Networking—we all do it, whether it’s recommending an auto mechanic or calling up an old friend. If you have a business, and more so a network marketing business, networking takes on a whole new meaning and becomes so much more important.
Networking is realizing the power of cooperation (instead of competition) and connecting people and information together for the mutual benefit of each person involved.
Too many times the act of networking is given a bad reputation because people are going out and cold-hard selling. In order to master the correct concept of networking, you need to do so in a quiet, yet powerful manner, using the power of both grace and respect.
Once you understand and develop that power within you, your network becomes unlimited! These 6 important steps will help you master the correct method and become a respected influential networker:
1. Master the Power of Giving. Human nature naturally responds to the act of giving by giving back. Networking and giving have an incredible “boomerang effect” in that what you give will always come back to you in some form—that is the law of giving. However, someone much always take the first action of giving and “throw the boomerang” for it to return.
Don’t pass up opportunities to contribute, provide value, offer solutions, support others, or raise the level of the discussion. Look for ways to give back and then watch for the boomerang and be ready to catch it when it returns.
2. Expand your thinking beyond yourself. Move away from the idea that you can work your business successfully on your own—this limits you in more ways than one! Shift toward the mentality that you can accomplish greater things when you work effectively with others.
Be careful not to limit your outreach as a networker. Maximize your effectiveness and that of others. You yourself are a valued source of resources and contacts. You have a unique store of experiences that provide an unlimited wealth of knowledge and opportunities. Share those with others and draw from their experiences as well. Everyone brings unique value and resources to the table.
3. Utilize your entire vast network. Take time to reconnect and polish up those connections that have become weak. Networking can be as simple as a friendship and as complicated as matchmaking! It’s all about being there for each other, so don’t complicate it!
I like the phrase that says “people are much more likely to be people loyal than they are to be brand loyal.” Don’t underestimate the power of your contacts! Your network will be able to grow more naturally as you strengthen your relationships and keep them nurtured.
4. Dish out the praise. Praising others brings people to a higher level of energy and awareness. We all thrive on positive reinforcement. Focusing on the strengths of others develops winners and leaders.
Send notes frequently that say “thanks for the support….thanks for your friendship….thanks for the referral…for the words of encouragement …for the opportunity to do business with you…for taking the time to….” Specifically tell people how they influence your life in a positive way. There is a lot of power in praise!
5. Listen and be mentally engaged. Listening is the heart of communication. Be careful not to view this powerful tool as simply a matter of not talking. Give your full attention to what the other person is saying; and a connection will be created that goes beyond the words being spoken. Listening is where people develop rapport and trust.
Continue to be a listener and respond accordingly, even when there is nothing in it for you. This will strengthen those relationships and will reap rewards that will come in the future. Be aware of non-business needs that you can fill as well, such as an opportunity to recommend an auto mechanic, dentist, a travel agent, etc.
6. Remain committed. This is what separates a mediocre networker from a successful one. Networking is absolutely what has to be done to produce good results in any business.
If you want to reach an endless stream of influential contacts and grow your business, you have to network and do it effectively. Good ideas will not produce results—daily actions and habits will. Make a commitment to yourself, your relationships, and these powerful networking principles and you will be blessed by both a vast network of support and friendships, as well as a growing successful business.
Remember, networking is like a treasure hunt. You’re searching for the jewels out there. You don’t know where, but you meet one person, talk to another person, call up that person, and suddenly you find a jewel! Networking is fun! Treat it with respect and it will boomerang back to you with unbelievable results!
_____________________________________________________
Katie Liljeberg is an online network marketer who discovered how to build a massive organization without using the old-fashioned traditional network marketing techniques. To learn the secrets, visit: http://KatieLive.com
Networking is realizing the power of cooperation (instead of competition) and connecting people and information together for the mutual benefit of each person involved.
Too many times the act of networking is given a bad reputation because people are going out and cold-hard selling. In order to master the correct concept of networking, you need to do so in a quiet, yet powerful manner, using the power of both grace and respect.
Once you understand and develop that power within you, your network becomes unlimited! These 6 important steps will help you master the correct method and become a respected influential networker:
1. Master the Power of Giving. Human nature naturally responds to the act of giving by giving back. Networking and giving have an incredible “boomerang effect” in that what you give will always come back to you in some form—that is the law of giving. However, someone much always take the first action of giving and “throw the boomerang” for it to return.
Don’t pass up opportunities to contribute, provide value, offer solutions, support others, or raise the level of the discussion. Look for ways to give back and then watch for the boomerang and be ready to catch it when it returns.
2. Expand your thinking beyond yourself. Move away from the idea that you can work your business successfully on your own—this limits you in more ways than one! Shift toward the mentality that you can accomplish greater things when you work effectively with others.
Be careful not to limit your outreach as a networker. Maximize your effectiveness and that of others. You yourself are a valued source of resources and contacts. You have a unique store of experiences that provide an unlimited wealth of knowledge and opportunities. Share those with others and draw from their experiences as well. Everyone brings unique value and resources to the table.
3. Utilize your entire vast network. Take time to reconnect and polish up those connections that have become weak. Networking can be as simple as a friendship and as complicated as matchmaking! It’s all about being there for each other, so don’t complicate it!
I like the phrase that says “people are much more likely to be people loyal than they are to be brand loyal.” Don’t underestimate the power of your contacts! Your network will be able to grow more naturally as you strengthen your relationships and keep them nurtured.
4. Dish out the praise. Praising others brings people to a higher level of energy and awareness. We all thrive on positive reinforcement. Focusing on the strengths of others develops winners and leaders.
Send notes frequently that say “thanks for the support….thanks for your friendship….thanks for the referral…for the words of encouragement …for the opportunity to do business with you…for taking the time to….” Specifically tell people how they influence your life in a positive way. There is a lot of power in praise!
5. Listen and be mentally engaged. Listening is the heart of communication. Be careful not to view this powerful tool as simply a matter of not talking. Give your full attention to what the other person is saying; and a connection will be created that goes beyond the words being spoken. Listening is where people develop rapport and trust.
Continue to be a listener and respond accordingly, even when there is nothing in it for you. This will strengthen those relationships and will reap rewards that will come in the future. Be aware of non-business needs that you can fill as well, such as an opportunity to recommend an auto mechanic, dentist, a travel agent, etc.
6. Remain committed. This is what separates a mediocre networker from a successful one. Networking is absolutely what has to be done to produce good results in any business.
If you want to reach an endless stream of influential contacts and grow your business, you have to network and do it effectively. Good ideas will not produce results—daily actions and habits will. Make a commitment to yourself, your relationships, and these powerful networking principles and you will be blessed by both a vast network of support and friendships, as well as a growing successful business.
Remember, networking is like a treasure hunt. You’re searching for the jewels out there. You don’t know where, but you meet one person, talk to another person, call up that person, and suddenly you find a jewel! Networking is fun! Treat it with respect and it will boomerang back to you with unbelievable results!
_____________________________________________________
Katie Liljeberg is an online network marketer who discovered how to build a massive organization without using the old-fashioned traditional network marketing techniques. To learn the secrets, visit: http://KatieLive.com
ivanpw
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Great tips!
Thanks for sharing 6 useful tips on networking :)
I blogged on your knol for Knol Today - http://www.knoltoday
Thanks :)