This is Blogger home of Tyrone Turner.
Folks, I'm pretty darn good at motivating people to get moving, and training them in relationship building, how to network, team building, and how to leverage certain tools to have more success.
I hope that you'll find your time here well spent.
After thinking about yesterday's post, I decided to add this one.
Now, keep in mind that this is MY schedule for online social networking, and not necessarily a suggestion on how you should schedule your day.
The intent is to give you an example of how to go about scheduling your time spent on online social networking sites.
Also, the presumption here is that you're using online social networking sites to grow your business.
Before I go into it, I want to let you know a little about how my day goes...
I am employed as an operations manager for a litigation support company. In a nutshell, my company works onsite for various law firms and corporations handling their mail room services, photocopy and scanning centers, and office supplies. I am charged with managing 35 people, tracking cash flow for my site (profit and loss), and acting as a liaison between my employer and site (i.e. client) for various issues.
It is a very demanding, fast-paced job, so I do not have a lot of time to surf on the Internet during work hours and such, and when I'm not working my job, I'm working my home-based event planning and promotions business, or consulting various home-based entrepreneurs or sole proprietors.
Of course, all work and no play will make me a dull boy, so I make sure to make time to rest and spend time with my friends and family.
I tend to be check online social networking sites Monday through Friday, and here is how I manage my time spent on social networking sites:
Breakfast - While eating my breakfast at my desk, I'll check out LinkedIn to see what my connections are up to and to see if any questions or answers of interest have been posted.
Lunch - I usually have my lunch at my desk so I like to see what my friends on Facebook are doing and type in a few names of people from my past whom I'd like to reconnect with. I also like to see what my connections are doing of Fast Pitch! Networking
Late Afternoon/Early Evening - Before I go home, or while I'm on my way home on the subway, I'll log onto Twitter to let those who are 'following' me know what going on with me and probably make a comment about some miscellaneous thing or pose a question.
Evenings - Some evenings are spend either attending a Meetup (i.e. face-to-face event), or doing a 'phone blitz' on BlitzTime
The weekends are typically reserved for family and friend time, but I do take the time to do research, so I'll check out a few recorded videos on YouTube or Ustream, check out podcasts/Internet radio shows on Blog Talk Radio.
Remember, it is important to get out there and talk to people. But even if your impetus for using online social networking sites is business related, don't forget focus on building relationships.
If you want to see some cool videos on using social networking sites for business and pleasure, check out Perry Belcher's videos on YouTube.
I have not had the opportunity to meet him or even chat with him yet, but his videos are totally awesome.
DISCLAIMER: I do not claim to be an expert. I am nothing more than a student of this new phenomenon called online social networking. The following are just my thoughts based on my personal experience and results. The intention of this blog entry is to provoke thought on this topic so that people make better time management decisions and have realistic expectations from their online social networking experiences. This is NOT gospel. I leave the gospel to Matthew, Mark, Luke, John Peter, and Paul (smile).
How many times a day do you get invitations via e-mail to connect with someone, or to become friends with someone on one social networking site or another, or that someone is following you? I get these kind of e-mail messages every day and I have to constantly remind myself to heed to the advice that I give others...
Make sure to limit the number of online social networks that you belong to otherwise you'll be glued to the computer and real life will pass you by. On top of that, you'll blow up your e-mail account because it will get full of messages pretty quickly.
I like what Timothy Ferris does with his e-mail as stated in his best selling book, The 4 Hour Work Week. He checks his e-mail twice per day, and only Monday through Friday. When you adopt that practice, you'll find that you're a lot more productive.
Anyway, I digress. Let me get back to my take on online social networking sites.
They are cool tools to add to your social and business tool box. However, they DO NOT replace what you're already doing (e.g. picking up the phone and visiting with people face-to-face)
Know what your goals are. If you're getting involved with social networking sites to grow your business, make sure that you're joining the right online social networks. Not all are conducive to business networking.
Join no more than 5 online social networks
Use online social networking sites to as a bridge to get online conversations offline (e.g. face-to-face)
In a previous blog entry, I talked about 7 different types of face-to-face networking groups, and how the guru of networking and founder of Business Network International, Ivan Misner, Ph.D., mentions that you should belong to 3 different types of these networking groups. Because online social network cuts out the travel component, I'd say that you can do 5 online social networking groups.
Here is my Fab 5 (in no particular order) as these are the ones that best fit MY objectives and personality:
Meetup - I am a huge fan of this site because they get it. I love their slogan: "Maybe it's time for a little less face-to-screen and a little more face-to-face." I have been able to meet some wonderful people in Atlanta and Charlotte. I was able to get on a plane and meet these wonderful folks who were incredibly hospitable and welcoming to me. To date, my event planning and promotions business, Grassroots Business Network is growing mostly because of Meetup.com.
LinkedIn - I have found this site to be a great resource because there is a huge knowledge base here. People ask and answer great questions. Also, if you're good at what you do, people recommend you on this site for the whole world to see.
Facebook - Man, you can find anyone here! I've bumped into people that I haven't seen or spoken to in years. It is definitely worth getting on this site because you can reconnect with people from the past.
Twitter - This is kind of like a 'mini blog' where you can give your contacts that answer to that ever-present question...What are you doing right now?
Fast Pitch! Networking - This one is a sleeper hit. Fast Pitch! Networking is loaded with features. Everything from instant messaging, video chat between you and your contacts, and the list goes on. This one is a serious business only resource.
I know that I said 5, but I just have to throw this one in as it is a new type of online social networking site...
BlitzTime - This company provides a very unique phone-based and web-based platform that allows for speed networking events over the phone. It is a blast and you can really cut through to the chase and get down to the nitty-gritty with people. It is hard to explain, so just go to BlitzTime.com and click on the Interactive Demo link at the top of the page.
Well, there you have it, folks. I hope that this sheds some light on online social networking sites.
All the best to you and remember to get out there and meet people from time to time.
Hey, you! Get out up from that computer desk! And you! Put down that Blackberry!
When I hear people speak about their goals, they are usually only talking about how much money they want to make, or how much weight they want to lose. How about having a more balanced approach - a more holistic approach to goal setting?
How about focusing on eight areas instead of only two?
Below are the eight areas and some brief definitions. Something that you'll notice is that you have to be very specific when setting goals.
