Online Networking that Brings Results

"The biggest challenge I see with conversations in the Social Networking stratosphere is the ability to find a balance between speaking strongly enough so people take notice and softly enough so that people will listen." Heidi Richards

Recently on a RYZE network someone posted the Online Networking Game. I only just found out about it because I never read the original post. And the way I found out was through another network. You see I got 3 private messages (PM's) from people mentioning that someone (only gave me a first name) had suggested they contact me. They did not make any other reference to the referrer nor did they mention they saw my name on the network as someone who should be contacted.

In addition, they did not say what possible connection we might have or why we should network in the first place. I deleted the first two PM's without responding since I had no idea what the person was talking about! I responded to the third one because she indeed gave me more information, said she saw the recommendation on a board and even gave the link in her PM to me. I checked it out and then responded to her.

In fact, I've seen this happen on several networks. You got this great referral or noticed someone online you'd like to connect with. And you cannot wait to reach out. Especially if you got the name via a casual referral as often happens on social networking sites such as RYZE. By casual referral I mean that someone made a post and said to the whole board, I suggest you contact "Jane Doe and tell them I said to call." Well, Jane Doe may not be a good referral for everyone, and yet, like all good networkers, many of us will stop by their RYZE page and send them a PM or sign their guest book and then, nothing! No follow up, no response, nothing!

That's not networking! That's being social. And that's okay. It's good to be social. I am all for it and encourage others to do the same. It can be the beginning of some great conversations if you know what to do next.

To me, networking is like advertising. It can take up to six times (or impressions) before the person on the receiving end really takes notice or tells you to get lost!

So here's some steps you can take to be more effective in reaching out and touching others online.

Before you connect with someone online, visit their RYZE page and website.

If they have a blog, go to their blog and read their posts – comment on them.

Then introduce yourself.

Tell the person why you are contacting them and who suggested you connect. Give the person's entire name and why they had suggested the connection in the first place. Many RYZE members don't read every post (I am guilty of that on some of the forums, especially if the subject line does not interest me).

Interview them. Ask questions to really get to know them.

Don't tell your whole life story in one message – keep your posts brief and fun.

Find things in common with those to whom you connect. Do you live in the same geographic area? Tell them! Do you also have children, grandchildren, pets? Say so.
Do you have a hobby in common? Ask them why they chose that hobby. Read any good books lately? Share your thoughts.

Never, ever try to sell them something in your initial contacts. If you do, chances are the person will never respond and you will end up with a reputation as a drive-by networker.

If you don't get any response, don't get discouraged. It may just be that the person you are trying to reach out to does not have an interest in what you have to say or does not want to connect for their own reasons.

That's okay.

Although RYZE is not as large as MySpace and some of the other social networking sites, (it has close to a quarter million members) if you find a few that don't respond, remember there are thousands more you can reach out to. Social networking is a numbers game as much as a game of patience and persistence and potential. And in the process, let's not forget it's about the PEOPLE!

True relationship building networking takes time. It cannot happen overnight. Virtual Networking is not "love at first sight," rather it is "slow and steady wins the race…" and the race is… to get to know, like and trust one another. And if appropriate, do business together in the process.

Just my 2 cents!

Heidi

Heidi Richards, Founder & CEOwww.WECAI.org - “Helping Women Do Business on and off the WEB™”www.EdenFlorist.com - "NO Reason is the BEST Reason to Send Flowers!Did you miss the Women’s Writing & Publishing Summit July 19 – 21 & 25? You can still register to receive the audio files of all 15 sessions available at – www.womenswritingandpublishingsummit.com

Networking is an Art, and You are the Artist – Four Tips for Success

"Position yourself as a center of influence - the one who knows the movers and shakers. People will respond to that, and you'll soon become what you project." Bob Burg

Too often people participate in what I call “drive-by networking.” In fact many people approach it from the “What can I get out of this conversation, contact, person, etc.?” You know them when you see them. They introduce themselves to you during an event, hand you their card (before you even have the chance to ask for it) they ask a favor, ask for a referral, ask you to pass around their resume, ask for free advice and then once the meeting is over they become a royal pain in the harass – because they call you to try and “sell you” what they have, even when you aren’t really interested. The business of networking is an art – it requires skill, forethought and what my mother used to call “class.”

Networking is about relationships and building those relationships takes time and effort. Michelangelo didn’t paint the Sistine Chapel in a day and it is unlikely you will establish a trusting, sharing relationship in a day either!

