Referrals Unlimited Network

If you're new here, you may want to subscribe to my RSS feed. Thanks for visiting!

Networking takes on many shapes, sizes and forms.  We can, and should be, networking everywhere, every day, wherever we go.  We talk about ways to develop and attract new business, help others to build their business by providing referrals for them and generally  encouraging and supporting other business owners as they move on through their growing pains. 

Well, that’s exactly what I thought was happening this past week.  A very good friend of mine, Charly Leetham popped into our Skype networking room and was all excited.  It seems as though Jenny Smart, from Cash Smart Kid was running a contest for kids who own their own business.  You can read more about it http://raisingentrepreneurs.org/blog/2008/11/03/and-the-winners-are/

It’s important that you remember what the rules of the contest were as you read the rest of this story.  Jenny devised a competition where the kids had to develop a 2 minute YouTube Video or write a Hub Page about their business. Two winners would be chosen.  She was searching for two entrepreneurs under sixteen to be featured in the 2008 Charity Book Project.

The two winners would be profiled alongside big names like Ben Casnocha, who started a software business at 13, and was CEO of a Silicon Valley start-up, by seventeen.

Charly’s daughter was excited about this contest and got right down to work.  She researched her market until she found a product that she enjoyed reading about and it happened to be about psychic powers.  Charly and her husband, Stuart, encourage their children to be independent thinkers and to work smarter, not harder.  One of the Leetham rules was that Rhiannon would have to research to find a product she liked, she would have to spend her own money to purchase the product because she had to know all about it before recommending that anyone else purchase it.  This product cost $100 of Rhiannon’s own money.

Moving on with this story, Rhiannon built a website and titled it That Psychic Girl and entered the contest.  This week it was announced that Rhiannon was one of the winners!  Her family was ecstatic as they received word of her winning before she returned home from school that day.  As proud parents do (and I would have done the same thing), Charly immediately sent out a press release announcing the contest winning.

This was done in order to keep a positive spin on this activity.  It was written to show that parents worked with their child, allowing them to research and find a product they liked and wanted to represent, had the child purchase the product with her own money and then build a webpage to sell that product.  Wow, if only more parents would encourage that Young Entrepreneurial spirit in their children.  As long as the parents are overseeing the online activities, I see nothing wrong in allowing children to have the freedom to express themselves based on their interests.  Making money was NOT the primary objective here – it was the process that was important and to be announced as a winner in the 2008 Charity Book Project.  A percentage of the proceeds raised from the sales of this product are to go to the winner’s choice of charities. 

Rhiannon has a great interest in internet marketing.  She’s learning it from her parents, she’s developing it under her parents watchful eyes and she donating a portion of her proceeds to charity.  What could ever be wrong with that?  

It seems as though there is a group of cyber bullies in action at the moment.  These bullies have posted Rhiannon’s video and posted quite a lot of nasty comments, bordering along the lines of defamation of character and totally destroying the good this child did with her site.  Why would these “bullies” try to ruin the good name of the parents or tear down this important moment for Rhiannon?

Would psychic powers be a subject I would pick for my child to write about?  More than likely, not – but then again Rhiannon’s parents did not select it either.  I think it’s wonderful to encourage children to think for themselves, do research and find out as much as they can about a product or service and then make some informed decisions.

I have no idea why these cyber bullies are out to destroy anyone else’s work.  Perhaps they are simply jealous that they have to hide behind the printed word as they keep their identities hidden.  Perhaps it was a parent or two of children who didn’t win the contest.

But really, let’s keep this positive and encourage our young people to get involved in something they love to do.  Help them learn more about the dangers and the rewards the internet can provide.  Teach them good networking skills.  Allow them to ask permission to join some community forums and write blog posts.  What a wonderful accent to their education.

As networkers we can help to encourage these tasks.  Won’t you help me to recognize the great work that these kids are doing and help to force these cyber bullies to be quiet and leave hard-working people alone.

What are your thoughts about this?  As a networker, what would you have done to help in this situation?  I’d love to see your comments posted below!

I am honored today to be asked to participate in a Book Blog Tour for a great new resource for business owners and Virtual Assistants.  Tina Forsythe has just published a book titled Becoming An Online Business Manager.   

As a virtual business owner and a former VA (Virtual Assistant), Forsythe knows first-hand the challenges that are faced by business owners as they struggle to grow their business. 

When asked what prompted the writing of this book, Forsythe replied “we are seeing more business owners who are ready to hire at the management level. They already have teams of virtual assistants, webmasters, designers and other contractors, but what they really need is someone to manage all of this; to play a bigger role in their business so that they can grow to the next level.” 

This book encourages business owners to move from being 100% self-sufficient, to searching and working with an Online Business Manager to help grow their business. 

Virtual Assistants need some help and encouragement in moving themselves to an even greater position of responsibility and are encouraged to seek out a position as an Online Business Manager (OBM).

Many VAs have the knowledge and skill sets necessary to operate as an OBM, but have no clue that this type of opportunity exists. The demand has never been greater for online business support and OBMs are becoming a necessity for business owners.

