Set Networking Goals

This time of year see's many people making New Years resolution for themselves - You know - Spend more time with their family, Lose a few pounds or just simply to Work less and I was no different. My New Years resolution this year - 'To have FUN & To work smarter - not harder'. For me that means not trying to reinvent the wheel, especially when I am fortunate to have so many fantastic people and resources in my life.

So whilst "That Referral Guy" will put together the newsletter, all the tips have come from the book 29% Solution by Dr Ivan Misner & Michelle Donovan

Tip 1 - Set Networking Goals

Each goal you create should be SMART: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Timed with a deadline.

S - Clearly defined with parameters
M - have some quantifiable way to measure progress
A - within reach
R - so you will be motivated to accomplish it
T - so you won't lose your focus and your desire.

"Being considerate of others will take you further in life than a college degree." - Author, Marian Wright Edelman

Your action for today is to focus on driving your vehicle in a very considerate manner.

Be Creative with your PROMOTIONS

If your in small business don't fall prey to the rapid discounting that the big businesses did last year. You can offer seasonal promotions that set your brand apart in a sustainable way, while supporting other local businesses and charitable organisations. For example, last year a men's clothing store in New York - Rothman's, offered its own version of "cash for clunkers" to get the attention of its readers. The promotion invited customers to turn in their old suits, which would be donated to charity, and the customer would get $100 toward a new suit. A similar concept can be used for many other businesses.

If you've got or have heard of another great promotion I would love for you to share it my blog.

For details on how you can attend the biggest NETWORKING EVENT EVER click the event.
Sydney event - Tuesday 10th November ONLY 15 days to go
N'cstle/Cent. Coast event - Thursday 12th November ONLY 17 days to go

"I would rather fail in an attempt to do something new and uncharted than safely succeed in a repeat of something I have done." - Writer, A.E. Hotchner

Your action for today is to do something new. For instance you can order a new dish at a restaurant you frequently visit, get a new style haircut or try a new approach with someone at work.

Negative Feedback - Do you REACT or Listen & Process

Last week I received the worst negative feedback I have not only ever received but ever read. Can I say this - anyone can unsubscribe from my newsletter any time they wish - choice is wonderful and I am OK with your decisions.

My reaction to the email made me wonder - How do we or should we process feedback. My first reaction caused me upset and I was going to react with a response that I am positive I would have regretted later but then I thought about it. This person did me a huge favor, you see many people don't see my vision the way I do "To passionately inspire people to get 100% of their business thru BNI" and I am OK with that. What I realised was that someone elses negative feedback shouldn't take away my focus on the goals that are important to me. I will take onboard the feedback and give it the time it desrves, but I am choosing not to REACT to the whim's of others, just to listen, process and stay on target. How are you goals going? Are you on target or do you let other people throw you curve balls and REACT away from your prize?

I am currently organising an event (see below) that applies all the BNI principle into one FANTASTIC event where participating attendee's can create business on the spot. I hope to see you there as this event is open to everyone looking for extra business.

For details on how you can attend the biggest NETWORKING EVENT EVER click the event.
Sydney event - Tuesday 10th November ONLY 31 days to go
N'cstle/Cent. Coast event - Thursday 12th November ONLY 33 days to go

"I have never let my schooling interfere with my education."Writer, Mark Twain

Your action for today is to try something new and see what you learn from it.

Act like a HOST vs being a VISITOR

Have you ever noticed how people who organised or run events know everyone attending. Thats because they make it their responsibility too.

Your task this week is to change your responsibility by changing your thinking and adopting a host mentality at the next networking event you attend. Turn up early and meet the people in charge. People who run events love it when people offer to help, so learn the layout and flow of the event. Find out who is expected to attend. Make it your purpose to help others with introductions, even set yourself a goal of introducing at least three people to someone they don't know. The law of reciprocity will kick in, and in the long run you will reap the benefits.


For details on how you can attend the biggest NETWORKING EVENT EVER click the event.
Sydney Big Breakfast - Tuesday 10th November
Newcastle/Central Coast Big Breakfast - Thursday 12th November

"I have never let my schooling interfere with my education." Writer, Mark Twain

Your action for today is to try something new and see what you learn from it.

Are you a PLAYER or a POSER

This weeks "Networking Tip" is brought to you by my good friend Tony Bourke, who has just co-authored his first book with such greats as Brian Tracey, Dr Anne Curtis, Dr Wayne Dyer, Liz Vassey, Ernie Hudson, Bill Harris, Zachary Levi and many more. Called "In Service" its a collection of stories of people found their own passion and aided others in the process - very inspirational. If you are looking for inspiration do yourself a favor and get a copy. Tony is donating some of the proceeds to the Cancer Council, now that is a "Givers Gain" attitude. Click here for more details.

After reading Tony's book, it got me thinking. There are a lot of people who say they are going to do more (for someone or some kind of cause) but some how something gets in their way and they never get a round to it. If it continues people begin to see a pattern and they stop relying on you. Then there are those like Tony that say they do something, commit to doing it and then take action. These are the types of people (PLAYERS) you can reply on and when times are tough the very same people are the ones you turn to when you want something done or to buy or people you refer. Action builds trust, and trust is something you want in a referral partner.

A POSER is someone who says they do something for someone but really they are saying it for themselves - they never actually do anything. No one wants to partner with a gunna (gunna do this, gunna do that, they simply don't have the time these days.

So, who do you have on your team, if you have POSER, give feedback and move on. Begin to look out for PLAYERS and when you find them the quickest way to build a realtionship with them to ask "How can I help you" - then do it. Livbe a life like Tony "In Service"

"If I spent as much time doing the things I worry about getting done as I do worrying about doing them, I wouldn't have anything to worry about."TV Show Writer, Beryl Pfizer

Your action for today is to take one of the things you are currently worried about and turn it into an action item.