Tags |
|
|
Links |
|
|
Add You - So, What Do YOU Do? How to Nail Your Networking Intro
Network marketing was created as a unique means for home-based entrepreneurs to expand their income horizons. The concept, if implemented correctly, permits one not only to make profits from selling products as a retailer, but to also recruit other individuals into one’s downline and then earn income from their retail sales.But although the concept is creative and appears to be full of potential, most people who are new to network marketing face a common problem. Seemingly the sole markets for their products and for the business opportunity that might allow them to grow their downline are family members, workplace associates, neighbors and friends.What generally happens, at least for more than 90% of network marketing novices, is that after they make th
Anytime, Anywhere
In my networking workshops I make it a point to tell my audiences members: “There is a time and place for networking: ANY time and ANY place.” With that in mind, let’s take the material you brainstormed from earlier and put it to use in possible scenarios. (You might want to practice these with a partner too.)
*You have five minutes at your local association meeting to introduce yourself via speech to 100 strangers in the audience. What would you say?
*At the sub shop you go to once a week, the teenage cashier says, “Hey there! It must be Tuesday again, huh? Good to see ya! And you know, you always come in here, but I don’t think I know what you do…” (Remember, the line is long.) What would you tell her?
*You’re participating in a rapid-fire-speed-networking-blitz type activi
Disclosure laws in franchising are suppose to help the consumer. They don’t. The FTC, which over sees franchising has in fact created a rule, which makes 5 lb. Disclosure documents for franchise buyers, which is so huge that no one ever reads it. I know when I personally meet a franchise buyer whose application form is approved and hand them a UFOC, Uniform Franchise Offering Circular with attachments and watch their jaw drop and then their hand drop when they clutch it in their hands (due to the weight of the 155 to 200 pages), I see a blank look. I apologize every time for my unreasonable government and the US legal system for the rules.I tell them it is to protect them and put up my shoulders and they usually say something like “Yah Right.” A franchise bu
Ahhhhhhhhhh! Which one do you use? And when? And with whom?
Tough question. Especially because since the early 90’s, tens of thousands of articles, books, manuals and guides have been written on the topic of networking. And all of them address various techniques on how to answer the question: “So, what do you do?”
To put it in perspective, consider these results from a recent Google search:
*30 Second Commercial – 135,000 pages
*Elevator Speech – 128,000 pages
*Positioning Statement – 106,740 pages
*60 Second Commercial – 33,500 pages
*Defining Statement – 26,000
*Personal Introduction – 3,600 pages
Wow. Overwhelming, huh? Makes you wonder which one is right! Still, each of these techniques is some variety of your Networking Introduction. Unfortunately, it won’t come out the way all the books and articles say it will. It’s doubtful you’ll ever tell someone what you do in an elevator; you’ll probably never have exactly 30 or 60 seconds to do so; and the odds of you explaining it the same way each time are highly unlikely.
In REAL networking, you’ll be rushed, caught off guard and asked unexpected questions. You’ll meet people on busses and in bathrooms. You’ll address three strangers at a time, get interrupted mid-commercial, and sometimes, you won’t get a chance to say a single word until the last five seconds of a conversation. And all the while, you won’t have time to decide whether or not you should give your Elevator Speech, 30 Second Commercial or Defining Statement!
Sorry. Didn’t mean to scare you there.
But it’s true. Networking is unpredictable. And yet, we depend on it for the growth of our careers. According to a 2004 report from the Federal Bureau of Labor, 70% of our new business comes from some sort of networking. So, rather than put additional pressure on yourself by worrying about how many seconds you have, here are some key points for an effective, concise and memorable Networking Introduction.
Start from the Top
Because you never know how much time you’ll have to introduce yourself, I suggest starting at the top with the following exercise. Take five pieces of paper. Assign one of the following sentences to the top of each sheet:
*Who you are *What you do *Whom you do it for *How you do it *What happens as a result
Write down all the words, characteristics, ideas, phrases and the like that pertain to each of these areas of your introduction. Have fun! Spend at least a few minutes on each sheet. The whole point of starting with this activity is to understand the full scope of you and your business.
