PRO NETWORKING
Archive for the ‘Business Networking’ Category
A Few Tips on Getting the Most out of Your LinkedIn.com Account by Martin Brossman
LinkedIn.com is a business networking resource on the internet. It complements your fundamental networking skills in building relationships of value which you would use with people you interact with in person. It offers you a world wide connection, a way to “personally brand” yourself, make contacts for jobs, and have a chance to acknowledge good people throughout your past.
First of all sign up if you have not, today! The basic service is free! And fill out the entire profile. Include as much information in your profile as you can. This includes simple hobbies, interest, and associations that are important to you. Those profiles show up in Google searches, so others will be able to view the information. If you understand “personal branding” of YOU, then you know the benefit of this. The more positive points of reference to you on the web the better (as long as they are real).
Take a few minutes and think about people of value from your past who you might link with. Search for their names and invite them to reconnect. Then take the time to write them an endorsement (even a sentence is good). Your name is tied to this so make sure it is authentic and also reflects well on you. If you keep doing this and helping people your own endorsements will grow over time and be well earned. Endorsements of you initiated by others are obviously best. You really don’t want to ask for an endorsement unless you are clear they would love to give you one and are simply looking for an opportunity.
Look for professional associations or groups such as your college on LinkedIn and if they are not listed encourage them to”register.” My own college St. Andrews is not listed and I am working on getting them to sign up. This “group” feature of LinkedIn is very important. It lets you gain contact with all the members of that group to build relationships if appropriate. As you set up for your own “LinkedIn” web link be sure it reflects your real name. When you sign up for an account, you are assigned a random number that designates your profile page on LinkedIn. You can then go into your profile settings and change that number so that instead of http://www.linkedin.com/pub/1/712/a78, you would have a personal link like mine: http://www.linkedin.com/in/martinbrossman . You can and should add this to your website and email address.
Understand and use the questions area. People are wonderfully generous about helping other LinkedIn.com members. Ask questions of things you think the members may be able to help you with and answer some of the questions if you can. You may be known as an “expert” over time in that area.
Also, have some fun. I found a distant cousin in Australia of whom I was completely unaware of. I have looked up people who took training programs that turned out to be of great value to me and made some good friends that way. Remember to build your network and invest in it before you need it!
Let me know how YOU are using linkedin.com
You may enjoy the current article in the News & Observer about Linkedin.com. It is titled “Are You Linked?”
http://www.newsobserver.com/business/technology/story/630408.html
www.linkedin.com
Be well,
Martin Brossman
www.CoachingSupport.com
martin@coachingsupport.com
www.InquireOnLine.Info
Networking Gets a Bad Rap. by Gary Davis
Networking gets a bad rap. Most people think of networking as an event. You have been there before. Cocktail weenies and cheddar cheese cubes are on the buffet. The fish bowl in front is full of business cards for a door prize. Name tags are everywhere you look. Vaguely you remember someone saying that your name tag goes on one side or the other.
Guess what? It really does not matter. If you are someone that people want to remember then your name tag could be on your back. Likewise, if you are forgettable or worse, someone people wish they could forget, then your name tag’s location will not help your cause.
In the coming months I will be talking about getting connected and staying connected. Some people call this phenomenon networking. Before we talk about what it is, let’s look at what it isn’t.
Networking is not about increasing your sales.
Networking is not about finding a new job.
Networking is not about improving your love life.
Networking is not about a free meal.
Networking is about your relationships with others. Period. Networking is the people you know. It is about meeting people, not prospects or future raving fans. And when you meet them, one day you may sell them something or you may buy something from them, they may give you a job, or even marry you. But at first it is a question of what you can do for them.
Networks exist because we do need each other. In an interdependent world one thing you can count on is that if you can be an offer of value, others will become obligated to you. Human beings just work that way, although not all humans get this concept on the same level. Some people get their help solely by making transactions. But living in a world of transaction is very linear and expensive. If I pay a guy to do my taxes, my taxes are done. Once I write a check, we are square. No surprises occur. Nothing larger than life can happen.
Networking is about doing someone’s taxes and not accepting a check. Then finding something else you can do for them. And if you don’t know how to do someone’s taxes, maybe your offer can be even more valuable. From this beginning, non-linear growth in your career and wealth can occur. But finding what to give can be tricky.
So what do you have to offer? The good news is that I do not know. You actually have to figure it out on your own and give others something that fits with who you are. This gift is your own “secret sauce”. Luckily, many people find it easier to be themselves when taking care of others than they do trying to follow a formula. If you copy other people’s ideas, you risk that your offers will be seen as common. The best offers are those that are scarce.
When in doubt, sometimes your most significant offer to another is willingness. Especially when networking with those more seasoned or further along than you, your offer of willingness to help can open doors. Of course, you must follow up this willingness with actual willingness.
Here is the conundrum. In a world where the number is never done and bosses or stockholders are breathing down your neck, when do you find time to network? You cannot find it, you must schedule it. As a first hint, I challenge you to find 5% of your week, every week, just to connect. You already know who is falling out of your network. You also know those that you really need to retain. Call them, tell them you care, send them a card, and reconnect. The worst time to reconnect is always when you need something. Ever get a call from a long lost collegue with a resume in his hand? Don’t be that person.
For more about Gary Davis: www.NetworkingInTheSouth.com
How to get a in-person referral group to WORK for you
How to get a referral group to WORK for you
By Jan Wynns & Martin Brossman
A referral group can be one of your best resources for developing new business. The steps are simple; however, the execution requires an investment of time from you.
