Do people know, like and trust you?

“All things being equal, people will do business with — and refer business to— those people they know, like and trust.”

This is a quote from Bob Burg, who by the way wrote an excellent book “Endless Referrals“.

What it means in practice that first organisations need to have a good product or service.

But in today’s world that’s most of the times not enough to have a thriving business. People have to know what we do AND believe in us.

To have people believe in us, there are three ingredients according to Bob Burg: people have to know, like and trust you.

In our referral training courses we go much deeper into detail, but these are already a few tips:
– Know: you have to get out to events or be active on online networks and have your Sticky Story© (=Elevator Story) ready when people ask for it.
– Like: when you meet people: focus on them. Give them your full attention first and listen to them. This is not only necessary for people to like you, but also to them opening up to listen to your Sticky Story©. So don’t tell about yourself too much unless somebody asks you to do that.
– Trust: people will trust you more when they notice you care more about others than about yourself. There is a saying “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” So again focus on them and see how you or someone from your network can help them.

So think about those three elements for a minute and decide in which domain you can still improve. And then do it.

To your success !

Jan

You deserve a standing ovation

An important aspect in networking is thanking people and also acknowledging them.

You can send a card, an e-card, a letter, an e-mail, maybe even a small gift.

Or … you can give someone a standing ovation.

The website Playfair gives you the tool: http://www.playfair.com/standingO/send.htm

If you speak Dutch you can also use the “Schouderklopjes” on the website of Prana: http://www.prana.be/schouderklopjes.htm

Have a great networking week !

Jan

Find a social network

Online networking becomes more and more important.

There are also more and more websites.

To help you find a social networking website where you can find people with the same interests, there is the website “Find a social network”

Let me know which websites you find interesting to be a member of and why.

Have a great networking day !

Jan

Are you investing in yourself?

Last week I wrote about the Wealth Dynamics System of Roger Hamilton.

During his speech Roger also quoted Jim Rohn: “It’s amazing to see how much people invest in their children and how little in themselves”

I agree with that. Don’t get me wrong: I absolutely support people who want to give their children the brightest future that’s possible.

What happens many times is that they project their own dreams on their children.

And this can cause much frustration:
1) their children might have other dreams and goals in their lives.
2) they forget to live and grow themselves

I also remember a saying: “You cannot tap water out of an empty barrel” meaning that you have to fill your own barrel before you can give anything to other people and your children.

I believe the best investment in your children is being a good example to them. Which also means investing in yourself, growing as a person and creating opportunities for yourself and other people.

How are you going to invest in yourself this year? Which course are you going to take? Which hobby are you going to explore further? How are you going to be an example for you children by showing them that taking care of yourself benefits everybody around you?

Have a great week !

Jan