the business world, it’s a good idea to take a step back and plan what you’re going to do before you do it. It is very important to network with people who will most likely need your service. For example; If you are a Plumber should you be attending an afterhours for Web Designers? Some might say yes, because they all may need a plumber sometime and that is correct! But time is money and your time would be much better spent at a BIA (Building Industry Association) meeting or even better at a local Home Inspector Organization meeting.

Take time out to review local groups and focus in on the ones that you will be able to pass more referrals. Be selective of where you invest your networking time and money. Use the internet to research networking groups online, see who their members are and what they offer before showing up. Don’t be afraid to say no to networking groups that don’t really fit into your individual business industry, which leads me to my next tip… coming soon! Stay tuned and again – remember to subscribe to this blog now if you haven’t already done so!

If you’re like me you LOVE networking and meeting people but you just aren’t in love with the negative people you inevitably run into. Every group, in every town, in every state has at least one Debbie Downer or Grumpy Greg hanging around spreading their negativity to anyone who will listen. Sadly, everyone avoids them and they’re the only one that doesn’t realize it. No matter how much time goes by they still seem to attract an incredible amount of downfalls and depressing life dilemmas and drama. They never seem to run out of things to complain about and they always want you to listen to ALL of it!

I’ll admit to my share of dodging in all my networking around town but what I wish I could do was pull them aside and “wake” them up. I’d like to let them know that EVERYONE has problems and the economy is hard on all of us. The reality is that complaining never solved anything for anyone… not that I’ve heard of anyway.

The truth is that we all have to check our attitude at the door and make sure that we are putting our best face and best foot forward, always. We have to leave our problems behind and embrace optimism and just have faith that everything is going to work out in the end. When I look at the people that impress me the most and make me “feel” like I want to do business with them I noticed something they all have in common: a positive, happy attitude.

No one said life was going to be easy but nothing great was ever accomplish by easy either. The best way to get great results out of networking is by letting the people that will refer us tomorrow see that we’re going to handle that referral with confidence and by doing our best. They need to see that we have everything under control and that even when the going gets tough we just get going and get the job done.

So the next time you’re feeling down and out and have a networking event or sales call to go on, remember to check your attitude at the door and smile anyway. Allow yourself to believe in yourself and know that many people have been where you are and made it out ok – that means you can too!

Implementing the “Two Foot Rule” will change your life.   It’s a great way to network!

Do you find yourself staring straight ahead when you’re in a crowded elevator?

What about when you’re in the line at the grocery store? Do you try to avoid conversation by flipping through the latest edition of the Enquirer wondering if Brad and Jenn are getting back together?

Or who is the latest girl to come forward in the Tiger Woods scandal?

What you should be doing is implementing the “Two Foot Rule”.

I recently had the chance to witness this rule in action…

A good friend of mine, Bryan, a financial advisor in Fort Myers, Florida and I were enjoying dinner at a local restaurant…

When a couple across the way overheard our conversation concerning whether the Miami Dolphins, or the New York Jets, were a better football team.

They screamed “The Jet’s rule!”

At that point, things got interesting…

If you’re like most, you’d probably just smirk, or the shrug the comment off.   Bryan, on the other hand, saw it as an opportunity, and with the lines of communication being opened, grabbed his drink, and continued talking to the couple for about 20 minutes!

The conversation went well beyond who the better football team was, and when all was said and done, Bryan had networked with two more people!

Using “The Two Foot” rule – Bryan says no matter where he is, or what he is doing, he never passes up the opportunity to strike up a conversation.

So, I ask you that the next time you’re:

• In line at the movie theatre.
• Waiting at the car wash.
• In line at the grocery store.
• Waiting for you luggage at the airport.
• Sitting in the bleachers at your kids baseball game.

You remember the Two Foot Rule, and see what you can do with it!

It just might change your life.

Thank you Bryan for sharing such a great tip!

If you have any tips or suggestions we would love to hear them!

