Is Networking a Dirty Word?

Business Cards to Strangers

Networking is a dirty word for many people because it conjures up the image of attending those dreadful after-hour gatherings where you hand out business cards to complete strangers that you never expect to see or hear from again.

Instead of networking, think about making connections with other people. In this article I am going to show you three simple keys on how to make long-term connections with other people.

Be a Giver Not a Taker

People tend to connect on a very subconscious level with other people who they sense might be able to help them in one way or another. It's just human nature.

The best way to find out how you can possibly help another person is to ask him questions about things that interest in him, and even more importantly, to listen to what he has to say. This is easier to do with people you already know then with complete strangers, but today's stranger may become tomorrow's friend.

The key is not to be looking for the quid pro quo. Ask questions, and offer help where you can.

Connecting Takes Practice

We all want to be the person who can walk into a room full of strangers and appear comfortable with everybody. Maybe that is a natural ability, maybe it is not.

Like almost everything else, you will become better at connecting with other people by practicing at it. No matter what the event, or where you are, try connecting with the person in front of you right now.

Give the person in front of you all your attention. You can break the ice by asking almost any question that includes the word "you" in it. "Did you travel far to get here?"

Create As Many Opportunities as Possible

Instead of avoiding networking opportunities whenever you can, seek out even more to participate in. Practice makes perfect. If you stick to your guns and force yourself to go to networking events you will eventually become comfortable doing it. When you feel that you have arrived at that comfort point, you can become more selective about the networking events you want to attend.

Go For Quality, Not Quantity

Two or three quality connections in your field may be all that you will ever need. Remember, it's all about giving and not just swapping favors. Give other people your attention, show an interest in them, and the business side of things will take care of itself.

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Network Marketing the Easy Way - How to Work Smart, Not Hard

Did you think that when you started your network marketing business that it would be as hard as it is? I mean, you've gone through the 'getting started' guide the company gave you when you signed up. You have spent time on personal development (learning to become the person your new prospect is looking for). You have created a workspace in your spare bedroom to work at. Your list of people to talk with is neat and orderly - and alphabetized! How come the money is not pouring in?

Taking Action versus In Depth Study

As with most things in life, balance is the key. Some people are comfortable with lighting themselves on fire with enthusiasm in hopes of signing up anyone that comes by to watch him burn (action). Others are intent on learning everything there is to know before saying anything to anyone (study)! The key is to spend just enough time learning to be effective in the action you take to promote your business.

Definition of Wisdom

Someone once told me the definition of wisdom is to learn from others' mistakes and experiences. This makes a lot of sense to me. Network marketing is designed in a way for us to learn from each other, and hopefully shorten the time necessary to build a successful network marketing business. By joining the right team, you should be able to plug into a proven system, along with the associated training, to help smooth your journey.

Faster is better than slower

This is in direct conflict with what we learned as a child that 'slow and steady wins the race'. I have always identified with the tortoise. However, you will find that if you try to build your business slowly that momentum will never build and you will simply limp along. The secret to working smart while building your successful networking marketing business is to take massive action as quickly as you can. This will build the momentum in your business. Your business partners will also become infected by your activity and you may even see some of your massive activity rub off on them, too!

Marketing is better than selling

Have you ever been to a store and found a salesperson hovering over you and recommending products without even asking you what you are looking for? Have you ever done that with any of your potential customers? Do you know anyone that likes to be sold? However, most of us do like to buy. As a network 'marketer' it is our job to promote our products, educate potential customers, and give our customers the opportunity to buy (without throwing up all over them). As network marketers we are connecting with people to determine whether they might be potential customers. If they don't have a need for our services, the context of the conversation may be whether they know of anyone that might be interested in what we have to offer. Another option is to advertise (like a real business does) either in your local paper or establish a presence on the web and open your store to the world. The internet and your website or blog is a match made in heaven. As people find out what you have to offer and see how you can make their life better, they can request more information or even buy something from you. And this all happens without you canvassing the mall and talking to everyone that you come in contact with.

Automated system versus manual system

This is an easy one. Obviously, an automated system makes your life much easier than trying to stay on top of things manually. In days gone by you would have to keep track of potential customers and business partners on paper (or more recently in Excel or Outlook). Then, each day you would have to determine who to send what information to hopefully continue their progression through the sales funnel. Today, using web sites (or blogs) with the capability to capture your prospect's information, everything happens automatically. You set up the information that you want to have sent to your prospects over the next several weeks, months, or even years. Most sales need 5-7 contacts before the prospect feels comfortable enough to move forward. With an automated system, you can provide enough information and value for the prospect to get to know and like you, and to determine that he would like to do business with you.

Dan McMonigle is a network marketing cash flow expert. He challenges conventional wisdom by combining both traditional and online marketing techniques to jump start your cash flow machine. If you want Dan's formula for cash flow success in your network marketing business, visit Dan McMonigle's Cash Flow Secrets now.

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