There are ways to work smart and enjoy the process of building those relationships. And you can learn to NETWORK SO NO ONE KNOWS YOU’RE DOING IT

Here are four tips to make sure your networking is working for you:

1. Add to your collage. The follow-through is like a piece of clay being molded into the form you envision. Follow up and follow through. If you meet someone, be sure to send a handwritten note, the article you promised them, or the contact name of someone who might be of benefit to them. Do it in a timely fashion. People will soon learn that you are someone they can count on. And will want to be a part of your own collage of friends.

2. Appreciate others as you would a beautiful painting. Make each person you meet feel as though he or she is the most important person in the world. Great networkers like people and it shows. It’s not just about what they can do for you, it’s about who they are. When you open your mind and your heart to people, you will be amazed at what opportunities are out there, just waiting for you.

3. Be the Masterpiece that you are. Confident people are like great works of art. People want to see them, be around them, even admire and emulate them. Confidence is the key to successful networking. If you are unsure about yourself or your product/service it will show. People like doing business with successful, confident people. That’s why the gal or guy with charisma makes the sale even when the product may be inferior. Keep in mind you’re part in the networking relationship. You too, have a lot to offer – your own gallery of friends and associates (contacts), your expertise and knowledge and your willingness to contribute to the relationship by sharing your circle and your knowledge.

4. Color outside the lines. Art comes in many forms. If everyone else is a painting, be sculpture. Find ways to stand out in the crowd. Be creative. If you feel you are just one of those people who doesn’t have any distinctive physical attributes, then do something about it! Be known as the woman (or guy) who wears a flower on her lapel, or the guy with the Stand-out ties. Wear a button that has a provocative saying (not risqué) so people can ask you about it. Create a style that’s memorable – people will start looking for you.

When you learn the Art of Networking you will meet interesting people, establish exceptional business contacts and walk in when new doors for you. Like any art, the contacts you make when you learn the art of networking increases in value over time.

Happy Networking!

Heidi

Did you know that you can join the The WECAI Network™ (http://www.wecai.org) for FREE?

Join at the BASIC level and see what all the excitement is about!

The Power of "Masterminds" or HER Masterminds!

“When two or more minds come together for a purpose, the purpose becomes greater than the being.” Napoleon Hill

I recently took over an existing RYZE Network (the SHE Network) and renamed it HER Mastermind Network. The reason for the name change was to give the network a name that truly reflected our personality and what it is we do on this social networking site.

You see, I think of social networking as a sort of mastermind group. Although these types of forums tend to be much larger than a traditional mastermind, the idea is the same. To learn from a variety of perspectives, to get ideas from more people, to brainstorm ways to tackle everyday challenges... and more.

Here's my definition of a mastermind group: "it is a group of people who meet on a regular basis to exchange ideas, seek the advice of the group and solicit feedback from. It is a resource center of new ideas."

Many small business owners feel isolated and that no one really understands the challenges you face in your business. A Mastermind Group or Network will lessen that isolated feeling.

Over the yearsI have been involved in several masterminds. Some of them meet/met in person, some were and are online exchange between female speakers around the world. Some were started by others and I was invited to attend, some were co-founded by me.

Each of them have helped me both professional and personally, taking my businesses to new levels of success and helping me to crystalize what my purpose in life is. They have helped me to find out what it was I was really working toward, helped me set and achieve goals and offered the kind of encouragement that was necessary when things didn't always go my way. So I thought it would be a good idea to share some of the things I and others have discovered from participating in a mastermind group.

The first thing you need to do is know what it is you want from a mastermind group and what you can contribute to the group.

Highly successful mastermind groups work best when you follow a few simple guidelines:

1. When deciding who would best fit in your group, choose people who have specialized knowledge you lack. Enlisting people with very different outlooks strengthens a mastermind group.

2. Make a time commitment and stick to it. It doesn't matter if you meet once a week or once a month. The point is that when you decide the frequency, make the commitment, don't allow anything except serious emergencies to interfere with your date.

3. Create an agenda to follow. This provides a sense of order during your meetings. Sample agendas might include open discussion at the beginning of the meeting and then focusing on individual challenges for about 20 minutes each.

One of my in-person group (of 6) focuses on one member's challenge each meeting with the others offering their feedback or advice. Each member gets her turn to share. This is very powerful because each of us learns something from the other's challenge. My online group meets in a "chat room" and we each ask a question (there are 5 of us). The other 4 offer their responses. We meet for approximately one hour and we have open discussion at the end of the meeting if there is time.

4. Our in-person meetings are fun. We meet in a different place each month, and it has become as much a social event as an educational experience.

