How To Make A Net - Work!

Many job seekers are confused about networking, and therefore doubt its effectiveness. Networking is the art of building and maintaining mutually beneficial relationships. So, like anything else, networking requires a bit of practice and finesse, but if done correctly, networking can be an invaluable part of your job search campaign.

Here are a few tips that can help develop a network that works for you:

Be Patient

Networking doesn't happen overnight; it's a process.  Networking is not just something you can check off your job search list like "Send resume to Pfizer".

While people may want to help you, they might not be able to do so right away.Quite simply, you may not be the first item on their agenda. So, if someone agrees to meet with you but can't do so immediately, accept their offer graciously and patiently.  Never let an opportunity to meet with someone during the course of networking slip away. Always be open to meeting!

Be Authentic and Kind

When you do meet with someone resulting from your scheduling attempts, take a sincere interest in their life, not just the information or possible assistance they can offer you. Don't push people for their knowledge or connections and then abandon the relationship. Networking means fostering relationships. This objective cannot be achieved by one person constantly taking while the other person constantly gives information or time.  Relationships are built on trust and sharing over time.

Remember, one day you might be in a reverse career position; so be considerate and respectful to all you meet. Find ways to periodically reconnect with the contacts in your network to stay up to date on their lives,and let them know that you genuinely care about what is going on with them.  Also, connecting and re-connecting, take the time to let them know that their advice and counsel was heard and put to good use. Acknowledging their individual value to you and to your career.  Reinforcement of the time and advice offered by those in your network will foster gratefulness, awareness of their value to you and encourage them to continue helping you and others.

Be a Conduit

Remember, the objective of networking is…well…more networking. You should be constantly adding people to your list of contacts. Always find more contacts to meet and, in turn, become a great connector yourself! Open up your network to others. Hopefully they'll follow suit and do the same for you, keeping the cycle going. Think about those contacts who could help others in your network,then introduce them!

Be a Teacher

Keep in mind that not everyone you meet will understand what networking is or how they can help you. Many people think that the best way they can help you as a job seeker is to take your resume and pass it along to their human resources department. While their intentions are noble, their strategy won't help you and could actually wind up being counter-productive and consequently,losing you a great job.

HR managers, like recruiters, are sometimes only motivated to take action on your resume if there is a current job opening within the organization that matches your skills. If a position is not available, they have no incentive to contact you and the connection is lost.

Rather than giving your contacts a resume, ask them if they could introduce you to a member of their company so that you can learn more about their position, industry, and organization. This way, you'll learn more about the company, share information about yourself, and begin to build a relationship rather than ending up as just another resume lost at the bottom of the pile.

Be a Helper

Networking is all about reciprocity. No matter who you're dealing with, you should always try to give more than you receive. For example, if you have information about a particular company, industry, or educational program that would be valuable to someone in your network, share it.  By sharing you will help others and in turn, others will help you.

Whether you're currently employed or job seeking is irrelevant - networking is a constant process. Obviously, you'll be more on the receiving end of your contacts' information when you're on the look out for a new job. But that just means you need to work that much harder at giving information and sharing your network while happily employed.

If you're constantly looking for ways to help people in your network achieve their goals, they'll be much more likely to help you in return.

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How to Get the Most out of Your Next Conference

Success in your career depends upon how well you manage your professional development. A prime source of this development comes from being a member of a professional association that relates to your career. As a member, you can attend conferences where you advance your skills and meet people who can help you.

Some people, however, treat conferences as a paid vacation. They party, they skip sessions, and they return home with little more than a stack of receipts. That costs them (or their business) money and contributes nothing to professional growth.

Here’s how to get the most out of your next conference.

1) Start With a Plan

First, make a list of your goals for attending the conference. For example, this could include the information that you want to gain, the relationships that you want to deepen, the people you want to meet, and the things that you want to buy. Also, make a list of questions that you want to have answered while you’re at the conference. This list will help you focus on your personal agenda during the conference and will maximize your chances of returning with something of value.

Then, scan through the program to select those sessions that will help you the most. These could be on topics that teach skills leading to a promotion, help open new opportunities at work, or answer important questions about your career. If many valuable sessions are scheduled at the same time, then select your first and second choices. You may find that one of the sessions has been canceled or filled (sold out).

Highlight your top priority sessions so you can sign up or arrive early. These sessions generally have such great value that they justify attending the conference, and you want to make sure that you’re there when they start.

If your boss must approve attending a conference, use your plan to justify your request. Be sure to include explanations of how the information, relationships, and participation at the conference will enhance your value to your company. Wise leaders always support someone who relates a request to the benefits that come from it.