• Regular attendance. Give your group importance and priority. Schedule meeting times in advance and schedule other appointments around your weekly meeting. If you cannot attend a meeting, send someone to represent you or call another member who will let your group know you will not be attending. Your group will appreciate being informed, and will not feel “stood up” when you are missing.
• Plan effective weekly Intromercials (60 second presentations to educate the group about your product or service.) “Those who fail to prepare, prepare to fail.” This is your opportunity to make an impression. Make your presentation interesting, change it often, and try having some fun with it. Use your creativity. Be remembered. The more they know about you, and the easier it will be to keep you in mind for referrals, when going about their day to day business life. “Plan, prepare and rehearse.”
• Get involved. Groups are always evolving. Volunteer to do something to develop your group. Invite others to join, especially those in complementary businesses to whom you can easily refer. Welcome visitors, talk with them about their business and encourage them to join.
• Schedule one on one meetings with group members. Learn about the businesses of others. Focus on what you can do to help develop referrals for them. (“Givers get. That are easy to refer to!”). Make sure it is easy for people to know how to refer to you as well.
• Show up on time just like you would your valued customers. Being late communicates something just like being on time.
How long will it take to see results?
It is different from person to person, and can take from a couple of weeks to a couple of months. Remember it is about building relationships. The better you are at educating the group and building their confidence, the sooner you will see results.
What is the quickest way to integrate myself into the group?
Schedule one-on-one meetings. Attend regularly. Plan effective Intromercials. Invite guests. Get involved. Look to help instead of taking and you will experience being apart of the group.
What makes an interesting expanded featured presentation?
Some groups rotate speakers from among the group. This is your time to shine, and make an impression. It is an expanded Intromercial that shows who you are and what you do. (Some ideas from others — a drawing, a discount, bring small gifts, prepare a Q&A related to business and offer “prizes” for those who answer correctly, bring props,)
Most of all, enjoy yourself, enjoy the company of the group, and enjoy the benefits!
“Remember,
it’s not neteating,
and it’s not netsitting,
it’s networking.”
Jan Wynns is a realtor with Fonville Morisey Realty can be reached at 919-961-7777 and is involved in a referral group called Great Expectations. Martin Brossman is a life and business coach and leads the North Raleigh Triangle Business Builders. He can be reached at 919-847-4757
Business Networking at The Capitol City Club of Raleigh
A great place to socialize and build business alliances!
By Martin Brossman with input from other quality members of The Capitol City Club of Raleigh.
Imagine a place where there is a great view, where you meet quality people, and where you can build powerful business alliances with leaders in their field. Imagine further, that you saw the value you could contribute to the community with a membership base of over 4000 people and a facility spanning two buildings in the expanding and ever improving downtown Raleigh area. This is the Capital City Club & the Cardinal Club.
For me, the club has been a leading resource for building valuable alliances and introductions in the triangle area. I want to talk about some of the resources available and the ways in which I utilize these resources. The club is not a place to just ‘sell your widget’ but is a place to build and maintain business relationships within a social atmosphere. It is a place where people get to know you and will appreciate your integrity, one of the building blocks of trust. Initially, you may want to test out these new relationships with a smaller project to assess how well you work together. Nothing occurs by ‘just being a member,’ you have to commit time and energy to interact with people at the club and to take full advantage of the resources the club has to offer.
What are some of the things that the club offers to the business owner, consultant, or employee?
• It is great place to meet clients, associates, and friends for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The service and food is excellent and you will never be rushed.
• It provides the opportunity to share and define a variety of business development approaches. A new member recently described the outstanding payoff he experienced when he bought tickets to join his clients at some sporting events which turn, led his clients to quickly recognize the value of spending time together building their business relationship.
What are the specific business opportunities?
• There are the three Leads Groups who meet twice a month first thing in the morning (Leads I on Thursday, Leads II on Tuesday, and Leads III on Wednesday). I am honored to lead the ‘Leads II Group’ which has 26 members. Members are able to tap into the collective business experience and expertise of their fellow members. The business to business focus does not exclude members who have a business to consumer focus. There is a satisfying shared feeling of professionalism and friendship. New members are always welcome to visit each group.
• The Business Alliance gathering is a group where quality speakers can be heard for the cost of a meal. It is an opportunity to heighten your company’s visibility and provides a robust networking and learning environment.
• The monthly Women’s Ventures meetings, like the Trendsetters, are a special resource and opportunity to meet with other female professionals.
Other business relationships are formed at social events and many lead to lasting friendships, such as those of the Wine Society which has a monthly meeting and is offered at minimal cost for the entire year. For the cost of a meal you can utilize the meeting rooms to gather with groups of clients and business partners (with the exceptions of rooms equipped with special conferencing technology). If you need to check your email or make a quick call, the office center is available to you. In addition, private phone booths with cell phone access are available.
Of course little of value in life comes without a certain degree of commitment. It is important to use the club several times a month with a special effort placed on meeting new people. If you come armed with the attitude of contributing as well as receiving, I assure you, good people are going to help you. I look forward to seeing you at the club and will help in any way I can to enrich and broaden your experience.
In closing, I want to thank members who contributed thoughts and critique to this article, to name a few; Jean Wiley, Greg Brissette, Lee Heinrich, Whitney Hill and Ralph DiLeone.
Martin Brossman
(919) 847-4757 or
martin@coachingsupport.com
www.coachingsupport.com