Financial - EXACTLY how much money are you looking to earn? How to you plan to go about doing that? Via your job, your business, selling stuff on eBay, etc.? WHY do you want this money? What will you do with it?
Physical - EXACTLY how much weight or inches are looking to lose? How will you go about doing it? Explore your options, then commit to sticking to your game plan.
Business - EXACTLY how much money are you looking to make? Don't sell yourself short, but be realistic. If it is a sales goal, how many new customers and or distributors (if you're an MLMer), ordering how much volume do you need to achieve this goal? What face-to-face networking groups are you going to visit with? Do you have a BlitzTime account yet? Are you going to get those premium qualified leads by signing up with Salesconx?
Family - What are you going to do special this new year with your significant other, your children, and other love ones? If it is a trip, when are you going on this trip?
Recreation - It is said that all work and no play will make one a dull person, so what are you going to do for fun this new year?
Spiritual - Do you belong to a house of worship, or do you belong to a community service organization? If you don't give, you generally will not get. That is how the law of attraction works, so go become a 'go giver'.
Career - Are you looking to get a promotion at your current job or looking to make a change in the new year? What are you going to do to prepare yourself? When are you going to update your resume? Are you on LinkedIn? Have you been asking co-workers and clients to recommend you on LinkedIn? Recommendations are key. What job fairs and networking events are you going to go to?
Education - I believe it was Aristotle who said that it is man's (and woman's) responsibility to educate their soul. What are you going to do increase your knowledge in the new year? Are you going back to school? What workshops and seminars are you going to attend? Any audio and/or video programs on your shopping list? What topics are your interested in and what books are you going to read on said topics?
I hope that this gives you something to think about when setting goals for the new year - make sure to balance your scales.
All the best,
Tyrone Turner
P.S. Who do you know who would be interested in eliminating their debt in the new year? For free how to info, have them send a blank e-mail to the following e-mail address: getoutofthedebttrap@getresponse.com.
Send out notification e-mails and letters to your contacts
Research face-to-face networking groups to join
Seek out speaking engagements
Create budgets (time and money) to invest in your professional development
I had technical difficulties at the beginning of the broadcast, and the audio was choppy at times, but I hope that you can still glean some helpful tips from this show.
If you haven't already done so, and you're looking to do your own Internet television broadcasts, go to www.ustream.tv to set up your free account.
It is a best practice to give credit where credit is due - thank you very much Lisa Torres for telling me about ustream.tv and assisting me with the technical difficulties that I was having at the beginning of the show.
I've been home on medical leave (I had knee surgery this passed Tuesday), and the pain and rest have been very sobering and has made me think a lot about our wonderful network marketing industry.
Best-selling author, Robert G. Allen, wrote a great book a few years ago called Multiple Streams of Income, and having multiple streams of income is indeed a desired condition.
However, the mistake that most MLMers make is that they try to establish multiple streams on income simultaneously and that is generally not possible.
Another cool guy named Robert, Robert (aka 'Rich Dad') Kiyosaki, in his joint book project with real estate mogul, Donald Trump (the book was entitled Why We Want You To Be Rich) gave us a great acronym - f.o.c.u.s. -- Follow One Course Until Successful.
Robert Kiyosaki is an avid fan of MLM and says even if you don't make one red cent from your MLM business, what you gain in how to develop networks and how to sell, will serve you well in other entrepreneurial endeavors.
Be very careful about trying to start new income streams before you already have your first deal up and running.
If you try to start several things at the same time, you will not create multiple streams of income, you will instead create multiple streams of outgo.
In network marketing legend, Randy Gage's latest book, Why You're Dumb, Sick, & Broke, he suggests that MLMers follow the following course of action:
Get your MLM up and running, and self-sustaining (RESIDUAL income, not bonuses, that can support you)
Purchase real estate investment properties (rental income)
Create your own information products ('how to' / 'self-help', etc.)
Another thing is that multiple streams of income suggest a diversified portfolio - not two or more MLMs. For instance, working two or more MLMs at the same time is a no-no.
People may tell you otherwise, but being the professional network marketer that you are, remember to ask them Dr. Phil's famous question: "So, how is THAT working out for you?"
Nine out of ten wannabe 'multistreamers' will start babbling and not give you an answer. The one of of ten who may be making some cash may be doing something that you probably cannot duplicate, or they are not telling you how much money they are laying out to earn 'x' amount of money. They may actually be in the negative.
If you're having problems selling your products or services, and building your downline, you may have to tweak your marketing message a little bit. I strongly recommend that you download Kim Klaver's free ebook entitled If My Product Is So Great, How Come I Can't Sell It?CLICK HERE, and/or listen to the companion audio file entitled 100 Customers In 100 Days by CLICKING HERE.
Well, there you have it folks, I hope that this information helps you out a little.
I am so sick and tired of people promoting auto-pilot, no selling required Internet based downline building and customer acquisition systems online. They do not work.
You may get a sale here and there, but how long will that business stay on the books? Not very long because you don't have a relationship with that individual.
MLM is a relationship business. More accurately, a mentoring and coaching business where your duty is to help others achieve THEIR goals, and in return, you will attain yours.
Here are some things that I learned from my mentor Michael Dloughy. He calls this the 5 Pillars of Success that will help you create walk-away, residual income with your MLM business. Use it as your rule and guide.
Here they are:
Company management has experience in network marketing and is currently building an MLM downline organization
Timing in the company and timing in the industry is right. For instance, don't join a company that has been in business for less than two years and that is positioned in an obsolete or soon to be onbsolete industry. Would you join an MLM selling vinyl records? Also, how many Internet marketing guru types do you know who have built a successful, vibrant MLM organization? Hmmmm...
Remarkable products that people would buy even without a compensation plan attached to them.
The compensation plan rewards top builders as well as fairly rewarding the part-time person. By the way, studies show that 96% of your team will be part-time people
A "proven" duplicatable system that allows part-time people to create significant royalty income and full-time people to create extraordinary royalty income
Use the above as your reference sheet to keep you on track when trying to build your MLM business and feel free to get more free tips by going to www.GetABackupPlan.com.
I hope this helps you avoid stepping in the poop...
All networking groups are not created equal. I'm not saying that one is necessarily better than the others, but your expectations and the rules of engagement are different.
