There is a marked difference between business in the late 90's and the year 2012. New creative ideas and techniques, especially in marketing, are needed to keep businesses healthy, strong & growing. Networking, as a formalized structured marketing system, is one of those ideas.
A series of articles will focus on proven strategies your business needs in order to reap some of life's biggest rewards.
• What is Networking? For networking, the process basics are sharing ideas, information and resources. This process includes communicating and forming relationships with others. Networking, in its most basic form, is a flow of feelings and information between at least two people. In the business environment, networking can be used to develop contacts for increased knowledge, to expand your contact base, your sphere of influence or to serve the community.
• Just as there are fundamental laws of nature, there are basic strategies for networking success. Developed over the years, they hold true for individuals and businesses alike. They are not spectacular... or mysterious... or even especially brilliant. Networking success does not rely on creative genius or divine inspiration. It is based on a few simple, proven strategies that everyone can learn and anybody can do. The problem is that people either forget to do them, or they simply don't take the time. If you follow these simple strategies, you will be more successful. Your profits will increase. You'll do more in less time. And you will build better, longer and stronger relationships with the people you interact with.
Networking Strategy # 1 Using the Giver's Gain Philosophy
In a world that has taught us to look out for number one, a change has taken place. Many people have changed their views. Their priority and focus now is on how they can help others rather than always selfishly helping themselves first.
This change is occurring, in part by use of the Giver's Gain Philosophy. This philosophy encourages you to look out for the needs of others who, in turn, will look out for your needs. It is considered a win-win situation. You win by looking out for others, which makes you feel good about yourself. Those you look out for win by having their needs taken care of and they feel good about taking care of your needs in return.
*The Triple-Win Phenomenon - In life, if you plan to move ahead, you must far exceed people's expectations. In a winning situation, you must develop the Triple-Win Theory. This theory goes beyond a win- win situation and involves a third party in the discussion to increase your changes for success.
The Triple win phenomenon works like this: you meet someone, they have a need, you pass a referral and the process is complete. As a result, the person to whom you passed the need is happy because you used them as a referral source and they possibly got the deal. The person whose need you passed is happy because they appreciate receiving a referral to someone with whom you have already had a positive experience with, and they have the opportunity for a new contact. You win because you are able to help two people-two other people who will remember your name and appreciate your actions.
Ron's "Platinum Rule:
Staying consistent with the Giver's Gain Philosophy and continuing to exceed people's expectations is what I call the Platinum Rule of networking. Instead of simply doing unto others as you want others to do unto to you, just remove yourself from the formula and take care of others as they want to be taken care of.
In Summary
Don't just treat people as you want to be treated - go to the next level and do unto them, as they want to be done unto to. Consistent use of this philosophy, the Giver's Gain Philosophy, or some other adaptation of the Platinum Rule - leads to better business and personal relationships.
