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I teach a series of Networking Classes to beginning Networkers and Business Owners for the Business Ownership Initiative here in Indiana. I love helping business owners understand the Networking Process so that they can begin to create positive word of mouth for their businesses. As we were summing up the class on night I ask [...]
When business people tell me that they do business with anybody, everybody or small businesses, I know that they have not spent time identifying who they want to work with and they are hoping that someone else will figure out for them. They are aiming at the sky hoping to hit a bird and every [...]
In many sales-oriented networking books and course, people are taught that networking is a selling tool and part of that lesson is what’s known as the Three Foot Rule: “Anyone within three feet of you is an opportunity to make a sale.” We feel that not only is this bad advice for the networker, one that seriously decreases the [...]
I went out into my backyard today to look at my crop of Indiana Tomatoes. I was quite disappointed to find that they still have not ripened. The weather has been very cool this year and that means the tomatoes ripen more slowly. I am losing my patience because I want vine ripe tomatoes NOW! [...]
As the economy took a hit and began to spiral down, email newsletters went up! I am getting triple what I use to get. I did not sign up for the emails, I did not ask to get them, I simply gave someone my business card and they believed that gave them permission to put me on their mailing list.
The world becomes a smaller and friendlier place when you network well. As a professional speaker I find there are times that I am gone for long periods from my home and office. When I am home it is only for a day or two to pick up a clean suite and catch another plane. [...]
I had the opportunity to be at a BNI networking meeting this afternoon. Each person went around the room and did a great job asking for referrals. They were very clear about who they wanted to be connected to and very little rambling that I often hear when I listen to people ask for referrals. [...]
There is no place where it is more important to show gratitude than in your referral marketing activities. Letting people know that you appreciate what they have done for you makes it easier for that person to refer you again. I find that women are so much better at thanking others for helping them than [...]
I regularly meet with prospects and help them understand how much business they are getting from their network. It is very enlightening and they are always surprised by their results. Do you know your referral percentage? No? Don’t worry, most people don’t know, but it is very enlightening. So, grab a pencil and a calculator [...]
Going out for a drink with friends, playing golf, and hanging out at a cookout are all ways that we build relationships. It is the social aspects of our relationships that make for strong business relationships too. It is those times when I get to know someone personally that makes me want to help them [...]