Archive for June, 2008

Jun
30

What’s It Worth

Posted by guru in Business

Adjust Cash Flow

To determine the profitability value a business falls into, it is necessary to determine the Adjusted Cash Flow of that business. The Adjusted Cash Flow is equivalent to its earnings before interest, depreciation, and taxes (EBIDT in accounting terms), plus additions or subtractions for owner’s salary, discretionary, single occurrence, or non-cash expenses. Once a thorough analysis of the financial information has been completed, and the Adjusted Cash Flow determined, the category of Market Value is defined.

In general, a privately owned single or small (1-3) multi-unit business will fall into one of the three profitability categories:

Positive Cash Flow

Break Even

Asset Sale

Positive Adjusted Cash Flow

This category will generally represent the highest Market Value of an on-going business. In this situation the business is profitable and established. The buyer is purchasing a combination of the historical cash flow, fixed assets, operational assets (trade name, concept, menu, etc.) and goodwill. The Market Value for businesses in this category is based on a multiplier of the Adjusted Cash Flow, that ranges between two (2) and five (5) times Adjusted Cash Flow. A second value is determined by using a multiplier of Gross Sales (net of sales tax) between 30% and 40%. Business value is generally somewhere within the range of these two numbers. A sophisticated buyer expects that the price they pay would net an annual return on investment between 20% and 50%.

EXAMPLE:

Adjusted Cash Flow $ 65,000 x 3.75 = $243,750

Gross Sales 725,000 x 35% = $253,750

This business would have a value of approximately $250,000.

Break Even

In this category, the business is marginally profitable or losing money. In this type of transaction, the buyer is more interested in fixed assets, location, lease terms, and the cost of converting the existing business to their intended use. In Break Even transactions, Market Value is determined by combining the value of furniture, fixtures, and equipment (including consideration for installation), leasehold rights, tenant improvements, with some consideration for gross revenues. Break Even Market Value is sustainable only if the business is operational, and the owner has the financial ability to continue operating until the sale is closed.

Asset Sale

This category is comprised of closed businesses or businesses that are experiencing extreme circumstances. An extreme circumstance may include a seller who does not have the financial means to continue operating. It may also be a secured creditor or landlord whom has had to repossess a business, or it may include a business owner being forced to sell for reasons beyond their control. Any of these situations create a severe disadvantage to the seller, and in turn has a dramatic effect on the Market Value. In these situations, value drops to that of auction value for the fixed assets, plus whatever premium might be negotiated for location, leasehold rights, and the fact that the equipment is in place and operational.

Other Considerations

In addition to the cash flow, tangible and non-tangible assets of the business will influence Market Value. These tangible and non-tangible assets may include Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment; Leasehold rights; and Books and Records. Although not quite as important as profitability, these other assets will directly affect Market Value.

Whether you are evaluating a purchase price, planning for succession or positioning your business for sale these other assets should be considered. But is should always be remembered that the bottom line for determining the actual value of your restaurant business is the simple answer: what a willing and able buyer agrees to pay!

Written by Monte Zwang of Steele Development Corporation, a consulting firm specializing in business development and financial strategies. You can reach Steele Development by calling 206.878.9666 or online at http://www.Steeledevelopment.com.

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Jun
27

Business Card Etiquette

Posted by guru in Business

When doing business abroad it is important to understand the local culture. Culture includes areas such as a country’s norms, values, behaviours, food, architecture, fashion and art. However, one area of culture that is important for the international business person is etiquette.

Understanding business etiquette allows you to feel comfortable in your dealings with foreign friends, colleagues, customers or clients. Knowing what to do and say in the right places will help build trust and open lines of communication.

One aspect of etiquette that is of great importance internationally is the exchanging of business cards.

Unlike in North America or Europe where the business card has little meaning other than a convenient form of capturing essential personal details, in other parts of the world the business card has very different meanings.

For example, in Japan the business card is viewed as a representation of the owner. Therefore proper business etiquette demands one treats the business card with respect and honour.

Below we have provided you with a few examples of international business card exchange etiquette that may help you on your business trips abroad.