2) Work the Plan

While at the conference keep your list of goals and questions in mind. Begin each day by checking your list and identifying those goals that you can achieve during that day. For example, some sessions may provide information that answers some of your questions.

At the end of the day review your list and check off those goals that you accomplished. If you discover new opportunities, then add them to your list of goals. And if you find yourself stuck on reaching a goal, seek out a senior member whom you can ask for advice on how to achieve it.

3) Meet People

Often the greatest benefit of attending a conference will be the relationships that you start while there. These relationships can become sources of information, friendship, and job opportunities.

Thus, make it a point to meet new people. Instead of spending all of your time with friends or colleagues, go off on your own. Join other people for meals. Sit next to them during the sessions. Start conversations while walking between sessions. And be sure to ask for a business card. Then you can add that person’s contact information into your contact database.

I encourage you to introduce yourself to the speakers. They were invited to speak at the conference because of their expertise in your profession. Thus, they can become valuable resources for information, assistance, and referrals. The best time to meet speakers is right after they finish their presentation. Introduce yourself, offer a brief compliment on the presentation, and ask for a business card. Of course, if you meet them again at the conference, use this as an opportunity to talk further.

4) Apply What You Gained

When you return home, set aside an hour or so to review the notes that you took while at the conference. You may want to schedule this on your calendar before you leave for the conference.

Review your notes, identifying the main ideas. Then convert each of these ideas into an action on your list of things to do. Once you finish the list add a completion date and assign a priority. Recognize that this step converts everything that you learned, collected, and gained during the conference into tangible benefits for yourself and your company.

If you are an employee, I recommend writing a report for your management. Document the key ideas that you gained and describe how they can be applied to your work. If you’re an independent, you may still want to write such a report for yourself because this formalizes what you gained from the conference.

5) Be Grateful

When you return home, write thank you notes to the people who helped you at the conference. This simple courtesy sets you apart as an exceptional person. I especially recommend writing notes to:

1) The leaders in the association. They worked hard to organize the event.
2) Members of the staff who helped you. These people can help you get the most out of your membership.
3) The speakers. This could start relationships with experts and celebrities in your profession.
4) New friends. This makes you memorable when you meet again at the next conference.

Use a conference to immerse yourself in the society and the technology of your profession. And then apply what you gained to advance your career.

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How To Build a Duplicating Downline

Regardless the controversy that the term Multi-Level Marketing (MLM) or Network Marketing brings to mind when mentioned in a conversation, the success of such an industry cannot be denied at the moment.

The long existence of multitudes of MLM organizations is a wonderful indicator that network marketing is here to stay and flourish. As such, additional people are trying to join the bandwagon, building their own MLM .

But, a lot of people are completely misguided or misinformed resulting into the collapse of several network marketing businesses. True that it is difficult to maintain multi-level marketing that could proliferate well, but undoubtedly there is one key component for a network marketing organization's success, and that is a duplicating downline.

Most people do not know how to build a duplicating downline, but hopefully with the tips to be presented, one may be able to gather a well generating force that almost immediately translate into a productive MLM business.

Multi-level marketing certainly entails leadership, specifically when building a downline. Since building a downline is only another designation for the recruitment process, great people management skills is important in order for the downline to operate well, and thus duplicate.

A lot of people think that network marketing is a self-generating business, but if that was the case, then no MLM organization would have had failed. Downlines certainly not duplicate on their own, even if the product being marketed is perfect. The people in the downline are to be trained and mentored well or else the business would take no direction and would lastly fall flat.

The person on top of the downline may be able to sign multitudes, but that does not guarantee duplication. Without a clear direction, the network would not expand towards success, but instead be paralyzed. The ones on top may easily put the blame on the ones at the bottom, but who recruited the people down there anyway' Managing a multi-level marketing organization entails a lot of generosity and selflessness.

Duplicability is after all not just the expansion of people in number, but the duplication of the success throughout all the people in the downline.

It is a sad fact in human life that a lot of people think only for themselves. The people on top could think only of their success and see the ones under as nothing but machines to propagate the success. But that cannot happen in multi-level marketing.

In order for the top to succeed, the bottom should be able to succeed as well. When building a downline, one should have a mindset that allows the success to trickle downwards, and not just to remain on top.

The founder of the network marketing organization should be very conscious that what he or she was able to do, the people in the downline could do perfectly as well. There should be no secrets within the organization for the downline to duplicate.

The topline should be able to share and teach the downline the same philosophies and techniques so that the success of the top could be replicated by people in the downline.

