Networking expertise to help you grow your business
The beginning of the year is always a great time for resolutions of every kind, and I’d like to suggest that it might be worth adding one to your list which could result in better business relationships. It’s the task of spring cleaning your social networks, and then putting in place some useful strategies for ensuring they don’t get too dusty and tired in the future. [click to continue…]
On the 11th October the Digital Youth Academy (DYA) had its official launch at the House of Lords, hosted by Lord Jim Knight.
The mission we share with businesses, colleges and wonderful networks such as BNI is to connect two fabulous resources that we have in the UK – our Business Community and our Born Digital Youths, so that together we can innovate, thrive, grow and understand the social culture of the online world for business. [click to continue…]
“The worst time to think of the best thing to say is when you’re saying it!”
Rob Brown
Just been reading a great blog post The Most Valuable People in Your Network by Rob Cross. In Malcolm Gladwell’s Tipping Point, he talks about the critical number of 150.
When companies, churches, gatherings, networks and communities expand beyond that point, it takes a different level of managing to make things run smoothly. But with technology, online social networking and mobile tools, the networking landscape is changing. So in 21st century networking, what is the optimum size of your business network?
Gone are the days when people like you needed educating on the benefits of networking and the power of a network. You get it now! [click to continue…]
What is your core message?
With all of the opportunities to network, both online and at events, and with an ever-more blurry line between what is ‘professional’ and what is ‘social’, keeping a clear vision in your mind of how you want to be perceived has become increasingly important.
Online networks, bundled under the tag ‘social networking’ have taken this to extremes. I get frequent Facebook friend requests from people I’ve never met, and I know a lot more about my business contacts than I could ever have expected in the past.
That’s fine. I have the power to choose with whom to connect and where, which I exercise. I also have the ability to decide what to post onto which network, which I do. I exercise restraint where appropriate and I let people find out more about me as a person where I feel comfortable doing so.
That’s because I understand what I want people to say about me, and my personality forms as much a part of that as my expertise. I work very hard to ensure that the personality represented online and at events is a fair reflection of ‘me’. I say I work hard at it, but it’s really not that difficult, because I believe I act naturally wherever I am.
It would be much harder work if I tried to present completely different personas in different settings. Trying to be all things to all men becomes much harder when your networks merge in the way social networks allow them to do today.
The experience people have of you should be the same wherever you meet, online or off.
We network across a wide array of channels today and we have to maintain a consistency across them all. If you know what your core message is and how you want to be perceived, that should help guide your personal brand.
You then need to ensure that you live up to that personal brand wherever you are.
Phil is an Internationally sought after, keynote speaker, who speaks regularly on the subjects of Presenting and Networking effectively.
Andy Bounds is an award-winning consultant and conference speaker. To sign-up for his free weekly advice on communication/sales best practices, visit www.andybounds.com/tips
Rob Brown is an in-demand networking coach and speaker on business networking, LinkedIn, referrals, trust and likeability. If you want to make more money, win more business or accelerate your career through networking, go to www.therobbrown.com
Sandra runs BNI(Business Network International) in 19 counties of Ireland. BNI is Ireland’s leading business referral organisation, she is also BNI’s Director of European Affairs
Charlie Lawson – BNI National Director and Word of Mouth marketing expert, whose passion is to see BNI members succeed in their businesses.
Labelled ‘Mr Network’ by The Sun, Andy Lopata was called ‘one of Europe’s leading business networking strategists’ by the Financial Times.
Penny Power has dedicated her life for the past 13 years to the potential of the internet and digital tools for SME’s by helping them connect through and understand the ‘social web’. In 1998 Penny founded Ecademy, the UK’s first social network for business.
Ewan helps business people grow their contacts by “word of mouth marketing” and is a key note speaker at conferences on the subject of referral marketing.
Heather Townsend is The Author Of ‘The Financial Times Guide To Business Networking.’ She is a performance improvement specialist for professional services, widely published writer and social media expert.
Richard White is The Author of ‘The Accidental Salesman – Networking Survival Guide.’ He is a sales coach and trainer. He specialises in helping IT consultants win more sales through effective networking.
Iain Whyte is an international Keynote Speaker, and published Author. Considered an expert in relationship-building, networking and word of mouth marketing.
David Wimblett is The Author of ‘BNI: One Bite at a Time’ He is an author, business success mentor and BNI Area Director for London North West. Director of 7 Training who offer so much more than just theory.