General Business Card Etiquette Tips:

- Business cards are an internationally recognised means of presenting personal contact details, so ensure you have a plentiful supply.
- Demonstrating good business etiquette is merely a means of presenting yourself as best you can. Failure to adhere to foreign business etiquette does not always have disastrous consequences.
- When travelling abroad for business it is advisable to have one side of your business card translated into the appropriate language.
- Business cards are generally exchanged at the beginning of or at the end of an initial meeting.
- Good business etiquette requires you present the card so the recipient’s language is face up.
- Make a point of studying any business card, commenting on it and clarifying information before putting it away.

Business Card Etiquette in China

- Have one side of your business card translated into Chinese using simplified Chinese characters that are printed in gold ink since gold is an auspicious colour.
- Ensure the translation is carried out into the appropriate Chinese dialect, i.e. Cantonese or Mandarin.
- Your business card should include your title. If your company is the oldest or largest in your country, that fact should be highlighted on your card.
- Hold the card in both hands when offering it.
- Never write on someone’s card unless so directed.

Business Card Etiquette in India

- If you have a university degree or any honour, put it on your business card.
- Always use the right hand to give and receive business cards.
- Business cards need not be translated into Hindi as English is widely spoken within the business community.

Business Card Etiquette in Japan

- Business cards are exchanged with great ceremony.
- Invest in quality cards.
- Always keep your business cards in pristine condition.
- Treat the business card you receive as you would the person.
- Make sure your business card includes your title. The Japanese place emphasis on status and hierarchy.
- Business cards are always received with two hands but can be given with only one.
- During a meeting, place the business cards on the table in front of you in the order people are seated.
- When the meeting is over, put the business cards in a business card case or a portfolio.

Business Card Etiquette in the UK

- Business card etiquette is relaxed in the UK and involves little ceremony.
- It is not considered bad etiquette to keep cards in a pocket.
- Business cards should be kept clean and presentable.
- Do not feel obliged to hand out a business card to everyone you meet as it is not expected.

Neil Payne is Director of Kwintessential Ltd, a London based Cross Cultural Communications Consultancy.

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Jun
27

No doubt that most entrepreneurs want to succeed in business and I wont argue that failing is on the top of the do list for anyone. Here are five things you must do to fail in business.

1 You must want to become an overnight success. Isn’t it great to hear about some new product becoming an instant hit? Realistically, most overnight success stories take a lot more than one night of work. Think of any popular brand and think how long it took to create it. Even though things can happen quickly online, it takes a lot of testing and trying of what works for your business.

2 You must do it all alone. It takes a team effort to make any business successful. Even if you are the only member of your business, be ready to listen to what others have to say, and keep an open mind.

3 You must be convinced there is nothing new to learn. Even if you are an expert in your area, you will find that succeeding means learning. It is impossible to grow your business without a commitment to learning and improving your skills.

4 If you think you have to be the cheapest to be the successful, you might be surprised. Price is not the only factor when it comes to making an online purchase. Actually, pricing a product at the right price is an art form. The right price is more important than the lowest price.

5 Never forgive yourself for failing. Even the greatest business will have its ups-and-downs. You are going to have difficulties, and you are going to be making mistakes. It is OK to make mistakes. It is not OK, however, to keep repeating the same mistakes. The biggest difference between successful businesses and failed businesses is that successful businesses will learn from their mistakes and use it for improving.

Remember to do the above if you must fail in business.

About the author:
George currently the co-owner of http://www.sweet-reflections.com a successful wedding favors and bridal shower favors business in Carlsbad, California.

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Jun
26

Running a successful business used to be dependent on what
you knew. Then, who you knew became important. In today’s
economy, it is far more critical to what extent you know
someone. So it’s not what you know or who you know, but how
well you know them that really determines the amount of
business that can be generated by a contact.

Networking is the process of meeting people (also known as
contacts), either through a contact that you initiate or through
an introduction by a third party. Networking allows you to
meet, and establish a relationship with, people who may not
have heard of your business through any other means.

