Referred to as “That Networking Guy” by many organisations, Glenn Kirkwood is considered one of the leading experts on business networking and has been a keynote speaker for many corporations and associations throughout Australia. He has been featured in over 160 publications world wide as well as appearing on numerous radio shows within Australia on the subject of effective networking and how, if done correctly can lead to more business than you can handle.
Friday, July 09, 2010
Sponsor Select Events
from the book 29% Solution by Dr Ivan Misner and Michelle Donovan
Imagine one day being in charge of putting on a huge event. Suddenly, someone from your network steps forward to offer you a substantial sponsorship because she heard through the grapevine that your event needed money. How would you feel about that person? You can create that same feeling toward yourself in someone else by offering that exact gift. In effect, you're making a tidy "deposit" in your relationship bank account.
Action Step
This week, think of the people in your network. Who is planning an event - a conference, an open house, a 10K fund-raiser - that could use your financial support? To strengthen your relationship with this individual, offer as much help from your business as you can provide.
Quote - "The best way to predict your future is to create it! " - Abraham Lincoln
Your action for today is to spend 15 minutes either writing or thinking about the future you want to create in a particular area of your life.
I good referral for me this week is a bookkeeper looking for more business as we have two chapters in need (Newcastle & Sydney Southwest areas) contact Glenn at marketing@bniteam.com.au
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Who should you share information with?
Next time your reading an interesting article, receive an informative newsletter or see something on line that grabs your attention - ask yourself these questions
- Who can I share this information with?
- Who do I know that would benefit or find the article valuable?
- Who's target market is this aim at?
My business coach Tim Callcott has been doing this for as long as I have known him, no wonder we have grown a strong relationship.
You see, not only are you sharing relevant information with them, you are also letting that person know that you are thinking of them and their business. This is where real relationship are formed - when you know how much they care about your success.
Think You Know Your Business - Click Here
"Ability is what you're capable of, motivation determines what you do, attitude determines how well you do it." - Football Coach, Lou Holtz
Your action for today is to bring the best attitude to your activities today regardless of how you feel.
Monday, February 02, 2009
2 MORE Ways to Increase the number of Referrals You Give
- Whenever you write up a sale, give them your business card holder (filled with the cards of the people you refer) to browse through while you do the paperwork of the sale. The client will be drawn to the business cards like a magnet and will ask you about the people and services represented. This gives you a chance to brush up on giving someone else's presentation. This will teach your client's that there is more than one reason they should be doing business with YOU as at the same time help make them more successful by introducing them to reliable people.
- Send a follow up letter or email to everyone that you have been able to refer, and thank everyone. This is also a subtle way to promote yourself.
"Excuses are the nails used to build a house of failure." - Author, Dan Wilder
4 Ways to Increase the number of Referrals You Give
1. Carry a business card holder every where you go. Don't leave home without it. Keep it current with cards of the people who you refer business.
2. Get yourself an extra set of eyes and ears! Give your spouse or significant other a business card holder of the people who refer you.
3. Each week, pick out one card from your card holder and try and find them a referral that week.
4. Don't be a hermit: practice the 3 foot rule! In other words, start a conversation with anyone within 3 feet of you.
"The bad news is time flies. The good news is you're the pilot." - Personal Achievement Coach, Michael Altshuler
Do you have Contacts or Connections? Part 2
Build quality relationships: Take the time necessary to deepen the relationships between you and your referral sources. I know we are all pressed for time; but in order to deepen your networking relationships, you must make the time to go beyond the normal business interactions with those from whom you want to be able to ask for support in the future. Invite them to appropriate social functions, backyard barbecues, and sporting events. Get to know these key people outside of the business environment whenever possible. The more of a friendship you can count between you, the more expectations you can both have from each other's networking efforts.
Think about where to network that can build deep roots: There are the tried and true places to network, such as referral groups, networking mixers, social events, and online networks. Remember however, it is not enough to just show up; you must establish credibility with people before you can expect them to help you in some way. When someone tries to hurry the process they tend to hurt relationships not build their business.
Change your focus from "what's in it for me?" to "what can I offer you?": This is perhaps the most powerful technique for deepening AND widening your networks. When building a deep network, do the things you can to bring business and contacts to your networking partners. Share pertinent information with them; invite them to business meetings that will position them favorably with others they need to get to know. Keep in mind that you want to get to the point where your networking partners know you always have something to give them. In short, do what it takes to "earn" the help you might need to ask for down the road. Powerful networkers live by the philosophy of "Givers Gain."
When deepening your network, you want to focus on giving to your referral sources. It's that tried and true analogy of farming versus hunting when building a business through word of mouth. Give your time, give your knowledge, and give what your referral sources need to succeed. As you develop stronger networking skills, it's better to put on the farmer's overalls and cultivate the connections you need to be able to call in support for programs and products you want to promote.
We all know that the best time to plant an oak tree was 25 years ago however, the next best time is right now! It's never too late to change your focus and develop business relationships with very deep roots, as well as far-reaching breadth.
Written by Glenn Kirkwood & Dr Ivan Misner
The greatest definition for concentration I ever heard is, "Wherever you are, be there! - Jim Rohn