Saturday, July 11, 2009
Entrepreneurship At Any Age - So What?
Does age matter if you are an entrepreneur? The answer is "no" according to 18 year old Houston based entrepreneur, Keith J Davis. He makes his debut as a book author with "Young? So What!" (K. Jerrold Publishing, U.S. $15.00).
He lists 10 steps to becoming a successful entrepreneur. He shares that the common question is "What can an 18 year old tell me about achieving success?" ReShonda Tate Billingsley, a national best selling author answers. "I recommend 'Young? So What!' to anyone looking for greater clarity on how to achieve success as an entrepreneur or in life period."
Davis' top ten list begins with having the right mindset. He credits his parents for leading him in the direction that helped him develop his mindset. "They instilled in me that there are no excuses for not attaining your life goals and no certain age for when a person should begin to leave a mark in the world."
Though Davis has targeted sharing his message with other kids his own age, he has a message for us baby boomer entrepreneurs as well. "Over 50" So What?"
You can find more about Keith Davis at http://www.keithjdavisjr.com/index.html
Shallie Bey
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Friday, July 10, 2009
The killer app in business networking
In ‘Trust is the Killer App’ Leon Benjamin quotes William Davies at the Institute for Public Policy Research who recently published a ground breaking paper that examines the role of the government in the increasingly decentralised social and political activities taking place online. He states there are three sources of trust: State, Community & Online Community. Notice the absence of corporations. He goes on to say that “out of nowhere trust has become the most talked about abstractions of our times”
In the NRG research into business networking trust was identified as a central factor due to the complex nature of the relationships that develop and the possible impacts both positive and negative that may result:
"Transactions that occur within a network are not always backed with a monetary transaction. There are many levels of granularity, and this presents an opportunity to develop trust with acceptable risk.
Therefore forming a network should be based on developing trust, and trust can be defined as 'Firm reliance on the integrity, ability, or character of a person'."
So Trust is the killer application in business networking and that means you need to take a long term view. To quote the research again,
"Many businesses who network are in the establishment phase of their business. They may stay there for some considerable time. They would like to grow their sales and value. The short term pressures of getting sales and cash flows may not sit easily with developing trust, which is a long term strategy, rather than a short term tactic.
The paradox in the establishment phase is that a trusted network could offer resources, credibility, a cost saving and a time saving. Businesses who develop a strategic network have developed their businesses and their relationships. They are able to reap the benefits of trust!"
Good Networking!
Dave Clarke
Get 7 networking secrets for business success
business networking | business networking events | business networking podcast
In the NRG research into business networking trust was identified as a central factor due to the complex nature of the relationships that develop and the possible impacts both positive and negative that may result:
"Transactions that occur within a network are not always backed with a monetary transaction. There are many levels of granularity, and this presents an opportunity to develop trust with acceptable risk.
Therefore forming a network should be based on developing trust, and trust can be defined as 'Firm reliance on the integrity, ability, or character of a person'."
So Trust is the killer application in business networking and that means you need to take a long term view. To quote the research again,
"Many businesses who network are in the establishment phase of their business. They may stay there for some considerable time. They would like to grow their sales and value. The short term pressures of getting sales and cash flows may not sit easily with developing trust, which is a long term strategy, rather than a short term tactic.
The paradox in the establishment phase is that a trusted network could offer resources, credibility, a cost saving and a time saving. Businesses who develop a strategic network have developed their businesses and their relationships. They are able to reap the benefits of trust!"
Good Networking!
Dave Clarke
Get 7 networking secrets for business success
business networking | business networking events | business networking podcast
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Are you listening or shouting online?
I have listened to Graham Jones speak at seminars at NRG Business Networking Events a couple of times recently. His theme has been 'How to double your Web Site Traffic'. His advice has been gratefully received (and hopefully acted on!) by the participants.
More and more people have asked him about Twitter during the presentations and he has given a couple of great examples about how you can use Twitter (and other Social Media) to listen for conversations relevant to you and your business and then engage in those conversations. Many business people have looked at Twitter and assumed it is for shouting about your services rather than engaging in conversations. This is a bit like going to a networking event and selling to the people there. I have written in previous posts that networking is not selling.