OBMs can free up time for their client(s) to focus on business-building tasks.  Some of these tasks demand the business owner personally handle them, such as forming and nurturing strategic alliances, product development and, brainstorming.

The hands-on book gives complete “nuts and bolts” explanations that are needed to develop and work with an Online Business Manager.  A blueprint has been created that guides both the business owner and the Virtual Assistant through this new territory of responsibility and growth critical to the success of many businesses. 

Participating in a book blog tour is a wonderful way to help others and you, my readers know by now that I’m all about doing that. By helping to promote a wonderful book and resource, I’m very pleased to be included in such a great schedule of reviews.  Please be sure to read the rest of the posts that are scheduled for Tina’s blog tour!

 You can purchase your own copy of Tina’s book Becoming an Online Business Manager by visiting http://www.becominganobm.com

Are you frustrated with the results you get from networking?  Tell me where you are networking and what’s causing your frustration.  Perhaps I can help you move past that “block” to get the results you are seeking from your networking activities.

Are you listening to what others have to say?  Are you finding a way to let others know how they can help you?  Are you telling others about you and what you do or are you immediately attempting to sell to them?

I posted on Twitter tonight to ask that question and I’d love to know your answer!

If I were to provide a solution for your frustration, how would that make a difference in your life?

Looking forward to all your answers and comments!

People are meeting new people all the time . . . in restaurants, at shopping malls, in movie theaters, grocery stores and more.  It’s amazing how many of us consider ourselves to be networkers, yet we don’t have a clue what to do (or not to do) after we meet someone!

Jason Jacobsohn, Networking Insight had a great post on this topic this week.  Check out what he has to say on the subject.  http://www.networkinginsight.com/2008/07/what-not-to-do-when-meeting-someone-for-the-first-time.html

For the most part, I do agree with Jason’s points, however, I must disagree, sort of, with the last point he makes in his post.  Business cards - yes, I do agree, carry them with you at all times, in your briefcase,  your PDA, your jacket pockets, your purse, etc.  The part I DON’T agree with is to hand them out everywhere  you go.  My advice is to be selective in handing them out.   Think about it . . . how many times do you return to your home and/or office with a pocket full of business cards (or even that one card that seems to remain “stuck” in your pocket(s) and ends up in the laundry?) and you don’t even remember why you have these cards.  You don’t remember where or why you got these cards.  It’s crazy isn’t it  -  since you don’t remember anything about the person, might as well throw the card in the trash!

Ouch! Is that what you had in mind when you gave out that card?  I know, I don’t!  If you are selective about handing out your cards, the chances of that card ending up in the trash are minimal.  When you are ASKED for a card, obviously the person has some interest in you and/or the business you represent and will more than likely remember you when they return to their home or office. 

The days of running around, handing out cards to every Tom, Dick and Harry you meet are gone and good riddance to them!  Business cards are expensive to print and with the economy in the state it is in now, who can afford to pass them out to people who are not interested in using them?  In addition to that, you want to be memorable when meeting new people.  By waiting until they ask for your card, it will become more important to them to remember what they wanted to use your card for - new business, a referral, etc.  Speaking of “jogging their memory” as to why they have your card, if you have high-quality glossy stock business cards, the next time you order cards, ask for the glossy stock on the front side only of your card, unless you are using the back of the card for helpful information.  If the back of the card is blank, and the cardstock is glossy on both sides, no one can use that side to make notes to remember why they have your card, what they were to send you or even where they met you!

How about you - what do your business cards look like?  What do you do with the business cards you “collect” as you are out and about?  What do you do with those cards when you return?  How memorable do you want to be?  I’d love to hear your thoughts and ideas, so please post a comment below and tell me about your business card! 

Carol Deckert is one of my favorite people on the planet. I first met her through LinkedIn, then the group LinkedIn Power Women.

After a bit, we started chatting on Skype. After I was asked to join Carol as a co-moderator of LinkedIn Power Women, we found that we not only had a lot in common, but we were actually typing in the same words at the same time to people!  We found that we react in a similar way to a lot of things.  It was so nice.

We have gone so far as to kid around that we are “sisters from another mother”!

In between the fun and support, we are actually working on projects together and helping each other grow business.

We became very close personally, and professionally.  Last week I had the honor of actually visiting one of Carol’s in person networking groups.  It was amazing to spend a good chunk of the day with someone that I know from online networking and phone calls.

Carol and I are living examples of networking, and netweaving, in action!

Dr. Sally Witt on left, Carol Deckert on right (the cute one!!)

Stay tuned for video interviews with Dr. Sally and Carol, and more!

You can listen here to Carol’s interview on the Dr. Sally Show:

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/drsallywitt/2008/04/14/Carol-Deckert-good-friend-amazing-Networking-Coach

If you want to network with me, just try one or more of the sites below and add me as a friend!

Sally

Dr. Sally Witt Breakthrough Coach/Hypnotherapist

drsallywitt@gmail.com

215/736-0900

skype: drsallywitt

http://www.drsallywitt.com

www.blogtalkradio.com/drsallywitt

http://www.linkedin.com/in/sallywitt

http://twitter.com/drsallywitt

http://www.youtube.com/drsallywitt

http://activerain.com/drsallywitt

http://www.ojeez.com/drsallywitt

http://myspace.com/sallywitt

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=688850804

http://www.ryze.com/go/drsallywitt

Feel free to send me an invitation to link, or to be a friend on any of the sites!

