How the "Give First" method of networking works to build your biz

In this era of SOCIAL/ONLINE networking and Viral Marketing it's easy to sit behind your computer and make all kinds of connections, have tons of online "friends", build a following and think you're in the clear. However, there is still no replacement for actually shaking someone's hand and talking with them "eye to eye." I believe we all need to strike a good balance between ONLINE and IN PERSON networking. You need them both and they compliment each other very well. You have to do some testing to find that right mix of in person and online networking and connecting....just do not get lulled into thinking that you can do it all ONLINE. People will not trust you and will begin to see your comments, your Facebook status updates and Twitter stream as NOISE and begin to tune you out. As I am fond of saying out loud as I sit here alone in my office "STEP AWAY FROM THE COMPUTER, CHRYSTAL!" I have also found that to effectively build a business using a combination of in person and online networking you need to GIVE FIRST.  It's true of networking meetings like the kind <a href="http://www.eWNSJ.com" title="eWOMEN">eWomen</a> host or the kinds of chamber events we have all been to. In person or online - It's all about the "UP's." You have to be consistent in Showing Up, Following Up & Giving Up the INFO. (Also, for those of you in the Bay Area I do organize IN PERSON Biznik networking events. Check the <a href="../members/chrystal-bougon/events" title="Biznik">Biznik Events</a> section for more info about our next meeting.) Generously sharing your knowledge and personal resources, network and some of your time can really separate you from the rest of the pack. When you consistently connect two people who need each other's help and when you consistently offer your resources or network, you begin to look like an expert. It's sort of funny, but when I attend networking meetings IN PERSON, I often hear "oh, you are that S.E.O. lady" and the funny thing is, I am actually the S.E.X. lady. I have a passion and addiction for all things related to S.E.O. and New Media. When I learn something cool about how to create more organic rankings or build relevant links, I feel an urge to share that stuff with my networking friends asap. So, my network knows I can help them with more then just SEX toys. Since I am not trying to sell them any kind of SEO products, they tend to trust me a bit more when I share those tips with them. I don't sell SEO, I sell SEX TOYS. Building this kind of reputation has helped me to build up my list of followers, my newsletter subscriptions and a decent following on my <a href="http://www.BetterSexRadio.net" title="Better Sex Radio">Better Sex Radio</a> show.   The GIVE FIRST method in networking circles will help you build your list, set you apart as an expert and you will develop a loyal following and will have other people sharing your message and company for you. We all know there is nothing more VALUABLE then when OTHER people and OTHER entrepeneurs that compliment us and our business and then share our business with others - we all should strive for ways to get our network and followers to evangelize our brand. That is PRICELESS. TIP: Just one last quick note about this and to give you a very  meaninful tip for when you do IN PERSON networking. Go to your networking events with the intent to ACTIVELY LISTEN to how you can help the people you meet. Have your business cards and a pen ready and when you hear a need someone has or you hear someone that may need the services of one of your friends, write it on the back of YOUR business card and give it that person. Invite them to contact you by email or phone so you can help them. That does two things. It puts the ownership of the follow up for how YOU can help that person on them. Secondly. they will have your business card with the info you are sharing with them. That will always be a reminder to them of how you wanted to help them. Be authentic here, though. People see right through silly veiled sales pitches. Remember, you cannot make a sale in 60 seconds. You are working to develop a relationship with that person. It will take a good amount of time before they want to hand you their money or business. But, every little thing you do to build that relationship all helps to baby step you into their TRUSTED circle of friends and network and when the time comes - they will call you when they need you. 2009-05-29T06:27:31Z

2009-05-30T14:53:54Z

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how-the-give-first-method-of-networking-works-to-build-your-biz

2009-05-30T10:53:16Z

2009-05-30T14:53:54Z

How to effectively build a business using a combination of in-person and online networking by using the "Giving First" method. How to find a good balance of IN PERSON and ONLINE networking and marketing.

How the "Give First" method of networking works to build your biz

2009-05-30T14:53:54Z