Like the name implies, this is work! It’s not called Net-sit, Net-
talk, or Net-eat. It’s Net-work!! In order to make it productive
for you, you need to learn the proper way to do it. There are
some important steps to follow for successful networking:

Pick Your Functions To Attend

Business people like to associate with other business people,
so attend functions where these types of people will be. Pick
those functions carefully. Make sure that the purpose of the
function is to promote business and not just to socialize.
Chambers of Commerce gatherings, trade shows, and
networking organizations are excellent sources of business
leads. The people who attend these are there for the same
reason you are- to meet new people and to develop new
business relationships. Social functions are fun and relaxing,
but a person trying to do business or make contacts there
could be very disappointed.

Be Prepared

Dress appropriately - you are a representation of the type of
work that you do. First impression advertising can make you
the most money or be the most expensive advertising you will
ever invest in if it causes you to lose business.

Always have a supply of business cards on you at all times. I
know a man who met a prospective client from a large
company while swimming in a pool in a hotel in Hawaii, while
on vacation. He landed an account with the firm when he
produced a business card (laminated of course), from his
swimming trunks.

Make a Good Presentation

Remember that you know more about your business than your
prospective client needs to on a first meeting. Save the details
of your product or service for a second meeting unless
specifically asked about them by the prospect. If you
overwhelm them with information, you may never have a
chance to determine how you can help them with a problem
they may have. The key to successful businesses is in solving
problems for clients in a fair, efficient and cost effective way.

Mining for Referrals

All-important referrals come from happy clients. A referral
from a client is a reflection of their judgement as well as a
compliment to you and your product or service. Be sure to
send out “thank You” cards to people who refer you business.
Thank them for the opportunity to offer service to their
acquaintance and to perhaps help them in the future, in return.

Networking is done at any time of day - morning , noon and
night. One of the nicest benefits is the friendships you can
make while pursuing common goals.

Nancy Roebke is the Executive Director of Profnet, Inc.
Profnet, Inc. is a professional business leads generation
corporation. We bring business professionals together in a
non-competitive environment to help each other make more
money.

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Jun
25

Do you run late for meetings, misplace keys, files, important documents, or other items, run afoul of deadlines, or forget appointments? If so, you’re not alone. Americans lose/waste nine (9) million hours per day looking for misplaced items, according to the American Demographics Society. If this is an area of challenge for you, follow the 10 simple steps below and get your work environment organized once and for all!

1. Think at a helicopter level and identify the major categories of items to be kept in your office/workspace. Limit the number of categories to a maximum of 7 or 8. For example: 1) operational items - phone numbers, expense reports, instructions and procedures, 2) customer files, 3) product samples, 4) tax and legal - contracts and receipts, 5) reading, 6) tools - assessments and articles, and 7) future projects.

2. Sort every item, every piece of paper, every file in your office/workspace into the piles that represent the major categories identified in step #1. Start with all visible items, then move to the items stored in drawers, file cabinets and overhead bins. If you have an extraordinary amount of material to categorize, you might want to get a large box for each category so your piles don’t get mixed up.

3. Cull each category. Be determined to eliminate everything but the absolute necessities. Dispose of old and unwanted items by pitching them, giving them to someone else, selling or donating them, or sending them to storage.

4. Organize the balance of items in each category. Put items in date order, alphabetical order, number order, or subject matter order. If organizing by subject matter, consider putting each subject into a separate file folder.

5. Make a little cheat sheet or outline of the major categories you’re using and the types of materials and subcategories contained in each. This will serve as a future reference as to where you have stored items.

6. Appoint a place to store each category. Consider the size of each category, how frequently you will be accessing each category, and where in your workspace you will be using each category.

7. Sketch your office/workspace and mark where you intend to place each category of item. Is there convenient and sufficient storage space available for each category?

8. Purchase containers, shelving, etc. for which you don’t currently have storage space. Again, consider the size of container needed based on your available space and the volume of the materials to be stored in it.

9. Reposition or put each category of item into its new space or container.

10. Spend 10 minutes at the end of each day putting everything away. This way you will walk into an organized and inviting office/workspace each morning. Reevaluate your arrangement at least bi-annually or as new assignments are acquired.

