CFLBP Meeting Reminder
12/4/2012 at 11:30am
RSVP: http://cflbp.com/rsvpmaker/december-4th-meeting/

Speaker: Victor Baker, Primerica

It’s December: Membership renewals need to be paid this month for the 2013 annual dues. Please print out and complete a new membership application to submit with your payment of $50. The membership application is at http://cflbp.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/CFLBP-Membership-Form.pdf

We are also holding 50/50 raffles to raise funds for upcoming socials for the group and the Business After Hours to be held in May 2013 so please bring in your dollars for a chance to win! Last meeting, Patty Holloway, won and contributed her winnings back to the CFLBP fund. Thank you, Patty!

LIKE us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cflbp?ref=ts&fref=ts

I am posting our meetings as events on facebook and inviting the members that have liked the page so you can share and invite other guests to come. Trying to make it easier to invite and remind you all that are on facebook.

We have a Twitter account too: https://twitter.com/cflbp

We also have a linkedin account: http://www.linkedin.com/groups/Central-Florida-Business-Professionals-1944100/about

December 18th, we will be having a Christmas Party / White Elephant gift exchange. Please bring a wrapped gift valued at $10 to $15 to participate.

November 6th Meeting Reminder
RSVP: http://cflbp.com/rsvpmaker/november-6th-meeting/

Like our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/cflbp?fref=ts

Nice Fall Social: Thank you to all who came out to the CFLBP Fall Social Tuesday, October 30th. We had a very pleasant evening. Mr. Poole had the outdoor heaters on but it wasn’t too cold and the appetizers, entertainment, networking, socializing, and fellowship couldn’t have been better. We got our new CFLBP banner from John at 3 Dogs Printing and displayed it on the patio and plan to use it at all of our upcoming events every 5th tuesday so if you didn’t make it to this one, plan on attending the next one on January 29th, 2013!

We have a guest speaker scheduled for our November 6th Meeting, Missy Ziler of Companions for Courage. Its going to be very interesting! Please bring a few extra dollars to donate to this awesome non-profit organization. You will learn all about them at lunch on Tuesday!

If you know any group, organization, author, anyone who would be a good guest speaker, please have them contact me, Gayle Jones – 321-689-6874 gayle@gaylejones.com so I can schedule them to come in and speak.

Our BAH event is going to be planned for May, 2013 rather than March, so we will be brainstorming ideas to make that event super great to represent our group and have a wonderful time!

Look forward to seeing you all Tuesday, November 6th, at 11:30am at the Wesley Center. Invite other business owners and managers to come for a free lunch to meet the group and see if they would be interested in becoming a member.

CFLBP 8/21/2012 Meeting Recap

Hey everyone! Thanks for coming to our meeting today. It was such a pleasure seeing all the smiling, bright faces. Thank you, Michael Corradino, for sharing about the Southlake Table – www.sltablet.com – the best newspaper in Clermont! Positive upbeat and enthusiastic. Makes us all very proud to be a part of this wonderful community!

We had 15 in attendance today:
Wayne Osso
Cathy Bateham
Debra Abrams
Gayle Jones
Mikel Jorgeson
Eric Bastian
Sandy Smith
Sandy Farnsworth
Richard and Sonya Bisaillon
David Helton
Mike Madawi
Joyce Alderman
Debbie Mixon

Upcoming Events:
2nd Friday mornings at Panera’s – Young professionals networking group meet for coffee

9/22 – Southlake Women’s Club $15 speghetti dinner and show at Jenkins

9/28 – New Beginnings Annual Golf Tournament

If you or anyone you know would like to sign up to be a guest speaker for any upcoming meetings, please email gayle@gaylejones.com to set a date. We look forward to meeting and hearing about your event, charity, fundraiser, etc.

We will not be meeting on 9/4 due to the Labor Day Holiday. Our next meeting will be 9/18.