Back to the Bottom
Now that your mind is swimming with dozens of key points about your work, it’s time to get down to the “Bare Bones Intros.” These are pithy one-liner type sentences that grab attention and intrigue the listener. Now, since thousands of networking resource claim to have their own magic formula, I’ll simply offer the technique I’ve found to be most effective in my own business:
I’m a/an (your job title)... and I work with (your target customers)... who want to (become, increase, etc.)... so they can (some benefit or result).
You don’t have to use this exact formula. Just be sure your Bare Bones Intro includes what you do, whom you do it for and what happens when you do it. So, write out different versions. Say them out loud. Share them with friends and colleagues. And eventually be able to pick out the most effective ones.
Anytime, Anywhere
In my networking workshops I make it a point to tell my audiences members: “There is a time and place for networking: ANY time and ANY place.” With that in mind, let’s take the material you brainstormed from earlier and put it to use in possible scenarios. (You might want to practice these with a partner too.)
*You have five minutes at your local association meeting to introduce yourself via speech to 100 strangers in the audience. What would you say?
*At the sub shop you go to once a week, the teenage cashier says, “Hey there! It must be Tuesday again, huh? Good to see ya! And you know, you always come in here, but I don’t think I know what you do…” (Remember, the line is long.) What would you tell her?
*You’re participating in a rapid-fire-speed-networking-blitz type activit
There is certainly a lot of information available regarding how to properly manage your job search. Sometimes, the obvious things get overlooked and it can be easy to forget things that should be adhered to when looking for a new job. Here are several hints that I remind candidates when I'm helping them with their job search.1. Companies Hire People Who They LikeAll things being equal, hiring managers will hire people that they like.If there are two candidates for a job with equal skills but with different personalities – one candidate comes across as a likeable and happy person, the other candidate comes across as arrogant and aloof – the likeable and happy candidate will most likely be hired.Sure, you need to bring the appropriate
In REAL networking, you’ll be rushed, caught off guard and asked unexpected questions. You’ll meet people on busses and in bathrooms. You’ll address three strangers at a time, get interrupted mid-commercial, and sometimes, you won’t get a chance to say a single word until the last five seconds of a conversation. And all the while, you won’t have time to decide whether or not you should give your Elevator Speech, 30 Second Commercial or Defining Statement!
Sorry. Didn’t mean to scare you there.
But it’s true. Networking is unpredictable. And yet, we depend on it for the growth of our careers. According to a 2004 report from the Federal Bureau of Labor, 70% of our new business comes from some sort of networking. So, rather than put additional pressure on yourself by worrying about how many seconds you have, here are some key points for an effective, concise and memorable Networking Introduction.
Start from the Top
Because you never know how much time you’ll have to introduce yourself, I suggest starting at the top with the following exercise. Take five pieces of paper. Assign one of the following sentences to the top of each sheet:
*Who you are *What you do *Whom you do it for *How you do it *What happens as a result
Write down all the words, characteristics, ideas, phrases and the like that pertain to each of these areas of your introduction. Have fun! Spend at least a few minutes on each sheet. The whole point of starting with this activity is to understand the full scope of you and your business.
Back to the Bottom
Now that your mind is swimming with dozens of key points about your work, it’s time to get down to the “Bare Bones Intros.” These are pithy one-liner type sentences that grab attention and intrigue the listener. Now, since thousands of networking resource claim to have their own magic formula, I’ll simply offer the technique I’ve found to be most effective in my own business:
I’m a/an (your job title)... and I work with (your target customers)... who want to (become, increase, etc.)... so they can (some benefit or result).
You don’t have to use this exact formula. Just be sure your Bare Bones Intro includes what you do, whom you do it for and what happens when you do it. So, write out different versions. Say them out loud. Share them with friends and colleagues. And eventually be able to pick out the most effective ones.
