Moving My Blog to Wordpress

Whilst Blogger has been great place for me to learn about how blogs work, I have decided to move to WordPress. All future posts can be found on my new blog at http://thatreferralguy.wordpress.com/

Ask Your Own Questions

Tip 29 - Ask Your Own Questions
from the book 29% Solution by Dr Ivan Misner and Michelle Donovan

Most of us have been taught as children that if someone does something nice for you, you should someday return the favour. The law of reciprocity guides our obligations and commitments to each other, because most of us don't like to feel obligated to others. This even has an impact on our conversations when we're networking. If you want someone to ask you specific questions, ask them the same question first.

Action Step
Before attending your next networking function, think about what you want other people to ask you. To get the most out of the law of reciprocity, take the initiative and ask those questions of each person you meet. If you do, you will accomplish several things: (1) you will find out whether this person is someone you want to know better, based on his preferred client and his personality; (2) you will offer support to him instead of selling to him, which will open more doors for the conversation; and (3) you will give yourself opportunities to network your business more effectively.

Quote - "Perhaps the world little notes no long remembers individual acts of kindness, but people do." - Author, Herm Albright

Your action for today is to remember someone who did something kind for you.

I good referral for me this week is to a Builder that is looking for more work in the Sydney Southwest are as I have chapter looking to refer them work.

Sponsor Select Events

Tip 27 - 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

Join a Chamber of Commerce

Tip 26 - Join a Chamber of Commerce
(from the book 29% Solution by Dr Ivan Misner and Michelle Donovan)

Network in the right places!

Professional associations exist whose sole purpose is to support the members of a particular profession with opportunities for continuing education, networking, recognition, research, credentialing, publications, and other services. Your local chamber of commerce is another organisation to consider. It provides opportunities to give back to the community and capitalise on significant member benefits.

Action Step
We started off this week's strategy by advising you (with apologies to Andrew Carnegie) to diversify your eggs into more than one type of networking basket. Your task this week is to investigate your local chamber of commerce. Find out where the office is and request membership information. Ask for the names of members you can contact. Attend an event or two to see whether the membership is a good fit for you; for a small fee, you can probably visit a chamber mixer. Take your time, do your homework, and locate a chamber that will adequately meet your needs - and the needs of your business. Pick an active chamber that knows how to hold networking events and has strong membership. Membership is not free, but it's far less expensive than traditional advertising.

Quote - A person's worth in this world is estimated according to the value they put on themselves." - French Writer, Jean De La Bruyere

Your action for today is to identify what personality trait you value most about yourself.

Thanks to everyone who referred me as a speaker. I'm now speaking on
- 7th July - Lake Macquarie Council

Seek Out a Referral Networking Group

Tip 25 - Seek Out a Referral Networking Group
from the book 29% Solution by Dr Ivan Misner and Michelle Donovan

Joining a referral networking group is like getting a free sales force. Business Network International's purpose is to enable professionals to develop lasting relationships that lead to future business. The motto for this organisation is "Givers Gain" - which tells you that in order to succeed at networking, you have to help others succeed.

Your task this week is to visit www.BNI.com.au to explore the opportunities provided by BNI groups near you. Search for your city, and make an appointment to visit a chapter close by. Experience a networking forum that has purpose and is results oriented. Why settle for anything less than the best, most productive business networking organisation in the world?

"Tomorrow is often the busiest day of the year." - Spanish Proverb

Your action for today is to do something you have been procrastinating