Credibility | Dr. Ivan Misner®

29Oct2012

The Fine Line Between Comedy and Competencystring(43) "The Fine Line Between Comedy and Competency"

TR Garland (pictured with me in the photo below) is a friend of mine and co-author of one of my most recent #1 best-selling books called “Building The Ultimate Network.” He’s also considered a top trainer for the Referral Institute.

For some time now, we’ve both observed a need to drill down on one of the most important and foundational concepts to networking – The VCP Process®. Nine months ago, we started a much-anticipated 12-part monthly series of blog posts which addresses this and contains some very timely information for networkers across the globe. Today, we’re proud to share with you Part 9 of the series. Enjoy.

THE FINE LINE BETWEEN COMEDY AND COMPETENCY

(Part 9 of 12 of the “Navigating The VCP Process® To Networking” Series)

In Part 1, Part 2, Part 3 , Part 4, and Part 5 of this series, we introduced and re-introduced the concept and steps of The VCP Process® to Networking for our readers through brief anecdotes, relevant comparisons, and sometimes even humorous situations. For Parts 6 and 7 we even shared with you video trainings from the both of us.

Last month in Part 8, we suggested some behaviors that you can use on a weekly basis to increase the number of referrals you receive. And, as a result, we got a couple phone calls complimenting us about how last month’s blog post clearly outlined what type of behaviors a successful networker should be practicing on a weekly and monthly basis – and we were asked to provide more.

Exactly three weeks ago, I posted in this very blog about The Ten Commandments of Networking a Mixer. I’ve been talking about these specific 10 guidelines for years that I recommend people follow when attending Chamber functions, Association meetings, and various business mixers. I’ve been interviewed on radio and television before and many times I bring up these same 10 guidelines. And I’m so committed that they should be a part of a successful networker’s toolbox that these same 10 guidelines are taught in-depth in Referral Institute regions all across the globe.

After reading my recent blog post about the Ten Commandments of Networking a Mixer, TR came to me with a smirk on his face and began some mischievous questioning. He started by mentioning Harvey Mackay’s “take” on the same exact topic. Now, Harvey is a friend of mine and I’ve even invited him to speak to my networking organization before (of course the audience absolutely loved him). So, I proceeded to ask TR where he was going with his questioning.

TR replied, “In Chapter 71 [Yes, Harvey’s books have that many chapters] of “Dig Your Well Before You’re Thirsty”, Harvey writes about The Ten Commandments of Networking as well. And, according to him, Commandment #2 is:

~I will NOT confuse visibility with credibility – mine or anyone else’s~

Ivan, I believe that’s a pretty powerful guideline that successful networkers should follow. Why is this Commandment not included in YOUR list?”

After a very long pause, I proceeded to explain that it’s okay for different people to have different viewpoints. And this led into a very productive conversation about how one person’s viewpoint isn’t correct, and one person’s viewpoint isn’t incorrect – they are just different. And, this leads us to the relevance of the above story into today’s blog post in which we fulfill our blog readers’ request to provide MORE DETAILS on exactly what type of behaviors a successful networker should be practicing on a monthly basis.

In an effort to move their network (or audience) through the VCP Process to Networking®, many business professionals who are members of Strong Contact Networks like BNI meet on a weekly basis. And, each week they are given an opportunity to say something about themselves or their business – usually about 1 to 2 minutes. Every week, these professionals each make a choice on which topic, messaging, and subsequent behavior to display or exhibit while they are addressing the entire group or meeting.

Today, we’d like to bring attention to 2 options one could choose from:

Displaying behaviors to be perceived as LIKEABLE
Displaying behaviors to be perceived as COMPETENT

Which is right? Which is wrong? Which is right for you? Which is wrong for you?

These are all good questions to ask and this leads us back to what my response to TR was earlier which is: One person’s viewpoint isn’t correct, and one person’s viewpoint isn’t incorrect – they are just different. And, let me add – choose wisely.

Therefore, someone who week in and week out chooses to use their 1 to 2 minutes to display behaviors to encourage people to like them is most certainly entitled to do so. Some examples of these types of behaviors are:

Delivering jokes
Performing attention-getting skits
Rhyming
Reciting a poem

However, if you choose these behaviors we kindly ask that you not lose sight of the goal which is to move your network through the VCP Process® from Visibility to Credibility all the way to Profitability. And, if people only know you for your jokes, they may surely like you and remember you (i.e. Visibility) but you may risk not ever providing them with enough information that proves you are good at what you do – which ultimately increases your chance of getting referrals from them (i.e. Credibility).