Building a duplicating downline actually means duplicating one's self. This means that when building a downline, one does not just inform people how to sell, rather, one influences or even infects others with one whole self, well at least just the business component of one's self.

When building a downline, one has to transmit the psyche of the top to the bottom, the bottom should be able to act in the same way as the ones on top.The downline ultimately becomes one with their organizer or founder, they should be able to share the same dreams, anxieties and hopes so that the success that the ones on top experienced would be replicated by the ones on the bottom.

This speaks a lot about the recruitment process itself. True that is hard to enlist exact copies of the founder, but one has to carefully enjoin individuals who have the capacity to act and think in the same wavelength as the recruiter.

In this light, the leader of a network marketing organization should reflect and see how the connection with the downline, or the prospective downline is. First one has to be sure if the people in the downline could relate with the leader and vice-versa. Duplication is unachievable without proper relation. Second, the leader should act in a way that is not so alienating to the downline, otherwise they might think too highly of the leader that they might assume they would never be able to be like him or her.

Again a duplicating downline should have a duplicable top. With this in mind, building a duplicability can be ensured as well as the success of the business.

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Hottest Business & Social Networking Site for South Asians

DesiMySpace.com is an excellent portal for South Asians who are on the lookout for new friends and to increase the network. It is easy to find people who have the same tastes and likes as that of you. Some of the search features in this site enables you to locate people who are like you, as quickly as possible. To make use of all the features you have to become a member and becoming a member is free!

While you create your account you have to add your profile to your account. Giving out all the interesting information about you will enable you to get more friends in a short period of time. You can even upload your picture and design your profile in a way that you feel would attract others towards you. With so much information about a user in DesiMyspace you can search for the people in your chosen field and initiate contact with them.

The search feature in DesiMySpace.com has an option to search by sex, dating status, smoking and drinking habbits, location, occupation, religion, state, city, zipcodes etc.. You can use this feature to search the people in your field of interest. The data that you have to input in this option are Field, Sub-Field, Role, and Keyword. Apart from these can also choose whether you want the result of your search to have only women or men or both. You can also choose the age range and the location preferred. Since some of the users may not have photos you can search people who have photos in their profile. Once you have the search result in front of you can send instant message or email message to them. You can also add them to your friends list or add them as your favorites. If you are concerned about your privacy, you can block all those who are not in your friend's list and they can't view your rofile. To increase you network you can also add yourself to a group that interests you. There are many groups that are formed my people who are like minded. Joining these groups will enable you to connect to them and share information with them instantly.

If you are person who is doing your own business then you can also use DesiMySpace.com to generate contacts in your chosen business line. Forums and Groups for Business and Entrepreneurs are available in DesiMySpace. You can join these groups and participate in the forums to increase your network in your chosen business. You can contact the entrepreneurs listed in this group to interact with them about any business issues. Links that are useful for that particular group are also given in the web page.

By creating a proper profile for your membership with DesiMySpace.com and creating your URL in DesiMySpace in an attractive way you can increase your network and hence your business contacts. Make use of the web space provided for your id in DesiMySpace efficiently to promote your business and products. Join the groups that are relevant to your business so that you have the latest information and contacts that are shared in that group. The forums related to your business also help you to post your queries and get them answered by people related to your business. These are some of the ways by which you can do your business efficiently by increasing your network. Though, it's a relatively new site, it's probably the most popular amongst South Asians popularly known as Desis. They are not only widening their social networking horizon, they are also using it to increase their businesses.

The new Free SMS feature launched by DesiMySpace for it's member is also very cost effective tool. Now, not only the members are using it to contact their near and dear ones but the businessmen are using it to keep in touch with their employees and vendors across the globe. For all your social networking and business networking needs, DesiMySpace is the right place!

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Four Ways to Boost Your Online Business Through Networking

When you think about networking, do you visualize a bunch of people standing around schmoozing, trying to pitch their services to each other while exchanging business cards and “elevator speeches”?

You know, some people actually enjoy that sort of thing. And when they do it right (which is a rare talent), they reap genuine rewards. Rewards such as new clients, joint venture partners, knowledgeable advisors, helpful friends… in other words, mutually beneficial relationships.

But for many of us, the idea of going to a networking event ranks right up there with bathing an angry cat. Even if we think it ought to be done, we’d rather be flea food.

Don’t worry. There’s much more – and less – to networking than you think! You can reap the same wonderful rewards without having to mingle with a bunch of strangers.

Important: With any kind of networking, the key is to build powerful relationships by giving. Give your attention, advice, ideas, suggestions, support, compliments, referrals – and maybe even your business – to others. Give, give, give… then receive more than you can imagine!