- Jason

After enjoying a few hours at the swimming pool we decided to participate in a bomb fire with all the works, marshmallow roasting and sing along included.

This fine event was kindly offered at the vacation resort we booked. Now I know what you are thinking… there’s nothing more fun than having a bunch of children hanging around a fire with burning lava balls on the end of a stick to get your weekend going right?

Well before you judge me, here me out!

 I was sitting back relaxing dodging the occasional fire ball while listening to some of the old classics, “Jack and Diane”, “Don’t Stop Believing” and “Take It on the Run” by Reo Speedwagon… ah don’t I wish! Ok, the truth was more like Mary Had a Little Lamb and Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, but we can keep that between us. Just as the music got good and I was sitting back watching the scene before me, it hit me and I realized how good kids are at networking. Every time a new kid would walk up to the bomb fire my daughter would walk over introduce to herself and ask him or her to play. Emma was the new friend she had just made and they were both sitting in front of me playing in the sand. I listened as my daughter asked “How old are you?” “Where do you live?” “Do you have any brothers or sisters?” “How long are you going to be staying here?” “Do you like Taylor Swift?”… you get the idea.

The thing I noticed most was that she wasn’t talking about herself at all; she was truly interested in Emma and getting to know more about her. I felt she was really building a quality rapport and being genuine. This is what makes networking great and effective because it really allows us to connect to others beyond the superficial level.

I think as adults we lose some of that innocence because we are too busy thinking about the end result, which in most cases is business. We tend to rush through the conversation doing the dreaded 15 second elevator pitch! Come on, have you ever really created a great relationship leading with the elevator pitch? The honest answer is No! You have created quality relationships by asking questions, and truly wanting to get to know someone in a sincere and genuine manner.

So next time you’re sitting at a kid’s birthday party – take a moment to just sit back and watch the dynamic’s of the way children interact with each other. Watch, observe and take it all in so you can remember it and use it the next time you’re out networking. Come to think about it, I’m sure this is why some kids have more friends than their parents… they’re better at it!

 A lot of what you’ve heard about blogging is true… yes it’s a space to write down your thoughts and share what’s on your mind. But it’s also a place to share valuable information about your business, products or services. It’s a great tool to elaborate on the information currently on your website for those people that want to know more about a certain subject but don’t necessarily want to pick up the phone and call.

Not just yet anyway… Your website should be clear and to the point with enough information to let people know who you are, what you do and how to contact you without overwhelming them. In this case you could redirect them to your blog for more details and information so they can just keep reading.

If you’re sending out a company newsletter and you want to share an article on the latest trends or tips but you don’t want a long, drawn out, forever scrolling down email… the solution is simple! You can share a paragraph in the newsletter and just link to the full article on your blog. They can click on the link and keep reading if they want to or skip to the next subject if they aren’t interested. Once on your blog they can sign up to receive your blogs directly to their inbox or keep surfing around and checking you out! Your blog can then redirect them back to your website, your facebook and all your other social media marketing services. Talk about full circle connections!

Do blogs really help with SEO? The answer is – YES! All the linking back and forth to your website from the various social media sites creates valid links that the search engines love to track – that’s how they determine that you are real and that people are actually visiting your site. If your blog is public, anyone can read it and the great thing about that is that potential clients can find you when doing a search with key words related to your field or industry.

Your blog should be consistent with all of your marketing – brand yourself with the same colors, same design and same look all the way around. Everything from your business cards to your rack cards, email marketing, website and blog should all basically carry the same theme. This helps people recognize who you are at first glance.

If you’re not to internet savvy and need some help, worry not! There are some great people out there that would love to help you put it all together and train you on how to manage and update it yourself, or do it all for you if you don’t have time. They are experts at making you look and sound great while you just focus on running your business. Hey, that’s one less hat you have to wear!

Remember, the more you put yourself out there is cyberspace the greater your chances become of potential clients finding you and your business. Happy blogging everyone!