Ah Yes, networking, bah humbug!!

There is so much stuff out in the book market and weblog market and lots of other places that put a lot of effort into convincing that the key to success in any endeavor is networking.  Well, it isn't.

Like any other tool, it is just a tool.  Thus to use it correctly may mean you get what you are after, but to wrongly use it leads to ruin.

A couple weeks ago, a couple insurance representatives came to my office.  It was obvious to me after a few moments, that this was about them helping themselves by using me and my resources.  It became even clearer when I told them that at best it was still in the exploratory stage.  That didn't take the pressure off one bit.  And while I don't dislike these fellows, I don't trust them.  They made no attempt to engage my trust, but rather to get what they had come for.  Yes, I do find that a turn off.

Have you ever had a friend, or someone you know at a networking event that walks over and flat out tries to sell you?

Whatever the typical response is, I want to run to the woods. 

So how do we, or I, do it?  How can I approach you without taking advantage of you?  How can I network without doing this, without trying to take advantage of you or of our relationship?  How can I recruit you without you feeling imposed on, or for that matter not, in fact, being imposed upon? 

My ideas of marketing is to develop relationships, not clients.  I seek your help in finding others you know that need my services and I do likewise.  I send out stuff for you, not because you asked me, but because it is good for both you and me.  If I send out a brochure or something from you, I put a  post-it on it telling how I know you and what you can  possible do for them.  For example:  I am working through some stuff about Living Trusts, part of which is long term care.  So my Chiropractor, Steven Prom of Fairview, OR gives me Shelly's card.  He tells me she might be able to help.  Well, she works as a financial representative for Country Financial.  It also happens that my grandson, who lives in Washington, works for Country also.   I get them together to help me, and to help each other.  By the by, Shelly is in Wood Village, OR across the street from Fairview.

If you should be interested in any of these, here are their phone numbers:
                                  Dr. Steve Prom, 503-465-9100
                                  Shelly Gorton, 503-492-2228

Now was that so hard?  It is all about relationships, not sales, pressure or whatever.  It is not only who you know, but how you know them.

Coach Charles

Hire the Best Coach

The best coaches are those who have the best players.
The best Companies are those who have the best employees.
         
You cannot succeed by being mediocre yourself,
      nor by having mediocre employees.

Step 1 - Hire a good coach = the best coaches have the best players

Step 2 - Clarify what you are selling = what really is your product?
              Work it out with your coach to get it out - WIN!

Step 3 - Figure how to make your best players ever better.
               The goal is 100% not a 110%, nobody can do better than 100%.
               Remember the 80/20 rule -- 20% of your people produce 80% of the sales.
                  "I make the goal."    That is not 100%

Step 4 - Cut out the "dead wood".  Always be upgrading your team.

Coach Charles

Knowledge versus Responsibility

Some years ago I learned the 28 principles of Attraction defined by Thomas Leonard.  Since then, I have practiced them, probably less than would have be definitely helpful, but what I did was very beneficial.   In an article which I read about that time, I discovered some keys to the connection between knowledge and responsibility.  Here are a few examples:

1. I can teach you ethics, but I cannot make you ethical.
2. I can teach you an attraction system, but only you can bring it off, by making yourself attractive.
3. You alone decide and do what is necessary.

You can apply these to any set of circumstance.  You either do or you don't, it is in your court.

Coach Charles
perfectlifecoach.com

Mission Statements - 3

There is no end of books on this subject.  It would seem that one important consideration is that you know your core values.  If you list your values, you must separate the good from the best and deal with the top 5 or so.

Writing a mission statement -2

If you are not a sole proprietor, get every one you can to contribute their ideas.  Don't just do it yourself and impose it.  If that is too many people to get adequately clear ideas, reduce the audience, carefully.   Key to this working is relationship.  Include more than your office staff or administrative staff.  Get enough involved to have diversity, but not so many as to get confusion.  Too large a group will often have political ramifications, too few and it becomes propitiatory.  Your team should be unified and diversified at the same time.

Coach Charles
www.Perfectlifecoach.com

Qualities of a good Mission Statement -1

First Consideration: Is it something you are really sold on or are you writing it because you heard or think it is a good idea.  Maybe someone told you that you needed a misssion statement, so you wrote one.   Advice: have a reason for the mission statement or it is just rhetoric.

Networking the key to business

Everything we do in life or business is one of relationships.  Business is conducted with those who serve us and those we serve, rather than merely selling to the unwashed multitude.  Your business grows as you have interaction with your clients and they with you.  How does your group attract client, or potential customers?  How did you meet those you have as strategic partners?  Who helps you stay current in your business or your field?  What can you learn that would help you make new and better contacts with those who can help you get in better touch with your mentors and peers?

Coach Charles  Sinapup@bigfoot.com

First entry: 10142012 Effective Networking

So hard to get on the site I used before.  Thus, I am taking the easy out.  I am beginning again.

Here goes.

Effective networking requires that we have to have relationships with people, expecially those we can serve.  It may be that they will want this also.  A relationship is a mutual thing and it is a part of every transaction.  The hard part is getting it right, getting them to be a part of their life.  Have fun, this is only the beginning.

Coach Charles