Greetings!
Well this has been a wild couple of weeks, hasn't it? I can't remember the last time I heard so many predictions to the end of life as we know it!
One interesting tidbit I heard recently in a Frank Kern (Mass Control Marketing) video is that despite what you're heard about the Great Depression - more people became millionaires during this time than any other - until now.
I've included a link to that video because it's very thought provoking and sets the theme for this newsletter.
Please enjoy!
Karen | Now That I Know What to Say, Where Do I Go?
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Two questions I frequently get are "Where do I go to network?" and "How do I know where my clients hang out?"
This weeks' article will address both of those questions.
One misconception is that you must go where your clients hang out in order to find them. True, if your target audience is health practitioners, you'll find alot of them at a health fair. This could also limit you.
I'd say if you're just getting started and the idea of strategic alliances (more about that later in this article) is to overwhelming for you, this can be a good way to go. It's important to remember in this situation that you are NEVER selling directly to the person you are speaking with even if you know for a fact that they need your services until that person indicates they are open to a conversation with you about working with you.
So, to find places where your clients go, think about the services they typically need to purchase. Think also about meetings or locations where they might market their own business (if they have one).
You might think about Farmers Markets, Bridal Fairs, Business Showcases or sporting events.
There are also a zillion "networking groups" you could join. Here' though, the idea is NOT to hunt down your client, but form relationships with people who might know them.
There is "hard contact" or one person per profession groups like BNI or LeTip or a business to business group like B2B gathering or B2B Networking I found the last two by doing a simple google search.
You can also join a local Chamber of Commerce sub group which is one person per profession. Many chambers have these now. Most of these require a membership fee and a time commitment.
There are "soft contact" groups like your local chamber of commerce. Where I live there is the Mt. Diablo Business Women and EWomen's Network.
You can also join a service organization. Networking is not the main focus, but it does happen. There are also service organizations which discourage networking and especially selling. There's nothing wrong with that since it isn't the point of the group. You'd join this mainly to give back to your community, so being in harmony with the cause is most important.
Networking on line is the latest thing. Joining an online discussion board like Yahoo groups is a great way to meet people especially if you work virtually or have a product you sell. There's also things like You Tube, Twitter, Linked-in, Self Growth Experts, Face Book and blogging etc, which is what everyone is talking about when they say "web 2.0."
It is important to know that these things take time - some take a whole lot of it. It's best not to hop into a blog or discussion group until you feel you have time to maintain it because lack of maintenance may send the wrong message to the group.
I don't endorse networking groups because it's such an individual thing. It depends on what you can put into it and what you want to get out of it. In networking groups of all kinds what you put in is what you'll get out!
Each networking group has its own style and personality. You should visit as many as you can before you join and make sure they are the right "fit" for you.
For those of you who want the "uber" where to find your clients networking tip - here it is:
Take a moment to figure out the things your best clients will need to buy right before and right after they work with you. Once you've identified who those people are, figure out who provides those services.
Next list the people who don't do what you do, but have the same clients you do.
Here's the Uber tip - go to the places they go to educate themselves.
Educational seminars are where you will make the absolute best possible connections. Here you'll find like minded people who are open to education and learning and who are probably also looking to grow their client base. Here are some examples of the kinds of things I mean:
Millionaire Mind, Rich Dad Poor Dad, Marshall Silver, Leader to Luminary Training, The Big Seminar, David Neagle trainings, Alexandria Brown seminars, the list goes on and on. You can google any of these to find when and where their next training is. If you've ever considered going to a training for the education - GO!! You will learn something, but remember to go for the NETWORKING!!
Trainings and seminars, are networking gold - the promised land. I hope to see you at a seminar soon!!
| | Karen's Monthly Musing |
I've stopped reading the papers and listening to the news.
It's for the best really.
My family does watch TV. My son's become a game show junkie. Our evening viewing menu contains things like Lingo, Pyramid (with Donnie Osmond - yeek!), and those very weird and strangely entertaining shows like Banzuki and Ninja Warrior. And then of course there's Mythbusters. I never realized how much fun explosions could be. It feeds the tomboy in me! HA!!
Sometimes when I do stumble across something - it can be a little shocking.
The never ending barrage of negativity and ugliness boggles the mind. Actually, I think that's intentional. The statement that television is a vast wastelend has never been more true than today.
And don't get me started on the whole election thing...yikes. Now THAT's scary!
