One of my favorite sales books, “The No BS guide to Wealth Attraction” by Dan Kennedy says “ It’s important to continuously ‘Prime the Pump.’” I think networking, which is critical to being influential, is much like great sales (versus slimy). With the influence factor I teach people to MAKE people WANT to be a part.
As I think more and more about it, THAT is what you want to do on these social media sites, for your career! How to do that is REALLY the question! The key is to build relationship with people like you do when you network. Ok, I’ll admit most people to not do that well either! But networking requires that you give first without EXPECTING anything in return. That you offer solutions for people, that you listen more than speak. Those same things need to be true for you when networking online. Using Dan Kennedy’s language, you can “Prime the Pump” to increase relationship on your social media sites:
Find a great news article and post it to a relevant group you belong to on LinkedIn. Pose a question about the article for people to answer and engage in the discussion.
Share a tool you use in your business and love on your facebook page, maybe even make a video about why you love it.
Read a great blog post or article online- share it with others on Twitter, and do your best to give the author credit by using their Twitter username.
Also stay connected – just take time to comment on their posts without saying anything about what you need.
Another great way to prime the pump – give “little pinks spoons” – tips and insights from your knowledge and wisdom that make people see your value, especially on LinkedIn!
I think it’s important to share different unique and special things on each site. You increase your value. You increase your Influence Factor.
Take a few moments and plan your strategy for each site you’re on. What will you offer that’s unique? How will you “Prime the Pump?”
Ann M. Evanston is a “Chief Breakthrough Officer” teaching other Business Warriors how to slow down, and find the most unique part of their business that makes them stand out among the crowd. She has been named one of the top marketing consultants by About.com, is a guest blogger for Showcasing Women and takes pride in moving you from “blah, blah, blah” to “BOOM, BOOM. BOOM!”
This last month has been powerful for me when it comes to aligning my brand values with who I am. In this video I share two keys that have ALREADY taken my business to the next level in one short month:
So what’s the point?
1- is your voice truly aligned?
2- are you passing over opportunities that could give you the chance to reflect and grow?
I hope you will share and add!
Ann M. Evanston is a “Chief Breakthrough Officer” teaching other Business Warriors how to slow down, and find the most unique part of their business that makes them stand out among the crowd. She has been named one of the top marketing consultants by About.com, is a guest blogger for Showcasing Women and takes pride in moving you from “blah, blah, blah” to “BOOM, BOOM. BOOM!”
I volunteer my time with Wardrobe for Opportunity and speak at a graduation ceremony for a women’s program they have called Pathways in Oakland CA. The first time I spoke there, I was invited because of my “motivational ability” to tell my story as a speaker. These are women down on their luck, laid off, no supplemental income, often single parents or who have a husband that’s not working either, and honestly they are just trying to make life work.
I love when I get to tell my story. I love weaving the important lessons I learned along the way that they can hear and apply sooner. My story is not uncommon, that’s why it’s important to tell. Many women asked many great questions, but two in particular I want to share with you. I think these questions, and not just my answers but my strongly held beliefs about them, are critical for success!
One Question: Do you ever say to yourself, “If I had only done that sooner?” Of course that answer was no! Regrets get in the way of success! Instead, I think it is more important to ask yourself: what lesson did I learn so I can improve over time? What can I do differently to get a different outcome if a similar situation arises?
Second Question: “Now that you are doing what you love, what’s next?” That is always such an interesting question! What’s amazing is the possibilities are endless when you do what you love because you are:
A Lifelong Learner, so you stay cutting edge
Flexible and adaptable, so you can move your interests with current trends and interests of others
These two questions are key to success. Do what you love and the possibilities are endless and never regret what happens along the way. How do you make sure you live by these beliefs?
Ann M. Evanston is a “Chief Breakthrough Officer” teaching other Business Warriors how to slow down, and find the most unique part of their business that makes them stand out among the crowd. She has been named one of the top marketing consultants by About.com, is a guest blogger for Showcasing Women and takes pride in moving you from “blah, blah, blah” to “BOOM, BOOM. BOOM!”
Let’s face it. Dynamic, entertaining speakers that know their stuff are not always easy to find, but they are always in demand. Packaging what you do into a presentation is a competitive business strategy. Why?
It establishes you as an expert in your field
It gives you exposure to larger groups of potential customers
You become a name that is remembered in the industry.
Spend some time thinking about who your target audience is and research where they meet. Many associations have presentations at those regular meetings- it’s a great opportunity.
Deciding to speak is one thing. Being prepared, dynamic and interesting is another! It’s important that when you decide to present to a group that you’re able to do so in a way that helps your business not hurt it!
Therefore, keep these important keys in mind:
Build three presentations for 20, 40 and 60 minutes. Make sure it is content rich without giving away everything you offer. Ensure it is entertaining. Build logic as well as emotional connections. And make sure it engages the audience!
Be practiced but not scripted. Extemporaneous speakers are the best!
Video record and watch your dry runs. Remember, its one thing to say “I’m comfortable talking in front of a group” and actually demonstrate dynamic speaking ability.
Lastly, make sure you get access to who saw you present so you can follow up!
If you feel you need more practice join Toastmasters! It is a great way to improve your skills and get quality feedback. Presenting is another
Ann M. Evanston is a “Chief Breakthrough Officer” teaching other Business Warriors how to slow down, and find the most unique part of their business that makes them stand out among the crowd. She has been named one of the top marketing consultants by About.com, is a guest blogger for Showcasing Women and takes pride in moving you from “blah, blah, blah” to “BOOM, BOOM. BOOM!”
Recently, Dick, a person I have loved and respected, died. I knew this man on a personal level, as a father, friend, husband, and grandfather. He was a great man! At his memorial, many that worked with him also shared how great he was there. Here is what I realized. Dick chose to lead not just at work but in life. He chose to possess characteristics and traits of leadership. He was:
Visionary
Mentored and was a role model
Didn’t take himself too seriously
Chose to see the best in every person
Saw the potential in others
Practiced giving without ever expecting
Had high standards
Challenged you to be your best
Came from a place of adventure
Always came from love
Knew solutions were possible
Made family first.
So what’s the point? As small business owners these characteristics are critical for your success. People in his life wanted to follow him. And you need others to want to follow you: your family, your community, your customers. So:
Make a choice
Understand leadership is key
Pick one of these amazing characteristics above and incorporate it in your life 100% of the time and I guarantee you will:
I highly recommend Leadership 101 by John Maxwell to explore leadership and how important it is to you as an entrepreneur. What will you do to choose to lead?
Ann M. Evanston is a “Chief Breakthrough Officer” teaching other Business Warriors how to slow down, and find the most unique part of their business that makes them stand out among the crowd. She has been named one of the top marketing consultants by About.com, is a guest blogger for Showcasing Women and takes pride in moving you from “blah, blah, blah” to “BOOM, BOOM. BOOM!”