On the other hand, someone who chooses to use their 1 to 2 minutes to display behaviors to impress people and prove they are good at what they do is certainly entitled to do so. Some examples of these types of behaviors are:

Sharing client testimonials
Announcing achievements
Explaining why they are “better” than their competition

However, if your network only hears sound bites of your successes and don’t ever really get the chance to truly know you as a person (i.e. the likability factor), you may risk alienating yourself as someone only focused on work. Or worse yet, they may consider you boring.

Therein explains the fine line between comedy and competency that today’s business networkers face. And, some may even consider it a challenge. When moving your network through the VCP Process®, it’s recommended that you first get someone to LIKE you through various Visibility behaviors. But, it cannot stop there. It’s encouraged that you then commit to displaying various Credibility-building behaviors so that they believe you have the COMPETENCY in your profession to handle their referrals. Then, you will you increase your chances of consistently pulling your network all the way to Profitability and receiving a steady stream of referrals.

In closing, today’s focus has been simply to expand your thought process on exactly what options you have available to you when it comes to which behaviors you can choose to display to your network on a weekly or monthly basis. Displaying behaviors that allow you to be perceived as both LIKEABLE and COMPETENT is our recommended solution. Combine them together and interchange them back and forth when relevant to make sure your network truly likes you and also believes you will take great care of their referrals. One without the other or used too infrequently may not deliver you the results you expect from your networking efforts.

We thank you for reading today’s post and extend an invitation to be on the lookout for next month’s contribution to this series – Part 10 called “Authenticity is the ‘New’ Audacity.”

17Sep2012

Are You Approachable or Alienating?string(35) "Are You Approachable or Alienating?"

September 17, 2012

Ivan Misner

Alienating, Approachable, attitude, body language, Building the Ultimate Network, Congruence, VCP Process Behavioral Styles, Credibility, Networking, Networking Prep, Networking Tactics, Profitability, VCP Process, Visibility 1

For some time now, we’ve both observed a need to drill down on one of the most important and foundational concepts to networking – The VCP Process®. Eight months ago, we started a much-anticipated 12-part monthly series of blog posts which addresses this and contains some very timely information for networkers across the globe. Today, we’re proud to share with you Part 8 of the series. Enjoy.

ARE YOU APPROACHABLE OR ALIENATING?

(Part 8 of 12 of the “Navigating The VCP Process® To Networking” Series)

Today, we’d like to share with you a handful of behaviors that you can use on a weekly basis to increase the number of referrals you receive. And, these behaviors are based upon the following question

Are You Approachable or Alienating

Success. It’s not just a word. It’s also a very popular magazine as many of you may be familiar with. And, the Editor of SUCCESS Magazine, Darren Hardy, recently released a book called, “The Compound Effect.”

While it’s an absolutely wonderful book that we recommend you pick up and read in detail, the underlying principle Darren speaks about is that “the little things add up” – just as in networking. Don’t assume that because some of the tactics and tasks we speak about in this blog series are simple and easy to understand that you shouldn’t make the time to practice them. Don’t discount the fact that we recommend you practice some of these simple tasks on a weekly basis. After all, repetition produces RESULTS – especially in networking

With that said, below are some simple things for you to consider based on your Attitude, Body Language, and Congruence when you are evaluating whether or not people perceive YOU as Approachable or Alienating. And, the reason why we believe this topic is so important is because you may be sending unknown and/or unconscious signals to others when you’re networking that will directly affect the number of referrals you receive and referral partners you make

Approachable Behaviors:

Attitude – Smile, laugh, and look like you are a pleasant person to talk to. Although this seems ridiculously simple, you’d be surprised as to how many people forget it, and therefore don’t practice it (see Alienating Behaviors below).

Body Language – Dr. Misner’s book “Networking Like A Pro” introduced the reader to the dynamics of how one stands when conversing called ‘Open 2’s’ and ‘Open 3’s.’ In short, if you are in a conversation with another person or persons, make sure your STANCE allows for others who walk past you to easily join the conversation. Otherwise, they might not see either one of you as approachable then…or ever.