There are many ways you can get freelance work by networking, even if you hate schmoozing. Below are four powerful examples.

1. Tell your family and friends about your online business.

This seems like a no-brainer, but you’d be amazed at how many people fail to do this.

You don’t have to pitch your services/products to your family and friends, but you certainly should not be keeping them secret! You’ll have many opportunities during normal conversations to mention that you enjoy internet marketing and earning money with your online activities. Just plant the seed and eventually it can grow into unexpected business.

And remember, even if your family and friends have no need for the products/services you offer, it’s very likely that they know someone who does.

Key: Every person has connections to an average of 250 other people. When you decide not to mention your services to cousin Annie and neighbor Tom, you’re missing an opportunity to offer your services to hundreds of people they know!

2. Engage in virtual networking.

You do this online, from the comfort of your home office. Besides the benefits of not having to deal with people face-to-face, virtual networking allows you to create contact lists and join online communities comprised of people from all over the world. Most of these people you would probably never meet in any other way. Your virtual network can grow larger and faster than any form of traditional network.

Are you on someone’s email list? (Of course you are!) When they ask for opinions, give yours. When they raise an issue that’s of interest to you, send them a response about it. If they’re selling something you can benefit from (and it fits your budget), buy it – then give them positive feedback about it.

Key: Become someone they know and enjoy hearing from, rather than just one of the many anonymous names on their mailing list.

Participate in online discussion forums, especially those where your ideal clients hang out. Lurk before you leap so you don’t jump in and accidentally make a fool of yourself (not good for winning clients). Read the posts, get a feel for the ambiance. When you have something worthwhile to contribute, start participating. If the forum rules allow it, include a signature block that has a link to your website. But do NOT sell your services! Give valuable advice freely. The idea is to show your knowledge, expertise and desire to help others.

Key: Eventually the forum members will get to know you, like you and trust you. The next natural step for them is to think of you when they (or people in their network) need the products/services you provide!

3. Show off your talent.

Write, write, write! Submit articles to online article directories, write reports and/or ebooks, create your own website and e-zine – put yourself and your knowledge/skills on display, always including your contact information. When appropriate, offer to provide free special reports or articles for people with whom you’re building connections through your virtual networking activities.

Consider giving free workshops related to your niche through your local Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club or other groups. If you have a job, check into offering “brownbag” (lunchtime) sessions on topics such as “10 Tips for More Earning Money Online in Your Spare Time” for your coworkers.

Key: You want to become the obvious person people will think of when they need your expertise, or the products/services you provide.

4. Attend seminars.

What types of seminars, workshops, conferences or meetings do your customers attend? Go to those events. They are networking goldmines and offer many opportunities to engage in natural conversations with people you want to meet. You don’t have to schmooze or pitch your services. Just be friendly, ask questions, participate in discussions, and be yourself.

Key: You’ll not only learn about the specific issues and topics your target customers are interested in, you’ll build relationships with them at the same time!

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Five Stumbling Blocks To Successful Networking And How To Overcome Them

The ability to connect with people is essential to success in any business.  Professional networking events present opportunities to interact with others on a personal level and to develop profitable relationships.  These occasions are critical for anyone who wants to grow a business or promote a career.

Many people are simply not comfortable walking into a room full of strangers and striking up conversations.  Here are five common stumbling blocks that you may face and tips to help you overcome them.

A RELUCTANCE TO TALK TO STRANGERS.  You were taught at an early age not to speak to people you don't know.  It's not safe.  In certain situations today this is still good advice.  In business, however, talking to strangers is a way to generate interest and support for your products and services.  If you only talk to the people you already know, you will miss out on opportunities to make new connections and establish valuable contacts.

To get past your discomfort in talking to strangers, set a goal for yourself before you attend any networking event.  Decide how many new contacts you want to make or how many strangers you want to meet.  In some cases, you may specifically target individuals whom you'd like to know.

Next come up with some icebreakers or conversation starters. Have questions prepared that you can ask anyone you meet at the event.  You may want to inquire about other people's business, their connection to the sponsoring organization or their opinion of the venue.

LACK OF A FORMAL INTRODUCTION.  It's much easier to make a new contact when there is someone else to handle the introduction and pave the way.  If you wait for another person to make the move you may not meet anyone.  At networking events, the goal is to meet as many people as possible.

This is the time to take the bull by the horns, walk up to people you don't know, introduce yourself and start a conversation.  You can do this if you have prepared your self-introduction in advance.

