How to Turn Your Contacts Into True Connections

What’s the one word you ALWAYS hear when you ask someone, “How do I get more clients? More Business?”  That word is – NETWORKING. I think this word has gotten a bad rap over the years, and I’m wondering if it’s because the MLM (Multi Level Marketing) industry has used and abused this word to the nth degree.  It doesn’t really matter; what does matter is this is not a bad word at all. In fact, what I want to do in today’s blog is give you some amazing tips on how you can turn the people and contacts you meet into terrific connections.

The real key, I think, is to look at networking differently.  When you go to a meeting and meet other like minded business folks, it’s not about “hunting” for the best new prospect that will boost your business.  No, not at all; it’s actually about “farming,” which means you’re better off meeting a like-minded person and developing that relationship over a period of time.  These types of relationships will mean so much more in the long run.

I actually have proof of this, from just attending two masterminds back to back. The people in that room are all amazingly successful entrepreneurs.  And the approach when attending those meetings isn’t about the quick fix, it’s about getting to know them, their families, what makes them tick, and then it’s about how can we help each other.

Here are some tips for you on how you can turn your contacts into true real connections for you.  These tips were inspired by Ivan Misner, who wrote the book Networking Like  a Pro :

1. Knowing who your best prospect is
2. Knowing where they gather
3. Standing out and having a terrific USP (Unique Selling Proposition) or 30 second elevator pitch
4. Then it’s about being visible to them; after you meet them follow-up
5. Then being credible, give them help and refer people to them first (givers gain more)
6. Then simply just being patient and take some time developing your new relationships

Some other tips are don’t just talk, talk, talk.  Big word— LISTEN!  Ask them questions like, “How did you get started in your business?  What do you like the best about your business?  What are you most passionate about?”  And my favorite — “What are you biggest challenges in your business right now?”

This is how I created an incredibly successful business: always pressing the flesh, attending meetings, workshops and conferences where my prospects gather and just being my naturally curious self.

So the next time you go to a conference, a meeting or a workshop, brush up on your USP or elevator speech. Ask a lot of questions; be genuinely interested in the people you meet. You never know how many degrees of separation they’ll be for you to land that next big contract, or big client.

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