Anytime, Anywhere
In my networking workshops I make it a point to tell my audiences members: “There is a time and place for networking: ANY time and ANY place.” With that in mind, let’s take the material you brainstormed from earlier and put it to use in possible scenarios. (You might want to practice these with a partner too.)
*You have five minutes at your local association meeting to introduce yourself via speech to 100 strangers in the audience. What would you say?
*At the sub shop you go to once a week, the teenage cashier says, “Hey there! It must be Tuesday again, huh? Good to see ya! And you know, you always come in here, but I don’t think I know what you do…” (Remember, the line is long.) What would you tell her?
*You’re participating in a rapid-fire-speed-networking-blitz type activi
Your logo is the most important graphic element in which you will invest for your business. You should own the logo in many file formats. Having a library of logo files will enable you to send vendors the types of files they need (for example, other designers, printers, or other service providers).There are two major categories that I will cover in this article — color variations and file-type variations.Color VariationsYou should receive your logo graphic from your designer in all of the file types listed below in the "File Formats" section (unless otherwise noted) in the following color variations:Pantone color or CMYK color Pantone color (if applicable) — If you intend to have your business cards or other materials printed
Start from the Top
Because you never know how much time you’ll have to introduce yourself, I suggest starting at the top with the following exercise. Take five pieces of paper. Assign one of the following sentences to the top of each sheet:
*Who you are *What you do *Whom you do it for *How you do it *What happens as a result
Write down all the words, characteristics, ideas, phrases and the like that pertain to each of these areas of your introduction. Have fun! Spend at least a few minutes on each sheet. The whole point of starting with this activity is to understand the full scope of you and your business.
Back to the Bottom
Now that your mind is swimming with dozens of key points about your work, it’s time to get down to the “Bare Bones Intros.” These are pithy one-liner type sentences that grab attention and intrigue the listener. Now, since thousands of networking resource claim to have their own magic formula, I’ll simply offer the technique I’ve found to be most effective in my own business:
I’m a/an (your job title)... and I work with (your target customers)... who want to (become, increase, etc.)... so they can (some benefit or result).
You don’t have to use this exact formula. Just be sure your Bare Bones Intro includes what you do, whom you do it for and what happens when you do it. So, write out different versions. Say them out loud. Share them with friends and colleagues. And eventually be able to pick out the most effective ones.
Anytime, Anywhere
In my networking workshops I make it a point to tell my audiences members: “There is a time and place for networking: ANY time and ANY place.” With that in mind, let’s take the material you brainstormed from earlier and put it to use in possible scenarios. (You might want to practice these with a partner too.)
*You have five minutes at your local association meeting to introduce yourself via speech to 100 strangers in the audience. What would you say?
*At the sub shop you go to once a week, the teenage cashier says, “Hey there! It must be Tuesday again, huh? Good to see ya! And you know, you always come in here, but I don’t think I know what you do…” (Remember, the line is long.) What would you tell her?
*You’re participating in a rapid-fire-speed-networking-blitz type activi
When you want to start a home business, it can be easy to feel alone, confused, and scared. The chances are that you don't know anyone else who's ever started a business, and you don't even know who to ask if you get stuck. Here are a few things you ought to be looking at.The Internet is a great resource for people who are thinking of setting up a home business - as well as all the articles you can find with practical advice, there are also many forums, where you can read about others' experiences, and ask questions.Scary as it might seem to be getting advice on anything from the government, most governments go really out of their way to produce all sorts of easy-to-understand material on starting your own business. Encouraging you in business is a grea
Back to the Bottom
Now that your mind is swimming with dozens of key points about your work, it’s time to get down to the “Bare Bones Intros.” These are pithy one-liner type sentences that grab attention and intrigue the listener. Now, since thousands of networking resource claim to have their own magic formula, I’ll simply offer the technique I’ve found to be most effective in my own business:
I’m a/an (your job title)... and I work with (your target customers)... who want to (become, increase, etc.)... so they can (some benefit or result).
You don’t have to use this exact formula. Just be sure your Bare Bones Intro includes what you do, whom you do it for and what happens when you do it. So, write out different versions. Say them out loud. Share them with friends and colleagues. And eventually be able to pick out the most effective ones.
