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Your Biz Tool Kit, Vol. 2, Issue 5
August 05, 2007
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Volume: 2
Issue: 5
August 2007

Contents:

1. A Note From the Coach
2. Feature Article
3. Food 4 Thought
4. Free Coaching
5. Practical Tools for Your Business

1. A Note From the Coach

Relationships. We all have them: family, friends, co-workers. But did you know that having relationships is one of the key elements to building a successful business?

You can look at this from a number of vantage points:

  • The people with whom you have relationships may want what you offer.
  • The people with whom you have relationships know other people that may want what you offer.
  • Your ability to develop new relationships with people can serve you well in your business.

    We all probably get the first two above points, but what about the third point? How good are you, really, at starting new relationships that will benefit you and your business?

    We’ll that is what we’re focusing on in this issue of “Your Biz Tool Kit.”

    There is a word for starting new relationships that will benefit your business.

    It’s “networking.”

    The key to networking is to form professional relationships, also known as professional alliances.

    So, how do you find people with whom you can have a professional alliance? What do you say to someone you approach? Once you've meet someone, then what?

    The best tool that I have found to teach me how to network is the “The Link System.” This straight forward, easy to learn system gives you the answer to these questions (and more) in a step-by-step program.

    So, read this newsletter for some tips on how to more effectively network. Then check out “The Link System” to see if it’s something that will help you in building your business.

    Your Coach,

    Kimberly Anne

    2. Feature Article:

    Speed Networking? On Your Mark…Get Set…NETWORK!!

    First there was speed dating - now speed networking - it’s all about the numbers, right? Maybe yes, maybe no. If you have an ineffective approach, all the numbers in the world won’t help! (On either front!) I recently attended my first speed event and I learned that to fully utilize this format, preparation is in order.

    Speed networking is gaining in popularity and it works like this: half of the participants are seated for the entire event and the other half move from seat to seat at regular intervals. Each participant has a couple of minutes to “pitch” to the other before moving on.

    No matter what industry you are in, the odds dictate that there will be very few people at any given event actively looking for the solution you provide with your product or service. Whether or not you believe they “need” your solution is another issue. I am always dismayed when I encounter someone trying to convince another, at a networking event, that they are in need of whatever product or service they are selling. No one likes to be on the receiving end of an unwanted sales pitch. Here are some guidelines when attending a speed-networking event.

    First, when they are pitching and you are listening:

  • Ask relevant questions about their business.

  • Who is their best type of client?

  • Who is their best referral partner?

  • What type of connections do they need to further their business?

  • Take notes on the back of their card and get back to them with any connections you can make.

    When you connect them with someone who can be of value to them, you will have a business friend for life (if they are smart!).

    Second, when you are pitching (when possible, I let the other person go first. The more I know about them, the better I can tailor what I say so that it is relevant to them):

  • The most important point to get across is the solution you offer and who you offer it to. Minor details do not matter - not how long you have been in business, not your dedication to customer service or your location.

  • Tell them your best type of client, your best referral partner and who you need to meet to further your business.

  • Have something of value to give them. It doesn’t even have to be related to your industry; as long as it is something they can use to increase their business.

    I have free resources on my website - articles on networking skills, networking event calendars, and lots of contacts to hook them up with.

    Third, DO NOT add them to your mailing list without their explicit permission. I am very careful to get permission to send something to them. I tell them the name of the publication and when they can expect it.

    Finally, preparation is the key…know exactly who you need to meet, the information that you need to build your business, then ask for those contacts. Being vague, general, or trying too hard to sell your services to everyone one you talk to, will not produce the results you want. Offering to help others find the contacts they need will be an approach that will get their attention. You will be the only one asking these questions…AND the only one who did not try to sell to them in two minutes or less!

    Mindy Selinger
    PowerPartner Connections

    3. Food 4 Thought

    You Cannot Fail With A Plan

    Wanting success isn't sufficient enough to get it.
    You have to ask yourself, "What am I going to do to get the things I want?"

    Your problem is how to bridge the gap which exists
    between where you are now and the goal you intend to reach.

    You cannot fail with a definite step by step plan,
    because each step carries you along to the next step, like a track.
    All you need is the plan, the road map,
    and the courage to press on to your destination.

    You cannot get lost on a straight road.

    Copyright 2007 www.yourdailymotivation.com Reproduce freely but maintain Copyright notice.

    4. Free Coaching

    As a subscriber to this newsletter, you are entitled to receive a complimentary 30-minute coaching session with me by telephone.

    In this coaching call, I will show you some simple strategies for achieving your business goals. There is no cost or obligation.

    To schedule your coaching call, contact me directly.

    5. Practical Tools for Your Business

    a) Do you publish an e-newsletter? If so, spam check it before you send it. That way more of your recipients will get it in their inbox versus their spam or junk folder. Use this handy, free, spam checker tool: Free Spam Checker.

    b) To be successful, we all need to continue to work on ourselves. So, get a course in some good, sound, success principles, and listen to it over and over.

    c) Keep track of all of the marketing and sales activities you're conducting for your business. Use the tracking worksheet to help you get started.

    d) Want to have an unlimited supply of people coming to you for your products or services? Put the "net" into your business with this powerful, yet inexpensive approach.

    e) Don't think you can afford one-on-one business coaching? Then consider an alternative. Many people get more than the results they want from group coaching. Contact me for details.

    Is there a specific topic you would like to see me cover in the September issue of "Your Biz Tool Kit?" If so, let me know what it is - I'm here to help.

    For now, remember: Treat your business like a business so that it rewards you like a business.

    Kimberly Anne
    Business Coaching
    4809 Clairemont Sq., #377
    San Diego, CA 92117
    858-642-0330
    www.all-about-home-businesses.com

    "Just play. Have fun. Enjoy the game."
    - Michael Jordan

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