Hullo, I’m Cys Bronner, BNI Executive Director and the Constant Social Media Networker
Let’s take a spin on the famous Glengarry Glen Ross “Always Be Closing” line, shall we?
I’d like to change it to “Always Be Connecting”. You see the problem with Always Be Closing, is that you cannot “Close” (a better word might be sell) if there is no relationship in place.
How do we start that relationship? I’d say Listen more than talk.
In BNI, we often say, “You have two ears and one mouth, use them proportionately” This is really great advice to everyone. It’s a skill of good networkers, great leaders, and all humans.
By listening more than you talk, you effectively connect with someone just by showing genuine interest in them. You’ll want to keep the focus on them, by asking questions like “What are your main challenges or successes these days?” Mention aspects of your interests that match theirs to develop a relationship but keep the conversation on them.
What about creating the connections? Our members do a great job of it. Just this week, one of our BNI Wealth Partners founding members, told me that she was able to invite a CPA to an upcoming meeting. I was a little confused by this since she had just asked me for an introduction to a CPA, so naturally I asked how that connection was made. She responded that she asked her date to connect her with a CPA, the date took it a step further and connected her with their High School Best Friend! Now, I’m not saying network with all your dates, but this is a great example of how speaking to people in your trust circle can lead to a larger trusted network.
What if you have the connection, but you don’t really have the connection? I know, I know that sentence alone boggles the mind. To help get us thinking about what I mean by this I’ll ask, “How many people do you know via social media but have never met?”. I’m betting that you have a large amount of people that you know, but don’t really know, via your online networks. Make it a point to meet them. Ask them for a cup of coffee, find a reason to be in their part of town and drop by, or even invite them to attend an event with you where there might be others that would benefit them – if not an event, how about a round of golf?
3 Success Steps to Always Be Connecting:
- Listen more than talk.
- Speak to your circle of trust.
- Take it offline
With these 3 steps in your arsenal, you’ll increase your connections and business. The best part of it? You’ll increase the success of others!
Thank you for being a part of this week’s BNIpodcasts4Success. I look forward to hearing your success steps to Always Be Connecting in the comments and remember to subscribe for more!
In networking: The more memorable (positive and helpful) you are, the better the results.
Questions? Feel free to call Actionsteps4Success Founder and BNI Executive Director Cys Bronner 866-889-3466 or email her at Cys.Bronner@BNI4success.com
Her motto: BNI, making word of mouth marketing work for you
Click for more information or to join a BNI chapter in the Los Angeles area
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