Do you really understand what networking is all about? Take this truth or delusion test to find out.
Anyone in business knows about the value of networking. While the word itself is overused, until a better term comes along, networking defines a valuable tool for business and personal success.
Expert in networking Dr. Ivan Misner, founder of BNI, the world’s largest and most successful networking organization, writes about the many delusions that surround the subject.
Label each one of Mark Misner’s 10 statements below “truth” or “delusion, and see the bottom for how well you did.
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Networking is a fad.
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If you provide good customer service people will refer business to you.
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Word-of-mouth advertising is always working.
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The best way to ensure referral success is to follow the Golden Rule: treat your referral source the way you would like to be treated.
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It’s best to limit the number and types of networking groups to which you belong.
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When you give referrals to others, you can expect them to give you referrals to you.
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When one of your business relationships passes you a referral that means the prospect is ready to hear a presentation on your product or service.
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If you join groups and organizations and become active, the members will get to know you and refer business to you.
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It’s not what you know, but who you know.
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You can network at any time, even at a funeral.
ANSWERS
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Delusion. Networking has been around since the Industrial Revolution in just about every country with a Free Market System.
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Delusion. Good customer service is key, but you cannot assume referrals will follow.
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True. The “word-of-mouth” channel is always “on.”
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Delusion. Think about the referral source in terms of what is in it for them, not for you. Now you are in the proper mindset to help the source in return.
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True. Spreading ourselves too thin disables our ability to focus on key referral sources.
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Delusion. You have to ensure that those to whom you refer to are aware of what you are looking for.
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Delusion. Treat the referral from zero base and ensure he or she is aware of your benefits and services.
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Delusion. Again, people need to know what you are looking for.
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True. Enough said.
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True. Just be tactful!
Tally: 5 or fewer right and you need to brush up on networking; 6-8 right and you are on the right track; 9-10 and you know what networking is all about.
To boost your business and learn more about our coaching service and ebook for entrepreneurs, email Martin Arnold mharnold@sbcglobal.net.
