Feeling comfortable introducing yourself to total strangers is one of the biggest obstacles to networking. How do you overcome it?

Acting Like a Host

In her book Skills for Success, Dr. Adele Scheele tells about a cocktail party where she met someone who was hesitant to introduce himself to total strangers. Dr. Scheele suggested that he "consider a different scenario for the evening. That is, consider himself the party's host instead of its guest." She asked him, if he were the host, wouldn't he introduce himself to people he didn't know and then introduce them to each other? Wouldn't he watch for lulls in conversations, or bring new people over to an already-formed small group?

Scheele's new acquaintance acknowledged the obvious difference between the active role of the host and the passive role of the guest. Scheele concluded that "there was nothing to stop this man from playing the role of host even though he wasn't the actual host."

Don't Act, Be

Now I know that sounds easy... but, when it comes right down to it, actually acting like the host isn't so simple for many people. Not all individuals are good at "acting" like something they are not. Therefore, I have one important thing to add to this advice: don't "act" like the host... "be" the host.

Most of the business organizations you go to have a position that is responsible for meeting visitors. I know it sounds crazy telling someone who is uncomfortable meeting new people at a networking event to be the host. At first, it must sound a little like telling a boxer to "lean into a punch!". But, there's a big difference and it really works.

Most people's fears relating to meeting new people at networking events come from not having a proper context to introduce themselves to others. Just as Scheele points out, when you are the host - you don't feel uncomfortable introducing yourself to someone you don't know who's at your party. So the key, in feeling comfortable, is to establish the proper context.

Don't Leave Home Without a Goal
Entering a cavernous room filled with hundreds of strangers can be extremely daunting, especially for people who are not naturally comfortable in those situations. Plus, many people have the mistaken notion that they have to somehow talk with everyone in the room in order to be successful, and let's face it; that's not a reasonable expectation.

However, if you have set some goals before you leave for the function, you will have a path to follow, and once you get down the path, you're done, and you get to go home.

First of all, do your homework and find out where your target market hangs out. That way, you can frequent those places and events, where people with some of the same interests as you are connecting with each other, and with other service providers like you. Once you've figured out where to network, set a goal for the number and types of people you will connect with on this particular evening. Maybe you know the event will have a lot of prospects who have a direct need for your product or service. Perhaps there is a better chance other businesses that service your clients will be represented at the function, and you may set a goal for meeting potential new referral partners.

Become a Gate Keeper

To establish the proper context, I recommend that you volunteer to be an Ambassador, or Visitor Host, at the networking groups you belong to. An Ambassador or Visitor Host is someone who greets all the visitors and introduces them to others. Over time, this type of position will give you an opportunity to meet many people, put them together with others, and become an accomplished "gate keeper." Helping others connect, meet, and get want they need - will unquestionably help you build your business. Furthermore, it will do it in a way that helps others.

By using this technique, you'll start to develop excellent networking skills and get great exposure to many business professionals in a short time.

A distinguishing characteristic of self-made millionaires is that they network everywhere. Most importantly, they do it all the time - at business conferences, at the health club, on the golf course, or with the person sitting next to them on a plane. This fact alone should motivate you to place yourself in situations where you can meet new people and do so in a way that you feel comfortable.

It's not called net-sit, or net-eat, it's called net-work. If you want to become a better networker, try this technique out. You will be pleased with the results.

If you're going to spend the money to go to events, this is the Number One thing you MUST do or you're just throwing money out the window. Actually it's three things. Ready?

Follow up
Follow up
Follow up

Okay, you're right, it's only one thing. But it's so important I wanted to repeat it.

Look, if you're one of these people who go to events, gets a stack of business cards, comes home and piles it on your desk with all the other business cards you've accumulated over the years, you are leaving a TON of money on the table. (Or in this case, on your desk.)

I can't tell you how many clients I've gotten from events who told me the biggest reason they hired me over some other copywriter or marketing strategist was simply because I followed up with them. And some other copywriter or marketing strategist they had met at an event and had a good connection with, never got considered because they didn't follow up.

So with that said, let me share my system for follow up after events.

1. I take all of the business cards out of my purse.

2. I call one of my team members, who comes over to my house and picks up the cards. (Note -- if your team members don't live near you, you can also stick the cards in the mail.)

3. She inputs the cards into my database.

4. I don't add emails to my list unless I've made it very clear that's what I'm going to do (for instance, I'm speaking or I have a booth with a fish bowl for cards). But what I DO do is...

5. Mail them a Newsletter Postcard each month.

Some of you might be getting my Newsletter Postcard. It's an oversize postcard that has an article, a little note from Nick the border collie, and a testimonial. It's a template so it doesn't take long to put together each month.

The nice part of direct mail is the connection. Many people who get my postcard take it with them to read. (How often does that happen with email newsletters?) And I can put people on my direct mail list who would never stay on my email list.

Now, if adding direct mail feels too big or complicated to you right now, let me give you some alternatives.

