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.
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