Networking Genie

 

 

 

 

If you found the networking genie in the bottle would you know what to ask for?

Have you watched some networkers stumbling around at a networking event? They don’t know what to say when they meet a new person. They don’t even know how to answer when asked a question.

You stumble upon the networking genie-bottle. You rub the bottle and out pops the networking genie.

The genie informs that you can create your perfect network. Instead of the ‘three wishes’ you get to wish for the three perfect contacts in your perfect network. You only need three people in the perfect network. It would save you a lot of time and money and sharpen your focus.

So imagine if you could create a perfect network of just three people. Who would you want in your perfect network? The genie is waiting for your answer. Genies are not patient creatures. Neither would you be if cooped up in a magic bottle.

Hint: Don’t ask for three clients.

Instead ask for three very different people. Each of them is valuable to you in their own way. Together they make the perfect network for you. Think about the true purpose of your networking.


Your Perfect Network – only three people

A The Client who buys from you, will write a powerful testimonial and is there for reference.

B The connector who never buys from you - but who sells to your favorite type of client and is well connected. This person’s word is trusted and priceless. This person will only recommend you after they trust you. If you are smart you will invest a lot to build their trust.

C The socializer who seems to know everybody and everybody likes him. He can make tons of connections. Most don’t pay off because they are made on social value. But this person likes you and speaks well of you and will introduce you to everyone.

If you find the networking genie – ask for those three people.

If you can’t wait to find the genie – then find those three people on your own.

© George Torok is the author of “Your Guide to Networking Success”. He is the co-author of the national bestseller, “Secrets of Power Marketing”, the first guide to personal marketing for the non-marketer. As host of the weekly radio show he has interviewed over 400 business leaders. Order your copy of “Your Guide to Networking Success” at http://www.business-networking-tips.net/  

George Torok Keynote Marketing Speaker Co-author of Secrets of Power Marketing Get your free copy of "50 Power Marketing Ideas" Power Marketing on FaceBook Marketing Zoo on Twitter

Power Marketing Tip #61: How to Build a More Productive Network

How to Build a More Productive Network

There are many theories and misunderstandings about networking. Let’s shed some clarity on the subject and remove some of the stress.

Should you network?

That’s the wrong question. The right question is “How can you network more productively?”

The short answer is to network with the right people and follow a simple yet effective networking system.

The most common mistake is to believe that your network should be composed of potential customers, i.e. prospects. There might be some prospects in your network but don’t build your network on that hope.

Instead build your network with people who might introduce or refer you to prospects. Why? Because that approach leverages the power of those connections to spread your value. The contacts in your network can become marketing agents for you. Naturally you need to build relationships with those potential marketers.

Some contacts are better connecters than others. The best connecters could provide you with many leads over time. For that reason you need to build the relationships. But you might not know which contacts will be most helpful.

For that reason you need to follow a simple, effective and efficient system for building those networking relationships.

Three guidelines to follow

A productive network is based on people who are willing to help you. This means that you must first help them. Give before you get and don’t begrudge it.

Stay in touch with your network. Use more than one method of connecting. This might include a mix of email, web posts, phone calls, formal events and coffee meetings. The most valuable contacts need face-to-face contact. Be sure to demonstrate value with each connection that you make.

Create and maintain a database of your network contacts. Record the contacts and be sure to note the details of each connection, especially when you plan to connect next.

Networking is an imperfect process. It’s best to follow a simple system that works well for you. Remember, someone you know can connect you with someone who wants to buy what you offer.

Learn how to create and follow your networking system.

George Torok Keynote Marketing Speaker Co-author of Secrets of Power Marketing Get your free copy of "50 Power Marketing Ideas" Power Marketing on FaceBook Marketing Zoo on Twitter