Pam N. Woods is co-author of a bestselling book, Create the Business Breakthrough You Want: Secrets and Strategies from the World’s Greatest Mentors; endorsed by Ken Blanchard and Dr. Stephen Covey. She is a Coach U graduate and President of Smart WorkLife Solutions, a coaching and consulting company devoted to co-creating customized solutions to fit clients business and personal organizing needs. Prior to founding her own firm she had a successful 20 year career as an insurance executive and Vice President of Human Resources. For more free how-to articles and advice, or to contact Woods, visit http://www.worklifecoach.com.

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Jun
25

You Are Weird

Posted by guru in Business

I have decided that you are weird. But, don’t worry… it’s a good thing! ;-)

Please, let me explain… I promise there’s a great marketing lesson in here somewhere… ;-)

Throughout my life, I’ve been called “weird” on more than several occasions! At first, I thought something was wrong with me. I soon began to notice that I was “different” from others in many ways.

And, being a kid in grade school, you can imagine how “horrible” that feels… to not “fit in” when everyone else around you is trying their hardest to fit in or be part of a “click” - any click.

Fortunately for me, I soon realized that being different or “weird” wasn’t necessarily a bad thing. Because I stood out! While others were trying their best to get noticed and be popular, I was usually sticking out like a sore thumb without any effort at all!

Did this draw some negative “experiences” into my life? Sure. I got my share of bullies and name-calling. But it also exposed me to some very positive experiences!

Weird simply means: strange, extraordinary, odd, fantastic. And, I got to choose what that word meant to “me.” Because we always have a choice. To me, being different or “weird” was a gift! It meant that I was unique !

I also soon realized one of the most important lessons of my life…

To be successful, you have to be different!

To be successful, you have to be a little weird! You have to do things differently.

As I’ve mentioned in the past, over 95% of the population are not financially independent, they’re not successful (depending on whatever their definition of success is.) And, it’s no surprise that the “less than 5%” of the individuals who are wealthy and successful do things rather differently.

This is not a coincidence! I am successful because I’m a little weird. It’s that weirdness or “uniqueness” that helps me be successful at what I do.

And I believe that you are a little weird too.

You know, when you get involved in business and marketing, you start to see and meet many like-minded people. Sometimes, it seems like everyone around you is a marketer or entrepreneur.

But, compared to the rest of the world, you and I still belong to a very small group. There are very few of us who have decided to go against traditional beliefs and start our own businesses! Most of the world is too scared to even “think” about starting a business. They’d rather do like “most people” and depend on a job, where a check for a fixed amount is handed to them each month. They’d rather be “normal.”

Unfortunately, success doesn’t come to “normal” people. Success comes to those who think differently, dream differently, and act differently.

So, yes… I am weird. And you are too - and that’s a good thing! In fact, it’s a great thing!

But what does this have to do with marketing and business success? Actually, quite a lot…

If you want your marketing, and your business, to be successful, you have to be different! You have to stand out from the crowd.

It doesn’t matter what business you’re in. If you’re selling toothbrushes, you had better find a way to set yourself apart from all the other toothbrush sellers out there, or you’ll get lost among them.

If you’re creating an ad or sales letter, it had better be unique enough to stand out from the rest of the ads and sales letters or you won’t get anywhere. (You still want to use tested and proven copywriting methods - but your “offer” has to be unique.)

If you’re using a marketing strategy that everyone else is using, you’d better find a unique twist that will make your strategy out-pull everyone else’s or you won’t make any money.

To be successful in business and marketing, you have to set yourself apart! You have to stick out of the crowd. You have to make some noise. You have to get noticed! You have to be a little weird.

If you don’t do this, you won’t make it. I cannot stress the importance of this enough…

So, your Job #1 is to look at all your competitors. Study them. Adopt their strengths and find out their weaknesses. And, come up with ways to separate yourself from the pack!

If you do things just like everyone else does, you won’t get noticed. You won’t draw customers to you. Nobody will know your business exists.

Find the uniqueness or “weirdness” of your product, your business, and of yourself. It’s your uniqueness that makes you successful!

And the next time someone says, “You’re weird,” take it as a huge compliment and say “Thank You!” ;-)

Best Regards,

Bryan Kumar

Find Out How You Can Profit From The Internet

in 24 Hours or LESS… Guaranteed! Free Report!