5. Keep it Small and Simple. If your group is too large you run into the challenge of everyone not having sufficient time to present their own challenges. Groups of 4 to 7 work seem to work best.

6. Decide on your rules of engagement in the very beginning. My in-person group openly discusses details of our companies with the understanding that our "inside" secrets" are never divulged outside of our group.

7. Depending on the nature of your group you might consider assigning a facilitator for each meeting to keep the group on target. You learn to facilitate by doing it.

Another key component I should mention is that a true mastermind has an accountability component - that means we help one another achieve our goals by asking how we are doing, offering encouragement and "holding our feet to the fire."

I love the interaction and dynamic flow of ideas that occur during my mastermind group meetings, and cannot wait to get to work on everyone's suggestions. It is exciting to see the results at the end of the year.

When you create your own mastermind group you will see an immediate change in how you approach your own challenges. And the other benefit is that it makes you really look at problems from a new perspective - you find that business owners are more alike than different even when we "sell" a different product or solution to our own target audience.

Being involved in mastermind groups for more than 15 years has been more rewarding for me than I could ever describe, in that I have received so much more than I could ever give back.

If you are not currently involved in a mastermind, I strongly suggest you begin by making a list of the people you would want on your team – I call it your "dream team" - to help your business grow. It may be the best step you take for your business this year!

Warmest regards,

Heidi

First Jobs... Conversation Starters

"Informal conversation is probably the oldest mechanism by which opinions on products and brands are developed, expressed, and spread." Johan Arndt

As an avid networker, one of the questions I often ask during conversations is what was (or is) the best job you have ever had? Learning about what others have done in their lives is a great way to create a stronger bond with that person.

I am also very interested in knowing how the person I am talking to chose their current career. Was it on purpose, by accident... did they just fall into it, other? It is amazing how much people are willing to share when you ask this and it's a great way to put you and the person you are talking to at ease. Another follow up question might be "And what job, business or career did you have prior to doing what you do today? Were you a stay at home mom (or are you now), did you work for someone else, did you totally change professions? "

Finding one or two key questions to ask helps put you and the person you are talking to at ease. And it works with for people at any level of the organizational pyramid. So here's my story (the readers digest version):

My first real job (not counting babysitting, housecleaning and ironing for working moms) was in a Fish and Chips place (I was a senior in High School). I was known for making cole slaw faster than anyone - and talking too much!

My second job was an office - I was a receptionist (Summer before college). Although the pay was better, (and I got to talk to everyone), I didn't much like that and decided it was not in my future. It occurred to me that if I ever did decide to work in an office again (which I have not since) it would be my own and it would be the corner office with a window :).

My third, fourth and fifth jobs were my freshman year of college - I worked at a car-wash on weekends, a department store 2 days a week (days off from school) and 3 nights a week worked the graveyard shift at a Jack in the Box! Sleep was something I treasured so I didn't have much of a life!

I got married my sophomore year, worked as a waitress in a Diner and then moved from California to Florida when my first husband got out of the Navy. We started buying rental property and for the next 7 or 8 years of my life I managed 21 rental units.

About that time, we bought a child care center and for almost 3 years I ran the center which was a 24/7 operation. Our best customers were nurses, taxicab drivers and exotic dancers :). We sold that in 1980 and for a short time I again ran the rental property business which then increased to 67 units.

We decided to start selling property and hired a management company to run the rest. I also worked part time for a friend who was an occupational therapist - I was an therapist assistant in training - it was not for me.

In 1981 we purchased my florist - Eden Florist & Gift Baskets and for the last 26 years I have been going there almost every day. I love the shop, my staff and my customers. However, retail has changed a lot over the years and I am getting a little bored with it.

In 2003 my partner (also my youngest daughter) and I started the Women's eCommerce Association, International which has evolved into the WECAI Network™. Each and every day is exciting! I love booting up the computer and meeting wonderful women (and men) from around the world). And let's not forget all the great technology - learning something new fills me up.

If you want to get really good at networking use these questions or come up with your own. Be a good interviewer. Ask open-ended questions to get people to "open up" and talk about themselves.

One of my favorite quotes is "people don't care how much you know until they know how much you care." Show them how much you care by asking Questions! So that's my story! There's more, but I think I've shared enough for now. It's your turn to answer those questions.


Heidi

Redhead Luncheon Cruise to Nowhere on March 8th - Save the DATE!

Are you a redhead? Did you grow up a redhead? Want to meet dozens of other redheads in South Florida? Do you have a favorite childhood story you would like to share with other redheads? Then the Redhead Luncheon is for you! Bring your redhead friends too.
Join us aboard the Carnival Cruise Ship Legend (Port Everglades, Florida) as we share stories, enjoy a great meal and surround ourselves with the beauty of the Legend (and each other).

