Social Networking

Online networking is a great addition to all your other networking efforts. But one of the most frequently asked questions in my business networking training courses and during my workshops is: which are the most interesting websites? Social networking is just for the kids”. Oh no it’s not! When it is used in combination with face-to face networking it can really help gain new business.

The websites that I recommend to use are (they all have free and paying memberships):

  • Ecademy: www.ecademy.com (for a month's free upgrade from a “guest” membership to a “PowerNetworker” membership, you put in the subscription code ecademybenelux at the bottom of the “join” page).
  • LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com
  • Xing (OpenBC): www.xing.com (click on this link to get a month's free premium membership)

Click here to attend the next Public Business Networking workshop.
Click here for tips to getting started on social networking sites

 
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Building a Referral-Based Business

The act of referring you to others is validation of your value. At the point you walk in to meet the potential client, the relationship is half-formed and the engagement is half-sold. Referrals are your highest ROI marketing strategy: there is no or low cost attached to this type of marketing. Referrals generate the highest-quality clients and engagements. However, a referral is not a guaranteed sale; it’s the opportunity to do business with someone to whom you have been recommended.

Learn more:

Why investing in referral- skills?
What is a referral- based business?
Measure your referral plan.

 

Personal Branding

If you don''t brand yourself, you can rest assured that others are branding you. And letting others brand you can be risky business. Your "brand" is who you are and what you stand for. It starts at the way you look and sound...and includes things like your temperament and your leadership abilities. Bottom line: We are all CEOs of our own company called "Me, Inc." And to be in business today, our most important job is to be head marketer for our brand.

Learn more:

Why invest in Personal Branding
What is Personal Branding?