Well It's Tyme 4 Wordz Of Wizdom...,
It's been a minute since I've mined the Internet searching 4 some Gold... But maybe I've found something 2 spur your thought process & get your mind moving in another direction... Xspecially since I'm Ret 2 Hit Da Bandstand Hard 2nite!!! I have 2 B Focused & On My Game Man!!!
The #1 Reason I am moderately successful & relatively happy in my life is the Network I've built... Folks think its just because of "Who I Am" that AJ Is Effective!!! That is part of it..., but the other part is I identify key strategic people who orbit around me that can B instrumental in assisting me with the work I do in my life... Quite frankly there R tymes U simply have 2 step out of your comfort zone & Put Yo'self Out There!!!
Take Flip Da Skrip... My son was a given... He's my seed, my co-pilot, my mini-me if U will but the "New Improved Version!!!" Jay on bass was a natural fit who fell into the collective... He's not the best player in the world..., but he brings enthusiasm, the right attitude, & is a great team player. Tasha completed the circle, not as the best singer..., but she brought balance & femininity 2 all that testosterone in the group. So collectively the sum is much greater than all our individual gifts... Network, Network, Networking Baby!!! R U deeply embedded in my cipher??? Hmmmmm???
2day's Message: "There is always something to do. There are hungry people to feed, naked people to clothe, sick people to comfort and make well. And while I don't expect you to save the world I do think it's not asking too much for you to love those with whom you sleep, share the happiness of those whom you call friend, engage those among you who are visionary and remove from your live those who offer you depression, despair and disrespect." Nikki Giovanni
STRATEGIC NETWORKING:
Increasing Your Networking Return On Investment (ROI)
Increasing Your Networking Return On Investment (ROI)
Why are some people "luckier" than others? Well folks, I'm here to tell you that "luck" has nothing to do with it. One reason it seems as if one person is more successful than another, is that they've managed to build a network of people who KNOW, LIKE and TRUST them.
Having a good network will greatly improve your chance of success in your personal and professional life. But getting a good network requires thought, desire and action. Here are some simple guidelines to increase your return on your investment in networking:
Focus Your Efforts:
You should target two to four of the same networking groups to meet with each and every month. Don't make a habit of being a "guest networker" because it's not effective. There is an old advertising rule that says, a prospect has to see an ad seven times before it takes hold in their consciousness. Your objective is to build value relationships not transactional ones. By attending the same meetings consistently, you will be KNOWN.
Practice First:
Practice your "rap"—that is, your 30 second elevator pitch. Your elevator pitch should be clear, concise and create curiosity about you and your business. A simple script could read as follows: I am (insert your profession here), for (insert the name of your company here). I do (insert what you do here), for (state who you serve here), so that they can (insert the benefit/value your product of service provides them here).
Set Your Goals:
For each networking meeting, you should have a clear objective—your ROI. For example, you could set a goal for yourself of identifying four [4] connections—prospects, resource or center of influence, and schedule two [2] face to face meetings for the following week. That way, you have a clear, objective way of judging your networking effectiveness. Overtime, you will be able to see the results.
Get Ready:
Check your "attitude" prior to entering the meeting. Put on your positive, happy and confident armor. Make sure you are ready to listen twice as much as you speak. And lastly, make sure you are ready to be a resource for others—become a "go giver."
By following these tried and true suggestions, you will achieve a basic business objective. That is to be known, liked and trusted. In so doing, you will exponentially increase your networking effectiveness and build your long term relationships that result in a high return on your networking investment.
Having a good network will greatly improve your chance of success in your personal and professional life. But getting a good network requires thought, desire and action. Here are some simple guidelines to increase your return on your investment in networking:
Focus Your Efforts:
You should target two to four of the same networking groups to meet with each and every month. Don't make a habit of being a "guest networker" because it's not effective. There is an old advertising rule that says, a prospect has to see an ad seven times before it takes hold in their consciousness. Your objective is to build value relationships not transactional ones. By attending the same meetings consistently, you will be KNOWN.
Practice First:
Practice your "rap"—that is, your 30 second elevator pitch. Your elevator pitch should be clear, concise and create curiosity about you and your business. A simple script could read as follows: I am (insert your profession here), for (insert the name of your company here). I do (insert what you do here), for (state who you serve here), so that they can (insert the benefit/value your product of service provides them here).
Set Your Goals:
For each networking meeting, you should have a clear objective—your ROI. For example, you could set a goal for yourself of identifying four [4] connections—prospects, resource or center of influence, and schedule two [2] face to face meetings for the following week. That way, you have a clear, objective way of judging your networking effectiveness. Overtime, you will be able to see the results.
Get Ready:
Check your "attitude" prior to entering the meeting. Put on your positive, happy and confident armor. Make sure you are ready to listen twice as much as you speak. And lastly, make sure you are ready to be a resource for others—become a "go giver."
By following these tried and true suggestions, you will achieve a basic business objective. That is to be known, liked and trusted. In so doing, you will exponentially increase your networking effectiveness and build your long term relationships that result in a high return on your networking investment.
RJ Lennon is the senior business coach at MasterMind Coaching & Consulting. RJ brings over 25 years of marketing and sales management to his coaching practice, having filled roles a business owner, independent contractor, corporate salesman at both Chase Manhattan Bank & Sun Microsystems, and a former top-producing real estate broker. For more information contact RJ directly at Rj@MasterMindConsulting.biz
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