Congruence – Carry yourself as if every person you meet is the Host of that particular networking event. If you were at someone’s party, you’d go above and beyond the norm to make them feel good about themselves and the party…wouldn’t you? I guess what we’re saying here is that you attended the networking event to make new friends and deepen relationships with people you already know, right? Then, it might be appropriate to act like it.

Alienating Behaviors:

Attitude – When attending networking events, leave your own problems at the door. This is true for both your conscious signals as well as your unconscious signals. For example, rambling on about your rough personal or professional life is unbecoming of a future referral partner. Listening to challenges in your relationship or that your boss has favorites in the office are not the reasons why OTHERS attend networking events. If you’re down, don’t bring other people down. They might avoid you at the next networking event, and the next, and the next.

Body Language – Also introduced in Dr. Misner’s book “Networking Like A Pro” was the idea of how one stands when conversing called ‘Closed 2’s’ and ‘Closed 3’s’. In short, it is possible to alienate other people who might want to learn more about you at a networking function simply by standing in a “closed off manner” with those who you are currently speaking with. Your STANCE means everything in your approachability and allows for others who walk past you to easily join the conversation.

Congruence – (or in this case Incongruence) Lacking consistency between what you say and what you do actually makes a big difference in people’s perception of whether or not you are Approachable or Alienating. If they see consistent inconsistencies, they may believe you are insincere in the reason why you went networking to begin with.

In closing, our focus has been measuring your weekly activities and how they relate to moving people in your network through The VCP Process® all the way from Visibility through Credibility to Profitability. We believe that today’s part in the series helped remind you of some simple, yet extremely important ideas to keep “top of mind.” Do you agree?

We thank you for reading today’s post and extend an invitation to be on the lookout for next month’s contribution to this series – Part 9 called “The Fine Line Between Comedy and Competency.”

6Sep2012

Raymond Aaron on Brand Creation & Brand Polishingstring(54) "Raymond Aaron on Brand Creation & Brand Polishing"

September 6, 2012

Ivan Misner

Attracting Clients, Brand Creation, Brand Polishing, building business, competitors, Double Your Income Doing What You Love, July 2012, Ocean of Sameness, Raymond Aaron, wealth Brand Building, Business, Competition, Credibility, Marketing/Sales, Video Blog, Visibility, Writing 1

I had the pleasure of recording this video with my good friend Raymond Aaron while in Canada for the TLC (Transformational Leadership Council) Conference at the end of July and this is a must-see video for anyone wanting to build their business (which, if you’re reading this blog, more than likely describes you).

Raymond says that if you’re having difficulties attracting the clients and the wealth that you want, it’s very likely that this is due to the fact that you’re in an ‘ocean of sameness.’ In other words, you might know how you’re different than your competitors and your clients may very well know it too, but to everyone else out there in the world looking at you, you look the same as every other professional that does what you do.

Watch the video to learn about the easiest way to differentiate yourself using brand creation and brand polishing so you can get out of the ‘ocean of sameness’ for good.

Also, be sure to visit www.Aaron.com to get a FREE copy of Raymond’s book, Double Your Income Doing What You Love.

23Aug2012

Two Tactics to Help with the ABCs of Networking — “Navigating the VCP Process® to Networking” Seriesstring(119) "Two Tactics to Help with the ABCs of Networking — “Navigating the VCP Process® to Networking” Series"

(Part 7 of 12 of the “Navigating The VCP Process® To Networking” Series)

TR Garland (featured in this video with me) is a friend of mine and co-author of one of my most recent #1 best-selling books called “Building The Ultimate Network.” He’s also considered a top trainer for the Referral Institute.

For some time now, we’ve both observed a need to drill down on one of the most important and foundational concepts to networking – The VCP Process®. Seven months ago, we started a much-anticipated 12-part monthly series of blog posts which addresses this and contains some very timely information for networkers across the globe. Today, we’re proud to share with you Part 7 of the series which is a follow up to the Part 6 video blog we did about the ABCs of networking. Enjoy!

Please let us know what you think of the ABCs of Networking concept, the two tactics we offer in this video, or just the video in general. We’d love to read your comments in the comment forum below. Thanks!

2Aug2012

Social Media & Social Networking–How To Do It Betterstring(63) "Social Media & Social Networking–How To Do It Better"

On my recent trip to Australia, I got the chance to record this video with my friend Dan Garlick, a networking expert from Tasmania. In the video, we talk about the best ways to integrate face-to-face networking with social media and social networking in order to achieve the best possible results from your all-around networking efforts.