According to the Guru of Networking, Ivan Misner (Founder of Business Networking International), you should belong to at least three of the below seven different types of networking groups to maximize your exposure.
Let's discuss the different types of networking groups, and who should and should not join the different types of groups.
Strong Contact Networking Groups
This type of networking group meets on a regular basis (usually every week). You will be meeting with the same people each week and there may be visitors from time to time. Attendance and the giving and receiving of referrals are strictly monitored. Also, when you are a member of this type of networking group, you will have exclusive dibs on your profession - there will be no one else from your profession allowed to join the group. Any and all referrals for whatever it is that you sell will be given to you. Examples of a strong contact network are Business Networking International (BNI); Le Tip; and Leads Club.
These networking groups tend to meet in the morning before the start of the business day - typically over breakfast. For instance, I am a member of a chapter of BNI and we meet at 7:00am every Friday morning.
Who should join? B2B sales agents, self-employed individuals, and small business owners.
Who should stay away? Network marketers who are looking to recruit.
Casual Contact Networking Groups
Your local chamber of commerce is a good example of this genre of networking group. These networking events are usually well attended, but there will be overlap amongst vocations. For instance, if you're an insurance agent, you will most certainly bump into other insurance agents. The best way to get noticed in this type of networking group is to volunteer for a leadership roll. That way, you will stand out over your competitors. Chambers of commerce are also cool because they tend to have very good workshops.
Who should join? All sales agents, self-employed individuals, and small business owners
Who should stay away? N/A - come one, come all
Community Service Organizations
Rotary Club, Lions Club, Kiwanis, fraternaties, sororities, community boards, environmental groups, civil rights / civil liberties groups, and houses of worship all fall under this umbrella. Everyone should join something that supports their community. As I heard a gentleman named Greg Provenzo say years ago, "The grass is not greener on the other side. The grass is greener where you water the grass!" Make sure to take care of home first. However, do understand that these organizations were formed for a specific cause - not for getting more customers for your business. However, once you get people to know you, like you, and trust you, you very well may end up doing business with them.
Who should join? Everyone - take care of home!
Who should stay away? Anyone looking to get quick customers. If you are found to be the proverbial wolf in sheep's clothing, you're finished.
Women's Networking Organizations
These organizations are unique in that they tend to be combinations of two or more of the other kinds of groups. For instance, you have the National Association of Women's Business Owners (NAWBO), but you also have Mothers Against Drunk Drivers (MADD). The first one is for business networking, but the latter is built around a social issue. Also, women's groups do allow men to join. I myself am a member of the Manhattan Women's Chamber of Commerce.
Who should join? Sales agents, business owners, freelancers, civic-minded individuals - anyone.
Who should stay away? Men who are looking for dates. Gents, the ladies will see that coming a mile away. You have been warned.
Cocktail Mixer Business Networking Events
These are probably the most prevalent among all networking groups. They are typically held in bars and restaurants, and are usually very well attended. I have met most of my contacts at these type of events. They are the quickest way to build your rolodex. However, only seasoned networkers can really flourish in this environment. More on that at a later date. One thing to be careful about is not to drink too much, and be advised that some will drink to much. Some come looking for a date, rather than seeking business opportunities. Please remember that.
Who should join? Everyone. However, don't drink too much.
Who should stay away? N/A, but be advised that loud music and alcohol will be two things that you'll have to contend with.
Professional/Trade Organizations
If you're serious about your particular profession, you probably should belong to a professional/trade organization. Examples are the Direct Selling Association (DSA), American Medical Association (AMA), National Association of Public Accountants (NAPA), National Court Reporters Association (NCRA), NY Bar Association, etc. Typically, there aren't very many sales opportunities within a professional/trade organization, but there may be opportunities for joint venturing and/cross-selling.
Who should join? All professionals/tradespersons within a give industry or trade.
Who shouldn't join? Outsiders (to the profession/trade) looking for a quick sale.
Hybrid Networking Organizations
These are organizations that do not neatly fit into one category. My organization, Grassroots Business Network, fits into this category because we are a casual contact networking group, with strong contact network, and community service organization tendencies. Also, the workshops feature uniquely qualified experts in various industries (e.g. wellness, sales, marketing, tax planning, business development, among other topics). Another example of a hybrid networking organization is the Network Marketers Alliance. They are a professional/trade organization that organizes and promotes different type of networking events.
Who should join? All sales professionals, small business owners (up to 10 employees), self-employed professionals, and freelancers.
Who should stay away? N/A, however, if you intend to give half-hearted service to rerferrals, don't bother because we will put the word out on you. You have been warned.
I hope that this blog post gives you some guidance when you're out and about on the networking scene. Please let me know how things work out for you, okay?
Sometimes, weird things pop into my head and I think that they are worth blogging about. I hope you agree that this was worth posting on this blog.
All sales reps and business owners have one common challenge. That challenge is marketing. We're always looking for more effective ways to get the word out about our business. In my opinion, word-of-mouth via networking is probably the most powerful and under-rated of all options. How can you create powerful word-of-mouth advertising for yourself?
By volunteering to speak at group meetings.
First of all, when you are a featured speaker, it is assumed that you are an expert on that particular topic. This is when assuming is a good thing. Speaking to groups of people can help you close volume (i.e. pitch numerous people at once) and is a great way to save time, energy, and money. You can really get your name and brand out there by volunteering to speak at events.
Oh - back to the word goyasu. Here is what it means:
G et
O ff
Y our
A ss[ets]
S peak
U p
Maybe I'll make a move to have the word goyasu added to the dictionary. Hey, if bling can make in there, why not? (smile).
So the moral of the story is to go out there, and let your light shine by sharing your expertise with others. I do understand that public speaking is not for everyone, but certainly fortune favors the bold, so be bold and collect your fortune.
The home-based business and direct selling industries are growing fast. There is so much opportunity for so many people to acquire new skills, time freedom, and even financial. The problem is that we network marketers are our own worst enemies - we tend to bad mouth other companies and their representatives.
When working toward a common goal, everyone else circles their wagons and fires outward, but as the legendary network marketing trainer, Mark Yarnell, says, "Network marketers circle wagons and fire inward."
This in no way raises our image among the general public. If anything, it makes us all look like starving hyenas.