DeAnna Morison is looking for Food/Beverage Sponsors for the South Lake Realtor Trivia Challenge next week. They’ve reserved Beef O’Brady’s for Tuesday night 8/28/12 from 6:00-9:00. They’re expecting 100 Real Estate Professionals. It’s a GREAT opportunity to network!!! Food/Beverage Sponsorship is $100. Or…you can join the fun for only $20 (ticket price included food and beer). Please let her know if you can participate – DeAnna Morison, deannamorison@cfl.rr.com

From Debra Lampe – CENTRAL FLORIDA PEDIATRIC THERAPY Foundation “which I am a Board Member” …..well the time is finally here. We are starting to prepare for the foundation’s very 1st Introductory Dinner. This dinner will be extremely informative about the Dreamplex project and the mission behind it. Let me know if you are interested and i can forward you more info and the payment form.

See you next month!

Sincerely,
Gayle Jones
CFLBP founding member and advisory
SL Chamber Ambassador of the Year
Owner of WEBvelations Web Development

Moderator: Mike Madawi
Collections: Cathy Bateham
Presenter: Deborah Abrams

The following were present at todays meeting…

Larry Knotts
Deborah Abrams
Cathy Bateham
Eddie Weeks
Dave Helton
Mikel Jorgensen
Mike Madawi
Darlene Misciano plus 2 agents (Kedric & Tami)
Connie Carlson
Richard Bisaillon
Laura Chagnon(new)
Joyce Alderman
Gayle Jones

Total Members: 13 members plus 2 member representatives = 15

Guests
Wayne Osso
Maria (guest of Richard)

Total Guests: 2

Total attending – 17

Today was a great meeting! Helen, our member who was scheduled to speak couldn’t make it but between some networking and referral tips I found to discuss and Mikel Jorgensen taking the floor to discuss the importance of having your contact information in the least on the web whether it be your own website, a Linkedin page, or someway for people to find and contact you online, we had a great meeting! The fellowship at our meetings is inspiring and motivating and I am so grateful to be a part of such a wonderful group of business people! This helps build our clermont online community so people don’t take their business away from our town.

Thank you to our guests that came out to enjoy lunch with the CFLBP group: Ken Nastansi and Eric Bastian from Wells Fargo Home Mortgage! Thank you to Richard from Coldwell Banker for inviting them to come. We appreciate new guests and our members that are consistently inviting people to join us.

We had 17 people in attendance today and the rain didn’t stop us from getting there. The buffet was awesome and consist of cabbage, corn, carrots, broccoli, baked fish and chicken, bread sticks, pie, cake, cookies, pasta and regular salads. Its great! All for $10 – all you can eat while you enjoy the conversations and networking topics. I truly enjoy it.

Larry Knotts
Richard Bisaillon
Deborah Abrams
Cathy Bateham
Mikel Jorgensen
Mike Madawi
Jay Wilde (Mizz Realty)
Nicky Direnzo (Miss Realty)
Debbie Mixon
Sandy Smith
Victor Baker
Dave Helton
Nelson Valery (Guest of Richard)
Joyce Alderman
Gayle Jones

Kudos!!

Debra gave Joyce from You’ve Got A Friend Low Cost Veterinary a big Kudos for helping her aging cat who has a thyroid problem and is now on medication to help her ailment. Animals have similar health issues as people, they have feelings and hurt just like we do and its great to have Joyce as a member of our group to help our furry friends.

Debbie Mixon gave kudos to Debra Abrams, she started taking some of the Qivana’s products and is doing well with those!

Upcoming Events:

Cathy Bateham shared with the group about the upcoming teacher appreciation breakfast and the backpack / peanut butter drive. Please bring a jar of peanut butter to our next meeting on August 7th to help in giving our kids the protein they need.

Debbie Mixon also invited us all to the South Lake Jr. Business Club at Beef’s on Tuesday, July 24th, from 4 to 10pm.

Mikel Jorgensen also invited us to the Young Professionals Coffee Club. Watch the Southlake Chamber emails and newsletters for the next meeting date. Good networking and fellowship with this growing group.

Networking Tips:

Here are some of the tips, quotes and activities I found at www.thatreferralguy.com, you can review and use to the best of your advantage! Remember to GIVE and be GRATEFUL and to FOLLOW UP! Thank the people who refer you by posting a testimonial to their website, blog, linkedin, branchout profiles!

http://thatreferralguy.blogspot.com

Tips for better networking and referring!

