Erika's Blog - Northern Connections

On the May 2-4 weekend, I attended a Virtual Assistance conference in Toronto, Ontario. Being in a virtual business, it was great to actually meet in person many of the Virtual Assistants I have had conversations with over the internet. We were mentored by women who have been successful for several years, giving us instruction, tips and ideas for moving our own personal businesses ahead. There is nothing better than spending a few days with like-minded people who have been there, done that, and you can benefit from their experiences. I came away with renewed motivation, set up some personal coaching and signed up for technology classes in my home town. I didn't even know this person was so close to me. Often times a business person may look at the costs and decide they can't afford to attend, but personally I think it is money well-spent if it helps you in the long run to get closer to your goals.

Labels: business, motivation, networking, virtual assistant

Recently someone has come into my life. I needed some temporary office help and this person was sent my way. She was very friendly, outgoing and humorous. We hit it off immediately. Over the past 3 weeks, we began to learn more about each other and found ways that we can be supportive to eachother with the challenges that we are facing. I was able to give her advice in my areas of knowledge and expertise and vice versa. I believe that people are put in our paths for reasons, whether they need us or we need them. Being able to render a service to someone to help them on life's journey is a special blessing.

Labels: inspiration, networking, spirituality

The best way to begin networking is to ask questions of the other person and their company. Learn what you can about them and their interests. When asking for their business card, ask who would be their best client so you can help them get referrals. Develop a data base of all the contacts you make with notations that remind you of your meeting. Cultivate a business relationship over a period of time. Keep in touch by sending them something of interest or value so they know you are thinking of them. Developing a business relationship will lead to opportunities for both parties. Wouldn't you refer someone that you know and have dealt with in the past? The same will happen to your business. Guess what? By fostering a strategic business friendship, you will be "top of the mind" when the opportunity for that referral comes up. Peter Drucker said 30 years ago, the purpose of business is "to create and keep a customer". That is still true today. Eventually your networking efforts will pay off.

Labels: business, networking

I just finished reading a book called Endless Referrals. It was written a couple of years back, but the practises are common and have been used for a long time. The main thought is that the average person knows 250 people who they come in contact with throughout their lives. The first step in gaining referrals is to develop a relationship with your circle of people. As you offer to do things for them, without any expectations, you will build trust and a mutual friendship. Over time and as your circle comes to know, respect and trust you, referrals will start to come in from those you have helped. You now have access to their circle of 250 people. You can see how the ball starts to roll and your network expands. However, the main concept is to be a genuine, caring giver first. Then it becomes human nature that those you have helped will want to help you too by sending business your way.

www.erikamartlew.com

Labels: business, networking