I have a couple of automated Twitter searches set up for Networking and NRG Networking specifically. On more than a few occasions recently I have been alerted to comments about NRG from members and guests and then responded directly to questions from people who replied to those comments.
For more on this subject take a look at Graham's excellent Beginners Guide to Twitter.
Good Networking!
Dave Clarke
Get 7 networking secrets for business success
business networking | business networking events | business networking podcast
More and more people have asked him about Twitter during the presentations and he has given a couple of great examples about how you can use Twitter (and other Social Media) to listen for conversations relevant to you and your business and then engage in those conversations. Many business people have looked at Twitter and assumed it is for shouting about your services rather than engaging in conversations. This is a bit like going to a networking event and selling to the people there. I have written in previous posts that networking is not selling.
I have a couple of automated Twitter searches set up for Networking and NRG Networking specifically. On more than a few occasions recently I have been alerted to comments about NRG from members and guests and then responded directly to questions from people who replied to those comments.
For more on this subject take a look at Graham's excellent Beginners Guide to Twitter.
Good Networking!
Dave Clarke
Get 7 networking secrets for business success
business networking | business networking events | business networking podcast
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Do people like you get business through networking
At a networking lunch yesterday a business owner asked me if people like him got business through networking. He was fairly new to business networking and wanted some reassurance even though he had been referred to the NRG group by the owner of a similar business who had done very well.
A couple of people overheard and asked about what he did and what he was looking for. They shared some advice on his answers and some specifics that people in the room could help him with.
Someone else shared how he had received many referrals and other intangibles in support and advice and said,
"If you have a viable business, are likeable and helpful you can get loads of business. If you only have a viable business but aren't much of a people person it will take you longer!"
Good Networking!
Dave Clarke
Get 7 networking secrets for business success
business networking | business networking events | business networking podcast
A couple of people overheard and asked about what he did and what he was looking for. They shared some advice on his answers and some specifics that people in the room could help him with.
Someone else shared how he had received many referrals and other intangibles in support and advice and said,
"If you have a viable business, are likeable and helpful you can get loads of business. If you only have a viable business but aren't much of a people person it will take you longer!"
Good Networking!
Dave Clarke
Get 7 networking secrets for business success
business networking | business networking events | business networking podcast
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
The Compass, the Clock & Networking
In 'Leadership and Networking' I wrote about the Mastering Leadership Event from William Montgomery of askten. William used an illustration of a compass and a clock to help you focus on your top priorities. The compass represents your direction and the clock how you manage your time.
In networking think about the compass when working out your strategy. This includes why you are networking, where you are headed with your networking and what you need to do to get there. What networks are a good strategic fit for you. The key relationships to focus on & the time you will invest.
Think about the clock for managing your time in relation to your networking activities. When you schedule time for a networking meeting also schedule in the time for follow up & 121 meetings. When you promise to do something then schedule a specific time. If Online Networks and Social Media are important to your business then schedule specific time.
Good Networking!
Dave Clarke
Get 7 networking secrets for business success
business networking | business networking events | business networking podcast
In networking think about the compass when working out your strategy. This includes why you are networking, where you are headed with your networking and what you need to do to get there. What networks are a good strategic fit for you. The key relationships to focus on & the time you will invest.
Think about the clock for managing your time in relation to your networking activities. When you schedule time for a networking meeting also schedule in the time for follow up & 121 meetings. When you promise to do something then schedule a specific time. If Online Networks and Social Media are important to your business then schedule specific time.Good Networking!
Dave Clarke
Get 7 networking secrets for business success
business networking | business networking events | business networking podcast
Monday, July 6, 2009
Why are you networking?
People network for different reasons. Some business and some social. Whatever your reason it's a good idea to have it clear in your own mind or you may spend time and money without a clear return. This podcast, 'Why are you networking & are you prepared?' includes some advice on the subject:
Good Networking!
Dave Clarke
Get 7 networking secrets for business success
business networking | business networking events | business networking podcast
Good Networking!
Dave Clarke
Get 7 networking secrets for business success
business networking | business networking events | business networking podcast
Friday, July 3, 2009
Networking and Pipeline Building
For many people networking is a very hit and miss affair with no predictability and reliability around developing business. Earlier this week I attended a Pipeline Seminar with Sarah Owen of the Referral Institute as part of their 'Creating Referrals For Life' programme. The Pipeline Seminar is all about how to implement a structured referral strategy. On the day the attendees generated close to £750,000 worth of appointments for each other!