Make First Impressions Count
Tip 24 – Make First Impressions Count
(from the book 29% Solution by Dr Ivan Misner and Michelle Donovan)

People who meet you for the first time are judging you, whether you want them to or not. When you’re meeting people for the first time, radiate confidence, demonstrate integrity, and begin to earn their trust. This will demonstrate your professionalism & enhance your chances of being welcomed into their network. Focusing on helping the other person helps ensure that you make a positive & powerful first impression.

“Silence is one of the great arts of conversation.” – Philanthropist, Hanna More

Your action for today is to give someone your undivided attention during a conversation.

Have Purposeful Meal Meetings – CHECK
Tip 23 – Have Purposeful Meal Meetings
(from the book 29% Solution by Dr Ivan Misner and Michelle Donovan)

The networking purpose for this meal meeting might be to further develop the relationship, to help a colleague solve a problem, to learn how to refer someone in your network, to introduce your colleague to someone significant, or to teach someone how to talk about your business to his own network members. These meetings are strategic and results oriented. They provide high value for your invested time.

“Generosity with strings is not generosity– it is a deal.” -American Writer and Critic, Marya Mannes

Your action for today is to make an anonymous donation

Tip 17 – Find an Accountability Partner
(from the book 29% Solution by Dr Ivan Misner and Michelle Donovan)

Being held accountable for our actions, performance, and commitments tend to heighten our awareness of what we have promised to do. The urge to comply compels us to perform at a higher level. So why not find an accountability partner for networking your business? Having someone looking over your shoulder, waiting to hear of your progress makes you inclined to focus on the task at hand.

“Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen.” – Winston Churchill

Your action for today is to make a communication that you are uncomfortable in making.

Be a Value-Added Friend
Tip 15 – Be a Value-Added Friend
borrowed (& modified) from Scott Ginsberg author of The Power of Approachability

When you help someone meet a goal, you instantly become a “value-added” friend – an asset to this individual’s life & business. You demonstrate you’re in the relationship not just for what you can get out of it, but also for what you can invest on their behalf. The wise farmer knows that before he can expect a bountiful harvest, he must invest care and energy in planting and cultivating his crop. Here, you too are farming.

“Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.”
Best Selling Author, Robert Collier

Your action for today is to make a commitment to write a thank you note per day for the next week.

Tips to Become Magnetic

Tip 14 – Tips to Become Magnetic*
borrowed (& modified) from Scott Ginsberg author of The Power of Approachability

1. Be Ready to Engage,
2. Focus on Common Points of Interest,
3. Give Flavored Answers,
4. Don’t Cross Your Arms at Networking Events,
5. Give options for Communication,
6. Always Have Business Cards,
7. Conquer Your Fear (the #1 reason people don’t start conversations!),
8. Wear Your Name Tag.

“Argue for your limitations and sure enough they’re yours.” – Author, Richard Bach

Your action for today is to see if you there is a limitation you think you have and question its basis.

Reconnect with People from the Past
Tip 10 – Reconnect with People from the Past

(from the book 29% Solution by Dr Ivan Misner & Michelle Donovan)

It’s time they knew more about what’s going on in your business, because you never know who they might know and how they might be able to help you. But there’s a key point to remember: always offer them something in return for their help. One-sided relationships don’t last long. The more people you tell about what’s going on in your business, the more positive buzz it’ll create on you behalf!

“Our lives improve only when we take chances – and the first and most difficult risk we can take is to be honest with ourselves.” – Editor, Walter Anderson

Your action for today is to think about one positive thing you can do about something that is not working in your life.

Meet the RIGHT People

Tip 9 – Meet the RIGHT People

(from the book 29% Solution by Dr Ivan Misner & Michelle Donovan)

Effective networking is not simply about meeting a lot of people; it’s about knowing the difference between a “contact” and a “connection”. How well you know them and how well they know you is what really counts in building a powerful network. So, who are the right people to meet? Consider two types of individuals: those serving your preferred clients and those who have the potential to help you meet your business goals.

