Your contacts are your solutions!
Successful networkers know that a measure of their success is their ability to help others resolves their problems. In fact, a referral is just that an opportunity to help someone with their need or problem.
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But how to achieve that success? You need to let others know you can be the Go-to Guru in any number of small ways. By showing your useful knowledge (contacts) you become their Go-to Guru.
BNI‘s Dr. Ivan Misner often says “A good networker has two ears and one mouth”. I fully believe that listening is the fundamental first step of productive networking; listening to fulfill a need. A need that will preset itself on many occasions is that of travel or relocating. It shouldn’t surprise you that folks would prefer to visit or use services in a new area that come with a referral. Being the Go-to Guru means becoming that trusted resource!
Start by identifying the professionals in your area that you would use yourself, add a few places you enjoy to that list and viola! You are the Go-to Guru
Assignment:
Our assignment today begins with your home town and circle of services. Create a list that you would appreciate receiving when pulling into your local port and draft it into an email template for future use.
An example to use is:
Dear Kenneth,
I hear you’re coming to town for a few weeks. Even though it is business related, I know that when I have an extended business stay there are a few services I need that I can’t pull out of my suit case. Here are a few for you:
▪ Where to shop: Westwood Village has just about everything you need including free 2 hour parking on Broxton Avenue in addition to a fresh farmer’s market on Thursday right at the parking lot entrance.
Drop by UCLA for a walk of the campus or a game at Pauly Pavilion.
▪ Where to get your suits: Yolanda Reyes, Custom Clothier
▪ Where to get copies: Jerry at Printing and More on Wilshire does most of my printing. For quick on-my-way-to-a-meeting-and-I-just-need-one-more-thing printing, Staples is perfect. I have one a block away from my office if you need.
▪ Where to find hotels, flights, car rental: BookingBuddy.com will aggregate the info for you to select from. Easy peasy!
▪ Short term office space: Regus has been wonderful for me. They not only have full service business suites but I can book conference rooms as well. Contact Noah Kovner at 555 555-5555
Of course I have many trusted professionals that I can suggest as well, feel free to contact me for more, including a great Real Estate agent for a more permanent visit.
Best regards,
Cys Bronner
Remember, this is just a suggested template. You could add hair dressers, dry cleaners, things to do, etc. Make your own list and get ready to expand your networking to new heights!
In networking: The more memorable (positive and helpful) you are, the better the results. Questions? Feel free to call BNI Executive Director Cys Bronner 866-889-3466 or email her at Cys.Bronner@BNI4success.com
Her motto: BNI, Making word of mouth marketing work for you.
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