Anytime, Anywhere
In my networking workshops I make it a point to tell my audiences members: “There is a time and place for networking: ANY time and ANY place.” With that in mind, let’s take the material you brainstormed from earlier and put it to use in possible scenarios. (You might want to practice these with a partner too.)
*You have five minutes at your local association meeting to introduce yourself via speech to 100 strangers in the audience. What would you say?
*At the sub shop you go to once a week, the teenage cashier says, “Hey there! It must be Tuesday again, huh? Good to see ya! And you know, you always come in here, but I don’t think I know what you do…” (Remember, the line is long.) What would you tell her?
*You’re participating in a rapid-fire-speed-networking-blitz type activi
You have gone through the 8 Assents of Inspirational Leadership, now the final step to cultivating an inspired and dedicated workforce is to build the THE 5 PILLARS OF A TRANSFORMATIONAL ENVIRONMENTThe 5 pillars are the foundations that convert a team to an organization transforming powerhouse. When leaders become aware of their work environment and the affects they have on it, when they learn the Psychology of groups and how it applies to the actions, reactions and emotions of teams and departments, then the foundation for the pillars is created.Inspiration of individuals will make a difference, but inspiration of teams and of the perceptions of work those teams have, define a transformational leader and become apparent in organizational effectiveness
Anytime, Anywhere
In my networking workshops I make it a point to tell my audiences members: “There is a time and place for networking: ANY time and ANY place.” With that in mind, let’s take the material you brainstormed from earlier and put it to use in possible scenarios. (You might want to practice these with a partner too.)
*You have five minutes at your local association meeting to introduce yourself via speech to 100 strangers in the audience. What would you say?
*At the sub shop you go to once a week, the teenage cashier says, “Hey there! It must be Tuesday again, huh? Good to see ya! And you know, you always come in here, but I don’t think I know what you do…” (Remember, the line is long.) What would you tell her?
*You’re participating in a rapid-fire-speed-networking-blitz type activity in which you have less than 30 seconds to introduce yourself to 25 people in a row. GO!
*You’re dressing in a hurry in the locker room when the new guy introduces himself. He notices your briefcase and asks, “So, where do you work?”
*You email a complete stranger who was referred to you by someone in your network. She probably gets 100 emails a day, so you don’t want to make it too long. What do you write?
*As you fill out your new credit card application, you notice two boxes. One says, “Occupation,” and the other says, “Please explain in the space below.” It’s a small space. Better make it quick!
*Your spouse runs into her boss at Happy Hour. You shake his hand and he says, “Nice to meet you! So, what do YOU do?” (You think he’s had a few.)
Nailing Your Networking Intro
All specifics aside, the most important part of a Networking Intro is: always be memorable. In a July 2003 article from Entrepreneur Magazine, Ivan Misner, founder and CEO or Business Network International (BNI), explained “The ideal introduction is brief and memorable - one that provides enough impact to arouse the interest of those to whom you're introducing yourself and get them to join your word-of-mouth team.”
So put away your stopwatch. Forget about the elevator. And stop thinking about networking as a commercial. Networking is the development and maintenance of mutually valuable relationships. And those relationships are initially sparked by your ability to effectively, concisely and memorably introduce yourself when someone says, “So, what do YOU do?”
HTTP = HTML link (for blogs, profiles,phorums):
<a href="http://www.addyou.info/article/32133/addyou-So-What-Do-YOU-Do--How-to-Nail-Your-Networking-Intro.html">So, What Do YOU Do? How to Nail Your Networking Intro</a>
BB link (for phorums):
[url=http://www.addyou.info/article/32133/addyou-So-What-Do-YOU-Do--How-to-Nail-Your-Networking-Intro.html]So, What Do YOU Do? How to Nail Your Networking Intro[/url]
Related Articles:
Difference Between Online And Offline Stock Trading
Nine Advance Networking Skills for Seasoned Networkers
Bookmark it:
|