There will be food, fun and a few surprises!

Cost $25.00 per personTo register please go to www.wecai.org/redhead_cruise.htm

FYI – Carnival requires registration at least 3 weeks prior to the event in order to attend. No Exceptions! RSVP before February 17th!

The Redhead Luncheon event is limited to the first 100 people to attend Don’t delay, RSVP TODAY!

Please forward this SAVE THE DATE invitation to your redhead friends Women and men are invited to attend!

Yesterday’s Gone….

Yesterday was one of those days. You know, one of those days that sticks in your memory because it was what I call an “A” day. An “A” day to me is a day when I learn something new, meet some new people and am able to pass on some of my new-found knowledge to others.

It started with me giving a presentation to the Florida Direct Marketing Association. The topic: “Marketing to Women – Reeling in Your Most Discerning and Influential Customer. Co-presenting was Megan Connelly, Director, Marketing & PR for Medelia Communications. Delia Passi, President of Medelia wrote “Winning the Toughest Customer – The Essential Guide to Selling to Women.” The company creates customize marketing programs, strategic alliances and more.

You may wonder why I was asked to present on this topic. For three reasons.

#1 As a retail florist my target market is and generally has been women. With the exception of Valentine’s Day – the only day of the year men buy more flowers than women.

#2 In addition I had the privilege to interview 9 experts on the topic for the Women's Success Series™ presented bythe WECAI Network™They included: ~Fara Warner, Author The Power of the Purse: How Smart Businesses Are Adapting to the World's Most Important Consumers - Women , Andrea Learned and Lisa Johnson, Authors of Don’t Think Pink: What Really Makes Women Buy, Holly Buchanan - Marketing to Women Online, Mary Hunt, Author - In Women We Trust, Yvonne DiVita – Author - Dickless Marketing: Smart Marketing to Women Online , Tessa Weggert, Columnist and Media Buyer for the Women’s Market with ClickZ, Tami Anderson and Elizabeth Howland Co-founders, AndHow Marketing and Denise Michaels, Author – Testosterone Free Marketing.

#3 And finally – I am Founder & CEO of the WECAI Network™ - our audience is women and our mission is “To help women do business on and off the WEB.”

Each of these aspects of my experience has taught me to pay attention to what women want, how they want it, when they want it and the reasons they buy. And when I learn something new, it is always my nature to “pass it on.”

After the FDMA program I went back to the office for a little while to catch up on email, and do some writing.

At 6:30 last night I attended a local Dan Kennedy Mastermind Networking event as a guest of my good friend Will Perego, author of Biz Cards That Sell – Free Offer. Dan Kennedy is known as “The Millionaire Maker” because of his track record of helping literally thousands of individuals achieve wealth. Known for his No B.S. books, Dan has written dozens of books on the topics of management, leadership and entrepreneurship. IMHO Dan is the guru of closing sales.

From what I could tell as a guest, the purpose of the chapter is to facilitate networking as well as to learn Dan’s secrets to direct response marketing. Last night we studied headlines. It was an interesting format, to say the least. I went on the invitation of Will, with no expectation (except to meet some new people). What I found was an eclectic group of business owners waiting to devour every morsel of direct response knowledge they could in a little more than an hour. I met four new people during the networking portion of the meeting. In networking I always opt for quality over quantity so meeting four out of the 40+ people in attendance was perfect. They were: an author, a chiropractor, a psychologist and a realtor. Each was interesting and multi-faceted with more than one iron in the fire. People just like me!

And the information was worth listening to – even though much of it I already knew it reminded me of things I should be doing in my businesses such as selling to the buyers I currently have (provided they need or want it). Since the topic of discussion was creating compelling headlines, I wanted to share a great resource they mentioned. It is “350 of the Best Headlines Ever Written” by Milana Lashinsky. And you can get this resource for free when you visit: http://www.coachinglab.com/catalog/ML-350-Best-Headlines.html.

The point I am attempting to make is that it was not a wasted day. I learned new things, met knew people and shared knowledge I had gained with others. Yesterday may be gone, but it definitely won’t be forgotten any time soon.

BTW, If you are interested in knowing more about Marketing to Women, The WECAI Network™ recorded each of those interviews and they are available for purchase (through February 15th you can buy them for $67 – regular price $87). Send me an email with “M2W Audio Program” in the subject line and I will send you information on how you can get your copy.