How many of you have been to a networking event in the last month? What did you get out of it? Did you have specific goals for attending the event? First of all, let’s all get on the same page and define what networking is. In some respects, it’s taken on a life of its own. Do we really know what it is?
Here are some thoughts on why we network:
• Identify suspects
• Develop strategic alliances
• Develop referral sources
• Develop and maintain relationships
• It’s an interactive way to prospect
• Impact sales results
Most people say that the three most important reasons above are to develop referral sources, develop strategic alliances, and of course, impact sales results. You will reach those goals must faster if you become a “center of influence”.
There are several factors common to successful centers of influence.
The first is trust. Someone must like you and trust you and must feel comfortable building a relationship with you. So begin with building a relationship. Learn as much as you can about their business and how you can help them. After the meeting the first thing you need to do is honor any promise made at the networking event or anytime you meet someone. If you said you would call, then do so immediately, so the person does not forget the conversation or the event. Write down any pertinent facts and log them into your contact database. This will give you an excellent starting point in your next conversation with that person. The key in maintaining a network is to be a person of integrity and value. You do this by following up and being the first to say thank you!
Make yourself a person others want to meet. By being a person of integrity, you immediately set yourself apart from others. By being helpful and an invaluable resource, you will make a positive impression and be sought after. It has been said it before, and I’ll say it again. To be an excellent networker, you must first give, in order to receive. Be open to others, and your business will flourish over time. If you do this regularly then you have met the trust requirement.
The second is how their business relates to your business. There must be some basic commonalities between your business and the business of your strategic partner. Are you looking for the same types of customers? Do you offer complimentary but non-competing products or services? Do people that need your service often also need your strategic partner’s service? For example, a realtor would have a real estate attorney, a title company, mortgage company, home inspector, home stager, and so forth. If the answer to those questions is yes, then the potential center of influence may have passed the second test.
The third is Enthusiasm: Perhaps you have seen groups were all the right people are there and yet nothing happens. No referrals are passed. There is no engagement—no energy. You need to promote your partners with positive words and attitudes. One networking guru has said that the best centers of influence are enthusiastic supporters of their referral partners.
If you are in the Westchester NY area come to the Westchester County Association’s February 16 lunch and learn. My Center of Influence Partner, Peter Helmer will share the podium with me to discuss "Insider's Tips: How to Make Face-to-Face Trump Facebook."
I wish you much success with developing a center of influence.
There is still time to register to attend this seminar. Do your want to overcome your challenges?
Join us on Wednesday, January 18, 2012
for a workshop to set yourself up for success this year.
The two-hour workshop will focus on
How to Work at Peak Performance, Achieve Your Goals,
and Get Great Results from Your Team.
Space is limited... Please reserve today
Performance Development Strategies, LLC
DATE: Wednesday, January 18, 2012
TIME: 9:00 am to 11:00 am
LOCATION: 100 South Bedford Road Suite 340
Mt. Kisco, NY 10549
COST: ($25 in advance, $30 at door)
Setting goals is one of the most important keys to achieving success. Studies have shown that the most successful people are the ones who have specific, written goals. 
Setting a goal is not like a New Year's resolution. That is just a wish. Just wishing and hoping for something isn't going to make it happen. Setting a goal is having a target to shoot for and a plan to get there.
When planning your goals, choose which categories you would like for your goals. Establish the time frame. They could be lifetime goals, 10 year, 5 year, 1 year, 6 month, 3 month, 1 month, or weekly goals. Also you can have ongoing goals, such as exercising 3 to 5 times a week. Be specific when you write your goals. Don't just write down "I want to weigh less." Write "I will weigh 180 pounds by July 2012."
Make sure your goal statement is positive. Don't say, "I don't want to be fat." Say "I will be a healthy 130 pounds by May 2012." The achievement of a worthwhile goal can seem daunting at first. The easiest way to proceed is to break your goal down into smaller steps. Start with the first step then move onto the next. When making your plans, a good way is to start is from the end part and work your way to the present.
Measure your progress. After you complete a step, check it off! Watching steady progress is a good motivator. A simple example could be if your goal was to be able to do 100 continuous pushups, you could mark off the milestones of 25, 50, 75, 80, and finally 100!
Don't be discouraged by setbacks. All successful people experience setbacks, disappointments, and failure along the way. That's just part of the process. That's part of learning. Many times these act as course corrections to get you back on target.
There are several success principles used in goal achievement. One is properly programming your mind. You need to review your goal in the morning and at night before you go to bed. Have your goal written on a 3" x 5" card so you can review during the day. At night, ask your subconscious mind for solutions to problems and methods or tools for helping you achieve your goal.
Another important principle is that of persistence. No one has enjoyed great achievement without persistence.
Do something everyday towards your goal. A day's action puts you one step closer to your objective. Doing something everyday creates a momentum that is hard to stop.
When it comes to achieving your goals, you need to think of yourself as a huge, monolithic juggernaut! Move relentlessly toward your objective.
Unstoppable! 
Are you thinking about setting your personal goals? 
What are your resolutions for the New Year?
This is an important time of year for you to take stock both personally and professionally to determine whether or not your life is on track. When was the last time you thought about your life goals? Are you on track to achieving those goals?
It is important not to consider your goals New Year's resolutions that you made on New Years Eve. Why? Well one very important reason is that it is never a good idea to make life-altering decisions under the influence of alcohol.
Rather, this should be a deliberate process taking take stock of your life, your success, and your failure. You should conduct a personal audit just as so many businesses do.
It is also important to have your goals clear in your mind so you can get right to work on them. You want to take full advantage of the New Year. Do not delay. Look ahead, plan ahead, and then take action.
It is important to have goals and dreams. They are what make a successful, happy life possible. But it is also important to re-evaluate those goals from time to time, and it is extremely important to act upon those goals.
Jan 3, 2012 
01:09 PM
Business Council of Westchester Holiday Blast
Grant Schneider
More than 425 Business Council of Westchester members and future members attended The Business Council’s annual Holiday Blast at the Westchester Marriott. The 2011 Holiday Blast was the Business Council of Westchester’s largest year-end celebration. Businessmen and business women mingled and networked as they made their way through the crowd. Grant Schneider, president of Performance Development Strategies LLC, located in Armonk, was awarded the 2011 Ambassador of the Year award.
photos courtesy of John Vecchiola
About This Blog
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Kris Ruby is the President & Founder of Ruby Media Group LLC, a public relations, personal branding, and social media agency that utilizes various social media platforms including Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIN. Kris also leads national speaking engagements on branding and has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, Forbes, the New York Times, and Elle, among others. She is the youngest ever to be chosen for the Business Council of Westchester’s “40 Under 40″ Rising Stars and is a member of the prestigious YEC (Young Entrepreneurs Council). |
Follow Kris Ruby on Twitter. Read Kris Ruby’s Blog.
I coach the most sucessful Business owners and sales agents and help them achieve improved performance in their business and in their lives.
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