Have you ever heard someone referred to as a "great resource"? What does that mean, anyway?
There are natural resources, human resources, environmental resources . . . the list is endless. Simply stated, a resource is a method by which a need can be met. Natural resources are things the earth provides to meet our needs. Environmental resources give the earth what it needs. And human resources meet the needs of other people.
Many times, people who are resources unintentionally create "fans" or a following. And because of that, other people begin to desire the perks that come along with being considered a resource (like word of mouth marketing by raving fans and referrals). What they don't realize, however, is that it takes time, effort and credibility to truly be considered a resource by others.
The first step in becoming a resource is to provide VALUE expecting nothing in return (provide good, free stuff). In order to provide value, you have to figure out what your client or potential client needs. You can not "sell" or manipulate people into becoming a raving fan - don't even try it. They have to walk away feeling wowed in order to tell someone else about you, and it is up to you to create that experience.
The second step is that what you share must be easily transmitted and shared with others - kind of like a virus; hence the term "viral marketing". Give them value that they in turn can easily share with someone else. When the person they share it with asks where they learned it . . . then, and only then, do you become the resource.
When you provide enough value for free, then the law of reciprocity kicks in, and you get everything you want . . . just by giving. Provide value, expect nothing in return, and in return, you will get everything you wanted and more.
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