Article Author Bryan Kumar a highly respected internet marketer. sunnydin.com is an affiliate of Bryan Kumar.

For more informational articles and marketing tips and resources please visit http://www.sunnydin.com/24rpt.htm

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Jun
24

One of the most cost effective ways to generate revenue for
your firm, is to have other business professionals refer you
business. When this happens, it’s like having a sales force out
there working for you without having them on your payroll. The
only way you can get other professionals to do this for you,
though is if they know, like, and trust you. In other words, if
they have a relationship with you.

But how do you build these relationships in a timely fashion
and strong enough to ensure they WILL refer business your
way when they run across it? The easiest way is to get business
professionals together in the same place at the same time and
have a program in place that allows them to build relationships
with others.

That’s where networking groups come in. They meet at the
same time at the same place, like an appointment, at regular
intervals to encourage this relationship-building. This can
happen weekly, bi-weekly, monthly or yearly. Studies have
shown that the more exposure a person has to another person,
the faster the relationship gets built. Using this information, it
would be fair to expect that relationships you built in a group
that meets weekly grow stronger faster than those that only
meet monthly. In a year’s time, a weekly meeting would expose
business professionals to each other 52 times while with a
monthly meeting, there would be only 12 times.

Groups also vary in their composition. Many groups are
comprised of one business professional from any chosen
field, thus eliminating competition within the group for
specific business leads. Other groups place restrictions on
length of time in business, or level of responsibility in the
firm when deciding on the acceptance of specific members.
Still others have no restrictions at all. Restrictions that are
placed on the membership of a group often help ensure that the
membership is comprised of business professionals who are
all looking for the same thing. In other words, they are all
playing by the same rules. These restrictions can also help
eliminate conflict within a group, thus allowing an easier time
for relationship-building.

Groups vary considerably when it comes to the cost of
involvement. Fees for membership can range from nothing to
thousands of dollars a year. The concept of networking groups
is not a new one, by any means- some older groups have been
around for over 50 years. Almost without a doubt, the groups
that last that long, charge a fee to belong to them. This
ensures that participants are not going to just breeze in, take
what they can get and breeze out. That’s not to say that doesn’t
happen, but it lowers the incidence of it. Charging a fee makes
a prospective member make a commitment to the group. It also
means that all members have made that same commitment.

The use of the fees varies from group to group as well. Some
groups have a Corporate sponsor- a company that has a name
that is recognized as a Professional Leads Group. In this case,
fees are paid to Corporate and the benefits of a Corporate
sponsor are assumed. One of these benefits is usually that
Corporate provides a Representative to the group who is
responsible for the marketing of the group, so that members
can focus on the marketing of their own businesses. When the
group does not have a Corporate sponsor, these fees are
usually used for the needs of the group- marketing and
advertising support is a common use . Members are expected
to market the group as well as their own businesses.

The only way these groups will work to the maximum for any
business professional is if that person participates in the
group’s activities. This participation would include but may not
be limited to :

1. Attending the functions of the group- the regularly scheduled
ones and any special events they may have.

2. Inviting guests to the group who fit the requirements of
membership in the group.

3. Having a commitment to learn how to best help each
member of
the group.

4. Getting in a networking frame of mind so that, when business
for a group member presents itself, it can be passed on to that
member.

5. Serving on a committee or Board of Directors.

6. Developing loyalties within the group.

One of the easiest ways to help remember the wealth of
business that can come from participation in networking
groups, is to think of the group’s functions as “appointments”
instead of “meetings”. You have the luxury of being able to
meet with multiple prospective clients at the same place and
time, in one “appointment”, instead of each one individually.

Networking groups have different structures and focuses.
Some of them can be very rigid and structured, others can be
very loose. Effectiveness in a group is enhanced by being in a
group that “feels” right- where the personalities and the group’s
dynamics suite the personality and dynamics of the individual
members. Most groups will allow guests to visit at least once
for free to get a feel for the group. This is strongly encouraged
to ensure that, when a member joins a group, there is enough
of a comfort level with the group dynamics to build strong
business relationships.