“A kind heart is a fountain of gladness, making everything in its vicinity freshen into smiles.” – Author, Washington Irving

Your action for today is to be kind to a stranger and notice how it makes you feel.

Diversify Your Contacts
Tip 8 – Diversify Your Contacts

(from the book 29% Solution by Dr Ivan Misner & Michelle Donovan)

The concept in this strategy is to step outside your comfort zone to meet people who are different from you. If you limit yourself to one circle of friends & colleagues, your business’s exposure will be finite-limited to that same circle of associates and the people they know. The more diverse the network, the more likely it’ll include overlapping connectors that link people together in ways you never would’ve imagined.

“Try not to become a man of success but rather try to become a man of value.” – Albert Einstein

Your action for today is to contact one of your clients or customers regarding something unrelated to your product or service that would add value to their lives.

Create a Network Relationship Database
Tip 6 – Create a Network Relationship Database

(from the book 29% Solution by Dr Ivan Misner & Michelle Donovan)

You need a way to maintain contact information on your clients, prospects, vendors, word-of-mouth marketing team members, & anyone else whose path you hope to cross again – especially those most likely to be able to refer you business. High-tech? No tech? Whatever works. Record every word-of-mouth referral you receive from your network…who gave it to you, how it developed & whether it led to further business.

When patterns are broken, new worlds emerge.” – Author and Musician, Tuli Kupferberg

Your action for today is to identify a pattern that is not working for you and make a commitment to change it.

Recruit Your Word-Of-Mouth Marketing Team
(from the book 29% Solution by Dr Ivan Misner & Michelle Donovan)

Tip 4 – Recruit Your Word-Of-Mouth Marketing Team

These people
1. Know you very well,
2. Really like you,
3. Trust you.
They are influential people whose recommendations and testimonials carry great weight with your preferred clients and are willing to establish a reciprocal referral relationship with you. They help create buzz in the community because they believe in what you do..

Things turn out best for the people who make the best of the way things turn out.” – Radio and TV Personality, Art Linkletter

Your action for today is to take a challenge or setback you are currently experiencing and turn it into a learning opportunity.

Who should you share information with?
This week, I want to share with you a very special and easy tip that has made the MOST impact to my NETWORKING when it comes to growing business relationships.

Next time your reading an interesting article, receive an informative newsletter or see something on line that grabs your attention – ask yourself these questions

- Who can I share this information with?
- Who do I know that would benefit or find the article valuable?
- Who’s target market is this aim at?

My business coach Tim Callcott has been doing this for as long as I have known him, no wonder we have grown a strong relationship.

You see, not only are you sharing relevant information with them, you are also letting that person know that you are thinking of them and their business. This is where real relationship are formed – when you know how much they care about your success.

“Ability is what you’re capable of, motivation determines what you do, attitude determines how well you do it.” – Football Coach, Lou Holtz

Your action for today is to bring the best attitude to your activities today regardless of how you feel.

Do you have Contacts or Connections?
Recently, someone I barely knew contacted me and asked if I would promote his business service within my networking organisation. This person is a business associate, but definitely not someone I know very well. That request made me think about how many people assume that if they have met you, they can ask for something that only a close associate would be willing to do.

Good Networkers know that having a good contact doesn’t necessarily make someone a good connection. One of the most important things I’ve learnt is that it is not “what you know,” OR, “who you know,” it is “how well you know them” that really counts in building a powerful personal network. This means that your network must not only be “broad,” it must also be “deep.” Most people focus on the broad aspect more than the deep aspect. When developing a reliable and effective network, it is very important to keep depth in mind as much as breadth! What do I mean by this? When you need to rely on others to help you out (promote your program to their client base or cross market your products), it is critical that you have done the work of strengthening your connections well in advance of your need.