We also need to stop trying to recruit everyone that crosses our path. The driving force of any business is customers. Why are people so focused on the recruiting aspect? You can have a huge sales organization/downline, but the truth of the matter is this: If no customers are being acquired, no money is made.
Like superstar network marketing trainer, Kim Klaver, asks, "When you go into a car dealership, they try to sell you a car. NOT try convincing you to open your own dealership, right?"
I am working very closesly with a group of network marketers in NYC who are diligently working to create a virtual chamber of commerce for network marketers where they can meet other network marketers selling everything from A to Z. Over time - after getting to know, like, and trust one another, members will be able to refer customers to each other, without the fear of the people they send being pitched to be recruited.
No other business does that - tries to sell you their business opportunity first over their product/service. Why are we network marketers so goofy? According to the Direct Selling Association, 1 out of 10 (10%) will buy your product(s)/service(s), but only 1 out of 1,000 (less than 1%) wants to start a business.
Doesn't it make since to pursue customers? You can have a full staff of sales reps, but if no one is coming through the door to buy your product(s)/service(s), you don't have a business - you have a social club. In mainstream businesses, this is when people get laid off.
I myself currently buy products and services from numerous network marketing companies. Here are some of the companies: Pre-Paid Legal Services; Vitamark; SendOutCards; United Credit Education; Scent-Sations/Mia Bella Candles; and AmeriPlan among them. These are products that I would buy anyway, so why not buy them from a network marketing company (via an independent contractor like myself)? Network marketing companies tend to have better, safer products anyway.
Another thing is that there is too much "rah-rah" hype going on in network marketing meetings today. There is a place for goal setting, positive thinking, and motivation, but there is a big void when it comes to skills training. Skills training goes far beyond learning scripts on how to pitch your business to someone. Also, a person who is only taught goal setting, and positive thinking may be extremely motivated and high-energy. But if there is no business skill training, that individual is very likely to have a negative cash flow and quickly becomes a pariah to most people - because she/he will always be in recruiting mode.
We should all commit to learning business and communication skills (including active listening) in order to be successful.
Learning how to network is also very, very important. Networking includes seeing opportunities for others and yourself, relationship building, and follow-up skills. These skills can be taught, and indeed must be taught to network marketers if we are to be taken seriously.
A rising tide lifts all ships, right? Together, everyone achieves more, right? Zig Ziglar says, "Help others get what they want, and you get what you want," correct?
If we direct sellers and network marketers want to be taken seriously, this is something we need to work on. So, in support of this effort to improve skills development among network marketers, and to foster cross-selling so that we can keep the money in the network marketing family, the organizers of this meetup group are working to make this a true chamber of commerce for network marketers, and to foster professionalism by educating retaining the services of qualified instructors who can teach all of us various generic skills and need-to-know information like getting organized, how to evaluate a business, tax planning, relationship management, etc.
Effective immediately, I'm am in the process of forming networking 'power teams' comprised of network marketers from different companies. We're looking to form different groups of 15 members (Fab 15), and have no more than one representative per company or industry on teach team. We intend to meet once per month, and again, these meetings will be limited to 15 people.
Some of our gatherings will be live, face-to-face events, but the majority will be phone-based speed networking events using the awesome platform provided by BlitzTime.
Here is how a Fab 15 group will look (one rep per company or industry) - please do not feel slighted if your company is not named. This is just an example:
Pre-Paid Legal; Mia Bella Candles; United Credit Education; NetWorth USA; Send Out Cards; May Kay; Pampered Chef; Isagenix; Discovery Toys; Primerica Financial Services; Ambit Energy; Money Mastery for Life; Vitamark; Ribbon (Quixtar); and Passion Parties.
None of the above companies are competing products or services, and should be able to get along well with each other. We will use the model of well-estathe Breakfast Network to facilitate our meetings for the best results and benefits to all involved.
Also, we will be airing a monthly Internet radio show at www.HomeBizRadioShow.com. All of the calls will be recorded and archived for playback, downloading, and burning to CD.
Let me know if you're interested in being on a future broadcast - we're always looking for guests for our show.
Please come in the spirit of cross-selling and commerce - NOT recruiting. Those who are looking to become "downline pirates' are not welcome here.
We hope to see you at one of our future events!
Tyrone Turner ######################################### Learn how to succeed in any MLM program. CLICK HERE to get your free ebook now. #########################################
I have decided to align myself with an MLM coaching and mentoring company.
WHY? I came across a very useful set of guidelines that got me thinking. They are called "The 5 Pillars of Success" (according to Michael Dloughy).
Here they are:
The company's management team must have rock-solid experience backed with unquestionable integrity. Ideally, they are currently active in network marketing and presently building a downline organization.
Timing in the company. Timing in the profession of network marketing. Timing within national and global trends.
Remarkable products people will buy even without a compensation plan attached to them.
A compensation plan that rewards the top builders as well as fairly rewarding the part-time person. Studies show that 96% of your team will be made of part-time people.
A "proven" duplicable system that allows part-time people to create a significant royalty income and full-time people to create an extraordinary royalty income.
My friend, you may not even be interested in starting a home-based network marketing business, or you may already be a distributor for a company, but I encourage you to plug into Michael Dloughy's FREE, generic network marketing mentoring and training.
This training will help you find the right home-based network marketing business for YOU - not me, or anyone else, but for YOU. Or, it will help you make the most out of your current network marketing business.
For the free mentoring and training site, CLICK HERE.
This is a business blog, but due to the historical significance of electing Barack Obama to the Presidency of the United States, I decided to post this entry to my blog.
This instantly popped into my mind when Katie Couric announced that Barack Obama is projected to become the President of the United States of America.
Folks, were you raised in the church, synagogue, or mosque? If so, you probably remember the story of Joseph, son of Jacob.
To learn or reacquaint yourself with is story, click on the links below:
Where am I going with this? I am the grandson of sharecroppers, and the great-great-great grandson of slaves. Born in the United States of America - modern day Egypt as it is 'THE' country on the world stage.
President-elect, Barack Obama, is very much like Joseph. He had a dream, and strong faith in the face of overwhelming odds to become an administrator in the land of his people's bondage.
Don't hear me wrong now. President-elect Obama IS NOT a prophet or the second-coming of Christ.
If you are a Christian, Muslim, or Jew, you know better than to put your undying faith into any man or woman. That is reserved for the MOST HIGH (or whatever your deem appropriate).
