A lot of people forget the most important role of their business… to network. We have two functions in this business. 1) network with people and 2) market our products and opportunity. That’s why it’s called Network Marketing.
I used to do a lot of networking in the chamber of commerce for my consulting company and many times I had to do cold calling. What really helped me is to realize they are just like me and when I approach the conversation from “how can I help you succeed.” and from the posture of “I know my worth and the value of what I’m offering and out of my known value how can I use what I have to serve you.” then it opened a lot of doors for me.
The biggest problem in this business is everyone is looking at things in the short term. But as network marketers our biggest role is build relationships since that’s how a good majority of our business is generated. If we spent more time focussing on creating relationships and having a genuine interest in both our warm and cold market contacts how much further do you think we could get.
I like what one person said. “Instead of focussing on making a million dollars, focus on making a million friends.”
And here’s the real truth. 80% of all of sales (tradition and direct sales) is made on the 8th touch point. So if you’re calling a list and blowing everyone off you’re missing out on 80% of sales. OUCH!
I love facebook as it offers people the ability to engage with me and ask me questions to business topics. Recently on one of my status updates regarding looking forward to networking with those who I recently added to my friends list started a conversation.
Someone asked a great question and one that I feel many people go through when the phrase “networking event” comes to mind.
“When networking I can’t get past the artificial nature of it all. I feel like you have to put on an act to sell yourself to others. At its best its disingenuous and at its worst can be manipulative, but always shallow and detached from your own personal humanity. When I am at networking events I can’t help but feel like I’m being fake when feigning interest in boring irrelevant small talk to cover the reality that I’m only talking to this person to get a job, a referral or sell my products to them. What do you say to people like me who have an issue with networking event?” – Michael G.
I used to feel the same way when I first started networking. I would dread going to a networking event and many times saw the events as a COMPLETE burden or waste of time. I would dread the events. When I did mange to find either the courage or will power to show up I would mingle around acting like I networking but would rarely start a conversation. I wanted to look like I was doing my duty but honestly I wasn’t being productive.
When I did finally meet with someone I found myself being pitchy. You know exactly what I’m talking about. Either you’re pitching them or they’re gonna pitch you. “Oh brother!” as the late great Charlie Brown would say.
The moment I realized networking had nothing to do about and agenda but only about objectives and relationships I started to relax. The more I networked the more I realized it had nothing to do with what I was selling or what they were selling but the genuine interest in working with each other as friends. WOW! What a profound idea we have on our hands.
People want to work WITH you not FOR you!
My good friend Denis Brink started his business career with the daily confession, “People like me and really want to help me!”
Your thoughts and the direction of your mind is similar to driving a car. Your hands are on the wheel, the gas peddle is going but wherever your head turns the car goes. What you focus your mind in sets your bearings in life.
I discovered networking at its core is about helping other people succeed having the correct posture and motives based upon the Golden Rule.
Just ask yourself this question, “How would I want others to reach out to me or treat me at a networking event?”
Another good thought to have is probably over HALF of the room is more nervous than you are. I like what someone said success and courage is about, “Acting in spite of fear.”
Here are my valuable tips on how to network like a professional.
Read full story »
Not too long ago I exchanged emails with John Milton Fogg over Facebook on my take of what I believe is the most exciting cultural shift in the Network Marketing Industry. John told me, “Tony this is too good NOT to share.” I’ve added a little more to the original message as my perspective has grown.
I believe the next phase of Network Marketing will shift the industry to revolve around several key factors. And please tell me if I’m hot or cold (these are just a few of my view points).
Keep on reading to discover if you’re innovating your business and becoming attractive as a business leader. I’m absolutely 100% confident you will gain a positive outlook on Network Marketing.
Read full story »
Now that has got to get your attention! I know it did mine when I first read that one liner. My mind began racing down paths of deep thought and reflection. More and more I began to ponder on the question of who I am, what I represent and how I represent it.
Written in the book of Proverbs is the saying, “As a man thinks, so is he.” Your inward picture is the projection of confidence and purpose people see. If you’re week on the inside your actions are week on the outside. If you lack confidence on the inside, always doubting your thoughts and actions then you’ll lack confidence and conviction when talking to other people. In everything we do it all comes down to who YOU are on the inside.
The purpose of this blog post is not to talk down to anyone or to condemn. The primary purpose is to bring reflection for self correction and growth. I want YOU to grow as a person first and then project that value to the people around you.
Don’t walk away from your computer until you ask yourself these 10 IMPORTANT questions.
Read full story »