Watch the video to learn the best ways to approach face-to-face and online networking integration for a stellar outcome no matter where in the world you are (If Dan can do it from Tasmania–the bottom of the world–so can you! ).

23Jul2012

The ABCs of Networking–“Navigating the VCP Process(R) to Networking” Seriesstring(93) "The ABCs of Networking–“Navigating the VCP Process(R) to Networking” Series"

(Part 6 of 12 of the “Navigating The VCP Process® To Networking” Series)

For some time now, we’ve both observed a need to drill down on one of the most important and foundational concepts to networking – The VCP Process®. Six months ago, we started a much-anticipated 12-part monthly series of blog posts which addresses this and contains some very timely information for networkers across the globe. Today, we’re proud to share with you Part 6 of the series. in short video format. Enjoy!

Please let us know what you think of the video by leaving your thoughts in the comments section. Thanks!

9Jul2012

Congruent in Words and Actionsstring(30) "Congruent in Words and Actions"

I recently saw someone’s Twitter update telling me all about how his vitamin line will not only make me skinny and healthy, but will also make me wealthy. While there is nothing objectionable about any of these outcomes, the jarring reality is that the man promoting this wonderful opportunity is neither skinny, nor healthy, and he had just been posting updates about how he was desperately trying to dig himself out of debt!

Do you see the disconnect here? I’m sure you have seen people at networking meetings and events who will stand, introduce themselves, and deliver a promise-filled monologue about how their product or service will bring you all kinds of things which they themselves obviously do not have the benefit of enjoying.

What’s missing is congruency. When your professional message is not congruent with your personal situation, your networking efforts will not be effective. If you are promoting yourself as a wellness coach, and yet you are often sick and carrying 20 extra pounds, there is a jarring incongruence for which it will be hard for you to compensate. When I want to refer my colleagues to a wellness coach, I will refer one who is healthy, fit and obviously achieving the results she promises I will receive from participating in her program.

This may seem logical, but I often see people all over the world with incongruent messages. Ask yourself how congruent your message is. If you’re a professional organizer, is your briefcase a disaster? If you’re a car detailer, how does your own vehicle look? If you have never done so, take stock today of your message. Evaluate what you’re saying the benefits of your products or services are compared to what you are showing people they are.

Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “What you do thunders above your head so loudly, I cannot hear the words you speak.” In his book Inside the Magic Kingdom, Tom Connellan calls this “walking the talk.” How are you doing when it comes to walking the talk in your business? It will have a definite effect on the success of your networking efforts.

Share a story with me about someone (don’t name names!) whose message was not congruent with their actions. I’d love to hear other stories.

18Jun2012

Audit Your Activities — “Navigating the VCP Process(R) to Networking” Seriesstring(94) "Audit Your Activities — “Navigating the VCP Process(R) to Networking” Series"

For some time now, we’ve both observed a need to drill down on one of the most important and foundational concepts to networking – The VCP Process®. Five months ago, we started a much-anticipated 12-part monthly series of blog posts which addresses this and contains some very timely information for networkers across the globe. Today, we’re proud to share with you Part 5 of the series. Enjoy.

AUDIT YOUR ACTIVITIES
(Part 5 of 12 of the “Navigating The VCP Process® To Networking” Series)

In Part 1, Part 2, Part 3 , and Part 4 of this series, we introduced and re-introduced the concept and steps of The VCP Process® to Networking for our readers through brief anecdotes, relevant comparisons, and sometimes even humorous situations.

Today, we’d like to share with you one laser-focused Power Habit that you can use on a weekly basis to increase the number of referrals you receive. And, that Power Habit is based upon the following underlying Success Principle: It’s not always about the ACT of the ACTIVITIES that one should focus on. It’s the ANALYSIS of those ACTIVITIES that produces your greatest results.

A close friend of ours, Jim Cathcart (www.Cathcart.com), is listed in the professional Speaker Hall of Fame and is a very well-known author and speaker on the topic of Sales. In fact, for 3 years in a row Jim has been selected as one of the Top 5 Speakers on Sales & Service. So, I guess what we’re saying is that we believe “Jim knows his stuff!” And in a recent conversation, he said: “Things that are measured tend to improve.”