It is just that this is like prophecy to black folks born in this country. I didn't think that I would live to see this moment. It is so relieving to see that the country can get passed the color issue and elect a black man to the presidency.
I never thought that I would see this in my lifetime, and I hope that I live to see individuals of Latino, Asian, Jewish descent get elected to our great nation's high office.
The blog entry below are some ideas I picked up from a phenomenal sales trainer that I met recently named Lawrence Sharpe. He is a principal in a company called Neo-Sage (www.neo-sage.com).
Lawrence Sharpe is a director with Manhttan BNI - a franchise of Business Network International (BNI).
___
First things first, here is what to say to people:
"I get together every month with other small business owners and sales professional to share ideas and to pass referrals to each other. We work together to help each other build our respective business - get more sales. Would you be interested in joining us at our next event?"
Disclaimer: You can take a horse to water, but you can't make him drink. These are some things that are within YOUR control, so these are the things that you can do to boost attendance at your networking events.
Who are your current vendors and service providers?
Follow your dollar. Who do you spend money with? Who does... your taxes, your lawn, your housekeeping, your dry cleaning, your stationery, fixes your car, etc.
You are their customer, and in a world of endless choices, they want to keep your business and get more referrals, right?
Who already gives you referrals?
They will add to the energy as they already endorse you.
Who is in your social circle?
Let them come see what you do to grow your business when you're not knocking back tequila shots (Oops! Told on myself)
Who are your customers?
Ask them to come out to support you - they may see you in a new light, and meet someone that can fill one of their needs.
Who would you like to have as a client (i.e. your prospects)?
Who are people that are your 'must-have' customers? Instead of trying to cold call them or trying to get a meeting with them, how about inviting them to an event by sending them an invitation letter or card then following up with a phone call. If you bring them to a setting where they may also build their business, it is a lot less threatening.
I hope that this helps.
For a calendar of upcoming networking events hosted by me and my partners in Grassroots Business Network, go to www.GbnLLC.info.
I got this info after reading Robert G. Allen's and Mark Victor Hansen's book entitled The One Minute Millionaire.
Check this out:
1) Mentors
You must have teachers to show you the way. Experience is the best teacher - especially someone else's. Why take lumps when you don't have to? Work smarter, not harder.
2) Team
Business is a team sport, and teams win. That is what Robert Kiyosaki has taught us. When you put a bunch of determined, independent, competent people together, success happens in uncommon hours.
3) Infinite Network
When you build your team, the million dollar question is "Who do you know who [sells/buys/etc.]?" This is how you break through to the next level to accomplish your goals.
4) Skills
Friends, if you take an idiot and you motivate him/her, you will have a motivated idiot. People need to move beyond being motivated, and become competent. Skill development is crucial to business success. The most important skill that one can develop is the skill to sell/persuade. This is when skills pay the bills, folks.
5) Tools
What separated Neanderthals, from Cro Magnons, and Cro Magnons from Homo Sapiens? The intelligence to employ the use of tools. There is no need to do the heavy lifting. Use tools to get the job done.
6) System
The authors of this book use system as an acronym - Save Your Self Time Energy [and] Money. You see, your teachers are grooming you. Your team is supporting you. You're meeting people through the infinite network. You have developed some necessary skills. You have tools to make it easier. The system helps you put it all together.
Do you have a system?
Here is an analysis of the SendOutCards system. I refer to SendOutCards a lot, because I am rather fond of the company, and it's products have helped me prosper in Corporate America, and in my business.
Here is my checklist:
Mentors: Kody Bateman; Jordan Adler; David Frey; Steven Greene; and Phil Barnhardt
Team: David Steiner; Florence Callendar; and Charmaine Johnson (there are others, but these two are stars)
Infinite network: Colleagues on the SendOutCards forum and mailing list - whew! Those gals and guys know everybody - they introduced me to Business Network International (BNI), and inspired me to start Grassroots Business Network, LLC
Skills: BNI; and the members and the experts of Grassroots Business Network
Tools: SendOutCards' contact manager and the greeting cards and post cards
System: Step 1 - send one unexpected card each day; Send 2 - Send one DVD and e-mail the online walk through link each day; Step 3 - Set up 1 free gift account a day; Step 4 - You may or may not be interested in this, but there are 3 ways to become a sender of cards. Where do you see yourself getting started (i.e. make a decision)?
See there, that is is easy-to-follow plan.
To learn more about SendOutCards and how it could help grow your business, and to take a FREE test-drive of the program, CLICK HERE.
This is not meant to be a comprehensive "how to" - it is an overview of how to go about being a 'Go-Giver'
Suggested Reading:
Find out who the other person's target customers are
Ask the person who else sells to that target customer
Think about who you know personally, and ask around
Reach out to prospects on behalf of the person you're giving the referral to. Make sure to name drop so that they know that you are a 'friend of a friend'
Ask permission to share the prospect's contact information
Introduce both parties via e-mail
Follow-up with an e-mail and phone call to confirm that they both received your e-mail. Ask when they plan to reach out to the other person, and/or when the other person should reach out to them
Follow-up with an e-mail and phone call to find out what happened
Anyone that is an independent distributor with a network marketing company is an independent contractor, not a partner or shareholder in the business. As a matter of fact, network marketing companies have non-compete clauses in their independent distributor agreements that prevent its distributors from working with another network marketing company. If you are found to be doing so, the company reserves the right to terminate your distributorship (i.e. fire you).
Well, here are a few points to consider:
Network marketing allows average people to generate passive, recurring income (which can can potentially lucrative)
Sales training is done at the independent distributors own pace, and is often free of charge. The ability to sell is a coveted, invaluable skill.
Independent distributors are taught operations (e.g. how to manage others, time management, forecasting, industry-specific expertise, etc.)
The personal growth and development books and programs that the industry advocates are life-changing
May be a compliment, supplement, or gateway to what you REALLY want to be doing.
I started my OWN business back in October 2007 (along with my business partner, Lisa Torres). Our company is called Grassroots Business Network, LLC. What we do is organize and promote networking events and developmental workshops specifically for small business owners with up to 10 employees, sales agents, freelancers (including network marketers), and those interested in starting their own business - whatever that may be. We are actively organizing and promoting events in NYC, Charlotte, and Atlanta.
