Warrior-Preneur » Networking http://www.warrior-preneur.com The Warrior Is within You! Thu, 09 Sep 2010 17:03:52 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0 Social Networking happens in Person and On-line http://www.warrior-preneur.com/2009/05/01/social-networking-happens-in-person-and-on-line/ http://www.warrior-preneur.com/2009/05/01/social-networking-happens-in-person-and-on-line/#comments Fri, 01 May 2009 15:53:07 +0000 Ann Evanston http://www.warrior-preneur.com/?p=375 I am a huge proponent of networking and understanding what social networking really means. Recently, I developed a relationship with a woman from Austin on Twitter @donnaspeaks though a wonderful friend of mine @riccineer. Donna and I turned that contact into a connection and now partnership. She recently came to Oakland, Ca for a visit; man was that fabulous! (Her blog post is below sharing her story).

Donna is authentically authentic. I say that because authentic is becoming one of those overused words, but this women has it from the hair on her head down to her sexy orange shoes. She is an amazing woman, delightful friend and true warrior-preneur.

In my spare time I run a chapter of eWomenNetwork (I know, spare time, hehe, best that I am busy trust me, all kinds of trouble would happen!) Donna came to see me speak at my chapter, and I allowed her 10 minutes to share her story. Donna has managed to take a scary situation; losing a job and almost a home, and turn it into a business. It works because it’s her story, but so many women can relate their stories. As she spoke women laughed and cried. After she spoke she was surrounded by women wanting to say thank you and hug her. Donna listened to each woman as though she was the only one in the room. Her power on stage and one-on-one is powerful. All women should have the honor to hear her speak!

Thank you Donna for also helping me see that what I do is important. If you take anything away from this blog I hope it is:

1 – it’s not about quantity, it’s about quality

2 – networking is about figuring out how you can help others. I am confident giving Donna the mic that day will lead to opportunity for her

3 – if you are not following up you are missing 90% of marketing success

4  -don’t be afraid to engage in a way that shows who you truly are, amazing things can happen when you do!

Donna’s Post:

Diversity is not About Race

I had the honor, privilege, and pleasure of visiting my friend Ann Evanston, MA, in California this week. Ann is the Managing Director of the Oakland & San Ramon chapters of eWomenNetwork. This was my first visit to the west coast and it’s a beautiful area. Ann’s home has a fantastic view and is only minutes away from the bay.
When I told Ann that I wanted to hear her speak, she invited me to her monthly meeting AND THEN offered me the opportunity to get on the mic. She could’ve easily gotten caught up in herself and not given me the time of day, but that’s not the Ann we all know and love. I was blown away by the group of ladies she’s assembled together. I had no idea that eWomen chapters were so diverse.

diverse (adj): differing one from another; 2. made up of distinct characteristics

All ages, ethnicities, backgrounds, and talents were represented and I can’t overlook the fact that all of them are very giving people. I’m going to be flat out honest and tell you that I didn’t want to leave. I’m sitting here right now trying to figure out how I can relocate in 3 years when my daughter graduates high school…seriously.

As you begin the process of trying to find the right group or organization that’s a good fit for you, ask yourself these questions: “Do I look or feel like an outsider? Is it lifeless and uptight?” If the answer is yes, don’t join – keep it moving. Networking goes far beyond exchanging business cards and offering up referrals. There must be a connection between you, the leader, and the group as a whole. It should be an emotional experience, something we tend to miss out on when we’re only focused on closing the deal.

Actually, I have my own term that I use for networking. I call it Live Marketing. It’s time to put some life, energy, and sexiness into the mix. If you’re local to the Austin area and want the kind of experience I had with Ann and her gang, become a contributor to The OSEC of Austin. I’ll see you there!
Talk to you soon….

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]]> http://www.warrior-preneur.com/2009/05/01/social-networking-happens-in-person-and-on-line/feed/ 8 Social Networking have You Scared? Create a Powerful On-line Presence! http://www.warrior-preneur.com/2009/04/27/social-networking-have-you-scared-create-a-powerful-on-line-presence/ http://www.warrior-preneur.com/2009/04/27/social-networking-have-you-scared-create-a-powerful-on-line-presence/#comments Mon, 27 Apr 2009 15:00:36 +0000 Ann Evanston http://www.warrior-preneur.com/?p=365 In my recent interview the Kerry’s Network of Women I shared what social networking is really about and how to think about it differently as an important strategy for your goals. Strategy is key for any Warrior-Preneur!

Listen to The Social Psychology of Networking Online and Why You Should DoIt!