It got us thinking that nothing could be truer, especially in the process of getting referrals. Many networkers actually become Referral Institute clients because they want the trainers to hold them accountable for their weekly actions so that they get improved results. We actually steer them towards an amazing online referral tracking tool called Relate2Profit (www.Relate2Profit.com) to help them hold themselves accountable. But for today’s conversation, let’s take baby steps. Let’s talk about something you can do with tools you already have at your disposal…a pen and your Daily Planner.

Our focus is measuring your weekly activities and how they relate to moving people in your network through The VCP Process® all the way from Visibility through Credibility to Profitability.

Here are the recommended steps:

First thing every Monday morning block off 5 minutes.
Write down the names of 5 people who you want passing you steady referrals.
Next, in your Daily Planner block off a 2 minute segment of time for each of the 5 days of the week.
Then, during each of those separate 2 minute segments choose 1 of the 5 people who you want passing you steady referrals.
Finally, TAKE ACTION by doing something to help YOU move that person (who YOU chose) through The VCP Process® to networking on your behalf.

For example, if you are only at Visibility with 1 of those 5 people, what can you do in those 2 minutes to help you move to Credibility with them? Or, if you are only at Credibility with 1 of those 5 people, what can you do in those 2 minutes to help you move to Profitability with them?

At a loss for ideas on what you can do in 2 minutes to help compel someone to pass you referrals? Here’s a brief list of activities that you might want to consider:

Search the web for an article relevant to their professional (or personal) goals and email it to them.
Go to their Facebook timeline or LinkedIn profile and comment on one of their recent posts to show that you care about what they care about.
Send them an email acknowledging that you’re aware of who an ideal client is for them…and let them know you’ll continue to be on the lookout.
Call them up and invite them to accompany you on a meeting you already have scheduled with a prospective client of yours.

As noted above, this is a recommended series of actions that we suggest you implement on a weekly basis. If you do, the COMPOUND EFFECT of these weekly Power Habits will deliver you massive results in the medium and long term with your business relationships.

If this seems too simplistic to you right now, please take special note of the following. In a recent survey over a 12 week period, when asked if they REGULARLY dedicated just 2 minutes for each of the 5 days of the week to perform ANY of the above recommended actions towards staying “top of mind” with prospective Referral Sources…less than 50% of the respondents reported that they did not.

This means that people have identified key Contact Sphere Professionals who should be passing them referrals. BUT, they go weeks and weeks without performing small actions to compel these people to pass them referrals or even to stay top of mind!

Where would you fit into this survey?

In closing, we’d like to recommend you consider that the above Power Habit that can be performed is actually only 15 minutes of your work week. If you work a standard 40 hour week, it’s less than 1% of your time investment for that week. We believe that there should be no excuse for not dedicating 1% of your work week to “staying top of mind” with prospective Referral Sources. Do you agree?

We thank you for reading today’s post and extend an invitation to be on the lookout for next month’s contribution to this series – Part 6 called “The ABC’s of Business Networking”.

4Jun2012

Networking in Thailand, Malaysia, or Japan?–Dos and Don’ts to Notestring(78) "Networking in Thailand, Malaysia, or Japan?–Dos and Don’ts to Note"

Understanding cultural differences when doing business and networking around the world is becoming increasingly important in this global society (click here for an explanation).

On a related note, I posted a blog entry a few weeks ago outlining valuable tips from top networking experts in China and Vietnam which will help people traveling to those countries to position themselves for the most successful outcome when networking and doing business there. I promised that I would revisit the topic of what to do when preparing to network in Asia by posting another blog specifically offering advice on networking in Thailand, Malaysia, and Japan–today I am following through with that promise.

Thai and Malaysian business networking expert Avryl Au (pictured above) has a number of important recommendations for networking and conducting business in Thailand and Malaysia:

When doing business in Thailand, they do not shake hands. Instead, they put their hands together (palm to palm) and place them just in front of their face, close their mouth, and bow slightly. It is acceptable for foreigners to do the same.
In Malaysia, Au says that the handshake is the official way to greet, but after that you put your right hand on your heart. Westerners generally have a firm handshake. However, in Malaysia the handshake is generally softer. This is not a sign of weakness. It is simply the cultural norm. Again, foreigners may do the same.

Asato Ohno (pictured below), one of Japan’s leading experts on networking says, “One big difference between the Japanese culture and Western business culture is an activity the Japanese call ‘nominication,’ which means drinking communication.” According to Ohno, “In order to build any kind of meaningful business relationship with your associates, you must go out for dinner and drinks.”

