Being There When It Counts with Rick Itzkowich“My task this morning is for an introduction to Brian (last name and company withheld for privacy reasons). He’s the Product Director for XYZ Company.” This request was made by one of my Business Network International (BNI) colleagues a little over two years ago. Little did I know that this member’s request would change my life.
At first glance, there is nothing particularly unusual about his request. With over 5000 BNI Chapters worldwide, I’m certain there are hundreds, even thousands of specific referral asks made every week in the BNI universe. What was different this time was what I did with it. Up until that day, anytime someone asked for an introduction to an individual whom I didn’t know, I would just go on to the next thing.
On that day I went back to my office and searched for Brian (with his last name) on LinkedIn. Much to my surprise not only did I find him, but it turned out he was a 2nd degree connection. This means Brian is connected to at least one person to whom I am connected. I then proceeded to ask my connection if he would be willing to facilitate an introduction between my BNI colleague and Brian. He gladly did, and the LinkedIn referral connection resulted in an order of $30,000!
WOW! I just went from having nothing to give, to a referral worth $30,000 -- thanks to LinkedIn.
This experience prompted me to dive into learning how to use LinkedIn and maximize the opportunities to use it in conjunction with my offline networking activities. The results were spectacular. I have always been a good referral giver. However, with this knowledge I went from good to being a GREAT referral giver. My “referrals given” stats more than tripled - and so did my value to the members of my chapter. I now had a brand new source of referrals readily available to me. I credit being in this great position to the connections and relationships I had consistently built over time.
I got so excited that I started telling everyone that they really needed to learn how to use LinkedIn. Several of the people within my company began to use it. Others followed suit and experienced immediate results. In today’s viral world, word travels fast. When someone discovers something that works, news gets out. People soon began calling me with all kinds of LinkedIn “how to” questions. I became known as “The LinkedIn Guy.”
Within no time, fielding all the questions coming my way was consuming a lot of my time. I decided to create video tutorials to address the questions and to teach people exactly what to do to capitalize on the synergy between offline networking and LinkedIn. The next thing I knew I was getting contacted to speak on LinkedIn at various local San Diego venues. This exposure then lead to an invitation to speak in Dubai at the “You Learn Twit Face” Social Media conference. During the conference I met several people to which I attribute two new business ventures, as well as an engagement to speak in India in 2011.
My video tutorials have evolved into my Link Power Coaching Program where I teach people how to stop hunting for business and instead, attract business. Eighty percent of my new business now comes from LinkedIn and activities related to LinkedIn. I went from having a local business in a personal growth company to an International business speaking all over the world. Talk about surprises!
So as you contemplate what 2011 has in store for you, remember that you just never know. Be aware, alert and open to the possibilities, and above all enjoy the ride!
This month's QuoteAction is by an Unknown Author
""Worry is wasting today's time cluttering up tomorrow's opportunities with yesterday's troubles."
Your action is to take three things that you are worried about. Focus on what's in your hands, do something about it and let go of the rest.
Enjoy an Extraordinary Month!
Click *here* to find out more about QuoteActions and some of the other innovative products and services offered by THE NATIONAL NETWORKER.
Rick Itzkowich
The LinkedIn Guy
As the creator of QuoteActions, a unique relationship building system, Rick Itzkowich finds his articles, podcasts and blog messages regarding keeping your brand "top of mind" in high demand.
His, latest product LinkedIn Power Success System , is a must for those people wanting to earn money using LinkedIn.
Rick is also the Co-founder of Productive Learning & Leisure, a personal development training company for corporations and individuals.
Rick can be reached at rick@rickitzkowich.com
For more information, please visit Rick's TNNWC Bio.
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The National Networker Publications™ produced by TNNWC Group, LLC
Resources for Business Planning, Development, Capital and Growth
The National Networker Publications™ produced by TNNWC Group, LLC
Resources for Business Planning, Development, Capital and Growth
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1 comment:
Great article Rick. It's amazing how connections can be made once you understand how to use the tools around you. You make it easy to understand Linked In.
I look forward to hearing you speak at the Get Connected Networking Conference in Houston in February. See you there.....I'll be on the front row with my video camera!
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