You will not introduce yourself the same way on every occasion. Perhaps it is your first time to attend an association meeting. In that case, you might want to say that as part of your introduction.  Let people know who you are, why you are there and give them a reason to ask more abut you.

FEAR OF BEING SEEN AS PUSHY.  You may think that you will turn people off if you are assertive and that if they want to talk to you, they will make the first move.  If this is your line of thinking you will find yourself spending your time alone at the reception or meeting function and leaving without a single new connection.  Being open, friendly and interested does not turn people off.

You will not come across as overly aggressive if you seek out the "approachable" people.  These are the ones who are standing alone or who are speaking in groups of three or more.  Two people talking to each other are not approachable because they may be having a private conversation and you would be interrupting.

THINKING THAT OTHER PEOPLE MAY NOT LIKE YOU.  There is always the risk that the other person is not interested in you and doesn't want to meet or talk to you.  It happens. If that is the case, don't take it personally.  Nothing ventured is nothing gained.  When you get a cold shoulder, smile, move on and say to yourself, "Next?"

HAVING YOUR INTENTIONS MISUNDERSTOOD.  Approaching someone of the opposite sex to begin a conversation may seem more like flirting than networking.  This is more of an issue for women than men.  Women have an equal place in the work arena and need to make professional connections the same as men do. Women in business can no longer afford to hold back when there is opportunity at hand.

Neither men nor women will have their motives misinterpreted if they present themselves professionally in their attire and if they keep the conversation focused on business issues or topics that are not personal or private.

Whatever your stumbling blocks, face them before the next networking event and devise a personal plan for getting past them.  Once you do, you will find yourself connecting with confidence and courtesy on every occasion and the results will be reflected in your bottom line.

(c) 2005, Lydia Ramsey.  All rights in all media reserved.

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First Film, Games and Mobile Business Network starts in Germany

The International business network gafimo.net -
the mobile, film, games network launches today in
germany. Matthias Pieper, 23, CEO of gafimo.net

is on the move to find as many professionals from
the mobile content, film and games-development
branches as possible to bring them together. "It
is clear that these industries have to work
together in the future" Pieper says. He knows,
what he´s talking about: after years of working
on the games workforce (giga, etc.) he has
studied film production and often finds himself
between the branches. "Those people are working
on the same topics, using similiar software,
storytellingtools, and so on" he says, "but
hardly know each other and therefore can´t be of
help to one another". Also Pieper believes that
since the devices of games, mobile and film are
merging (playstations, PCs, etc) there has to be
a business-network to combine these industries.
More info´s and free registrations (restricted to
pros) at www.gafimo.net

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Finding Targeted MLM Leads

The objective of multi-level marketing (MLM) is to sell the product or service and to encourage the client to become an independent distributor, who then sells the service or product as well.  Leads are vital for any business to grow, and in order for the business owner to have the greatest success, the leads must be curious enough in the business opportunity to have expressed an interest.  The prospects that have expressed an interest in becoming distributors are known as Targeted MLM Leads.

To find targeted MLM leads, business owners must first have ample knowledge of their target market.  Are they self-starters?  Do they have the commitment necessary to be part of a network?  Business owners must also understand the product or service, the company mission statement, and its goals and objectives well enough to offer a good sales presentation.  Delivering a presentation, however compelling, to someone that has not shown interest in the product, service, or business opportunity is a waste of time and resources.

Business owners can acquire targeted MLM leads from various sources.  The most convenient sources are the companies that compile and sell lead lists.  The business owner, however, should be careful when choosing a lead list source, as some may be fraudulent.  Some targeted MLM leads are identified through telephone interviews or direct mail response.  Business owners can also obtain targeted leads from promotional give-away programs that have high traffic.  Usually a person will fill out a simple survey to claim the promotional item, and the business owner can then use the survey to assess whether he or she will be a quality lead.

