Increase your Business Through Networking

Anthony Raby (Travis Mortgage) — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 12:41:24 -0800

Reaching out to your Community

The best way to increase your business is by mastering the art of networking. Nobody understands this concept better than Dr. Ivan Misner, the founder of Business Network Int'l. (BNI), the world's largest referral organization. BNI has over 4,100 chapters with 82,000 members in 26 countries worldwide. In 2005

alone, the organization generated over 3.3 million referrals, translating into $1.5 billion in business.

When it comes to the art of networking as a means to build your business, Dr. Misner has identified five key strategies. In this first of a two-part series, we'll examine two of Dr. Misner's recommended tactics:

1 - Diversify Your Networks

It's no secret. You're not going to meet people by being a "cave-dweller" who sits behind a desk all day. In other words, good business people put themselves out into the community. Misner takes the concept one step further by recommending that professionals diversify the groups they associate with. He suggests that individuals select at least three different groups to pursue, since networking with just one group is the business equivalent of putting all of your eggs in one basket.

Good examples of organizations to network with include local chambers of commerce, Rotary and Lions Clubs, country clubs, churches, temples and schools. Misner says that even though some of these groups aren't known for business networking, trusted relationships are built and referrals do take place. As long as you properly honor the event you're attending, there is no harm in networking.

Dr. Misner goes on to say that a good networker is someone who wants to help people. Referral opportunities arise every day, but in order to recognize them we must first learn the language of referrals. These opportunities begin with phrases such as, "I need", "I don't know", or "I can't". In order to be prepared for such events, it's a good idea to carry a business card file containing your favorite referral contacts and pass a card along in an appropriate situation. Another idea is to write the referral contact's name on the back of your card and have the recipient email you for the contact information. Most importantly, teach your referral partners to do the same for you.

2 - Develop Your Contact Spheres

A "contact sphere" is a group of professionals who work in non-competitive businesses which could potentially lead to symbiotic relationships. As an example, a loan officer's sphere would include real estate agents, financial planners, CPAs, insurance agents, landscapers, handymen, etc.

Citing his philosophy of "breadth versus depth", Dr. Misner emphasizes that sheer numbers are not nearly as important as the quality of relationships within one's sphere. He points out that strengthening these bonds is about more than simply referring business. It's about your ability to help someone however you can, which may be through the offering of advice or the sharing of ideas. Just remember the "Law of Reciprocity". What you contribute to others will eventually come back to you.

Maximize Your Drive Time

Anthony Raby (Travis Mortgage) — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 12:38:46 -0800

Maximize Your Drive Time

Tips & Tricks to Ease Your Commute

As the population continues to grow, more and more people will be clogging the highways during your commute. Rather than becoming increasingly frustrated and discouraged, why not use this time to do something productive? There are many ways you can achieve this, and here are some technologies to help you do it.

Have you ever been traveling along and suddenly had a great idea? Since it's generally not safe to jot down notes while driving, why not explore another option. Personal Digital Assistants and even some cell phones now offer voice memo functions. If you don't have an electronic memo capability, another solution is to put your office voice mail on auto dial and leave messages for yourself. Some drivers carry a micro cassette recorder in the car. It can be used for dictating letters to an assistant or simply creating audio memos. Don't forget to remove the tape and add it to your in box once you arrive, so you'll remember to act on it when your schedule permits.

If you have a cell phone and make calls while driving, are you using a headset? In some states it is now illegal not to do so. You should use a headset not only for safety's sake but to minimize your distractions while on a business call. If you obtain a cell phone and an earpiece that are Bluetooth enabled, you wont even need a wired connection with your handset. Many cell phones now offer voice recognition. This is a handy timesaver when you're driving that has safety benefits as well, even if you only program your phone for your most commonly called numbers.

Another productive way to use your drive time is to catch up on the day's news. Most cities have an affiliate of National Public Radio at the public end of the FM dial. NPR offers national, commercial-free broadcasts that report the news in far greater detail than you'll find on most commercial stations. NPR is also offering Podcasts, where you can download mp3 broadcasts of news and music programs produced by NPR affiliates across the country.

Podcasting has really taken off in popularity. iTunes alone offers over 20,000 podcasts which you may download for free. With twenty categories to browse through on their site alone, you're sure to find topics of interest to you. Once you've downloaded them into your iPod, you can use a car adaptor to play the audio files through your car's radio.

A final suggestion is to use your drive time to listen to audio books or enhance your professional development with informational audio CDs. There's a wide range of options available for download or purchase.

Anthony Raby's Blog

Increase your Business Through Networking

Maximize Your Drive Time