Networking Online & Offline
Posted by themagic in Uncategorized on April 3rd, 2010
Getting noticed is essential for every business professional. The old saying is true – out of sight is definitely out of mind. You need to both forge connections with your professional network AND stay on the radar within your field.
There’s no shortage of ways to get networked, get involved and stay visible. It used to be that we went to lots of live events and professional meetings to stay connected. Now, social media has come along and changed the landscape. There’s a vast network of people all over the world at our fingertips. Social media is a beautiful thing because it has a viral effect – we can connect with the contacts of OUR contacts, and their contacts, and so on. It can also suck up a lot of our time and energy. We see so many people struggling to do it all - - live networking, social media activities, following-up. Choosing from among all of these options can be daunting. To be successful and get tangible results, a conscious strategy is a must.
First, consider is your target market. Who are they? Where do they hang out — online and offline? By showing up in places where your ideal clients spend their time, you’ll learn more about their needs, wants and hot buttons. In addition, you’ll have the opportunity to connect with potential business allies that have the same target market. Your networking strategy will produce stronger and faster results when you spend your time connecting in the right places.
Secondly, commit to a win/win. Be clear about your objectives. Set your intention to both meet the needs of your business AND serve others. Think about what you can contribute – how can you share your expertise, and provide help and support? This is the best way to get visible in a group and earn respect and trust. After first giving of yourself and your knowledge, you’ll find that it will be a cinch to have your own business needs met.
Thirdly, go deep rather than wide. Many business professionals end up feeling frustrated with their networking strategy because they spread themselves too thin. Set aside some time to explore several groups offline and online that seem to be a good fit for your business. Visit and participate for a little while, and then choose one to two online and one to two offline where you feel a resonance – a real connection. Drill down deep in those groups. In online communities, you can join and participate regularly in various groups that target your niche. You can even become a group leader. In offline communities, you may want to volunteer for or lead a committee or serve on the board of directors. It’s when you go deep that people get to know, like and trust you. This is the best way to remain visible.
Many professionals immerse themselves in one or the other strategy and struggle to keep a balance between the two. Just remember — both are important. Yes, you can sit in your PJ’s and network with people all over the world, as well as take advantage of the viral effect of social media. However, with all of the glory and media hype about social networking, there’s nothing that takes the place of a handshake, a smile and a face to face meeting.
Most of all, remember that networking is a process. Be patient and consistent, and you’ll see positive results that will have a genuine impact on your bottom line.
Networking Online & Offline was the topic for our Best Business Minds Masterclass in March. To learn more about this and other topics in the Best Business Minds Mastermind group visit http://themagicofmastermind.com/education-programs/ .
Best Business Minds on Blog Talk Radio
Posted by themagic in Business Mastermind, Current Economy, Mastermind, Mastermind Groups, Masterminds, Uncategorized on January 6th, 2010
The Nancys share the characteristics of a Best Business Mind and how business professionals are using collaboration to excel in the new economy. *** Note -the show begins 2 minutes & 30 seconds into recording -please, be patient or download and open on your computer to fast forward.
The Seven C’s of Navigating Change at SECBN
Posted by themagic in Business Groups, Business Mastermind, Mastermind on October 5th, 2009
The Nancys have created a presentation called “The Seven C’s of Navigating Change”, which encompasses much of the work we do with coaching clients and in Masterminding. We’ve had the opportunity to meet and share this presentation with many businesses and this past week we presented to a delightful group of people at the Southeast Cherokee Businss Network (SECBN).
Other than discussing navigating change, we offered some masterminding demonstration at the meeting and one member had a burning topic. He said, “How do we deal with the elephant in the living room –Rejection?” After a little conversation around the topic, it was obvious that this is a hot topic; however, it was already time for the meeting to end so we’ve decided to have our monthly conversation/mastermind session (which is open to anyone at no charge and is held on the 1st Wednesday of every month at 12:00 Noon EST) on “How to Handle Business Rejection”.
Linda Lulli, who is president of SECBN, wrote a blog post entitled Changes in Attitude - Changes in Latitude about the presentation. Thanks Linda for your thoughts and for having us!