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Facebook info

Facebook info
<br><p>

Facebook is a social networking utility that connects people together based on networks. Networks can be based on a wide variety of things and based on the information you provide in your user profile when you sign up for Facebook, you can connect to a wide variety of networks and meet a number of people that are similar to you. Many people have used Facebook in order to meet a lot of great people and if you are interested in using the internet to meet people then Facebook might be the website you’re looking for.<br><p>
Considering the small bit of history mentioned in the preceding paragraph, it should come as no surprise that the founder of Facebook was a student at Harvard University. A man by the name of Mark Zuckerberg founded Facebook and ran it for a very long time as a hobby project during his time at University.<br><p>
There are many different ways that a person can get security but the one that has specifically been created to meet the demand for security is what is known as a <a href="http://www.facebookinfo.com" title="Facebook tips">Facebook</a> proxy.<br><p>
Now that facebook has become so popular, two of the three initial creators have dropped out of university and dedicated themselves full time to improving and maintaining <a href="http://www.facebookinfo.com" title="Facebook tips">Face book layouts</a> and all of its facilities. Today the Facebook website is used by people from thousands of University campuses across the English speaking world and is also enjoyed by a number of different companies and religious groups as well.
In terms of total users, <br>Facebook has approximately 18,000,000. This number places it amongst the top social networking websites in the world; not bad for a website that was started as a hobby project by a Harvard student. This 18,000,000 number is reputed to contain multiple accounts; in other words there is an assertion out there that there are not actually 18,000,000 people using the Facebook service but that many people have more than one account on it.<br><p>
To end on a high note in this game of statistics, here is something that you might find very shocking. According to web traffic numbers and taking into account the 30 billion page views Facebook gets on a monthly basis, it is now the 7th most visited site within the United States.

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Do You Get Attention With Your 30-Second Introduction?

<b>I went to a networking event the other day</b> where the meeting leader said, "We’re going to skip doing the 30-second introductions today because mine’s so bad and it doesn’t work that it nauseates me." I thought to myself, WOW! I’d skip the next networking meeting until I’d worked out a new introduction.

<b>Do you get attention with your introduction?</b> Are you prepared to introduce yourself at your next networking event or for when someone ask, "What do you do?" Consider these tips for developing an attention getting introduction.


<b>1. Start With The First 10 Seconds.</b> What if 10 seconds is all you get? Does your first sentence tell your listener enough so they understand what you do and inspire them to want to know more? Here’s the simple, but effective approach. "I work with [type of clients] who have [these types of problems, issues or challenges]." That’s it. Don’t try to sugar it up or make it real catchy.


<b>2. Avoid the What You Are Approach.</b> "I’m an accountant" or "I’m a marketing consultant" or "I’m a financial planner" or "I’m a growth coach". You’ve heard them time and again. You’ve probably even done it yourself. The problem is your listener(s) may not understand what the title means or even worse they may fill in an incorrect definition.


<b>3. Avoid the What You Do Approach.</b> "I do small business accounting including sales tax and payroll" or "I provide business owners with mentoring and training in comprehensive strategies to improve bottom line results..." Tends to be boring and doesn’t help the listener(s) understand what they get as a result.


<b>4. Say How You Solved a Problem or Served a Client.</b> Reinforce your first 10 second sentence with a second sentence that shows how you solved a problem or overcame a particular issue or challenge. "I help mid-sized accounting firms plan big conferences on a small budget. I just recently lined up free live entertainment for a firm that hosted 500 people in town last week."


<b>5. Tell Them Why You Are Unique.</b> What makes you stand out from the crowd? Maybe it’s a unique model or approach for better results, focus on a specific niche, a guarantee, or extras that others don’t provide. There are many ways to define your uniqueness that will help gain attention and make you memorable.


<b>Make your introduction an attention getter.</b> Start with the first 10 seconds. You can always build from there once it starts getting attention. Actually write it down and practice out loud several times until you can just say it naturally.

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Defining MLM

As the name suggests, MLM (Multi-Level-Marketing), basically involves selling a company’s product directly to the customer by way of networking. Traditional retail selling is left to the brick and mortor businesses.

MLM is executed through a multi-layered distributor system where payments by the company are made to the distributors according to the distribution level they are in. Distributors are responsible for the business development and the revenue generation for the company.

The products sold are those that are used daily. Generally MLM is done by the companies that are offering products of regular use, such as, soaps, detergents, car wash, containers and cosmetics. This is not an exhaustive list, it's merely a sample.

The convenience of shopping is another strong feature of MLM. Generally, MLM supports online shopping and at times even people network makes the shopping process easy. The distributor goes to the customer’s house, workplace or wherever it's convenient to both the seller and the buyer.

The key features of MLM include networking, flexible timing and convenience.

Networking is the backbone and the soul of MLM. Word of mouth and trust play major roles in the success of MLM. People known to the distributor trust him or her recommendations and try out the products. If the products do have the impact on the customers, then these customers most often recommend these same products to other people they know. And so the snowball rolls.

There's nothing quite like the flexibility of working for yourself. A MLM distributor can work for as long as he or she wishes to. Therefore, the time, money and efforts to be invested in MLM is totally on your choice. You may pursue it full-time or part-time as suits you.

Along with the convenience of flexible timings, MLM distributors generally work from home. They don’t have to show up in the office daily and they can work the hours that fit around other important things in their life.

