“Where can I meet people? It’s a question I’m asked all the time, Or a sponsor will say to me, “My team is telling me they don’t have anyone to talk to. What do I tell them?” Ouch! Not a good thing.

But before we really get into this let’s make sure we’re all on the same page with a couple of definitions.

We are all in Network Marketing, but what is networking exactly? Here’s what it’s not. Networking is not handing out business cards; it’s not offering products wholesale (that’s a straight sales technique); it’s not putting your business card into the envelope of all your paid bills (although that’s not a bad idea); it’s not even exchanging business cards.

So if those examples are not networking what is it? We know it’s about relationships but what does that mean to us as networkers.

It means we create mutually beneficial (that’s give and take) relationships. We often think of these as win-win relationships. These are relationships we build authentically and strategically.

What happens when we do this? We develop a large group of people from all walks of life who will gladly and continually refer lots of business to us while we do the same for them.

It is simple really. Don’t groan, It really is simple. Look, you’ve heard:

People will do business with people they know, like and trust.

And if you doubt that, ask yourself this, “Where would you rather get your referrals, from the yellow pages or someone you know? Of course a referral. I’d much rather have a friend refer me to a doctor, or a dentist or a baby sitter than the yellow pages!

How do we allow people to get to know us so they can like us and figure out it is okay to trust us?

Let’s jump back to that definition of Networking. Remember the giving and helping part? That’s the ticket to our success to be of service to others in order to help them be successful not only in their careers but also in their lives.

And here’s a big piece of the puzzle:

Networking is invisible.

If you’re doing it “right” no one knows.

They don’t know because all you’re doing is getting to know them. You’re getting to know what they do and you ask how you might help them. And then you do. And you help them for fun and for free! That’s right you don’t ask anything in return.

In fact it would be best if you didn’t even think of getting anything in return. Focus on them…on them…on them. Ask them, “How do I know if someone is a good lead for you?” And then keep your eyes open for people to “match up.”

If you want to succeed in building a strong (Know You, Like You and Trust You) relationships do the little things consistently, first class and timely.

People are much more impressed with who you are in relationship to them than they are with what you’ve got to sell or what you know. Sincerely care about them and it will trump what ever you don’t know and bring you endless referrals from those who care about you because you’re so important to them!

Be patient.

But be patient. The biggest mistake we can make is to jump in with our product or business before we’ve a good strong relationship. If you have any doubt as to whether or not they know, trust and like you, it’s too soon. Be in the relationship longer, do more and be more to them.

Here are some other ways to meet people and expand your business. If you like these tools and want to get proficient at building a large sphere of influence, check out our Six Month Savvy Sponsoring Coaching programs.

Savvy Sponsoring 6-Month Program for Arbonne* Independent Reps.

Savvy Sponsoring 6-Month All Company Program

Contact your customer/wholesale buyers’ list.

Use the Savvy Sponsoring “Sophisticated Three Foot Rule”

• BNI Referral group. This group it’s ok to go in expecting referrals but you must give them too. And it still takes time for ‘the know, trust and like’ to happen. Do your part the other will come.
• Reconnect with old friends. If one of our greatest gifts as human beings is human connection then this is truly a gift. Whether these people ever do anything in your business or refer anyone to you, your business has enriched your life with friendships
• Strategically asking for referrals from those you do know. Help them remember people by asking questions that will narrow their list in their heads.
• For more immediate results (both no’s and yeses) always prospect those who call to sell you something
• Join organizations that interest you and mean something to you, especially something you’re passionate about. You already have something in common with these folks. They may never be in your business but over time (when they like, trust and know you) they’ll refer business to you.
• At any function look for someone who may look uncomfortable and ease their way into the group. Be of service. Make someone comfortable and they’ll never forget you.
• Try everything many more times than once before you decide it won’t work and quit trying!

If you’d like to know more about how to build this kind of strong sphere of influence please join us for our complimentary call on May 31st. We’ll give you some great ideas of what to do right now. And if you’re ready to really become a “Savvy Sponsor” then check out our next Six Month Savvy Coaching programs.

Click Here to Register: Savvy Sponsoring 6-Month Program for Arbonne* Independent Reps.

Click Here to Register: Savvy Sponsoring 6-Month All Company Program

In my last ezine we talked about being focused on results and how that typically produces exactly what we don’t want…less than stellar results.

Why? Because being focused on the one piece over which we have little or no control – the end result – typically makes us anxious. That makes sense too doesn’t it? If you’re trying to control something you don’t have any control over one can realistically expect that would produce some mental distress!

And I don’t know about you, but when I’m under mental stress I’m not functioning at my best! And if I’m not functioning at my best my confidence level starts to dip too. How about you?

What’s the best way to handle this? Focus on what you do have control over. Not sure what that is? Go look in the mirror. In the end friends the only thing we have any control over at all is ourselves.

Don’t toss this down or hit delete just yet. I know those are only words. I know it’s not always easy to “get a grip.” But I have a few tricks to help you get ‘you” on a smoother path.

In the last ezine I coached you through some things that you can control and that will ultimately boost your results. And more importantly add much more enjoyment to anything you’re doing. I know that’s a big claim but if you’re willing to do some things a bit differently you will have more fun all the time.

Remember Ruth and her “lousy golf game” from our last ezine issue? Her score was way too high and she wasn’t having any fun. Ruth did two things last week and only two things differently.

First, she bought herself a tool that allowed her to free up her mind during each hole from worrying about how many strokes she was taking. She didn’t have to remember her “ever mounting score” anymore the “stroke counter” would take care of that.

Second, she agreed that when she realized she wasn’t enjoying herself she was going to ask herself, “What do I need to remove in order to have more fun.”

Now I’d like to tell you that Ruth’s score improved by 10 points but it didn’t. Well it sort of did! And yes, Ruth would tell you that her game improved. Why? Because she didn’t have the same angst while playing. And the part of her game that Ruth was stressing over, her putting, did improve greatly. As she said to me if my driving game hadn’t gone “to pot” I would have shaved 10 points off my score.

She was actually stoked. Because she did see improvement. And because she knows she can drive better than she did she felt it is only a matter of time before her game becomes more consistent at the lower score. She also realized that she could use a new driver. She was probably costing herself distance in her game because of a less than stellar tool.

Ok so how do you take these “golfing tips” and use them in your business so you can enjoy your business more?

What do I mean “be aware”? Check yourself out. Literally. How’s the stomach. Got a knot in it? Are you hands clenched tight? Do you feel like you’ve got to think about breathing? What’s going on with you?

In other words you’re going to start to pay attention to how you feel.

When do you do this? ALL THE TIME.

• Be aware of how you’re feeling when you’re doing desk work (those administrative duties).
• How are you feeling when you’re talking to team mates?
• How do you feel when you’re talking to someone about your products?
• What’s going on with you when you’re interviewing a possible new recruit?

Then the next question you ask yourself is:

What do I need to remove in order to feel better?

Ruth realized a golf stroke counter – a simple tool would help her take her eyes off her score. Next she’s going to try out some new drivers to help her distance. But the biggest thing she did was simply pay attention to how much fun she was having.

If you’ve worked with me before or read this ezine then you know that I believe and coach that awareness is curative. In other words things generally improve simply because you’re aware – paying attention!

And folks you have full control over that. It may take some practice but you do have control over that.

Bottom line: You can keep doing what you’re doing now and feel exactly like you feel or….you can get a grip on you by trying something different.

What’s it going to be? The ball is in your court.

And if you’re ready to put your “business card” to work for you check out my “Referral Card” program. Talk about a confidence builder! We start Monday.

Click Here to Register