Networking can happen anywhere at any time. For those of you that are still following the advice that most mothers gave their children (and I did as well) “don’t talk to strangers”, that is advice that may not serve you if you need customers, clients, patients or even friends. So often people find themselves surrounded by strangers, whether it is standing online at Starbucks, waiting in a line at the bank or grocery store, riding a stationary bike at the gym or simply watching your kid play ball and you are sitting in the stands cheering. After saying hello, most people don’t continue the conversation and there are so many missed opportunities to meet someone new who may be your next customer, client or referral partner. People are typically very busy and rarely notice the strangers that surround them unless they are at an event specifically for networking. Taking time to talk to those people that you don’t know and learning about them is what I call mingling to make money.
How do you turn contacts into contracts? The secret is to ask a stranger, open ended questions about themselves, showing genuine interest in what you are asking. At the end of the conversation, if you find yourself wanting to know more, simply stay in touch, ask the stranger for their card so you can follow-up with them. Remember to put yourself into the position of the person you are talking to. Would you be interested in hearing what you are saying if you were the listener? Are you being of service or are you selling? Most people don’t want to be sold but they do want to buy. Change your perspective and your world will widen. It is not hard to meet at least three new people every day if you just follow the twelve rules I created called Rhonda’s Rules.
If you are feeling like you are part of the NFL club, no friends or family left, and business is slow, check into Rhonda’s Rules. You will find them on here as well as at YouTube where you can see where they put to music in a slideshow. Go to www.youtube.com and type in “Rhonda rules”. Enjoy your networking and you will find that the “work” has been taken out of networking and you will have fun doing the two things your mother taught you not to do: talk to strangers and master the “f” word, follow-up.
For the next week, trying following Rhonda’s Rules and you will see how many strangers you can convert to new friends. Then watch your business grow. Until next week, remember, you are always just two minutes and two people away from your next referral.
Rule 1
Greet every person you meet, just like an old friend on the street
Rule 2
Always use a person’s name, Dial into the person you are talking to.
Rule 3
Don’t get so hung up on you, Dial into the person you are talking to.
Rule 4
Accentuate what is unique about you, Let feedback serve as your bird’s eye view.
Rule 5
Pinpoint your client’s worst pain, and then solve it so they come back again.
Rule 6
Paint a clear picture of what you do, so your ideal client can identify you.
Rule 7
Never leave home without your smile. It will always take you the extra mile.
Rule 8
Good business cards are indeed a must. Without them your business will go bust.
Rule 9
Be bold and wear the right prop, it’s a sure way to get you to the top.
Rule 10
A genuine compliment goes a long way. It opens the door and brightens the day.
Rule 11
Become a trust resource for clients all. Then you will always be standing tall.
Rule 12
When you are on your way up to the top floor, make sure you open more than the elevator door.
Rhonda L Sher: The Sloganator Rhonda L Sher was born talking. She fell in love with words as a child and has never stopped communicating since. Her father once commented that she was vaccinated with a phonograph needle. Not only has Rhonda inherited her father's humor, but it's that quick wit that has become the signature that has helped propel her clients to stardom.Acclaimed Keynote and workshop leader, Rhonda has authored two books, "The 2 Minute Networker" and "The ABC's of LinkedIn," "Get LinkedIn or Get Left Out" as well as numerous action guides, articles, workbooks, jingles and corporate slogans.
In addition to writing, Rhonda uses her gift of gab as a featured keynote speaker, consultant and corporate trainer throughout North America. She has successfully taught hundreds of business men and women on the art of business networking and written hundreds of elevator pitches and slogans.Rhonda's greatest talent lies in her ability to create fabulously catchy slogans that are memorable, upbeat, easy to repeat and create instant brand identification. In addition to the books, audio and video, Rhonda creates slogans and taglines for her clients which are memorable, bring them business and make them, money. She works with you to create a corporate slogan for your business that sets you apart from your competition. Her creativity and energy will tap into your customer's mind and have your phone ringing off the hook with new business.
Rhonda's Products can be previewed at:
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The National Networker Publications™ produced by TNNWC Group, LLC
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