I say without reservation that the skills, tools, and systems that Lisa and I have learned from network marketing has been invaluable in helping us to develop and grow our business.
Not only in business, but the skills that I have been able to develop in network marketing have allowed me to significantly increase my income in Corporate America, and have enabled me to seek and seize bigger and better opportunities with relative ease. Understand that it is not me, it is the training that network marketing provides.
You can not make one red cent with your network marketing distributorship, but you will become a better, more marketable you. These are some things that they don't teach you in the classroom. You instead learn by doing. Ralph Waldo Emerson said it best: "Do the thing and get the power."
Here are a few books that I highly recommend: Why You're Dumb, Sick, and Broke, by Randy Gage; The Cashflow Quadrant, by Robert Kiyosaki; and Multiple Streams of Income, by Robert G. Allen
I hope that you found this blog entry to be thought-provoking.
Disclaimer: I do not claim to be an expert. This is not gospel. I leave the gospel to Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, and Paul. However, I do feel that you will get some value out of what I have to share here.
When marketing a product or service, you need to clearly identify your niche - target population. Some people say that everybody is a potential customer or business builder, and that thinking is flawed. Successful business people focus on one or at most, very few specific target groups - niches. According to the recent best-selling book The Long Tail, the secret to success is to sell more of less to a very specific group of buyers — a niche.
More on this at a later date. I just wanted you to have a taste of it to prepare you to understand some of the language and reasoning in this article.
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In your network marketing career, you're going to come across 3 types of people: Helpers; Heroes/Heroines; and Haters.
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Let's examine these three types…
Helpers are people that look up to you and feel that it is an honor and a privilege that you asked them to assist you in some way. These people generally look up to you for one reason or another. Perhaps you have a job position, a particular social status, or a bank account balance that they desire and respect. Whatever the case may be, they are always willing to help.
Here is a good way to ask a Helper to assist you by referring customers to help you grow your network marketing business:
[HELPER], I really need your help with something. I market a product/service to [YOUR NICHE] that helps them to [BENEFITS TO THE NICHE]. Who do you know who would be interested in learning more about a product like that? I would really appreciate any and all help.
Here is a good way to ask a Helper to assist you by becoming a business builder - join your team:
[HELPER], I got something to show you. I'm putting a team together and I'd like for you to be part of it. What we're doing is working with a company that markets a product/service to [YOUR NICHE] that helps them to [BENEFITS TO THE NICHE]. I need you to review this [TOOL — DVD, CD, recording phone overview, magazine, brochure, website, etc.) and let me know by tomorrow if you'd like to join our team, okay?
There are also Heroes/Heroines. Heroes/Heroines are people that you look up to for the same reason that a Helper looks up to you. These are people like a good teacher, your doctor, lawyer, accountant, a respected business person that you know, etc.
Here is a good way to ask a Hero/Heroine to assist you by referring customers to help you grow your network marketing business:
[HERO/HEROINE], I know that you keep a busy schedule, but can you please do me a favor? I market a product/service to [YOUR NICHE] that helps them to [BENEFIT TO THE NICHE]. Who do you know who would be interested in learning more about a product/service like that? I would really appreciate any and all help, and any referrals you send my way will be given the utmost customer care. I will not embarrass you or let you down.
Here is a good way to ask a Hero/Heroine to assist you by becoming a business builder - join your team:
[HERO/HEROINE], I really respect you and your opinion. I know that you keep a busy schedule, but if you would be so kind as to squeeze in 15 minutes to review a [TOOL — DVD, CD, recorded phone overview, magazine, brochure, website, etc.). I'm looking for people that are interested in earning extra money from home in their spare time, by telling other people about the product/service explained in in/on the [TOOL]. Please let me know when you can get back to me on this, okay? I really appreciate your help.
Now, they may be interested themselves, but don't approach them that way as there may be an ego situation going on. They are your hero/heroine, remember? What could you offer them. Also, do not let their less than favorable opinion about your company, and/or its products/services get you down. If you have thoroughly researched your company, and there is a lot of positive press, and/or it is positioned in a growing industry, don't worry about it. Hey, they don't know what they don't know.
Finally, let's talk about Haters. Haters are your peers — family, friends, neighbors, and coworkers. These are your warm market contacts. When dealing with your warm market, remember Napoleon Hill's words from pages 140-141 in his book Think and Grow Rich: "Close friends and relatives…often handicap one through 'opinions' and…ridicule…meant to be humorous. Thousands of men and women carry inferiority complexes with them all through life, because some well-meaning but ignorant person destroyed their confidence through 'opinions' or ridicule." Hmmm… Why do our companies and sponsorship lines tell us to go after our warm market? They talk about Napoleon Hill's book all the time. Didn't they read this passage from his book? Hmmm…
Anyway…
Your job with Haters is to inform them. This group is called Haters because they are the ones most likely to knock the average person out of the box. The key here is to not ask them directly for anything - it is not about them.
Here is a good way to ask a Hater to assist you by referring customers to help you grow your network marketing business:
[HATER], I started a business where I market a product/service to [YOUR NICHE] that helps them to [BENEFITS TO NICHE]. Who do you know who would be interested in learning more about a product/service like that?
If they say something slick, which it is very possible that they will, your response should be, "Well, I wasn't asking YOU. I was asking who do you know who would be interested in learning more about a product/service like that."
Here is a good way to ask a Hater to assist you by referring business builders to help you grow your network marketing business:
[HATER], I'm looking to make a change in my financial status and the quality of my life. I recently started my own business where I market a product/service to [YOUR NICHE] that helps them to [BENEFITS TO NICHE]. I'm looking to assemble a team to help me spread the word about this product/service. You may not be interested in this, but who do you know who would like to earn extra money in the spare time by helping to spread the word about this company? I have a [TOOL — DVD, CD, recorded phone overview, brochure, website, etc.) that I'll give to them. So who do you know that would like to learn more about this?
So as Kim Klaver teaches, go pick a niche, and go for it. I'll give you two examples how to identify a niche for your products/services.
Felicia Richardson, Independent Associate with Pre-Paid Legal Services told me that one of her target niches/ideal customers are single moms in the Bronx. So, her "quick pitch" sounded like this: I market a service to single moms in the Bronx who would like to protect their family for less than the cost of a bottle of water a day. Who do you know who would be interested in learning more about a service like that?