When you are considering asking someone in your personal network for a favor, ask yourself if they are a “contact” or a “connection.” A contact is someone you know, but with whom you haven’t fully established a strong relationship and a connection is someone who knows you and trusts you because you have taken the time to establish credibility with them. Unrealistic expectations of your network come from trying to “use” your network for support that your contacts might not feel you deserve or feel they have no obligation to provide. You really do have to earn the loyalty and engagement of your referral sources. Next week I will offer some tangible ways to deepen the roots of your network.

Written by Glenn Kirkwood & Dr Ivan Misner

If you don’t like where you are, change it! Your not a tree. – Jim Rohn

Do you have Contacts or Connections? Part 2
Continuing from last week, Do you have Contacts or Connections? I would like to offer the following tangible ways to deepen the strengths of your network:

Build quality relationships: Take the time necessary to deepen the relationships between you and your referral sources. I know we are all pressed for time; but in order to deepen your networking relationships, you must make the time to go beyond the normal business interactions with those from whom you want to be able to ask for support in the future. Invite them to appropriate social functions, backyard barbecues, and sporting events. Get to know these key people outside of the business environment whenever possible. The more of a friendship you can count between you, the more expectations you can both have from each other’s networking efforts.

Think about where to network that can build deep roots: There are the tried and true places to network, such as referral groups, networking mixers, social events, and online networks. Remember however, it is not enough to just show up; you must establish credibility with people before you can expect them to help you in some way. When someone tries to hurry the process they tend to hurt relationships not build their business.

Change your focus from “what’s in it for me?” to “what can I offer you?”: This is perhaps the most powerful technique for deepening AND widening your networks. When building a deep network, do the things you can to bring business and contacts to your networking partners. Share pertinent information with them; invite them to business meetings that will position them favorably with others they need to get to know. Keep in mind that you want to get to the point where your networking partners know you always have something to give them. In short, do what it takes to “earn” the help you might need to ask for down the road. Powerful networkers live by the philosophy of “Givers Gain.”

When deepening your network, you want to focus on giving to your referral sources. It’s that tried and true analogy of farming versus hunting when building a business through word of mouth. Give your time, give your knowledge, and give what your referral sources need to succeed. As you develop stronger networking skills, it’s better to put on the farmer’s overalls and cultivate the connections you need to be able to call in support for programs and products you want to promote.

We all know that the best time to plant an oak tree was 25 years ago however, the next best time is right now! It’s never too late to change your focus and develop business relationships with very deep roots, as well as far-reaching breadth.

Written by Glenn Kirkwood & Dr Ivan Misner

The greatest definition for concentration I ever heard is, “Wherever you are, be there! – Jim Rohn

“ON” 24/7

Tip 21 – “ON” 24/7
(from the book 29% Solution by Dr Ivan Misner and Michelle Donovan)

You never know when someone standing beside you might be connected to a huge opportunity. If you understand networking to be the process one uses to develop relationships and build social capital, then it makes sense that you should network everywhere. The key is to tailor your networking strategies so that you fit in – without being tuned out. If you’re truly living the mantra “Givers Gain,” you’ll come across very positively.

“If you want your children to keep their feet on the ground, put some responsibility on their shoulders.” – Columnist, Abigail van Buren

Your action for today is to evaluate how well you are meeting the responsibilities you have either at work or in your personal life

Talk to Your Family

Tip 11 – Talk to Your Family

(from the book 29% Solution by Dr Ivan Misner & Michelle Donovan)

They understand the core of who we are & what life dealt us to create who we are today. They support our endeavors & celebrate our success. They’re often our biggest fans. So why don’t we leverage our biggest fans to help network our business? Help your family members with the resources in your network: it not only makes you feel good, but helps to establish you as the “go-to” person in the family whenever there’s a need.

“There aren’t any rules to success that will work unless you do.” – Unknown

Your action for today is to put in a little extra effort in an area where you would like to enjoy more success.