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]]> http://www.warrior-preneur.com/2009/04/27/social-networking-have-you-scared-create-a-powerful-on-line-presence/feed/ 0 Six Warning Signs Your “Social Media Expert” Might Be a Fake! http://www.warrior-preneur.com/2009/03/27/six-warning-signs-your-%e2%80%9csocial-media-expert%e2%80%9d-might-be-a-fake/ http://www.warrior-preneur.com/2009/03/27/six-warning-signs-your-%e2%80%9csocial-media-expert%e2%80%9d-might-be-a-fake/#comments Fri, 27 Mar 2009 15:00:45 +0000 Ann Evanston http://www.warrior-preneur.com/?p=151 Growing your business online makes smart business sense these days. Learning how to do it right the first time is critical. There are many people out there who claim to be “Social Media Experts.” And they charge some pretty nice fees to “coach” people to improve their online marketability. I also think there are many people out there trying to be “helpful,” but have no clue of how to extend strategic help! At this time “Social Media Expert” has yet to be defined or certified (It’s coming, I am sure, just like it did with coaching). I also think about how quickly the Internet moves today and how sensible it is to get help if you are not comfortable with something. If you are going to select someone to help you, do your homework and watch out for the red flags. These tips will help you in selecting the right person.

1 – You cannot Google and find the person by NAME. The Internet is a very powerful tool and online presence is very important for social networking, even more for a “Social Media Expert.” I am a social psychologist who has applied social networking sales strategies online and has gotten great results. I consider myself a great “end-user” and even I am Google-able! Would you really hire someone to help whose name does not appear in searches?

2 – The person has very few Google-able searches. If you go to www.google.com and type anything you are searching for in the main search box (not a Google toolbar search box), it will tell you how many times the keyword you’ve used has been searched for. Go there and type the name of the person. As you type, a number will appear telling you how many times the person has been searched for. Again, if you claim to be an expert who tells me that you are searchable and are searched for on the Internet, as an expert, I would hope that the number is large!

3 – The person does not have a YouTube channel. “Social Media Expert” means that the person is an expert in all forms of social media, and video is one of the biggest media opportunities out there. Using video to market is an important media strategy. Ask for their YouTube channel and check it out. Better yet, hopefully there is a link to their YouTube channel on their marketing!

4 – The person is not on the BIG THREE. LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter are considered the big three networking sites, so do they show up? Are they actively involved in dialogue discussions and groups on at least one of the three? Are they branded on the sites?

5 – The person does not have articles posted on e-zinearticles.com or other social media article sites. Social media is about creating education-based marketing. Does the expert use the tools as they teach others?

6 – The person does not have a blog. Blogging is one of the most powerful tools for increasing your online presence and is taught as a key tool to all business people. Look at their blog and especially find out which blogs they read and comment on. It will tell you about their online presence!

These six smart tips will alert you on who you choose to learn from. Do your homework and make sure your time and money is invested in great support that will get you on the right track to growing your business or developing your expertise online!

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]]> http://www.warrior-preneur.com/2009/03/27/six-warning-signs-your-%e2%80%9csocial-media-expert%e2%80%9d-might-be-a-fake/feed/ 0 Shareology: Networking happens daily, not in a day. http://www.warrior-preneur.com/2009/03/25/networking-happens-daily-not-in-a-day-it-requires-the-discipline-to-follow-through-and-the-commitment-to-connection/ http://www.warrior-preneur.com/2009/03/25/networking-happens-daily-not-in-a-day-it-requires-the-discipline-to-follow-through-and-the-commitment-to-connection/#comments Wed, 25 Mar 2009 15:00:46 +0000 Ann Evanston http://www.warrior-preneur.com/?p=147 * Networking is about follow up it requires the self-discipline to make the appointment or call or even a personal email after you’ve connected

* Networking tip: Want to be remembered? Be helpful.

* The ultimate key of networking: Understand that you do not know you need a network until you need it, and then it’s too late!

* Networking is about listening to others first and offering resources and solutions

* Networking isn’t about needing clients. If you are that needy, it’s too late!

* Networking is about connection not contacts for your database

* Networking is about who you are first then what you do

* Networking is about being able to say: “this person may never be able to give to me, but how can I give to them”

* Networking is being able to say “we may never transact business, but let’s figure out how to partner to be stronger together rather than alone”

* Networking is about a ripple effect. If you are expecting the people you meet networking to buy you are missing the point. It’s about who they know.

Warior-Preneurs understand the importance of networking, for their career and business goals. What networking tip would you offer to the group?

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