| Greetings!
I hope your July 4th was fabulous!
This is a great month to declare independence yourself! Break free of old "safe feeling" patterns when you're out networking. Be bold and try some of the ideas I suggest in this month's feature article "3 Easy Tips For Getting Anything You Want"
ALSO I have a fabulous speaking gig coming up with the Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce. (see calendar below) I'll be covering some completely new material I've developed, so this is a great time to join me for lunch!
Out of the area? Don't worry! You'll have a chance to get this information. Stay tuned next time for how.
And now, on to the info!
Karen
| | Karen's Monthly Musing |
When you aren't in the middle of hockey season, it can be so easy to forget what being in the middle of hockey season is like.
 I had the best of intentions to send out a July 1 edition of the newsletter, complete with cool fireworks pictures, and then - it happened - hockey!
Here's a picture in case you thought this hockey thing was all in my head!
Being back in the thick of it has reminded me of a few things, the most important of which is why I do all this writing and teaching thing in the first place!
One thing I noticed was that even in the arena of kid's sports there's networking. Networking to find the best camps, networking to get "pre-owned" goalie equipment, and networking to coordinate car pools! Most people though, refer to this as talking to people or looking for information.
But did you notice that when I started calling it networking, your brain whipped out its expert hat and got confused for a second?
What this tells me is there is a universal need for a new word that covers this activity that ISN'T networking, because there are SO many negative/misapplied thoughts around that term.
I am toying with calling this activity "Notworking" and becoming the "Notworking Queen".
It definitely has some interesting implications!
'til next time,
Karen
| 3 Easy Tips for Getting Anything You Want -
Just By Talking to People.
|
You're right - The Networking Guru's Have it all Wrong!
All the Guru's are talking about how you have to get out there and "network" - especially in "today's economy". You've probably heard that Word of Mouth is the most effective method of marketing. You may even know that more than two thirds of the nation's economy is based upon word of mouth. But how the heck do you make it work for you?
Virtually no one is teaching networking "how to's" to people AND the ones who are teaching it are teaching unpalatable stuff like "How to Work a Room" and "How to Win the Networking Numbers Game."
If you're like me, your response to those titles is probably something like: "Ick, ick! - run away fast!" Right? And yet word of mouth is proven to work. So, just how do you get what YOU want using the cheapest, most effective form of advertising there is (without making others want to run away)?
In this article, I'll share three simple and effective tips that work nearly every time no matter where you are or with whom you are speaking - without making either you or the other person the least bit uncomfortable.
Tip #1 Know What You Want.
It's not what you think! If you've read any of the books on networking they will typically suggest that you "know what you want" in the form of a specific goal such as "go out and meet a certain number of people", or "collect a certain number of business cards" or - horrors - "hand out a certain number of cards". That isn't what I meant.
Instead make your goal very specific AND make it focused on something or someone you are looking for. Some business owners go out networking looking for "anyone who will hire me". This is a poor strategy because often "anyone" becomes "no one" and the few people who do elect to hire that person become "nightmare clients from "h-e-double hockey sticks". Instead, focus on finding your dream client or referral.
So, if you're a Realtor, specializing in investment property, instead of looking for "anybody who wants to invest in real estate", focus on 40 - 50 year old men who already invest in real estate and are tired of being the "lone wolf" OR (even more creatively) women between 30 and 50, without partners who can't afford to travel as often as they would like (because real estate can help them build wealth). Or retired people who are blowing through their savings and are afraid they will outlive their money. You get where I am going here.
By being specific it is much more likely that the person who you are speaking with will be able to identify the person you are looking for.
Tip #2 Focus on them.
Again, this isn't how it sounds. Networking gurus will tell you to "Ask them what they do first." The social implication is that they will feel obligated to then ask you what you do, so you can talk about yourself. I've seen this backfire frequently, especially in networking events. People either get distracted or "strategically busy" before they have a chance to "remember" to ask what you do.
A better approach: Let whoever talks first be natural. When it's your turn to speak, focus on them by defining the problem you solve for the people you are looking for (the "them"), rather than saying your "job title." Instead of "I sell a healthy juice drink" you might say, "I help people who are tired of medications live a healthier, happier life."
And for heaven's sakes don't tell them how you solve the problem unless they ask. That's a sure fire way to make their eyes glaze over!!
Tip #3 The Rolodex is Always What You REALLY Want.
Remember, every person you meet knows around 250 people. If you are offering or talking about something and they aren't interested, they will tune you out - BUT if you tell them you are looking for something very specific, you will get them to access "who they know" which is a very large group of people.
How this works: Let's say you sell a new cool dog toy. If you are trying to sell the dog toy to the person you are speaking with and that person doesn't have or doesn't like dogs, the conversation is over. However, if you say you are looking for "people who love dogs" (or, even better, the owner of a certain dog grooming store) it no longer matters whether or not the person you are talking to is "your audience." Do you see how this could work for anything you want?
You could ask for a recommendation to anything, anywhere as long as you are specific. And no one will be uncomfortable because you are NOT selling (or confronting) your listener.
Bonus Tip: Figure Out What You're Going To Say Ahead of Time!
If you are a professional, be sure to figure out and practice what you are going to ask for before you go to that networking opportunity. Nothing says "Amateur" faster than someone who is completely unprepared. Do yourself a favor and practice!!
So, now you know exactly how to get anything, anywhere using word of mouth! What will you look for today?