While this concept is not foreign in Western business culture, it is something that is much, much more important in Japan. Ohno says, “People believe they can build deeper relationships with others more quickly by drinking together. It is almost like having casual one-to-one meetings regularly. Therefore, it is important for any business person to prepare and to plan for ‘nominication’ sessions in order to be successful.”

Finally, exchanging business cards is an essential part of most cultures. In most Asian countries, after a person has introduced him or herself and bowed, the business card ceremony begins. In Japan, this is called meishi. The card is presented to the other person with the front side facing upwards toward the recipient. Offering the card with both hands holding the top corners of the card demonstrates respect to the other person.

The business card is admired much more in Asian culture than it is to us here in Western society. It is truly an extension of the individual and should always be treated with respect. Things like tucking it into a pocket after receiving it, writing on it, bending or folding it in any way, or even looking at it again after you have first accepted it and looked at it are not considered polite and can insult your fellow Asian networker.

So, with that last recommendation, I think I’ll grab some business cards, set a reservation at a local restaurant, contact some business associates, and start a little nominication of my own. Cheers.

21May2012

Expose Yourself!–“Navigating the VCP Process(R) to Networking” Seriesstring(87) "Expose Yourself!–“Navigating the VCP Process(R) to Networking” Series"

May 21, 2012

Ivan Misner

exposure, The Networking Nomad, VCP Process Credibility, Guest Blog, Marketing/Sales, Networking, Networking Prep, Networking Tactics, Profitability, Referral Institute, Referrals, Success, System, VCP Process, Visibility, Word of Mouth 38

For some time now, we’ve both observed a need to drill down on one of the most important and foundational concepts to networking – The VCP Process®. Four months ago, we started a much-anticipated 12-part monthly series of blog posts which addresses this and contains some very timely information for networkers across the globe. Today, we’re proud to share with you Part 4 of the series. Enjoy.

EXPOSE YOURSELF!
(Part 4 of 12 of the “Navigating The VCP Process® To Networking” Series)

In Part 3 of this series, we encouraged Business Networkers to honor the chronological steps of the VCP Process®. In other words, we pointed out that generating a steady stream of referrals takes an investment in time — as well as in the people in your own network. Take action, we recommended, and become visible. However, be cautious about “too much Visibility”.

Today, we’d like to revisit and expand upon the following concept that was introduced last month: If you put yourself out in the marketplace as a person of value, others will want to connect with you. Your role is to EXPOSE YOURSELF to your local business community in a valuable way so that people feel a personal connection with you and feel compelled to assist you.

Let’s dig deeper . . . If you’ve sought out Business Networking training and education in the past, you’ve most likely heard the following phrase: “It’s not who you know, it’s who knows you. However, today, we ask the question: “WHAT…do they know you for?”

You see, we believe that there is a strategic way to go about gaining Visibility in your local community. We believe that if you lead with positive intentions and follow up with valuable contributions, professionals will, in time, feel a personal connection with you and feel compelled to assist you (i.e. pass you qualified referrals and/or connect you with Referral Partners). Attempting to expedite the VCP Process® is almost never a good decision. And sometimes, it may even backfire.

You may have observed this type of behavior before where people shift into what’s considered to be ‘Visibility’-overload. In other words, every chance they get they’re doing random “stuff” (yes, that’s the technical term) to be visible without having any sort of thought out strategy. Do you know what a “Drive-By” is at a networking event? It’s when someone’s strategy (of lack thereof) is to meet everyone at a mixer. As such, they’re focused on passing out their business cards to anyone and everyone versus staying in a conversation for longer than 60 seconds. Has this ever happened to you? What was your perception of this person?

This and other “Random Acts of Networking” ultimately defeat the overall objective which is to build trust and credibility through cultivating relationships. Our fear is that people might be placing a lot of time into gaining Visibility, but NOT being able to capitalize on it. And, it is for this reason that we’d like to introduce the term HYPER-Visibility™. It’s when people try to get everyone to know them, see them, and hear them through a variety of different means in an effort to expedite the VCP Process® to Networking. Whereas, in actuality, it typically backfires and may even be detrimental to their reputation and perceived as overkill.

As alluded to before, try not to be plagued by HYPER-Visibility™ and ask the question: “WHY…do people know you?”

