The Benefits of Networking

Networking is not a new phenomenon. In fact, it has been in existence for many moons. Networking is one of the most effective methods of forming relationships not only in the business sense, but in all areas of life. It is a way to expose your self to those in your target market in order to grow in the public eye. It helps perpetuate one of the most effective methods of advertisement known to man; word of mouth. Networking is not Business Card Exchange frenzy; it is a way of life.

The thought of networking can seem frightening to someone who is not an outgoing person or who may have a difficult time speaking in public but I have great news. Networking doesn’t have to be scary. There are many benefits to networking and there are multiple networks comprised of individuals just like you. Whether you are a small business owner, a stay at home mom, a college student or a working professional, there are many different networks available, both in person and online, that can help you accomplish your goals.

What are the benefits of networking?

Here are a few benefits of networking:

  • Meeting like-minded people with knowledge and experience who can provide information and/or support with what you are working to accomplish.
  • Helps to gain exposure and raise awareness amongst those who may be looking for your services and vice versa.
  • It creates a platform to grow your customer base by generating leads and increasing your bottom line.
  • It helps to build long-term relationships with mutual gain.
  • It can be a fun, learning experience.

In networking, the experience is totally yours to create. Selecting the right networking event and/or group is critical to your experience. Be sure to choose an event and/or group that serves your purpose and provides the services you need. Become actively involved in your network to make the best of your experience and to remain in the “know.” Knowledge is power and networking is powerful.

Shonna Hassett is the Director of Marketing and Public Relations for ALL SO SWEET, LLC. ALL SO SWEET is a women’s networking organization specializing in networking events, trainings, seminars, workshops and speaking engagements, to name a few.

What Is The Secret Of Success Of Scentsy?

On the front page of Scentsy the company gives this answer for their success story. Quoting Albert Einstein they say this:

“Try not to become a man of success. Rather, become a man of value. A successful man takes out of life more than he puts in. A man of value will give more than he receives”.

That is very true yet there are several more tangible reasons for the success of Scentsy. To be a successful MLM business you need to have three simple ingredients. Without these three things you cannot succeed as an MLM business.

They are:

(1) First and foremost the company directors have to be genuine and sincere. There needs to be a genuine concern for the continued success of their distributors. Also, there needs to be sincerity in the proclaimed value of the product being sold and distributed. The product has to be real and it has to give real value to its customers.

If number one mentioned above is not there, you can be certain that the company will not succeed and if it seems to be successful it will be short lived. Orville and Heidi Thompson have a real and genuine love for people. They really want their distributors to be successful. Not only because that will make Scentsy a success, but also because they care for others and they are givers not takers.

(2) The next important part of a successful MLM company is the product line. The company needs to be selling a product line that people need. It also needs to have a variety of products in the product line. So that customers have a choice of products to buy and can upgrade and buy more of the product if they want to.

Having a great product line is another reason for Scentsy’s success story. Scentsy as the name suggests is a product which produces a good aroma to fill the room. It is scent producing candle. But it doesn’t use burning wicks to melt the scented wax. Instead it uses an electric heated candle or bulb to melt the wax and release the good smelling aromas stored inside the wax. The wax is melted, the aroma is released, the room is filled with the finest aromas and there is no mess, no burning of wicks and no melting of wax. It has all the benefits of smelling candles and none of the setbacks.

Successful Business Networking

Are you serious about building your business through networking? Then you need an approach designed to build long-term, mutually beneficial relationships.

It seems obvious that the purpose of networking is to find prospects, right? So you scout the room, identify the most likely candidates, launch into your 30-second intro and follow up with the ten reasons why you should get together for a meeting next week.

On the odd occasion this may net you a sale, but for the most part you’ll just be met with glazed eyes and a blank expression. Because the other people in the room have come, not to buy, but to sell their own products or services.

How do you get to the point then, where your networking contacts start buying from you, rather than trying to sell to you? Follow these tips, and you’ll be well on your way:

1. Settle in for the long haul.

Networking is not a speedy promotional solution. It’s a way to build a network of business contacts who know, like and trust you; a network of people you stay in touch with, and become friendly with.

Once you have that network, you will start to find that you’re receiving business, leads and referrals from all directions.

2. It’s better to give than to receive.

Concentrate first on bringing value to the people you meet, and to the groups you join. Your listening skills, and your willingness to offer free advice and assistance, or to make connections will make you much more memorable than your elevator speech ever will.

For every person you meet, ask yourself the following questions:

· What are their objectives and goals?
· How can I help them achieve those objectives?
· How might they benefit from connections with other people I know?
· How could they benefit from my information or ideas?
· What can I do right now to be helpful?

3. Stay in touch.

Without follow-up your networking activities will be waste of time and money, and yet it’s the easiest step to ignore.

Again, though, if you follow up with a sales message you’ll turn people off. Rather, try following up with some advice on a challenge mentioned at last night’s meeting; or a link to a website your contact may be interested in. Try putting them in touch with someone they should meet.

Networking Memberships – Upload

In order to gain the most of your networking endeavors, it is key to join a professional networking group. These groups have an existing and workable model for creating a strong and efficient network with like minded individuals in a business atmosphere. The structure, mission and representatives of the group are the needed ingredients for a successful networking experience.

This article is one in a series of four articles which explores the dynamics of memberships in quality organizations. Individuals can learn important tips for maximizing their participation and efforts.

Upload Your Expertise into the Group

We live in a digital age and use the computer and online technologies for practically everything in our lives. This should also run parallel with your social and business endeavors. As a member of an organization, focus on adding value and relevance to the group. Besides paying your dues and attending events regularly, seek out ways to market your expertise to improve the quality of the organization. One suggestion is to set up a meeting with the director or president of the group and explain your initiatives. Create a list of your strong character and professional traits, or a list of services or products which you or your company offers. Follow up with an exchange system for implementing the services or distributing the products.

Although this can be viewed as a form of solicitation, make clear your objectives and intent for the meeting. This could be facilitated through a bartering or vendor relationship. There are several ways to create a partnership or association to get more involved and engaged within the group. Do not limit your interactions to just the leadership of the group. Find ways to connect and partner with fellow group members and associates. These types of alliances foster business and economic growth and attract potential new members.