Monday, September 30, 2013
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
Network Like a Millionaire: 7 Tips for Internet Entrepreneurs
You've just come home from a seminar, convention, or any other event where you've collected a shoebox of business cards (or maybe even just a few cards). What next? "The rich keep it in the family." Have you ever heard this expression? Millionaires are absolute experts at how to network. Why? Because they have honed the art of cultivating relationships. They understand that each of their successes is a contribution to each other as a whole. They protect and honor their connections, even when they have points of disagreement. Learn this time-honored tradition by following the examples of the elite.
1) Organize your cards, jotting a few points of interest on the back of the cards like their nickname, children's names and ages, hobbies, etc. Put the few that you had a deep and/or meaningful connection with aside and email them first. If you are shy or new at this, it will get you into the groove.
2) Email within a few days. The sooner the better.
3) Send personal emails. No mass emails since this is not your email list! Once they sign up to be on your list, then it all gets into the marketing strategy. Until then, please take a little time to get to know them, remind them why they thought you were amazing, and rekindle those sparks of interest. Chances are, they are excited to sign up for your mailing list so don't turn them off!
4) Mention something personal about them, their interests and hobbies, family situations, etc, in your email. Hopefully you jotted notes on the backs of the cards but if not, do your best.
i.e. "I hope your son has gotten over his cold…"
5) Offer them some type of value. AND NO! I am not talking about the type of value used for marketing purposes. Seriously try to find a way to reach out to them. For example, if you met someone who loves golf and you run into a great article on golf, send it to them. If you met two people from the same area that you think would hit it off and be mutually supportive of each other, offer to introduce them. Millionaires are always looking for ways to give to each other and support each other's welfare.
i.e. "I met someone that also lives in (___) and he is a brilliant coach. I bet the two of you would have a lot in common. If you didn't already meet him, I would be glad to give him your email so you can connect."
6) Wait to market. It's okay to have a link under your name that takes your new contact to a website or optin page (remember, if your contact has already showed an interest in your work, they will click on their own) but DON'T mention it or refer to it in your initial email! It's a huge turnoff. I know that Internet Entrepreneurs are geared for this type of marketing and yes, in your next email, go ahead and subtly mention that they can sign up. But in the initial email, it is important to cement your newly established and very fragile relationship.
7) Learn the 1 to 6 Rule: Send your new contact a personal email or phone call every one to six months. Ok. Some of you have thousands, if not more, contacts. Don't worry! You're off the hook. I'm not referring to all of them. Remember those few cards you set aside in step one? The people you connected with on a deeper level? There should only be a small handful of these and each one of these people is worth your time and effort. How do you think that the top pros all go on vacations together? Or dinner? Yachting excursions? Cultivate a friendship that transcends the hope of "a sale". These are the people who will be there for you, celebrate your successes, support your crazy schemes, encourage you when you are having a lull, and laugh with you over wine.
BONUS TIP: Compliment them! It's just good manners.
Now go send out those emails!
Feel free to download this Original Photo 1-sheet as my gift to you! If you like it, you may purchase the accompanying 13 page Ebook featuring each strategy on an original photo for only $4.97. This is a simple and elegant PDF style Ebook, sure to please.
7 Star Courtesies
Celebrity etiquette: many people, most of the time, can handle being star-struck. Sometimes, though, it simply does make us giddy to the knees. When that happens, these top 7 Star Courtesies can gently guide you:
1. Greet them with a smile and a compliment. The traditional, "I'm so pleased to meet you," is a delightful opener. Follow it up with a direct, specific compliment on their work, art, achievements or affect on your life. "You're so beautiful," is nice but really, they've likely heard that a million times. Be honest and original. Wouldn't you like to be the one fan they go home and tell their friends about?
2. Be as brief as possible. Yes, you will have a few comments and perhaps even a question or two but remember, celebrities are people just like us. Their time is valuable, as is the time of all those in line behind you.
If you must ask a question, LISTEN to their answer. Don't just nod your head and then ask them the exact same question slightly rephrased. Even if they are paid to be at an event, that doesn't give you exclusive ownership of their time and energy. Practicing politeness will assist in making this an enjoyable moment for everyone.
3. Handshaking: hold your hand out for the handshake but do not grab theirs and start shaking wildly! Keep it firm but not crushing, and brief.
***If they don't take your hand (rare, but it happens) just let your arm drop to your side and stay cool. It is EXTREMELY rude not to shake someone's hand no matter the circumstance or even if you dislike them. But we must always handle rudeness with grace and dignity.
4. Hugging: always, ALWAYS, ask first ("may I hug you?" or "may I give you a hug?"). If language is a barrier, open your arms wide to indicate you'd like to hug them. If they are willing, they will lean forward and voilà! Hug! Keep it brief and allow a little air to remain between your bodies- no pressing up into them, no matter how enchanted you are.
5. Picture posing: posing for that upcoming profile pic update on your Facebook? The same principles apply here as with previous two "physical contact tips"- always ask first and keep it brief. Take no more than one or two snaps and thank them for being so kind. And please choose the pic that makes them look the best to post. That's just common courtesy.
6. If you find yourself getting all giddy and starry eyed, just admit it to them and pull yourself together quickly. There is something innately charming about a person's adoration so no need to play it cool. Just don't wrap your body around them until security is forced to extract you.
7. "Thank you!" Remember to thank them for their time and attention to you. Again, that's just common courtesy.
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