contacts Archives - Page 2 of 2

9Dec2010

A Networking Trick for the 21st Centurystring(39) "A Networking Trick for the 21st Century"

Years ago I wrote about a great technique to get people to come to me for their referral needs. However, I recently saw a modern twist to this great idea that I’d like to share with you today.

Here’s a little background information on the original concept:

Since the late ’80s I’ve been training people to use a little networking trick that will enable them to give referrals to more people (which of course leads to getting more referrals for themselves). I talk about this trick in one of my early columns for Entrepreneur.com as well as a blog I wrote last year entitled: Use This Networking Trick to Increase Business.

In a nutshell, the technique is to compose a letter that you give to your clients and contacts which states that an important part of your business is to give referrals to people looking for services that you recommend (you can find a more detailed explanation, along with a sample letter, by clicking on the link given above).

Here’s the interesting, modern twist:

Terry Burkot has created a 21st century version of this same networking technique by adding video to the equation. She still sends a personal message to all the people in her network; however, she doesn’t write a letter, she instead sends a video message which really utilizes the tools we have available to us in this world full of constantly-evolving technology.

Terry used my idea (which was so last century :)) and really improved on it. Well done, Terry!

I’d love to hear your comments on what you think of this modern twist to networking.

14Jun2010

Save Time and Money by Source Seekingstring(37) "Save Time and Money by Source Seeking"

June 14, 2010

Ivan Misner

contacts, goals, knowledge, money, Networking, networking approaches, Networking Tactics, opportunity, source seeking, time Collaboration, Connections, Networking, Networking Prep, Networking Tactics 3

Are you looking for a networking approach that will help you save time and money? Yes? . . . I had a feeling you’d say that. 😉

Source seeking is a great way to save time and money, increase your number of sources, discover some of your best sources and opportunities, and broaden your knowledge of your sources’ networks. It involves contacting your prospective sources to identify people they know who can help you achieve a particular goal. For example, you may ask a source to name someone who can help you with a problem, can sell something you want, owns something you want, knows someone in a certain area, or has been somewhere you want to go.

Here are some tips for source seeking:

Determine what you need; be as clear as possible.
Identify which sources you will contact for recommendations.
Contact more than one source for a recommendation; this way, you may find several prospects who can help you with a particular problem.
Be sure to let your sources know approximately how many options you plan to investigate before you make a final decision.
Be aware that some of your sources may be protective about the people in their network. They may want to check with their contacts before they give you their names and numbers.
Since this approach is primarily one in which your sources give to you, it is important to follow up with thanks and status reports. Be sure to let them know your final decision.

1Jun2010

It’s Not WHAT You Know, But WHO You Know–True or False?string(67) "It’s Not WHAT You Know, But WHO You Know–True or False?"

How many times have you heard the phrase “It’s not what you know, but who you know” when it comes to determining success?? I’m willing to bet that over the course of your life to this point, you’ve heard it a lot. Do you think it’s true? Well, it’s not–it’s false. It’s not what you know, or who you know–it’s how well you know them that really counts.

Here’s the difference. How many people do you know? Open up your e-mail address book and count the names. You know as many people as are listed n your e-mail address book and probably a lot more. Now, reach into your pocket and pull out your car keys. How many of the people you know would you hand your car keys to?

Surely, now you understand that the importance of how well you know a person. A contact is a person you know but with whom you have not yet established a strong relationship. A connection, on the other hand, is someone who know you and trusts you because you’ve taken the time to establish credibility with that person.

Your network must not only be broad but also deep. When you rely on others to cross-market your business or promote your program to a client, you’re not asking a simple favor. For true referral networking, you need relationships that are deeper than mere contacts; you need strong connections, established well in advance.

So, beginning this week, focus on taking the time and energy to cultivate deep relationships by giving your referral sources anything and everything you can to help them succeed. These will be the relationships you can count on when you need powerful connections because it really isn’t what you know or who you know–it’s how well you know them, how well they know you, and how well they know the people you want to meet.