Building Developmental Networks, Part 2

Power Thought of the Week with Patricia Parham, Ph.D.

Developmental Networks: Mentoring

Build mutual mentoring relationships into your networks. Help another’s business develop and allow them to help yours, as well. These persons might be peers, superiors or up and comers – all have wisdom to offer. You must trust these mentors as mutual learning involves some vulnerability and you want to have each other’s best interests in the forefront of your relationship. Choose carefully and become more powerful.

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Building Developmental Networks, Part 2

How to Use Delicious to Network your Website

Networking Your Website with Rita Wilhelm

Delicious or Del.icio.us, found on the Internet at http://delicious.com, is a social bookmarking site that allows users to share their content from a centralized location to other users from around the globe. The site takes advantage of social networking and community in order to allow users to share content. You can use Delicious to bookmark your favorite sites on the Internet so you can access your favorites regardless of what computer you are on. It also allows you to share your bookmarks with others and to view what other members find interesting on the Internet. This can be a great benefit for those who want to increase exposure to their sites.

It is very easy to get started with Delicious. You will need to set up an account, install a quick extension program to your browser and have content you want to share. For networking purposes, if you have a blog site with continually changing content you can use your blog software to automatically tag and submit your content to Delicious. If you have static content, you can use the pertinent links to bookmark your information. One of the most important aspects of using Delicious is to optimize your tagging and descriptions so others can easily find useful information.

When you are adding a bookmark to Delicious, you will be asked for various pieces of information. The link is important so others can easily navigate to your site. You should also have relevant tags or categories. For example, if you are linking to a band site, you may want to have a music tag or get even more specific with using pop music or classical music tags. The description of the site will allow others to view your opinion on the site or a summary of the site’s content. You can choose whichever method is a more effective marketing tool.

Delicious boasts the largest number of shared bookmarks on the Internet today. Not only does Delicious allow you to share sites with other people for marketing, networking and social purposes but it also allows you to contain your bookmarks for personal use. You can easily access personal bookmarks you do not want to share simply by clicking the “do not share” toggle when entering a site. This allows you to keep your personal links private and to share your other links when useful. Whether you own a personal or professional site, Delicious allows you to network to millions of people from around the world in order to increase exposure to your favorite sites.

Rita Wilhelm is founder and president of SnapMonkey Inc, which is a company that provides both online marketing consulting to businesses, as well as easy-to-use web-based technologies to help businesses effectively promote themselves on the web.

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How to Use Delicious to Network your Website

The Flip Side of the Hurricane

People, Power & Possibilities with Donna Fisher

The hurricane had not even reached the shore when people started reaching out to help each other. An employee from the other side of town stopped by to help board up our windows. My neighbor called from out of town to see if I would check on her place. Numerous phone calls (especially from my Mom in North Carolina) and emails came in prior to the arrival of Ike and lots of text messages (many phone were not working) during and after Ike.

As a result of that NATURAL desire to help others in need, Houston and the Gulf Coast area had people arriving from all over the country to help our area recover. And individuals from this area showed up all over town to hand out supplies, assist with clean up (anyone with a chain saw became very popular) and answer the telephones at the "help lines". Neighbors (who hardly ever even see each other) helped each other clean up the debris and get their lives back "in order".

Sometimes the magnitude of our networks is fairly transparent until a crisis or need arises. But the main thing is that when there is a need, we do think to reach out to one another – to ask for help, to offer help or simply to let someone know we're "there". The good nature, compelling spirit and fortitude of human beings makes for a powerful network of support.

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The Flip Side of the Hurricane

Networking Your Way Through the Silly Season

By Terry Bean

Social Networking Editor

I know it’s October and it seems way too early to be talking about holiday parties, but I suspect that within 2 days of reading this, you will see holiday decorations at your local stores. If retail can rush the Holiday season, then damn it, I can too!