Master the Top 10 Traits of a Master Networker
Tip 7 – Master the Top 10 Traits of a Master Networker

(from the book 29% Solution by Dr Ivan Misner & Michelle Donovan)

1. Timely follow-up on referrals,
2. Positive attitude,
3. Enthusiasm/motivation,
4. Trustworthiness,
5. Good listening skills,
6. Commitment to networking 24/7,
7. Gratitude,
8. Helpfulness,
9. Sincerity,
10. Dedicated to working one’s network

“A happy person is not a person in a certain set of circumstances, but rather a person with a certain set of attitudes.” – Broadcaster & Television Producer, Hugh Downs
Your action for today is to focus on maintaining a happy attitude for the whole day.

Help Your TEAM find you Referrals
If you want to get more referrals from people in your network, you have to be able to make it easy for them to find and give those referrals to you. They want to help you, but most will not step out of their comfort zone to make it happen,

Here are 5 things to help you start the process of making it easy;

1. What should they listen out for? When your around people you will hear them complaining or sharing some news. Each of these conversations is an opportunity to develop referrals. What complaint will people hear for you?

2. What visual clue? might we see that would lead us to recommend or refer you? Such as someone who’s car has a dent in it and you are an auto body shop owner.

3. Your target market Are there things that I might see that would help me recognize someone as your target market? Example: A motor cycle or boat in a drive way for the insurance agent.

4. What kind of things might be happening that would lead me to believe that someone is in the market for your services? A child being born, and child going to college, or a new business that just opened?

5. Is there an activity that you clients often engage in? Such as running in mini-marathons, jogging, bike riding, working out, skiing, or any number of activities that would help me identify our clients?

The more you can paint a picture for your network members the easier it is going to be for them to help you. Unfortunately, this means that you have to give some thought to what and who you are looking for as clients. Anybody or everybody will not be as effective. Profile you clients and teach your network members how to spot the clues.

“LET ME SUGGEST THIS… Once a month, read one biography, company profile or case study about successful inventors and entrepreneurs. Take notes from the masters. Email me your list of three lessons learned from each and I’ll use them in an upcoming article or blog!

The difference between perseverance and obstinacy is that one often comes from a strong will, and the other from a strong won’t.” – 19th Century Cleric, Henry Ward Beecher

Your action for today is to reflect on whether you have a tendency to be persevering or obstinate.

Relationships and the Dalai Lama
Relationships move both our lives and our businesses forward, closer to our goals. The Dalai Lama put it this way

We human beings are social beings. We come into the world as a result of others’ actions. We survive here in dependence on others. Whether we like it or not, there is hardly a moment of our lives when we do not benefit from others’ activities. For this reason, it is hardly surprising that most of our happiness arises in the context of relationships with others.

“People seldom improve when they have no other model but themselves to copy after.” – Writer and Poet, Oliver Goldsmith

Your action for today is to pick someone who has traits you admire and respect, and try to incorporate something they do in your actions.

How important is having a positive attitude to achieve success?
Thanks to everyone who sent an email regarding last weeks 3Gw. Your comments inspire me to strive for excellence, which made me think, How important is having a positive attitude to achieve success?

Well in the words of Jeffrey Gitomer

ATTITUDE IS EVERYTHING — and –
ATTITUDE IS THE FOUNDATION FOR EVERYTHING

It ain’t the rain, the snow, the boss, the competition, the spouse, the money, the car, the job,or the kids – it’s You and it always has been.

You see you already know the UNIVERSAL TRUTH OF CONNECTING because your mother taught you everything you need to know about connecting before you were 10 years old:

Make friends, play nice, tell the truth, take a bath, do your homework.– Jeffrey Gitomer

“Small deeds done are better than great deeds planned.” – Clergyman, Peter Marshall

Your action for today is to do something that helps the environment such as using less water or bringing your own mug to Starbucks for your coffee.

Its Not Netsit or Neteat it’s NetWORK
Relation marketing does require work and having conversations with other business people in order to grow the relationship. This week I would like you to consider the “The types of conversations you have”. I offer that there is only 3 types of conversation people have, they are

1. Conversations that draw attention to themselves. This is where one person is informing (telling) the other person how smart they are.

2. Conversations where one person is right and the other person is wrong

3. Lastly there is the conversations where we generally don’t know about something but have a willingness to learn about the topic being discussed.

If you want your networking to be effective then consider the types of conversations your having with people and whether or not they are improving the relation.