1. Reach out personally to everyone on your list through an email or a mailed card (like through Send Out Cards). You can have your assistant help you with this or systemize it so you add a little personal note but the rest of it is the same.

2. After you've reached out, ask them if it's okay to be added to your ezine list. I'm really not of the mindset that you should add people to your email list unless you've made it clear that's what you're going to do. But that's me, I know some of my colleagues disagree with me. I would rather have people add themselves or tell me they want to be added.

If they don't respond or don't want to be added to your e-zine list, I would look for them on social networking sites (Facebook, Linked In, Twitter) and connect with them there.

They Didn't Meet You

Because you spent the entire time talking to the two people you came with, you didn't meet anyone new.

You Were Nondescript

"Hi, I'm Joe and I'm in sales at Company XYZ." The person you just said that to is already nodding off. Not only will she not remember your name tomorrow - she won't remember it ten minutes from now.

You Didn't Have a Good Conversation Starter

Five minutes of bland chit chat isn't going to get you anywhere. You need to engage the other person right out of the gate. You only have a few minutes; use it wisely.

You Labeled Yourself

"I'm a financial analyst." Or how about, "I'm a marketing specialist." These are labels. They are not at all unique. Though what you do may be quite fascinating, labeling yourself is an uninteresting way to begin a conversation.

Think about what you do and how you might describe it in a way that will make the listener want to hear more. Hint: how do people benefit from what you do? Try crafting your job in those terms.

You Didn't Make the Clock Work for You

Memorable people have a great sense of timing when they're meeting others at professional gatherings. They don't attempt to monopolize the other person by getting into a lengthy discussion. While keeping it succinct, they get the absolute most out of the exchange.

This means they know how to do the following:

• Capture attention immediately

• Establish rapport

• Make good eye contact

• Show genuine interest

• Find out what the other person is interested in

Think of this meeting as just the start of your conversation. As you're chatting, actively look for ways to continue the exchange later - that will be the basis for your follow up.

Networking businesses have fast become the new craze in making a lucrative amount of income online. Through social networking, you get a chance to get know other people that share similar interests. Making money in social networking is probable, but you can't invest everything in it. Advertising through social networking does help you gain clients, but nobody should assume that making money comes automatically.

Several factors need to be considered before you build your very own networking business. Here are what they are:

1. First, you need a site for your business.
2. Secondly, you have to create the aesthetic design your site to make it eye-catching and attractive to visitors.
3. Third, the site should be equipped with tool bars that are easy to follow and understand.
4. The members you get might want to customize their own page, and as a site owner, you need to cater to their wants and needs. If you need to see how a social networking site should be, it is best to learn from the other sites. Visit some of the best in the bunch so you can be able to gain information on how the site achieved the status of an authority and how it has won over the loyalty of its members.

To build the perfect online business, it is best to keep in mind that you have to make it straightforward and uncomplicated for would-be members. This means that a site should provide an easy navigation tool, and the best way to do this is to go with the conventional way of page navigation. Why? Because not everyone is well-versed with the use of the internet. While that may sound surprising, it certainly is very true. Even users with limited knowledge about internet should be able to navigate without experiencing difficulties. When designing a web page, you should also consider the fact that there are those who are trying this for the very first time.

Also consider competition in your business. This may probably be the most crucial of all aspects. You should know that while you're in the process of building this particular business, other similar businesses have already gained the lead. The road to reaching your goal could be rough, but this should not in any way discourage you. Winning is a matter of patience and determination. Remember, every successful person has encountered barriers, but still they persevered.

Social networking sites started with the goal of linking people from every corner of the globe. As time progressed, these sites had captured the attention of many businessmen. People in business are now engaged in this trend. This helps them build relationships with people who share the same interests. Establishing connections is also their way of imparting the following:

1. Information
2. Ideas
3. Trade secrets.
4. More importantly, it has been a great tool to promote and market their businesses.

What makes social networking an efficient way to market your products or services? It helps you define your target audience. Having the freehand to choose your network and circle of influence is probably its greatest perk

Networking today is vital for business and social health and well-being. When you are in a network it simply means you are in a group of like-minded people, interest group or that you share some other common denominator.

Computer Networking: This is where all the wires, leads, cables and couplings come together in one place. If these cables or wireless points didn't join up, they wouldn't be networked. Anyone today who has a wireless internet connection and more than one computer at home or in the office, all going through the one router, is networked. The joining point in this instance is the router that is the joining point of the network. This is called a LAN or Local Area Network.

This LAN is now routed through the router to your ISP or Internet Service Provider. This now forms a WAN or Wider Are Network. If you can visualise a group of small spider webs all joining at one point and going outwards to form other small webs, you will be able to understand why the Internet is called the World Wide Web.

Social Networking: Years ago it used to mean (and in similar fashion still does) your group of peers that you socialise with. That is, your drinking buddies, your girlfriends, your mates, your friends. Now if you belong to a chess club or a sporting club, they are your physical social network that you as an individual depend on. When we use the term "to depend on", we mean that it is from this group of people that you get your persona from and your sense of self. Your mental health will be affected if you have a falling out or disagreement with this group of people. Your emotional health will suffer. Everyone needs friends and these are found in your social network group of friends.