To that end, I have come up with a quick list of thoughts pertaining to networking and partying during the holiday season. Consider this a “do or do not” kind of list. Just always remember, “There is no Try” (Adam bet me a dollar I couldn’t get the word Yoda into a post).

So here’s the list:

10. Host your own network gathering- Bring your network to your office, house or favorite joint and introduce them to one another. It’s a great way to help many at once.

9. Learn other culture’s holiday greetings- I speak to a lot of people who miss saying “Merry Christmas”. So say it, but also be able to wish others a festive holiday of their choosing too.

8. Setup weekly 4 tops for lunch between now and holidays- This is a great way to bring your network closer together. Look for the synergies and let them happen at the table in front of you.

7. Instead of sending clients cards and gifts, send them referrals- What can I add to this?

6. Get the attendee list in advance- You will be able to make the most of your networking time by having this information. Hopefully that adds to your cheer.

5. Use your holiday networking time to help get a jump start on your new year- Start filling up your January calendar with the folks you are meeting now.

4. Don’t be that GUY* at the party...you know the one who either is throwing their card in everyone’s face or falls down because they drank too much.

3. Know what your follow up plan looks like before needing it- If you know your target client and target business partners, you will know who the people you need to follow up with immediately.

2. Help others connect by introducing them to the people you know they need to meet- Listen. Understand how you can help and make the appropriate connections. Both parties will appreciate it.

1.5 Ask the host "who are the three people here that I must meet"?- They know everyone so they are in the right space to play matchmaker.

And the real # 1…Don’t Network in the Punchbowl!- It’s just bad form

*GUY is an acronym for Gender Undetermined Yet
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Networking Your Way Through the Silly Season

Financial Crisis in America

By Lynn D. Spencer

Financial Services Editor

It seems like everywhere we turn these days we see and hear more and more news that makes us wonder; is America in a financial crisis?

Fueled by the mortgage meltdown, thousands of loans going into default, people losing their homes at an unprecedented rate, and skyrocketing oil prices, it seems there is no good news in sight. So what is the real story? How will all of this affect most of us? Should we be in panic mode?

Well, the first thing we need to understand is that there is “cause” and “effect” in everything, including the financial markets. For the purpose of this discussion, I will not go into the “cause” so much as the “effect”. For the most part, everyone understands what caused the beginning of our current financial situation starting with 9/11 some 7 years ago. The American financial markets have been on a roller coaster ride ever since, and the effects have been far reaching.

Is it time to panic? In my personal and professional opinion: absolutely not. Not even close. What is the real story? The real story, in simple terms, is that America’s financial markets are different than they were in the days of the great depression. Now, more than ever in the history of our country, we are seeing immediate global consequences to the changes in America’s financial system.

Such was the case on 9/18/08 when the European Central Bank, the Swiss National Bank, the Bank of England, the Bank of Canada, and the Bank of Japan all joined together with our own Federal Reserve Bank to pour $247 billion into the global financial markets, easing the fears of the credit crisis worldwide. (CNN - http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/europe/09/18/world.markets/index.html )

Not only is this move unprecedented in history, but for the first time ever it is not just the U.S. government working to stabilize the financial market, it is the world.

So, how will all of this affect most of us? I believe the answer lies in what we as individual citizens have learned from all of this, and what we do with that knowledge. I believe we can each, individually, determine how this will affect us and what our outcome will ultimately be.

Here’s what I mean by that. People like Warren Buffet, Donald Trump, and other famous billionaires all understand one very important thing; “cause” and “effect”. I remember hearing a Paul Harvey news broadcast when I was young where Paul quoted a bumper sticker sent in by one of his listeners. It said “if bad things are coming your way, you’re probably in the wrong lane heading the wrong direction.”

In a recent survey in the 25^th anniversary issue of Forbes Magazine the 400 richest people in America were asked “what is the most important key to building wealth?” The answer may surprise you. 75% stated that becoming and staying debt free is the #1 key to building wealth. Perhaps it’s time to analyze what direction you’re currently heading.