GUIDELINES: 

Everyone is welcome to join Carol Deckert’s - Business Networking and Relationship Building Skype Room as long as your behavior is professional and non-threatening.  

EVERY new person entering this room MUST introduce themselves by their first and last name.  It is difficult to get to know someone only by their aliases.  Your introductions can and should  include information about your business, how long you have worked in this particular industry, what you specifically do and may also include generic facts like whether or not you are married or single (if you choose to divulge this info), number of children, grandchildren, and the general area in which you live (for example, I’m married, have 3 children, 5 grandchildren and I live in SouthCentral PA in the USA (EST).  Anyone that does not introduce themselves, may very easily find themselves banned from returning to this room!

Introductions should be posted immediately upon joining the room - please begin your post like this:

INTRO: My name is . . .  Include your URLS for websites and blogs for others to read and review. 

As new people enter the room, would someone please greet the new person and tell them about the room guidelines?  As others join in, questions will naturally flow -  and we will learn more about what they are looking for.  If you would like to invite your friends and associates, please use this URL  http://www.runlancaster.com/skype-room/networking

 *****************************

SPECIAL EVENT DAYS:
Mondays:  Post the link to your blog and tell us what’s happening - do you need help with promoting it, ask us to post a Tweet, post in FB, etc.

Wednesdays:  Introduction Day for everyone

Fridays:  Self-promotion Day - post your ads, post your news, etc.

As discussion topics are posted, please don’t lurk - I really invite your participation, including your likes/dislikes.

*******************************

Building relationships is so very critical if you ever plan on referring or receiving any new business.  In order to build relationships, obviously there has to be some social interaction and I am all for that.  What I don’t want to have happen is that the room becomes nothing BUT chit chat.  Please remember that this is all about networking and relationship building as it relates to business.  

Anyone using inappropriate language, including language of a sexual nature (which could be considered sexual harrassment) or discriminatory language will be immediately ejected and banned from participation in this room without warnong or comment.  We do have some teenagers who have been invited to participate in this room, with their parent’s permission and knowledge, so that we can assist them in learning how to network properly.  Please be considerate in all you say and do.  Conversations of a personal, private nature should be taken out of the room and into an individual private chat.

Keep this room about business - share resources, quotes, joint venture opportunities, teleseminars, that type of info with one another.  Find out about each other’s business - ask relevant questions until you totally understand how the other person works.

You could start with some very basic questions such as what are your biggest challenges right now in your business?  How did you get started in your business?  If I ran into a good referral for you, how would I know it?  How would you like me to introduce you to someone that I know (such as email, voice, letter of recommendation, etc.)  Most of the individual members of these Skype rooms are more than likely NOT in your target market, but there is absolutely ways in which you can each network and refer each other.  Share stories, anecdotes, processes you use.  Help others really understand your business.

Announcements for all events should be posted in the Announcement Skype Room to avoid posting in every Skype Room.

Please use this room for sharing experiences, asking for help, sharing resources and links and business-type information.  As we begin to build relationships, we should be focused on listening to what others say about how they do business, why they do business and what they do to solve their client’s pain and/or frustration.  Building professional relationships does include learning something about the person’s background and life experiences, but does NOT need to include statements about their health, what they ate for lunch, dinner, etc. or where they went over the weekend. 

Not to sound harsh, but general chit-chat of a personal nature should be done between two or more individuals in their private Skype rooms.  Keep this room available so that valuable shared resources and links do not get lost in the midst of conversations.  Of course, good morning, evening, etc., how are you today is perfectly acceptable.  It’s those personal details that we want to avoid - details that are not necessary in a public forum.

If you want to temporarily leave this chat, please close the room with large “X” - DO NOT LEAVE BY CLICKING ON “LEAVE CHAT” button - if you do, someone will have to manually add you back to the room.

Networking with the use of Skype Rooms is becoming very popular.  Skype is a service that allows you to talk computer-to-computer for free, anywhere in the world!  If you would like to begin using Skype, download the software at http://www.skype.com - it only takes a few minutes to download and you can begin searching your contacts for those who already have Skype IDs.  Conduct a private one-on-one conversation or network with all the people that are logged into the room.  You can usually find someone in each of the rooms, no matter when you check in, since all the people involved live in different time zones.  There are many rooms that are focused on a particular topic.  Today I would like to share a few of them with you.

If you want to learn more about using Skype, check out Julie Wolf’s tips for using Skype Rooms at http://www.incomeassurance.com/skype-room .  Julie is our resident Skype Expert and will help you find the best ways to utilize Skype as you develop all your sales funnels to grow your business.

If you are interested in discovering how your can monetize and develop your passion, visit Katherine Reschke’s Skype Room at http://passionsthatpay.com/skype-room .  Katherine is an excellent coach and is a great brainstorming and accountability partner!  There are a lot of awesome people that hang out in this room, all willing to share their knowledge and expertise with one another!  Stop by and meet them! (more…)