This concept has now been extended to include a social network of friends and like-minded people on the internet. It has seen the massive growth of social bookmarking sites, and micro blogging sites, so that everyone can "chatter" to their group of friends in a series of short messages. The longest these micro blogs can be is up to 140 characters long. Some micro bloggers just say to their friends what they are doing now. Some people micro blog what they are going to have for dinner, while others use the blogosphere for less mundane notices.

Politicians even micro-blog to their members what is happening when they are electing a new leader for their political party! I have seen Tweets to their followers from Parliamentarians sitting in Parliament and supposedly making important decisions that will govern our lives. Personally, this disgusts me as I consider it a self-serving, irresponsible approach to setting new rules for me to live by. Worse still, is when these people pass laws that will cost me and you (the tax payer) millions or billions of dollars.

This kind of social networking is an unforeseen outcome to the ease in which everyone can micro blog today so there will no doubt be some lines drawn in the sand soon enough. I hope, anyway.

Business Networking: This is still based on what it originally was and still is, today. This is where business people come together to explore areas of common interests and to see where their common interests lie. This is why Associations like Unions, Master Builders, Master Plumbers, Small Business Associations etc form a specific group in which they invite like-minded, similar or complimentary businesses to join; because they all share some common area of interest that they can benefit from.

It is important for all businesses, both on the Internet and those that have a physical street address, to join a business network group in their community where they can socialise with like minded people, and get more business from those that they in turn can pass business on to. This is the basis of a good network.

Are you looking for a legitimate home business but don't know how to wade through the multitude of get-rich claims out there? Have you heard of Mona Vie but don't know much about it? Has a friend or colleague tried to interest you in its Acai berry products but you've never heard of the company and want to know more?

The truth is, Mona Vie is a legitimate company with a solid management team and a competitive compensation plan...one of the best in the industry. This is one of the fastest growing direct sales companies in the world. It has positioned itself to take advantage of the surging health and wellness industry with the introduction of their new energy drink EMV and their new blend of M-MUN nutritional supplement juice, which is getting excellent reviews.

The company anticipates strong sales and phenomenal growth in the years to come. With their commitment to research and the development of new and better health products, this nutrition based direct sales company will continue to lead the way in the health and wellness industry.

The companies commitment to its distributors is impressive. With the introduction of Mona Vie University and a strong support system already in place, distributors have all the tools and support they need to represent the company in a professional manner. Training videos and conferences, home meetings with networking the main focus, and a strong corporate foundation make this company one of the most successful network marketing companies in the world. International markets are opening up at a breathtaking rate. Mona Vie pays its distributors weekly and has never failed to make a payment or deliver a product.

With the U.S. economy in a tailspin, unemployment at record high levels, retirement accounts depleted, and a real estate market that will take years to recover, Mona Vie posted monumental profits and market share gains in its first three years with over $1 billion in sales. It took Microsoft 10 years to reach their first billion dollars in sales.

If you're looking for a home business that will allow you to make your own hours, network with like-minded people, and make an unlimited income, Mona Vie is an excellent company with which to partner.

Michael Holmes is a professional marketer, distributor, and affiliate with years of experience in direct sales. He has researched many direct marketing companies and believes Mona Vie to be the best home based business for those willing to put in the time and learn the technology to make it work.

To learn more about the Mona Vie Home Business, click the link below for your free report.

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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_W._Holmes

Do you know the difference between a sponsor and a recruiter?

I can not tell you how many times through the years I have heard people say "I sponsored a 100 people last month, year etc." I learned along time ago a very valuable lesson that I have two ears and one mouth for a reason. So if you hang around for awhile and watch and listen you will learn if that person really did sponsor that many people or not. So am I saying he lied? Am I saying he made it up? Well we will get to that in a few minutes.

I on the other hand have heard several times over the years "I sponsored 3 people last month" Then later as you are doing more listening than talking you hear about how this person helped his 3 people get their sites running and their products ordered and how he held four presentations for one of the 3 and two each for the other 2. Then a little later you here how this team has grown to over 300 people in a really fast amount of time.

Now I ask you; "Which one of these people is the sponsor? Which one do you want people to call you? Which one before reading this did you think you were?" Let me lead off buy saying there is nothing wrong with being a recruiter, in the right place, but Network Marketing is not a real good place to be a recruiter if you want to be successful and thought of highly in the industry.

The object of the game is to be the leader and sponsor to the people that you would want from your sponsor. I would rather be known as the guy who only sponsored 10 people in my career than the one who put 1000 in and left them to figure it out on their own.

I hope this helps you in your journey and that you know someone to share this with.

If you enjoyed this information please visit http://theleadersrole.com for more compelling ideas and tips in business all for free! To your success, Kris Hanks

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kris_Hanks