You see, while most people are looking at the negative side of the economy, the truly successful wealth builders in the world look at the positive “effect” side, and determine how to capitalize on the current situation. In other words, they look at the situation and determine what the positive side “the effect” of the market will be, then act accordingly.

What could possibly be positive about this current financial so-called crisis?

Every market has opportunity somewhere within. In reality, there are many companies and individuals who are thriving in this so-called financial crisis. Especially those who are well networked and helping others gain from these rough economic times. You just need to know where to look. For some real life examples of finding the silver lining in the clouds, go back and read my article from a few weeks ago: http://thenationalnetworker.blogspot.com/2008/08/hows-your-economy.html

You see, what you really need to understand right now is that this current so-called financial crisis market also offers abundant opportunity. Those who understand and take advantage of what we have all learned from this market will thrive and flourish.

For example: I believe that now is the time to invest in real estate, buy foreclosed properties, start your own debt elimination and financial education business, etc. In my opinion, now is the time to start any “niche” network marketing business that has emerged strong from this market and proven they are the right product at the right time and the right place with strong income potential.

Again, I strongly urge you to go back and read my article from a few weeks ago, and you’ll see exactly what I mean. http://thenationalnetworker.blogspot.com/2008/08/hows-your-economy.html

Those who seize this unique time of opportunity will be much better off than those who wait. In fact I believe that we’ll see equally as many new millionaires, if not more, emerge from these current economic conditions as we did post 9/11.

Call me an eternal optimist if you wish, but I’m choosing to take action, invest more now than I ever have before, help thousands of other become debt free fast and begin to create wealth, and come through this market stronger financially. Now is the time to network with, and mirror the success principles of, successful people. You can do the same if you choose, or you can bury your head in the sand and hope for the best. The choice is yours.

Lynn D. Spencer – www.lynndspencer.com
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Financial Crisis in America

The Daily Flip Guy, Jim Kukral Sings Happy Birthday

foundercontact group

By Lydia Sugarman

Entrepreneurial Editor

Lydia's article is brought to you by foundercontact group

This month’s installment represents a big shift that I hope you’ll appreciate and please, let the emails fly with your feedback sugarman@venntive.com!

We’ve had the privilege of interviewing entrepreneurs in the trenches. Now, we’ll be bringing you interviews of entrepreneurs who happen to have created businesses advising entrepreneurs on how to use every available tool to build in success.

We’ll get to read their personal stories as well as tap into their specific expertise. People like Dave Lakhani, Dr. Kevin Hogan, Edith Yeung, Deborah and J.P. Micek, and Ben Mack.

Some of you may already be familiar with Jim Kukral’s blog, newsletters, interviews, speaking, always looking for new toys to make it easier to get his messages out to his followers, sole bread winner for a family of four. In his words, he’s a geek marketer. To us, he’s one hard working entrepreneur who’s also taught himself to play the ukelele recently and will sing “Happy Birthday” to you. He disseminates a tremendous amount of useful information while maintaining his sense of humor.

Back in mid-July, he published a great interview with Suzanne Mulville where they discussed what makes an entrepreneur and I knew I needed to interview Jim for this column. I strongly enourage you to take the 18:30 minutes to listen to the interview at http://www.jimkukral.com/can-you-become-an-entrepreneur/, before or after reading this interview.

We are hoping to bring you an interview with Suzanne next month.

In the meantime, here’s Jim! Enjoy! And, please send me your comments and questions you want me to ask upcoming interviewees.

1. Please tell us a little about yourself, personally and professionally.

I'm a big time Internet geek. More specifically, a web marketing geek really. I'm a web marketer, speaker, long-time award-winning blogger, customer evangelist, writer, online monetization expert, and well, a bunch of other things.

For years I've been working on the bleeding edge of web marketing and

business. From owning my own web firms to consulting for some of the world’s largest companies, I've experienced just about everything web related you can think of. That’s why I've become one of the Industry’s most sought after consultants and public speakers.