I was thinking the other day about something I read in a book by Joseph Campbell (The Power of Myth) I can't remember the exact words but it was something like, "We, like Vishnu on his lotus, are dreaming the dream of life. But we need to wake up, because we are dreaming the wrong dream."
I think the point of all that Law of Attraction stuff that's been so popular was to help people wake up from the "wrong dream" and focus on supportive, life affirming things (What you think about expands) in hopes that maybe we can turn some of this negativity around. We'll see I guess. I'm thinking Canada looks pretty good about now.
On the other hand I got a very interesting email from a cartoonist. Jeff Corriveau has just been picked up for syndication and wanted me to vote for his cartoon in our local paper, Contra Costa Times. See his comics here. I thought it was pretty interesting that someone would actually read my blog and then send me an email. How cool was that?
We've been having a lovely email exchange! It has reminded me that most people are interesting, fun, positive and I enjoy meeting new people very much. Guess that's why I'm the Networking Queen.
I'm not going to Canada yet. - I'm waiting for Stephen to play hockey there first!
Til next time,
Karen
| The Top 5 Things Every Professional Must Know To Survive A Recession
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Shiny New Ebook Finally Released!
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This book offers my very best advice and comes with a money back guarantee.
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| | Do You Need A Marketing Makeover? |
If you're one of the ones who wanted the Marketing Makeover but just couldn't get to the class, have I got an offer for you!
Over and over, you've asked for individual marketing consultations and I have refused, because I believe there is more value in group work. You've been relentless, though and so I am giving in.
I'm looking for a select few of you to do a trial run of my new premier individual Marketing Makeover program. Because it's a trial run, the cost is quite affordable.
Why?
I need testimonials before I launch it formally.
If you're far away, don't let that decide for you. In fact, I am primarily interested in virtual consultations.
If your business
- makes at least $10,000 (usd) per month in gross revenue
- Has been in business at least 2 years
- Has between 1 and 5 employees
- Needs to increase cash flow quickly (4 months or less)
you are the perfect candidate for this program. You will make ten times your investment with me, or I will continue working with you until you do at no additional cost.
You'll get all of the same information I offered in the Marketing Machine Class (click here for info about the class) at the same price as I offered the class but it will be tailored to your business and what your business needs to do to make alot more money - fast
So, let's say your business doesn't fit the description above. Does that mean I don't have anything for you?
Heck no!
I'm offering the same program to you, however the amount of time I spend with you will be limited to four months.
Because I am accepting so few in this trial, you'll need to be one of the first five to respond by either phone 925-279-1004 or email karen@misskarensproductions.com.
I am so looking forward to working with you.
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| October Networking Tip
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| How Networking is Like Dating
Networking, like dating, is not a numbers game.
Also like dating, it's about relationships.
Imagine yourself on a first date. You've had a wonderful meal at a nice restaurant. the movie was good too. Your new friend brings you home. You get to the door of your home and you have that kind of awkward moment - the one where each of you is so new to each other that you don't know what is "supposed to" happen next.
As you fumble around in awkward conversation, your date says, "Nice evening, huh? Do you want to get married?"
Ack! Ack!
People have been taught that networking is a numbers game and that you have to try to make a sale every time you talk to someone. But that's like asking to get married on the first date.
It's just not true.
Anytime you meet someone, remember it's the relationship with the person that comes first.
Sure you should tell them what kind of people you help and the problem you solve for them. And sure you should try to help them make as many connections as you're comfortable with.
Just remember that the best referral relationships take time and effort, just like dating (and marriage).
As you network remember it's not about how many people you "know." It's about how well you know each other, how much you like and how much you trust each other that will help you both grow your businesses.
Your homework for this week is to call someone who has referred business to you in the last 6 months. Invite them to lunch - just to say "thank you."
| Been Trying to Email Me With No Luck?
| Earthlink is dead!
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Not really, but I got rid of my Earthlink account, so if you're trying to email me the current address is whatever you were using at comcast.net
So the three Earthlink addresses,
tulipbasket
tulipunicorn and
misskarensprodcutions
are now all at comcast.net | Too Late They're All Gone! -
Home Study Course Sells out!
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Well, the last copy of my home study course, Success in 30 Seconds was sold last month.
Read on to learn about what's coming up next!
| Does your group need a speaker?
|  | Networking not working?
Marketing un-remarkable?
If your group is looking for a fun interactive presentation, Karen Frank will fill the bill! Call 925-279-1004 to schedule Miss Karen for your next event.
Want something just for your group? Karen is happy to customise materials or come up with something just for you! Please call for rates and more information. | | |