Would you like to reprint this article? You can! Just be sure to include the entire blurb that follows in the article:
Karen Frank publishes a semi-monthly newsletter on the topics of networking and helping solo entrepreneurs make more money. New subscribers receive a free one hour teleclass and workbook that teach how to make networking effective, fun and enjoyable. Log on to www.misskarensproductions.com. | Miss Karen's Calendar
|
July 23, 2008 11:00 Gilroy, CA How to create a 30 Second Elevator
Speech that "wows" your audience
August 1, 1008 11:30 Pleasant Hill 3 Secrets All Chamber Members
Must Know to Survive a Recession -
How to Make More Money in Less
Time in Any Economy
| | For more information about these events call 924-279-1004 or email me at karen@misskarensproductions.com | | Are You Sick and Tired of Going to Networking Events and Getting Nowhere? | Do People's Eyes Glaze Over When You Talk About What You Do?
Learn How to Talk About What You Do and Get the Results You Really Want. Order Your Copy of "Network Your Way to Success" today - Before the Price Goes up!!
If you're looking for a book on networking that will help you in the real world, look no further. This book contains the essentials of my home study course (which retails for $197).
You'll learn:
- How to introduce yourself so people will actually listen
- A system to create elevator speeches that really works
- Important tips to help your networking be more effective, easier and more fun.
Now, for a limited time, this book costs just $7. If you've been putting off buying this book - DO IT NOW because the price will increase as of June 30.
Click here for Network Your Way to Success
Important Note: This book is emailed to your inbox. Please allow 72 hours for delivery - Average delivery time is less than 4 hours.
| | Join Me for Lunch? |
The Three Secrets All Chamber Members Must Know to Survive a Recession -
How to Make More Money In Less Time In Any Economy
You'll learn:
- Why working harder will keep you from achieving your financial goals
- How to systematize your sales process and why it's important
- Why word of mouth is the most critical component of your marketing (and how to make sure it works for you not against you)
When you're done you'll have a completely new way of looking at your business. You will understand why the economy doesn't have to affect your livelihood and what to do next to make more money doing what you love.
RSVP by emailing Ingrid at the Chamber
Karen Frank is a Wordsmith and Workshop Leader. Her highly interactive events lead to exceptional results for her students, some quadrupling their income in six months or less. To learn more about Karen Frank and her company of 4 years, Miss Karen's Productions go to www.misskarensproductions.com
| | Last Chance to Purchase Home Study Course |
This is it!! There are only 3 copies left and then they are gone! If you've ever wanted to attend a live event and were either too busy or too far away, this is your ticket! I won't be selling the home study course in this format ever again, so this is your LAST CHANCE to get your copy.
About the course:
Is your networking not working? Is your marketing unremarkable?
Do you hate going to chamber events? Does it drive you crazy when you ask people what they do, they tell you and then walk away without asking about your business?
The good news is that networking is a skill. The bad news is that networking can be time consuming and -without proper training - you may never be able to get the kind of business you really want.
Miss Karen's Secrets to Success in 30 Seconds is your answer.
After learning this step by step method, you too will be able to deliver networking messages that have people sit up and take notice. You will look more professional, spend less time networking and make more money.
You'll learn:
- Why it is critical to plan what you're going to say about your business every time you open your mouth.
- How to create infomercials that literally write themselves.
- 3 things you should never say in your infomercial.
- How to Introduce yourself in a way that will interest people in what you do Networking tips for networking groups and chamber events
Contains 2 CD's and follow along guidebook
Through easy to understand, step-by-step exercises and specific tips and suggestions, you will be able to create and deliver a message to your listener that will help them understand what you do and be interested in finding more business for you. Plus, you'll easily systematize your infomercials or elevator speeches so that you will look polished, professional and prepared even on a moments notice.
What I do know is that if you don't do things differently, you're going to keep getting the same results. Will you let me help you become a raging success with word of mouth marketing?
Don't leave any more money or opportunities on the table. Order your copy right now!
Click here to learn more or purchase
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| |  | Networking
Tip of the Month
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| Strategic Alliances
Do you go to networking and educational events looking for clients - or for strategic alliances?
Strategic alliances have the same kind of clients you do, but don't do what you do.
The best kind of strategic alliance is the person whose clients will need YOUR service before, after or even during the time they are working with that Vendor.
Even better, those vendors already have a list of exactly the kind of client you want.
This is why it's so important to know everything you can about the kind of client you call your dream client.
It would be silly to make a strategic alliance with someone who has people who you service, but that drive you crazy (or worse, cost you money).
In my workshops, in my book and home study course, I talk about your A, B, C, and D box people. Your A box people being the best and most profitable, Your B box being those you love who aren't so profitable, the C box being clients who aren't so much fun, but you still make money and your D box people being the ones you don't enjoy and who don't make you any money.
Typically I find that most people spend most of their time with their D box people. Which is one reason why they spend so much time doing what they do without making as much money as they could.
This month, take some time to figure out what your dream clients (your A box people) have in common with each other. Take a look at what else they typically buy and make strategic alliances with vendors who do THAT.
You'll be glad you did!! | Does your group need a speaker?
|  | Every business needs to promote itself to grow and be successful, and yet many struggle with what to say and how to say it.
If your group is looking for a fun interactive presentation, Miss Karen will fill the bill! She will entertain and educate audiences of any size on topics such as "How to Network" and creating an effective elevator speech. Call 925-279-1004 to schedule Miss Karen for your next event.
Want something just for your group? Miss Karen is happy to customise materials or come up with something just for you! Please call for rates and more information.
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