Written by Glenn Kirkwood, inspired by Tim Callcott

The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra – Jimmy Johnson (Football Coach)

Ask Your Own Questions

Tip 29 – Ask Your Own Questions
from the book 29% Solution by Dr Ivan Misner and Michelle Donovan

Most of us have been taught as children that if someone does something nice for you, you should someday return the favour. The law of reciprocity guides our obligations and commitments to each other, because most of us don’t like to feel obligated to others. This even has an impact on our conversations when we’re networking. If you want someone to ask you specific questions, ask them the same question first.

Action Step
Before attending your next networking function, think about what you want other people to ask you. To get the most out of the law of reciprocity, take the initiative and ask those questions of each person you meet. If you do, you will accomplish several things: (1) you will find out whether this person is someone you want to know better, based on his preferred client and his personality; (2) you will offer support to him instead of selling to him, which will open more doors for the conversation; and (3) you will give yourself opportunities to network your business more effectively.

Quote – “Perhaps the world little notes no long remembers individual acts of kindness, but people do.” – Author, Herm Albright

Your action for today is to remember someone who did something kind for you.

Learn to PLAY Golf or Something
Tip 22 – Learn to PLAY Golf or Something
(from the book 29% Solution by Dr Ivan Misner and Michelle Donovan)

Most people agree that golf outings, because of their non-threatening nature can be good for forging relationships. Whatever activity you prefer, you can use it to bring people together in situations that are conductive to forming symbiotic relationships. How do you capitalize on the potential of your catalyst events to generate referrals for you? By inviting the right people to these events.

“A real friend is one who walks in when the rest of the world walks out.”
Newspaper and Radio Commentator, Walter Winchell

Your action for today is to contact a friend with whom you haven’t recently been in touch.

Send a Thank-You Card
Tip 19 – Send a Thank-You Card
(from the book 29% Solution by Dr Ivan Misner and Michelle Donovan0

For most written communication, we simplify our lives by turning to the computer, but in doing so we make our personal messages feel somehow less personal. For that reason, a hand written card of thanks now carries even more cordiality than when it was the norm. A typical thank-you note might consist of 3 sentences. (Honestly, how long does it take to write 3 sentences?) When someone goes the extra mile for you, send a card.

Free Trial – Send Out Cards – send a few cards on me.

“The strongest human instinct is to impart information, the second strongest is to resist it.” – Writer, Kenneth Grahame

Your action for today is to notice whether you are imparting or resisting information.

Give to Others First

Tip 5 – Give to Others First

(from the book 29% Solution by Dr Ivan Misner & Michelle Donovan)

Giving to others is not only an essential networking technique: it is a fundamental ethic. Givers Gain. No other two words capture so vividly, accurately, & simply the power & potential of networking at its best. By giving to others first you take the first step in building two-way, win-win networking relationships. You’re being proactive & positive – and the people on your list of professions will work hard to reciprocate.

Whether you think you can, or whether you think you can’t, you are right.” – Henry Ford

Your action for today is to identify something that you have accomplished where others doubted that you would.

2 MORE Ways to Increase the number of Referrals You Give
Here is another 2 simple ways to increase the amount of referrals YOU give and at the same time help promote yourself.
Whenever you write up a sale, give them your business card holder (filled with the cards of the people you refer) to browse through while you do the paperwork of the sale. The client will be drawn to the business cards like a magnet and will ask you about the people and services represented. This gives you a chance to brush up on giving someone else’s presentation. This will teach your client’s that there is more than one reason they should be doing business with YOU as at the same time help make them more successful by introducing them to reliable people.
Send a follow up letter or email to everyone that you have been able to refer, and thank everyone. This is also a subtle way to promote yourself.
“Excuses are the nails used to build a house of failure.” – Author, Dan Wilder

4 Ways to Increase the number of Referrals You Give
(The more YOU give, the more YOU receive).

1. Carry a business card holder every where you go. Don’t leave home without it. Keep it current with cards of the people who you refer business.