My main focus is on helping businesses and brands find success online. Whether that’s through providing expert advice for the firm that can’t figure out how to get their web strategy right, or helping a business achieve more publicity, sales or leads, I have the experience and knowledge to get it done right the first time.

2. What makes an entrepreneur and what does it mean to be an entrepreneur?

It's such a cliché to say, but it takes passion. And you have to be able to take some risks too. For me, being an entrepreneur is all about flexibility and avoiding that 9-5 job where I'm doing something I don't enjoy. Not everyone is an entrepreneur.

3. Many people I’ve met were influenced at a very early age to follow the entrepreneurial path. Do you think entrepreneurs are “born” or can it be learned?

Sure, I think you can learn it. I think most "true" entrepreneurs will have an easier time with it though. By "true" I mean people who just have it in their blood. But you can learn it. Many new entrepreneurs learn by failure, or because they finally realize that they're not happy or "want something better". The difference between a regular person and an entrepreneur is that the entrepreneur goes for it while the regular person just dreams about it. So, if you can get the courage up to try, you can learn how.

4. Have you ever experienced a seminal networking moment that impacted you as an entrepreneur.

I realized I was an entrepreneur when I came to the conclusion that I didn't like working for other people. I really didn't like having a "boss" per say. On top of that, when my first child was born, I also realized that I didn't want to be the dad that was always working. So the clear choice for me was flexibility and working for myself gives me that. Sure, I work a lot, but I work when it's convenient to me.

5. What networking lessons can we learn from the way entrepreneurs operate?

You can never have enough contacts. Use sites like Facebook and Linkedin and build connections. You're going to need to connect with someone one day and if you have a strong network it will be much easier to do. The other way to network is to find a strong set of associates or mentors who you can trust to talk to and pitch ideas to. Whenever I have an idea, I send it to my friends and mentors and see what they have to say. It's a great reality check sometimes.

6. What have you found to work well when networking? What caveats can you offer?

Try the sites I mentioned above. Also, get out on your local scene and meet people in your city. Speak at events locally and nationally and spend time with people in your industry. Get your name out there. Don't try to be everyone's friend...don't try too hard or it may come off as you trying to sell something. Nobody wants a friend that sells them stuff.

7. Is there anything unique about networking from an entrepreneur's

perspective? Do entrepreneurs have an advantage in the networking arena?

I think all entrepreneurs think alike, so it's easy to network in a group of them because they all share the same thoughts and ideas. They also share the same pains and tribulations, so when you think about it, you're really spending time with close relatives who "know your story". They can relate, which can make the bond stronger. Avoid negative Entrepreneurs who will waste your time and energy.

8. How do you help other entrepreneurs find and network with each other in your business?

As mentioned above. Linkedin.com and Facebook.com are two huge ways to

connect. Each offers groups to join as well. Other options are to join other smaller social networks that cater to entrepreneurs and not just join... but participate. Don't sell... make friends and associates. Be transparent.

Look for local groups in your city too. Go out and meet others and help each other out. There's nothing better than finding another entrepreneur who shares your lifestyle and working together beneficially.

Now, do not pass Go, do not collect just $200, go directly to http://www.jimkukral.com. Anyone who will tell you right up front that Your Pitch Sucks! and, then offers to help you fix for a few sheckels is someone you need to know better!

And, a friendly reminder to send me emails lsugarman@venntive.com! I need your input. Just tell me what you want…

Lydia Sugarman

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The Daily Flip Guy, Jim Kukral Sings Happy Birthday

Northwest Online Entrepreneur Networking Founders are Helping to Change the World

By Lori Richardson

Northwest Bureau Chief
(Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, Washington, Oregon, Alaska)

In the rainy, cloudy, sometimes dreary Seattle area, a phenomenon has been building, which is bringing isolated entrepreneurs out and socializing in coffee houses and venues around the Northwest. More importantly, it is based on a platform that works online and in-person all over the world, in 80+ countries.