Is it because you:

Have volunteered to setup and break down your visitors table at your weekly networking event?
Have recently been awarded the “Helping Hand Award” in your local community?
Have numerous satisfied clients/customers who say positive things about you?

Or, is it because you:

Are at every single networking event in your local community (i.e. you’re everywhere!)?
Are the person who adds people to your weekly newsletter without permission?
Are constantly conducting ‘off the wall’ introductions (called Sales Manager Minutes in BNI) in an effort to be remembered?

Please be cautious that sometimes if those (albeit memorable, but) ‘off the wall’ introductions have nothing to do with training your network, they may not serve you well. Being over the top could actually push some people away who might otherwise be keen to learning more about you. Please also be aware that sometimes when you’re in roles of increased Visibility, your actions are clearer and even amplified. For example, if you volunteer to help support your local networking group – or even any association or charity – your visibility will be enhanced and you’re typically in the spotlight or under a microscope. Be cognizant, be strategic, and be prepared.

Visibility is an intricate part to the VCP Process®. When strategically planned out, this exposure could be your biggest ally. When attained for no particular rhyme or reason, it could be your biggest enemy. Hmmm . . . food for thought, isn’t it?

In closing, we’d like to recommend that you consider that there are actually two different interpretations to the title of this blog post “Expose Yourself!” First, it can be interpreted as the means by which you strategically and professionally navigate the first step of the VCP Process®. Or, it can be interpreted that sometimes when you are too visible or seeking visibility for the wrong reasons (or with the wrong approach) you actually “Expose Yourself!” Moving forward, our recommendation is to conduct an inventory of what steps you’re taking on a weekly basis to become visible within your own local community. Then, decipher if they are effective at doing the job of helping you move beyond Visibility to Credibility. If not, then please consider revising or replacing

We thank you for reading today’s post and extend an invitation to be on the lookout for next month’s contribution to this series – Part 5 called “Audit Your Activities.”

14May2012

Preparing to Network in Asia?–Consider These Valuable Tipsstring(64) "Preparing to Network in Asia?–Consider These Valuable Tips"

Last week I posted a blog about how cultural differences play into global networking and how understanding those differences becomes very important as we do business around the world.

On a related note, I’d like to offer some valuable tips I’ve picked up from a handful of networking experts in Asian countries–today I’ll focus on China and Vietnam and in the coming weeks, I’ll revisit this topic and provide the additional advice which comes from experts in Malaysia and Japan.

One of China’s leading experts on networking, Jihong Hall (pictured with me below), says that “face is everything to the Chinese.” When used in a business context, face is not something you wash or shave but is something that is granted or lost. In China the word face is an idiom for dignity, prestige, honor, respect, and status. According to Hall, Westerners often make jokes at their own expense or at other people’s expense. They have a knack for laughing at themselves. However, she strongly recommends that you do not do this with the Chinese until you know them very, very well. If you lose their face you will lose their business.

She has three additional recommendations when working with the Chinese:

When negotiating, always keep plenty in reserve. A deal must be a compromise in which you have given enough ground so that their face is satisfied.
Numbers are very important to the Chinese. For example, if your company was formed in 1944 it is best not to mention it because that means “death, death” in Chinese culture. Even prices and fees charged are guided by the right numbers.
How you look is VERY important. Dress well. Smart, casual dress is fine; however, wear stylish clothes.

Vietnamese business networking expert Ho Quang Minh (pictured above) also recommends that you look formal when doing business in Asian countries. He says:

Westerners should be aware that some Asian businesspeople may talk less because they do not feel comfortable speaking English. Don’t assume that they are not highly successful or that they are not driven business professionals simply because they come across as quiet or reserved.
Discuss business over a meal. Do not go straight to the point at the first meeting.

What do you think of this advice–do you find it helpful? If you are a networker in Asia or commonly network in Asian countries, what has your experience been? Do you have any insights to share? Please leave your thoughts in the comments section.

26Apr2012

Business Networking and Sex: Survey Says . . . Transactional vs. Relationalstring(75) "Business Networking and Sex: Survey Says . . . Transactional vs. Relational"

In this short video, I share a portion of the results from the survey of 12,000 businesspeople on which my most recent book, Business Networking and Sex: Not What You Think, is based. The results I discuss here indicate that men and women act differently when it comes to the VCP Process®, transactions, and relationships.

Based on your experience, would you say these results jive with what you’ve found to be true in the networking world? Please share your thoughts in the comments section–I’d love to hear them!

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