I'm an Independent Distributor with Send Out Cards. One of my target niches customers are insurance agents. So my "quick pitch" sounds like this: I market a service to insurance agents that helps them to triple the amount of referrals they currently receive. Who do you know who would be interested in learning more about a service like that?
Folks, I sincerely hope that this helps you get more customers and business builders. I look forward to learning from you all, and I am committed to sharing with you. That is what the Network Marketers Alliance is all about.
We also have a monthly radio broadcast. Go to www.HomeBizRadioShow.com to learn about upcoming shows and to listen to recording of past shows in our archive.
You can have great marketing brochures, a killer website, and an awesome product/service. However, people will buy from those that they like, know, and trust, and the only way that you're going to accomplish that is to build a relationship.
Here is a 10-step follow-up system on how to build relationships with new people that you meet:
First things first, have your "quickie pitch" and your "60-second commercial" prepared
Here is the format for the quickie presentation (approximately 10 seconds long):
My name is ___. I market a (product/service) that (what it does). My ideal customers are (describe target customer). Who do you know who would be interested in learning more about a product/service like that? Let me know, okay?
Here is the format for the 60-second presentation:
My name is ___. I market a (product/service) that (what it does). My ideal customer are (describe target customer). My motto/tagline is (your catchy motto or tagline here). Please let me know if you know somebody that would be interested in learning more about a product/service like that, okay?
1) Approach and Interview the new person and ask "Who are you, and what do you do?" Ask the new contact what they do and who their ideal customer is. Take notes on what they say. Make sure to have a little notepad. Gather as much contact information as possible (i.e. mailing address, e-mail, and fax). Note: If the person is reluctant to give you their mailing address, just tell them that you want to send them product samples or information about your business.
2) Quick Pitch or 60-Second commercial - If they haven't already asked you, ask them if you can briefly tell them about your business. Usually, the quick pitch is the way to go but if the environment allows it, and they person is asking you a lot of questions, go with the 60-second commercial.
3) Graceful exit - Give them permission to work the room, and promise them that you will be in touch as you want to learn more about them and their business.
4) Update your contact manager - When you get back to your office, input their information into your contact management system (e.g. Outlook, Sugar, Act, Goldmine, SendOutCards, Gmail, Hotmail, Yahoo, etc., or an Excel spreadsheet)
5) Email (or fax) them a "nice meeting you" note.
6) Direct mail - Send them a "nice meeting you" greeting card via the U.S. Postal Service. A greeting card is 11x more likely to be read when compared to a letter.
7) Phone call to check-in - 5 business days later, if the new contact hasn't already called you, pick up the phone and call them. Make sure to ask them if you have caught them at a good time! Schedule a phone conference or a face-to-face meeting to discuss business matters. The purpose of this meeting is to learn more about their business to see if you two can somehow help each other out down the road - if the chemistry is right and after you have developed trust.
8) Appointment (face-to-face, video conference, or phone conference) and Exchange Marketing Material. On the phone conference/at the face-to-face meeting, learn all that you can about their business. Ask questions about who their ideal customers are, and what other types of businesses service their target market. At the end of the meeting, ask them to give you brochures and other information about their business, and hand or mail them info about your business. On a face-to-face meeting, bring a small gift. I typically bring a small bag of candies, or some company-branded giveaway like a pen or mug. Sometimes, I'll give them an educational CD (Ivan Misner, Robert Kiyosaki, or David Bach). Make sure to tell the other person that you will be following up on "x" date to discuss what you've read about their product/service, and to get feedback on what they learned about yours.
9) Follow-up phone call - The million dollar question: "So, what do you think?" Commit to them, that as you two get to know, like, and trust each other over time, you will be keeping your eyes and ears open to send business their way when possible.
10) Never stop following-up - periodically check-in with them to to share information and just to say "hi". Mix up and space out your approach. Use text e-mail, audio e-mail, video e-mail, fax, direct mail, phone calls, and face-to-face meetings. Never, ever, ever try to hard-sell them. The info you gave them about your business and your character will do the selling for. Just remind them from time to time what is is that you do, and you'd be surprised how people will buy from you and/or send referrals your way.
TOOLS
You may want to consider adding some of the following to your marketing arsenal:
Autoresponder (for mailing lists, newsletters, and special reports; you may also want to use audio enabled e-mail; and/or video enabled e-mail
Send real greeting cards via the Internet. You can create a personalized greeting card over the Internet in less than 60 seconds. The company's back office prints the cards out, stuffs it in an envelope, and sends it off to the recipient via the United States Postal Service
Telephone/virtual assistant/fax -- also called a unified messaging system.
When meeting face-to-face, give the person a small bag of candy. Keep a steady supply chocolates and other candies. They are available at discount prices.
You may want to also consider video blogging, and broadcasting, and maybe even podcasting and teleseminars.
A lot of my clients, family, and friends like to burn scented candles, so I became a "Candle of the Month" subscriber as candles make great gifts.
If you'd like to know my specific recommendations for the products and services described above, just contact me.
I've had people buy from me because I am pleasantly tenacious in my follow-up. You have to show people that you are really interested in them, and that you believe in your product/service. It is very, very important that during the follow-up, "courting" process, you develop a relationship. People are more likely to do business with people that they know, like, and trust.
Always remember that new customers are the life blood of any business, and the best way to get new customers is through the referrals of other satisfied customers.
Take care of your customers, and they will take care of you.
"Givers gain." - Ivan Misner, Founder and Chairman of Business Network International (BNI)
"Appreciation beats self-promotion any day of the week." - Kody Bateman, Founder and CEO of Send Out Cards, Inc.
"We shower our customers with attention. There is no doubt in my mind that our philosophy can be applied to selling just about anything - from aircraft engines to beanbags." - Jack Mitchell, CEO Mitchells/Richards, author of Hug Your Customers®
All networking groups are not created equal. I'm not saying that one is necessarily better than the others, but your expectations and the rules of engagement are different.
According to the Guru of Networking, Ivan Misner, Founder of Business Networking International (BNI), you should belong to at least three of the below seven different types of networking groups, but not more than one of the same type to maximize your exposure.
Let's discuss the different types of networking groups, and who should and should not join the different types of groups.
