 | | business start-up | Where Do You Make These Connections? Everywhere You Go
How important are making connections to your success? It's extremely important and here's why, as well as some of the ways you can learn to be a better connector.
Be a “People Person”
First of all, this is a people business. It's all about people and what they want. If you don't find out what they want by connecting with them you'll most likely flounder in this business. Connecting with people and finding out what their desires are, their why, their problems, and their purpose — and then helping them with solutions to those problems and helping them accomplish their purpose is your real mission. Network Daily
There's a way to become a better connector and that is to network with lots of people including people in your own industry that are in other companies. Why? Because you never know when your paths will cross and you end up doing business together. So try not to burn any bridges. If you don't connect, then you could lose out on a great potential business partner relationship. Now, how do we make these connections and how do we connect with people? I've been doing this for almost ten years with people I've connected and built relationships with through the Internet and phone. These relationships mean the world to me and I respectfully appreciate each and every one of them. Stay Open-Minded
It's important to always keep an open mind. You're a business person so make connections with all sorts of people wherever you go. If you stay closed-minded and only connect with people in your own company or industry you could be closing out on some really valuable resources to help you grow yourself and your business. Be Curious
Connect with people by asking questions. It's really that simple! When you ask, you get answers. When all you do is “tell,” you don't get any answers because you're not connecting with them. Always Be Prepared to Meet New People
Where do these connections take place? Everywhere you go. When you're out doing your errands, your shopping, volunteering at your children's school, at your jobs, on airplanes, in airports, on vacation, with your realtors when you're looking at property, at social functions, at family gatherings, etc. Does this mean you are shoving your business and products down their throats? No! You are connecting with them. That means asking about them and genuinely taking an interest in what they are saying and what they are not saying.Avoid Being Pushy
Your job is to be the messenger. It's not to push, shove, manipulate, or force people. Your job is to lead, guide, prompt, and suggest. It is the responsibility of each person to give willingly for their own purpose. Sometimes it takes longer with one person than another, but it's up to them to decide. Make Technology Your Friend
Some of the ways we connect is through using technology. The Internet is an excellent way to connect with lots of different people by using e-mail, online marketing systems, and message forums and communities. Some of the communities where I network and connect with people are ryze.com, mlm.com, ivwcc.com, mydswa.com, powerfulintentions.com, and mlmwoman.com. Just do a Google search. These are not places for advertising, they are places to connect with people. When you do use technology, though, remember to turn the high tech into high touch. That means connecting by being interested in people and finding out what they do, where they live, do they love what they do, what are their hobbies, are they married, do they have children, grandchildren, are they happy with how their life is going, are they looking for a change? Here's something else to consider. Do they want to connect with you and you them? The phone of course is another personal way to connect. Use it often and use it properly by asking those connecting questions above. Spread the Word
Making connections with people could end up being the most important thing you not only do for yourself, but think of the possibilities when you teach others to do this, too. Everyone connecting and actually helping each other find positive solutions! What a concept? It's a gain for everyone's life you help to change for the better. Now that creates a true people connecting mission that will flourish everyone's business. When you continue to make connections and you never give up you will achieve your dreams and help many others dreams come true, too! HBM Sue has been earning an income from home online since 1996. She is a Home Business Developer, Internet Marketing Coach, and published author. She is also co-author of the book, Build It Big: 101 Insider Secrets From Top Direct Selling Experts. Online Marketing training information and home business resources can be found on her web site at http://www.eCommerceHomeBiz.comPreviously published in the April 2007 issue of HOME BUSINESS® Magazine, an international publication for the growing and dynamic home-based market. Available on newsstands, in bookstores and chain stores, and via subscriptions ($15.00 for 1 year, six issues). Visit www.homebusinessmag.com |