Every entrepreneur and micro business owner should join Biznik, and I will tell you why. The design of this platform and the thought behind it is totally incredible. I know that even after I explain a bit more about the power of Biznik, you may be skeptical or just may not get it. That's ok, I suggest you check it out and learn a little about Biznik each and every week. It is worth the time.

First, I'll offer some full disclosure. I am crazy about Biznik, and I am a Biznik Ambassador, which means that in my locale, I host events and spread the word of this platform.

Here is one example of why I love Biznik: If you click on one of the Biznik links, and if you join, you'll join through my name. You can scour the site to see that this is not a trick or any sort of financial gain for me as an affiliate, but instead, Biznik rewards referrers by giving you a "badge" showing how many people you have referred to join this no cost site. I think that is amazing, because I'd rather be known as a connector than make a buck or two from referring anyone - and I love watching my connector number grow.

Another example of why I recommend Biznik to others: they have dozens of testimonials from members who tout how greatly beneficial this community is. I see it as a game-changer, once the word gets out. It is the best-kept secret outside of the Northwest.

A Biznik Ambassador is someone most anywhere in the world (outside of Seattle) who understands the Biznik way, which is a collaborative approach to business building, and who would like to share the joy of Biznik by holding a couple of events each month in your locale. Why? In the Seattle community, there are over 6,500 Bizniks - most all solo or indie-preneurs. Some are creatives, as you'll see, but many are service providers who don't call this group their target market - but they do gain benefit of participating, getting referrals, and connecting to potential alliance partners this way. Restaurant and café' owners should join - as forward-thinking Russell Lowell did recently, because they can tap into their local community by posting special offers and promotions.

In the last year and a half, I have learned about video, SEO, social networking, financials, and dozens of real business topics in addition to many sessions where the heart or soul in business are involved. Biznik touts collaboration - it is in their manifesto.

More facts about Biznik, straight from founder Dan McComb:

Biznik doubled in size and in revenue in first 6 months of this year. We currently have 17,000 members in 118 countries. Biznik is currently growing at the rate of 50 new members/day.

93 percent of Biznik's supporting members (they pay $10 or $24/mo) rank in the top results on Google for either their name or keywords.

Other interesting trivia: Lara (Biznik's other co-founder) and I were honored by Seattle Business Monthly, which included us in their top 25 innovators for 2008 list in the October issue.

We are looking for Ambassadors in communities outside of Seattle. And we are set to launch a Groups feature - that will allow any networking group to use Biznik's platform for their group - by Thanksgiving.

So don't take MY word for it….. try it yourself. And send every entrepreneur you know to this site, it could dramatically help them grow their business, increase revenues, become more innovative, and introduce them to local (and far-away) amazing connections.

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Lori Richardson is a Dun & Bradstreet blogger, writing for AllBusiness and Hoover's. She is President of Score More Sales, a sales effectiveness consultancy based in Seattle, WA.

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Northwest Online Entrepreneur Networking Founders are Helping to Change the World

TNNW, October, 2008, Week 1: The Show Must Go On...

By Adam J. Kovitz

CEO, Founder & Publisher

I am doing something that I have not done since February, 2005...

...I am taking a break from writing my regular column for TNNW.

I am not taking a break, however, from my editorial duties, so you will have my pre-rambling-editorials for the four weeks of October. My intention is to keep my editorials as brief as possible...we'll see how that goes!

My good friend Douglas Castle, who has recently joined us as our Director of Product and Program Development stands in for me this month, and in keeping with the theme of "Monitizing Relationship Capital", he submits (for your approval) his article.

Douglas, himself, is a prolific writer and contributes to a virtual cornucopia of blogs including "The Global Futurist" and "Humanitas Maximus". While he doesn't know it yet (hint hint, wink wink), we will be making use of his writing talents as well in the coming months. Stay tuned for that!

Next month, I will continue my series on "Monetizing Relationship Capital".

As always, I look forward to networking with you...

- Adam
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TNNW, October, 2008, Week 1: The Show Must Go On...