Month: July 2008

Define your Terms to Create More Sales

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When I first discovered Linked In a few years ago I made a determination that it was a valuable resource for those looking for jobs or searching for employees. It was a perfect way to introduce people I knew looking for contacts within larger companies but didn’t seem to have a fit for marketing smaller businesses. Well….as with most social networks LinkedIn is being morphing by its users. We are making their infrastructure work to meet their needs.

 

Here is an example. I received an unusual request to connect last week from Jennifer Nguyen, CEO of Citinannies who found me on Linked In, researched my site and emailed me directly. This request was unique in that she wasn’t trying to sell me something (like some who’ve cold called me through my Linked In profile) but framed her request in a tactful intelligent way. Of course I responded immediately and had a highly productive conversation. I thought you might like to see how she framed the invitation to connect.

 

Dear Kathie –I know we both have a lot going on with our professional and private lives….being is busy is good I suppose in our fast paced world. My name is Jennifer and I wanted to formally introduce myself to you. I would love hear more about your business. Would you like to take 10-15 minutes on this Thursday or Friday to collaborate or brainstorm ideas how we can help each other? Let me know what time/day it is convenient for you or just feel free to me on my direct line anytime on Thursday or Friday. If you are not available those days, let me know what day is best for you next week.

 

I am looking forward to talking with you! Thank you for being my linked-in connection.

 

Jennifer Nguyen – Citinannies

 

I learned Citinannies offers more than a nanny directory and is looking for strategic partners for potential expansion to new areas. Plus learned she has another business she is looking to launch and may need some strategic direction that I might be able to help her with.

 

Overall this was a great experience and one I hope to duplicate from my end. What about you? Would connecting with strategic partners through LinkedIn or your other social networks be of value to you? Think about ways you might connect. If you’ve already had a great experience. Please share!

 

Networking Makes the World Small

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I had the unexpected pleasure this week of encountering several women who are part of my social network in a far away place, Dallas, Texas. Imagine the feeling of seeing someone you’ve been watching online, read their articles and regularly read their newsletter…but have never met in person. I found myself this past week, walking through the eWomen Network trade show when I caught a glimpse of a familiar profile. You should know I came to this event knowing only one person, my mother. (But that is another story.) Surprised to find someone I might know, I touched the woman’s arm to get a better look and discovered Nancy Juetten of Main Street Media Savvy from Seattle in her signature blue dress.,

 

Again, I had never met her in person, only seen her online. Based on the content of her website, articles on Biznik and e-newsletter, I refer clients to her fairly regularly so you can imagine my surprise to meeting her in person.Later that weekend, I found Nancy in a huddle with some women from Seattle and met Marcia Brixey, author of The Money Therapist and Lori Richardson of Score More Sales.

 

Again, both only online acquaintances, we had a chance throughout the weekend to connect and learn more about each others goals and specialty.After this experience, I am challenged to pick up the phone and call those I follow online. Better yet, if they are within proximity, I will travel to where they are. I am confident the alliances we began this weekend through the extended personal connection will pay off for all.

 

The small world phenomenon is rampant in the Portland Metro area leading me to state my belief that in this town there are only three degrees of separation rather than six but this is my first out of state scenario.

 

What about you? Have you experienced the small world outcome of great networking? Tell us more!

Reality Sucks When Networking Doesn't Work

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I overheard a conversation this past week at a networking event between two business professionals. The comment that drove this post was “None of my networking in business organizations paid off”. (I always cringe when I hear that.) The woman continued to share what did work for her; social networking, specifically “meetups. Her profession? Interior Design. His profession? Realtor.

 

This sounded like a brilliant conclusion. If you are trying to meet consumers who will buy interior design, they are not typically at business networking events AND unless you are networking at “partner rich” events (i.e. realtors, contractors, window coverings, etc.) you will not likely make as many quality connections. There is nothing more frustrating than attending networking with the hope of making good connections and walking away empty handed.

 

It made me wonder, are we simply swallowing the “how-to’s” hook, line and sinker without evaluating our own business model, personality, sales style, and target audience? I hope not! Here are a couple of things to think about as you personalize your networking efforts.

 

If you are networking for lead generation and getting less than desired results, ask yourself:

 

  1. Is it the group? Not rich enough in prospects, partners or opportunties? Are you fishing in the wrong pond?
     

  2. Is it you? Are you not asking the right questions, engaging the right people, and following up?

 

If you’ve invested dollars in membership and time in an organization, be sure to evaluate the above. Before jumping ship, make sure it isn’t you. If it is, you will take your troubles to the next organization.

 

Suggestions for face to face social networking

 

http://www.meetin.com/

 

http://www.meetup.com/

 

http://www.biznik.com/

 

Google “meet up” and your city. Happy Networking!