Strong Contact Networking Groups
This type of networking group meets on a regular basis (usually every week). You will be meeting with the same people each week and there may be visitors from time to time. Attendance and the giving and receiving of referrals are strictly monitored. Also, when you are a member of this type of networking group, you will have exclusive dibs on your profession - there will be no one else from your profession allowed to join the group. Any and all referrals for whatever it is that you sell will be given to you. Examples of a strong contact network are Business Networking International (BNI); Le Tip; and Leads Club.
These networking groups tend to meet in the morning before the start of the business day - typically over breakfast. For instance, I am a member of a chapter of BNI and we meet at 7:00am every Tuesday morning.
Who should join? B2B sales agents, self-employed individuals, and small business owners. Who should stay away? Network marketers who are looking to recruit.
Casual Contact Networking Groups
Your local chamber of commerce is a good example of this genre of networking group. These networking events are usually well attended, but there will be overlap amongst vocations. For instance, if you're an insurance agent, you will most certainly bump into other insurance agents. The best way to get noticed in this type of networking group is to volunteer for a leadership roll. That way, you will stand out over your competitors. Chambers of commerce are also cool because they tend to have very good workshops.
Who should join? All sales agents, self-employed individuals, and small business owners
Who should stay away? N/A
Community Service Organizations
Rotary Club, Lions Club, Kiwanis, fraternaties, sororities, community boards, environmental groups, civil rights / civil liberties groups, and houses of worship all fall under this umbrella. Everyone should join something that supports their community. As my partner, Lisa Torres says, "The grass is not greener on the other side. The grass is greener where you water the grass!" Make sure to take care of home first. However, do understand that these organizations were formed for a specific cause - not for getting more customers for your business. However, once you get people to know you, like you, and trust you, you very well may end up doing business with them.
Who should join? Everyone - take care of home!
Who should stay away? Anyone looking to get quick customers. If you are found to be the proverbial wolf in sheep's clothing, you're finished.
Women's Networking Organizations
These organizations are unique in that they tend to be combinations of two or more of the other kinds of groups. For instance, you have the National Association of Women's Business Owners (NAWBO), but you also have Mothers Against Drunk Drivers (MADD). The first one is for business networking, but the latter is built around a social issue. Also, women's groups do allow men to join. I myself am a member of the Manhattan Women's Chamber of Commerce.
Who should join? Sales agents, business owners, freelancers, civic-minded individuals - anyone.
Who should stay away? Men who are looking for dates. Gents, the ladies will see that coming a mile away. You have been warned.
Cocktail Mixer Business Networking Events
These are probably the most prevalent among all networking groups. They are typically held in bars and restaurants, and are usually very well attended. I have met most of my contacts at these type of events. They are the quickest way to build your rolodex. However, only seasoned networkers can really flourish in this environment. More on that at a later date. One thing to be careful about is not to drink too much, and be advised that some will drink to much. Some come looking for a date, rather than seeking business opportunities. Please remember that.
Who should join? Everyone one.
Who should stay away? N/A, but be advised that loud music and alcohol will be two things that you'll have to contend with.
Professional/Trade Organizations
If you're serious about your particular profession, you probably should belong to a professional/trade organization. Examples are the Direct Selling Association (DSA), American Medical Association (AMA), National Association of Public Accountants (NAPA), National Court Reporters Association (NCRA), NY Bar Association, etc. Typically, there aren't very many sales opportunities within a professional/trade organization, but there may be opportunities for joint venturing and/cross-selling.
Who should join? All professionals/tradespersons
Who shouldn't join? Outsiders (to the profession/trade) looking for a quick sale.
Hybrid Networking Organizations
These are organizations that do not neatly fit into one category. Grassroots Business Network, fits into this category because we are a casual contact networking group, with strong contact network, and community service organization tendencies. Also, the workshops feature uniquely qualified experts in various industries (e.g. wellness, sales, marketing, tax planning, business development, among other topics). Another example of a hybrid networking organization is The Network Marketers Alliance. It is a professional trade organizationThey are a casual contact network with very strong professional/trade organization, but it's networking events tend to have strong contact networking tendencies.
Who should join? Depends.
Who should stay away? Depends.
I hope that this blog post gives you some guidance when you're out and about on the networking scene. Please let me know how things work out for you, okay?
The Internet can be a very cold, impersonal place. How can you warm people up to you? One way is to set up a blog page. Blogs are free to set up, and you can let your visitors know that you are a real person.
Most network marketing companies offer replicating websites (e.g. http://www.yourcompanyname.com/username) and those sites are set up to tell visitors about the features of your company's product(s)/service(s), and the business opportunity. Your unique personality is not on display.
######### Sidebar Begins #########
Make sure to purchase a unique domain name to redirect to your replicated website. It is not a bad idea to run the name by your network marketing company's corporate office before actually purchasing the domain name.
######### Sidebar Ends #########
However, a blog page can serve as your "gateway" page - a page designed to get people to know you better. Remember, network marketing is a person-to-person business. So, let people in on some of your personal business like your hobbies and interests.
Generally, people do business with those that they know, like, and trust. As a matter of fact, these three elements are very, very necessary if you plan to build true "walk-away" (i.e. residual) income with your home-based network marketing business.
You see, sales people can sign up a lot of customers and recruit a lot of business builders in short order, but can they keep them?
Hmmmm...
I'd say, not normally.
However, if you build a solid relationship, by letting people know who YOU really are, they'll most likely stand by you through thick and thin.
So, I recommend that you have at least two (2) websites with unique domain names: Your blog; and your company's replicated website
You can get unique domain names at http://www.directnic.com I recommend Directnic over GoDaddy because even though the initial domain purchase is cheaper for the latter, the former will charge you additional fees for setting up e-mail accounts and such.
Again, don't forget to clear a unique domain name that you're intending to redirect to your replicating website with your network marketing company's corporate office before actually purchasing it. Companies selling financial services and or an insurance or insurance-like product (e.g. Pre-Paid Legal) are very strict about this policy and may subject your distributorship revoked.
I'm a 40-year-old corporate professional and home-based entreprenerur from Queens, New York. My day job is that of an operations manager for a major law firm. With my home-based business, I'm am an independent broker of various products and services relevant to my niche -- solopreneurs and home-based business owners. I also have to say that I'm pretty darn good at training people in relationship building, how to network, team building, and using certain follow-up tools.