Startup capital is usually very small as a MLM distributor. Therefore, you run little financial risk. But, do measure the risk-return ratio before venturing into any MLM business opportunity.

Is this a get rich quick business? NO. It takes a lot of time to grow in MLM. But, if you are determined to succeed there is nothing to stop you. Results will show.

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Data Entry From Home For Money

We have all seen the ads. Type Data Entry for dollars, Typing Simple Data Entry from home, Data Entry Income and more. Can Data Entry from home really earn real cash?

If you are comfortable typing on a computer then Data Entry Jobs may be for you. There are misconceptions when doing data entry that you will be typing endlessly to earn nothing. The truth is data entry is an easy work at home job if you feel comfortable on the computer. If you can type at a good speed and be accurate this can be an easy source of income. Of course today with the tools available like spell check, grammar check etc, it makes it a lot easier. In fact it's possible to earn over $40 per hour doing data entry jobs on line.

Another misconception is that data entry jobs are scams. This is probably the "too good to be true" adverts with promises of overnight riches working from home. A few people will join a Data Entry program and think that the money will start flowing in. If it doesn't then they call the program a failure. Like most things in life, you won't get something for nothing. There are legitimate data entry work programs available. One simply needs to narrow down the field by choosing from the best programs available with a money back guarantee. When doing this it's a win - win situation. It's nice to know you have the protection if it's does not work out for you. It is not very expensive to get started in one of the Data Entry Programs so the risk / reward is very good in my opinion. So what do you have to do to get started?

1. Review the available Home Based Data Entry Programs
2. Narrow down the choices to 1-3 programs
3. Find out which ones have a money back guarantee
4. Use your charge card if possible for further protection
5. Sign up & start making money!

It may be that it is simply not a good fit for you. Everyone has different skill sets, but you don't know if you don't try.  Always remember that behind every successful person are a lot of small failures. You have to try to have a chance at success or failure.

There is enormous potential in the data entry arena. There are many companies worldwide that outsource data entry. Many people are making $1000 - $3000 a month additional income. In order to get to this level of income it is important that you understand the skills that you'll need and where to look for data entry programs. As I mentioned earlier, you need to research the Top Data Entry programs and don't be afraid to give yourself a chance. The fee's to get your Home Based Data Entry Business going is very low in my opinion.

Please feel free to visit my web page for Data Entry product reviews. If you decide to try one of our programs, please let me know your opinion of the whole process. Your opinion is important to me. I also have a FREE Email Newsletter series, which gives you the Top Rated Data Entry Programs.

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Can you increase business without putting more time in?

As business owners or managers we often find it difficult, even in the best of situations to get out and seek new business. You've probably thought that if you could just find a way to squeeze that into your day without spending more time away from your family or working weekends, you'd be all set, right? Guess what? You can and all that it's going to take is a little preparation.

1. Keep a box of business cards in your car. That way, you can always keep a stack of cards in your wallet or business card holder.
<ul>
<li>The next time you go out to eat, leave a card on the table when you leave. </li>
<li>Drop a business card in each bill you mail out.,/li>
<li>When you're at the book store, slip your card into some of the books related to your industry. Be sure to put them near the middle of the book so they don't fall out when someone is casually flipping through.</li>
<li>Place a card rack full of your business cards on the counter of your dry cleaner. Most of them are more than happy to help out a good customer.</li>
<li>Give each friend a stack of your business cards to hand out.</li>
</ul>

2. Make a goal of meeting at least one new person each day. If you overhear someone mention your industry or a hobby of yours, make a point to introduce yourself. Start a conversation while you're waiting in line at the bank or the Office Depot. You may never see or even talk to these people again, but chances are good that you will.

3. Never eat alone. You have to eat and so does everyone else, so why not use that time to catch up with friends and associates? There are a few benefits for both of you here.
<ul>
<li>You can keep in touch with people without taking a lot of time out of your work day. </li>
<li>By interacting with people that you enjoy being in the company of, your stress levels will go down. </li>
<li>Your name stays at the front of their minds - great for referrals! </li>
</ul>
4. Network in one non-work related organization. It can be anything - a baseball team, a church or charity, a community group - pretty much anything. The idea is to have the ability to network without the usual competition that you would face in a Chamber of Commerce or other business related organization. If you don't currently participate in something that's not related to work you should seriously consider it. It will help you create a balance between your work and your personal life while opening up a channel for new business.

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Business networking locally

Owning your own business of any type is going to require some amount of networking. Networking is a method of building awareness of your business, among people who may be likely at one time or another to use your products, your services or to refer someone else to your business. Networking is all about getting to know other people, and locally your best bet in finding additional network contacts is going to be with other business owners.