2. Get yourself an extra set of eyes and ears! Give your spouse or significant other a business card holder of the people who refer you.

3. Each week, pick out one card from your card holder and try and find them a referral that week.

4. Don’t be a hermit: practice the 3 foot rule! In other words, start a conversation with anyone within 3 feet of you.

“The bad news is time flies. The good news is you’re the pilot.” – Personal Achievement Coach, Michael Altshuler

If you want to receive, then learn to give!
Few people would argue that referral marketing is one of the best ways to get more business. However if you want to get more business then I think its critical you learn how to give business as well. I want you to think for a moment about the people who have given you a referral in the past, alliance or referral partners, clients both new and past or just someone you meet at a networking function. When was the last time you really thanked one of them.

A few years ago Dr Ivan Misner, the founder of BNI, conducted a study and they found that there was a 30-40% gap between the amount of referrals people think they should be getting and what they actually did get. Now think for a moment, is it any wonder they stop referring you if you never thank them for it. Next time someone gives you a referral make sure you thank them sincerely, write a testimonial for their website (a personel favourite) or better yet, find them some business. Let them know that you have followed up with the referral and give them some feedback on how it went. I have found that if you take the time to thank them they will continue to give you more.

Information alone does not change behaviour – Matt Linnert

Follow Up
Tip 20 – Follow Up
(from the book 29% Solution by Dr Ivan Misner and Michelle Donovan)

Follow-up is the lifeblood of effective networking. When your #1 objective is to cultivate strong relationships with other business professionals and build social capital, you must demonstrate your commitment by following up on every promise, contact and opportunity to help your networking partner. Your ability to follow up is critical towards building credibility and networking your business.

“It’s better to light a candle than to curse the darkness.” – Chinese Proverb

Your action for today is to turn one of your complaints into an action item.

If you want to build your business how do you choose which organisations to belong to?
First you need to ask yourself what your goals are for participating in any networking meetings. This way you will pick groups that will help you get what you are looking for. Some meetings are based more on learning, making contacts, and/or volunteering rather than on strictly making business connections. Here are a few things you should consider –

Visit as many groups as possible that spark your interest. Notice the tone and attitude of the group. Do the people sound supportive of one another? Does the leadership appear competent? Many groups will allow you to visit two times before joining.
Ask open-ended questions in networking conversations. This means questions that ask who, what, where, when, and how as opposed to those that can be answered with a simple yes or no. This form of questioning opens up the discussion and shows listeners that you are interested in them. This news is nothing new, my question is do you do it.
Become known as a powerful resource for others. When you are known as a strong resource, people remember to turn to you for suggestions, ideas, names of other people, etc. This keeps you visible to them.
Have a clear understanding of what you do and why, for whom, and what makes your doing it special or different from others doing the same thing. In order to get referrals, you must first have a clear understanding of what you do that you can easily articulate to others. You are the expert so make it SIMPLE, by informing others how you help people, not what you do.
Be able to articulate what you are looking for and how others may help you. Too often people in conversations ask, “How may I help you?” and no immediate answer comes to mind. If you don’t know, what chance has your referral team got.
Follow through quickly and efficiently on referrals you are given. When people give you referrals, your actions are a reflection on them. Respect and honor that and your referrals will grow. Your goal should be to make the referral source look good when you follow up with the prospect.
Call those you meet who may benefit from what you do and vice versa. Express that you enjoyed meeting them, and ask if you could get together. Fortune is in the follow up!
If the above sounds familiar, you heard it before or you find yourself saying “Well isn’t that all common knowledge” my question is this, Yes it is common knowledge but DO YOU DO IT?

“Nurture your mind with great thoughts, for you will never go any higher than you think.” British Statesman, Benjamin Disraeli

Your action for today is to read a chapter of a book you find inspirational.

Thank you all again for a great lunch! Always a pleasure to see and meet with you. Keep inviting new guests to come, you can’t beat the networking and FREE Buffet!!

NEXT MEETING AUGUST 7th – Speaker is Debra Abrams, On the Move Massage! Be there!!

Stay safe, happy and productive until then,
Gayle Jones
WEBvelations