Purposeful Networking© Described by Spelling PURPOSEFUL

A way to meet only the people you want to meet to get business sooner than later!

Purposeful Networking© can be described by each letter in the word PURPOSEFUL:

• Providing strong immediate business is the key component to Purposeful Networking©.  You now have a system for creating low hanging fruit.  You will be able  to connect with the people you want as referral partners or prospects.  Joining groups for the purpose of meeting people is obsolete.
• Understanding the serious nature of the process is important to maintain credibility.  This is for those who are strong willed and know the value of their offer, be it a product or a service.  Your unique offering and understanding its true value will be essential in sticking to this process to see it to success.
• Relating quickly to new business and referral relationships is, for many, something that is acquired.  Be prepared to “fake it until you make it” to gain a comfort level.  Be genuine in this activity until you become comfortable.  Look for outside guidance.  Find partners to role play so that your comfort level increases quickly.
• Profess the highest morals, values and ethics in that first face to face meeting and beyond.  Anything less than the highest morals, values and ethics will be seen immediately and that your success rate will be nil.
• Offer to give first before you get.  This is repeated in every networking situation.  As one fine fellow once told me, “When you give first it is like writing yourself an I.O.U. for something to be given back to you.”  I believe that when you give first the universe sees you as a giver and eventually it comes back to you.
• Survey the other person’s needs and wants by asking questions.  By asking the questions, “What can I do for you?” or “How can I help you grow your business?” you will discover the other person’s needs and wants.  Engage people in conversation.  Remember if you are telling, you are not selling!
• Educate yourself on how the other two people might connect on a deeper level by reviewing profile material of both.  When making the connection, do some research on the LinkedIn profile (or Facebook, Internet search, Twitter) to find common ties that the people you are introducing share.  Do they have family, surf, vacation, etc?  Use what you discover at the introductory meeting.
• Find the time to do the research by making Purposeful Networking© a scheduled activity.  This takes time.  Plan to spend a minimum of four hours per week on this strategy.  For those who say, “I don’t have the time,” my answer is, “Start this in small increments of time and measure your results for this compared to other marketing related activities.”  I am sure you will discover that this is a high value activity for business growth that is worth investing in.
• Unlimited access should be provided to all your LinkedIn Connections.  If you are concerned about your competitors discovering who you do business with and have limited access to LinkedIn Shared Connections (those Connections we have in common) then this will allow you limited access and limited success.  Consider operating your business from a place of abundance and collaboration versus competition.
• Live, laugh, and love this process.  Have fun with this.  When meeting, select nice places to have breakfast, lunch, or dinner.  Find quiet places off the beaten path to have a cup of coffee.  Enjoy conversation where you can hang on every word.

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