I have sat the Pipeline Seminar with others previously and now have monthly follow up One2One meetings where we usually give between 4 & 8 referrals to each other for the following month. It's a great complement to my networking and a way of ensuring that some of my close networking relationships are mutually profitable.
Does your networking strategy include anything like this?
Good Networking!
Dave Clarke
Get 7 networking secrets for business success
business networking | business networking events | business networking podcast
I have sat the Pipeline Seminar with others previously and now have monthly follow up One2One meetings where we usually give between 4 & 8 referrals to each other for the following month. It's a great complement to my networking and a way of ensuring that some of my close networking relationships are mutually profitable.
Does your networking strategy include anything like this?
Good Networking!
Dave Clarke
Get 7 networking secrets for business success
business networking | business networking events | business networking podcast
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Engaging with people in Networking
I was talking with an NRG member today about his experiences presenting Seminars at NRG Business Networking Lunch Events. He shared that he had received 2 referrals from people at each of the last 2 talks, but none for the 2 before those. The only thing that differed was that he did not use a PowerPoint presentation in the last 2 and felt the audience was much more engaged with him as a result.
Finding ways of engaging with the people you regularly meet networking are vital in getting to build strong business relationships. Presenting to your group is a great way of engaging and adding value to the others. An experience of you sharing your expertise first hand goes a long way to establishing your credibility and building trust in you and your services.
How many speaking slots do you have in your diary?
Good Networking!
Dave Clarke
Get 7 networking secrets for business success
business networking | business networking events | business networking podcast
Finding ways of engaging with the people you regularly meet networking are vital in getting to build strong business relationships. Presenting to your group is a great way of engaging and adding value to the others. An experience of you sharing your expertise first hand goes a long way to establishing your credibility and building trust in you and your services.
How many speaking slots do you have in your diary?
Good Networking!
Dave Clarke
Get 7 networking secrets for business success
business networking | business networking events | business networking podcast
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
The Tipping Point & Online Networking
I was explaining how to integrate online and offline networking to someone at an NRG seminar recently. In '10 tips for building business with the effective use of offline & online networks' I suggest that you identify the online networks to join and start a blog. Your blog is the cornerstone of your online presence and the image below from the Logic + Emotion Blog in 'Twitter Tuesday, Influence Ripples + Tipping Points' is a great visual aid to illustrate my point.
The 3 types of networkers identified in the Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell are shown and described. The Salesman uses knowledge to engage and persuade, the Maven connects people through sharing knowledge, the Connector connects people to each other. To be effective online you need to be a bit of each (or get people to do some of it for you). Think of your blog as engaging and persuading, then use social media to share knowledge and social networks to share connections.
Good Networking!
Dave Clarke
Get 7 networking secrets for business success
business networking | business networking events | business networking podcast
The 3 types of networkers identified in the Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell are shown and described. The Salesman uses knowledge to engage and persuade, the Maven connects people through sharing knowledge, the Connector connects people to each other. To be effective online you need to be a bit of each (or get people to do some of it for you). Think of your blog as engaging and persuading, then use social media to share knowledge and social networks to share connections.
Good Networking!
Dave Clarke
Get 7 networking secrets for business success
business networking | business networking events | business networking podcast
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Making yourself indispensable to clients
One of the attendees at NRG in Birmingham last week shared his reason for networking, "it helps make me indispensable to clients".
He explained that he is often contacted by clients who say "I know you don't do this, but do you know someone who does ...?". He is able to refer people from his network and that strengthens his existing relationships and helps make him indispensable. He is also very attractive to the people he meets networking.
A great approach to have, and very profitable too!
Good Networking!
Dave Clarke
Get 7 networking secrets for business success
business networking | business networking events | business networking podcast
He explained that he is often contacted by clients who say "I know you don't do this, but do you know someone who does ...?". He is able to refer people from his network and that strengthens his existing relationships and helps make him indispensable. He is also very attractive to the people he meets networking.
A great approach to have, and very profitable too!
Good Networking!
Dave Clarke
Get 7 networking secrets for business success
business networking | business networking events | business networking podcast
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