The Nancys at The Buckhead Business Association
Posted by themagic in Business Groups, Business Mastermind, Current Economy on September 13th, 2009
This past Thursday, we had the pleasure of presenting “The 7 C’s of Navigating Change” to over 50 people at the weekly breakfast meeting of The Buckhead Business Association at the elegant City Club in Buckhead. We had a great time with this lively and humorous group.
From Developing a Business to Making a Contribution
Posted by themagic in Uncategorized on August 12th, 2009
On our afternoon mastermind session this afternoon with the Coaches Care Organization, Michael stepped up into the masterminding spotlight. After much conversation and many ideas around how he could move forward with his business, Michael’s comment on what he was taking away from the Masterminding session was,
“It UNLOCKED so much! Sometimes you don’t even know which corner of the room to look in. This session has allowed me to dust everything off and I’ve gone from developing a business to making a contribution.”
Michael had a number of “ah hahs” in today’s session that were great leading to Unlocking doors that were closed, which are now open. He’s gained clarity and a new sense of purpose.
The power of Masterminding is truly amazing. Try it for yourself at our monthly (complimentary) Best Business Minds Conversation and Masterminding Demonstration. It is the first Wednesday of every month from 12:00 -1:00 EST. To receive notification and call in information for future calls just register at the box on our website at the top right - you will also receive an audio recording!
Mastermind Demo on the 80/20 Rule
Posted by themagic in Uncategorized on June 3rd, 2009
Today, we had our first Best Business Minds monthly mastermind conversation call on the 80/20 Rule. The 80/20 Rule states that we get 80% of our results from 20% of our efforts. So, where are you spending your time and effort?
Click on the link below to hear the power of Masterminding!
Are You in Transition?
Posted by themagic in Business Mastermind, Current Economy, Mastermind Groups, Uncategorized on February 26th, 2009
The world is full of transition these days, especially with the current economy. I was speaking with an entrepreneur the other day who had contacted me about “bouncing around some business ideas”. I mentioned the fact that Mastermind Groups would be a great place for him at this time. He replied that he was in the midst of changing his business strategy and focusing on a different niche and that perhaps the group would be better for him at some time in the future. WAIT A MINUTE - NOW IS THE TIME to join a business mastermind!!!
If you are in transition, have had a downturn in your business, had to reorganize and/or refocus, get into a group because it will help you make the transition faster. You will have the input of others, the ideas, the resources and accountability. You will be more productive, less overwhelmed and reach your goals faster.
Kick Butt #*!%
Posted by themagic in Current Economy, Mastermind, Mastermind Groups, Masterminds on February 24th, 2009
When we first started working on setting up Mastermind Groups, I wanted to have two groups:
The Kick Butt Club (for the committed)
The Kick Butt & Take Names Club (for the SUPER committed)
The responses to the names were funny. They ranged from “I love it!” to “What does ‘take names” mean?” to “People might be offended.”
There’s a lot happening out there in this current economy or what we might call “the new normal”. Many people are feeling like so much is happening to them. My question is, “What if we take a different stand and rather than feeling run down and defeated, we take the position of ‘happening to things’? ” In other words let’s say, “I don’t sit around and let things happen to me, I happen to things!” This is turning it around, rising above, refusing to settle and finding ways to suceed and thrive in the new normal.
Now, with that said, we will have to let go of some old paradigms. The way we used to do business isn’t always viable right now. It’s time to find new ways of connecting, marketing, pricing and serving our markets. A Mastermind Group is the key doing just that with the support of others, their ideas, energy and encouragement vs. trying to figure it all out in a vacuum.
A couple of days ago, I received this wonderful email from www.tut.com called “A Note from the Universe”. I love these emails and especially loved this one because it said….
“There were a lot of reasons you chose to come to earth, Nancy, and I am super happy to tell you that not one of them was to master being poor, lonely or sick.
“You came to “kick butt, ” Nancy….
The Universe
So, now I know that at least somebody else is thinking about kicking butt! How about you? I would really love to have your feedback and thoughts on this post and on calling Mastermind Groups “Kick Butt” Clubs! Leave your comments below….