Fast-Track to Improved Networking, Referrals, Visitors

I am reading Dr. Misner's transcription of his latest podcast, "Episode 121: Fast Track With Networking Secrets". This is truly AMAZING! This chapter in Beaumont, Texas applied a new training called "Fast Track" and managed to increase the amount of referrals passed by 70%! Before Fast Track, about half the members were responsible for passing 65% of the referrals; after Fast Track, 96% of the members were responsible for passing a minimum of one referral a week! I'm very impressed with those stats! This is a curriculum that, in my opinion, all BNI chapters should embrace. This curriculum also teaches members how to keep track of their own individual success, a type of report card if you will. Read the excerpt for more! http://www.bnipodcast.com/2009/09/09/episode-121-fast-track-with-networking-secrets/

WOM Advertising: Fad or Future?

I just read Dr. Ivan Misner's short article on word of mouth (WOM) advertising. For those who don't know, Dr. Misner is the founder of BNI (Business Networking International), and has coached and taught members worldwide on this concept. In 2008, BNI celebrated approximately 115,000 members, 5300 chapters, 5.6 million referrals and $2.3 billion in business. Given that's when the recession began, that's a staggering fact! Members give referrals and live by "Givers Gain", the driving philosophy behind BNI's success.

The article reported that WOM is becoming the preferred marketing strategy among professionals. This is not new information to BNI members. My questions tonight are:

1. Do you have a preferred method of marketing that is working for you?

2. Do you believe in WOM?

3. Do you belong to any networking groups for your business?

4. What do you see as the future for marketing a business into success?

Article link: http://networking.entrepreneur.com/2009/09/10/word-of-mouth-a-growing-segment-in-advertising/comment-page-1/#comment-2982

OK. time to get back to work.

The Best Things in Life are Free - Entrepreneur.com

The Best Things in Life are Free - Entrepreneur.com

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This article I've linked to is a very touching, revealing, inside look at the complicated side of schooling and working with a child with high-functioning autism. How many readers out there have worked with children with autism? How many know a person with high-functioning autism? Please read this article - all monies paid for this article have been donated to the National Autism Association.

http://www.helium.com/items/1420905-helping-autistic-children-succeed-in-school

Introducing TheCompass.biz!

I'm introducing everyone to TheCompass.biz, a website that can help you get your domain name registered, set up an SSL certificate for online transactions, e-mail, and other web solutions! Check 'em out!

http://thecompass.biz/

Great customer service!!

OK, Phoenix Arizona: When you need your vehicle serviced, go see Chrissy at Peoria Kia! THEY ROCK! I had the best customer service I've ever experienced from a car dealership - no joke, they have my future business (and, since I have two teens ready to drive, guess where I'll be helping them get there cars from!). Chrissy made sure they took good care of my van, and got it done in one-half day. TOTALLY great experience!

The DEC wants to know: What was the best customer experience you ever had? Details, please - we really want to know!

What graphic design ISN'T

This was a great article picked up on my Twitter page from a member of the graphic design industry. I'm reposting his link here because it really does hit home as to what exactly graphic designers do, and more importantly, what they don't do. After reading Grady's blog, share with me your comments and perceptions on what a graphic designer does or should do.

http://www.traceygrady.com/busting-the-myths-what-graphic-design-isnt

Don't Fear Networking!

This is a good A/V presentation by Dr. Ivan Misner, giving tips on how to overcome the fear of networking: http://www.yourbusinesschannel.com/syndicatorpanel.aspx?sn=BNI&spk=689&pp=false

How many people really are afraid to walk up to someone and start a conversation? I know there are times I still get butterflies in my stomach, but I think it's more from excitement of meeting someone new rather than a fear of meeting someone new. When we meet someone, we present our 30-second elevator speech, stop, and listen. The elevator speech should never be about a sale; that can make someone feel defensive or put-off. Instead, the elevator speech should be an ice-breaker, as a chance to get to know someone better. If viewed this way, this should take away most of the fear of networking.

Special thanks to both Dr. Ivan Misner for making his presentation, and to Dave Sherman, The Networking Guy, for his tips and insights.

Website Marketing Turnoffs

Here's an interesting article about what not to do when contemplating website marketing techiques — straight from entrepreneur.com and Mr. Guy Kawasaki:

http://www.entrepreneur.com/magazine/entrepreneur/2009/june/201614.html

Your Website, Your Brand

I just read this great article about web design. I agree, there is so much more that goes into putting together your web site besides just the outside skin. Keep in mind that your web site is the first "person" that people meet when they google your name or your company name. No more than you would want a rude, sassy receptionist answering your phone, you don't want a web site that is difficult to navigate, hard to read or understand, and has no focus. Would you agree?

http://www.womenentrepreneur.com/2009/04/your-website-is-your-brand.html