Few things frustrate me more than authors who give up on their dreams. They’ve always wanted to be an author, and they’ve finally written a book. They’ve done everything right from doing research to having the book professionally edited and having a beautiful cover designed. They’ve even built a website and had the book listed at online bookstores. But then the trouble starts.
Quality: Make sure you go through all your content to check and see if it is of good quality, before posting it on your profile and in your networking interactions.
People want knowledge, information and resources. It’s always better to give first and then receive. I’m not saying you shouldn’t self-promote, but if the whole time you’re on Twitter and you’re just self-promoting, people aren’t going to care and will most likely un-follow you.
When you are at a networking event, instead of feeling embarrassed about having someone ask things of you, switch the focus of the conversation onto the other person. Ask a question that makes the other person give a response (rather than a yes/no question). Introduce yourself to others. Ask a question to the other person or persons.
Step 7, Be honest with yourself. After Madoff’s ponzi software defined networking scheme trust is gone. Tell the truth to yourself and to your friends, and you will raise your required capital.
Think of the meeting as you would a workout at the gym. What’s the point of going if you’re not going to make the most of it? Arrive early, stick around, collect cards, and commit to calling for follow-up meetings.
Start by using your real name on your profile, upload a real photo of you and fill out your bio. Your bio is about you networking tips at work and not your business. Your website link will take care of that.
I once worked with a guy when I was in the banking industry. He belonged to a few networking groups, and when he received a lead at one of his weekly meetings, he would come back to the office, pin the lead onto his calendar and let it sit there for three to five days.
Set a goal to connect on a deeper level with a minimum of five people but don’t give out your business card. Let them know you are interested in meeting them by saying something like, “I am a financial adviser, (or attorney, etc.). I specialize in helping people (or your market niche like dentists, doctors, business owners, etc.) have more money and enjoy more free time. But I’m much more interested in learning about you.” Obviously you need to know your market niche and establish an area of specialization before you can deliver this message effectively.
Another iPhone 4 free app is the TUAW. This great app is not only fun but also free. TUAW is the app to have if you like keeping up with the latest Apple news. Share and store your own posts on TUAW whenever something of interest catches your attention.