You can find many types of networking opportunities around you. Every club and every association that you belong too is going to be a part of your network. From there, every person you come into contact with and every person you talk with is going to be part of your network.

Make a lasting impression
You can make a lasting impression on the people that you meet by talking about what you know best, and by talking about topics that are vital to your business. If you are not sure about a topic that is being approached during a conversation, ask questions. This will show you are part of the conversation and that you still want to know more. Just listening is going to keep you out of the conversation and will not make a lasting impression of you on any one.

Make your voice known
Join local chambers of commerce; join local men and women’s associations. Join the local PTA, the sports boards, and join clubs that interest you. If you don’t find a club locally that does interest you, create one and build your local network from that point. The more people that you can put yourself into contact with is going to increase awareness of yourself, of your business and what you have to offer. Even if you are selling online, you have to be proud of what you are doing, and talk about it as often as possible to build a network of people that will call on you when they need your products or services.

Once you have built a good network it is important that you maintain and set goals for yourself. As you have set goals, you need to keep them. This means, that if you strive to meet one new person a week, or to make it a point to call one person you know each week that is not a current customer, you are going to increase your business. Think about this, for every five calls you make, and only one turns into a sale, that is one more sale than what you had. Increase exposure for your business, and use this for your personal success.

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Business Networking and Marketing Ups and Downs

The last couple of days have been beautiful, the weather near perfect and some of us are suffering from spring fever while others are simply struggling with the pollen levels. This time of the year reminds me that summer is coming and things are about to slow down – in networking. I would like to take just a moment and discuss this trend and what I believe may be the cause of it.

Let’s begin in the fall. At this time of the year we are working feverishly trying to procure new business because we realize that around the holidays things will slow down. As December draws near, some of us become preoccupied with things like parties and shopping and our attention turns from building our business. Others find it increasingly difficult to make contact as people begin long vacations.

Then the holidays pass. We put our marketing and networking efforts into high gear, going to several meetings a week, trying to get things cranked up again. The result is increased business and increased profits. Have you ever noticed that in the early part of February that things begin to pick up almost at a maddening pace? When this occurs, unless we are prepared for growth, we start to back off on our promotions as we scramble to complete the work that has been generated by our marketing efforts.

In effect, we stop networking. We lose contact with those we have been making and asking for referrals, and they begin to feel as if we are not interested in them any longer. When this happens, they may look for someone else to refer when that target prospect comes along.

By early to mid summer, we are starting to crawl out from under the workload and we again look for opportunities. Unfortunately, the vacations have started again as children are released from school for the summer. Thus it is very difficult once again to find the contacts that were out there just before our business picked up again late last winter.

By mid August, school is back in session and people are coming back out into the networking world again. Of course we are seeing some of the same people that were there before, but there are also a lot of new faces as well. Because we had slacked off from our promotion efforts, we were not there to greet the new faces as they started their new business. So the people who have a balanced networking and marketing strategy are there to greet them.

These are the people who have businesses that seem to be growing. They have a marketing and networking plan that is consistent year round. When many businesses are experiencing that new business rush in the spring, these business owners are ready to absorb the new business with new employees or temporary help. They realize that to maintain growth means to be ready for any upswing in the economy that could propel their business to the next level.

So how do we accomplish this? First plan for growth. Have a system ready for when you have more business than you can handle so that there is help you can call. This is managed by building relationships with temp agencies, headhunters, and placement firms. Hire people on a contractor basis if necessary. This saves money on benefits and salaries when thing are a bit slower. It also reduces the amount of paperwork when it comes to payroll processing and taxes.

Next, develop a plan for networking that is manageable. Set a goal for the amount of meetings that you would attend when business is just OK and stick to it when business gets better. Attend functions year round, even during the holiday seasons.

Plan vacations when necessary, but don’t assume that everyone is going on vacation simply because it is summer. Most people have to accommodate the schedules of others and entire companies usually do not go on vacation at the same time. Notice that larger corporations always have staff on hand to do business while an employee is on vacation. Also take note that large corporations do not stop promoting just because it is the month of July or December. They are consistent year round.

The lesson here is that, if you want to grow into a large company, take a look at what large companies do. Emulate them if they are successful and you may be able to duplicate their success. You must be constantly marketing, networking and promoting to ensure consistent business year round. If you decide to slack off now because business is good, I guarantee that when autumn comes you will be working twice as hard to get things going again. If, on the other hand, you keep on consistently marketing the way you did when times were slow, you should be able to experience the growth of both your company and your bank account during the entire year.

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