Networking groups work. They help business professionals
achieve their business goals and they help develop relationship-
building skills that are just as effective out of the office as in.
The process is called “Networking”, which means it involves
“work”. Networking groups are one of the most effective types
of work that can be done for business development.

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Jun
24

Why Network

Posted by guru in Business

“Networking” is a buzz word today. Everybody talks about it.
Everybody hears about it. Everybody wants to do it more
effectively. But why? Why do people network, and what do
they hope to accomplish?

First of all, networking is the process of meeting people,
either through a contact that you initiate, or through an
introduction by a third party. Networking allows you to meet,
and establish a relationship with, people who may not have
heard of your business through any other method.

For most business professionals, networking is done to
increase revenue. Sometimes new clients are found,
sometimes new suppliers, and sometimes new ways of doing
things that increase the bottom line are found through
networking. Here are some goals that business professionals
commonly have in mind when networking:

To exchange qualified business leads.

To get top quality service.

To get “out-of-reach” customers.

To learn business development skills.

To have the potential to increase revenues.

To establish long-term friendships.

That means that networking is essential for strong business
development. We need other people to buy from us, sell to us,
and brainstorm with us in order to progress in our fields. In
order to get people to do these things for us, we must be
willing to give of ourselves in return.

We must be willing to hone our relationship-building skills.
We must be great listeners. We must be willing to give before
we receive. We must get into a networking mode in our minds.
A CONSTANT networking mode.

Through consistent contact with others, you will instinctively
start to put “two and two together”. When you are speaking with
someone, your brain will be searching it’s archives for people,
places and things that can help the person you are speaking to.

This is a networking mode.

This is also a networking mind set. This mind set takes time to
cultivate, but once a focus is given to it, you will immediately
see how you can help other people while you are listening to
them. That is the first step in getting them to help you.

So networking, like it’s name says, is WORK. The process is
not called Net-sitting, Net-eating, or Net-standing around
waiting to go home. This process is work and should be done
methodically.

The process is also a learned skill. It is not something that
we are born knowing how to do. It can be frustrating when you
have a goal in mind for your networking functions and are not
achieving that goal.

Profnet, Inc. http://www.profnet.org/ is a professional
business leads generation corporation. We bring business
professionals together in a non-competitive environment to
help each other make more money.

ProfNet- Helping Business Professionals Find More Business

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Jun
23

So you want to make money online but you dont have your own products and have no marketing idea. I will give you a simple solution to your problem.

1. You Need a product to sell

The first thing you need to do is to find a with niche market. My suggestion is to sell digital product like software or ebook those are the easiest product to sell online.

I will pick a product for you to help you understand the concept. To sell an ebook software Go to http://www.pathtosuccessonline.biz/eec

Join free the affiliate program there. Once you joined you will get you own unique affiliate URL. Save the URL in your notepad. That’s the URL you will promote. (No Cost)

2. You need to promote it.

Use google to promote the product easily. Google is the most used search engine and we all know that the traffic is the highest quality as it’s targeted traffic. Use the Adword service. Setup here: http://www.adwords.google.com

To activate the account only will cost you $5. You will need to write your own ad and choose the keywords for the product.

Okay now to sell the software just pick ebook software as the main keyword and now go to: http://inventory.overture.com/d/searchinventory/suggestion/

And type the keyword “ebook software” you will get another several alternative keywords to use for your campaign.

You will also need to setup you maximum cost per click, I suggest just use $0.05-0.10. The idea is that google will show your ad and per click you will be charged as the cost that you have setup first. This way you will only pay if the google send you a qualified prospect.

For the software you can use this ad:

Headline: Easy Ebook Creator

1st line: Create Professional Ebooks

2nd line: With Ebook Cover Only $19.97

URL: (your Affiliate URL)

3. Monitor your campaign and make adjustment where necessary. You can edit your ad and add another keywords for the campaign.

Okay that’s all the plan. That’s the simple plan you can start applying it.

Heri Rosyadi publishes Home Business Tips, a fresh and informative newsletter dedicated to supporting people like YOU! If you`re looking for the *best rated* home business opportunities, the latest time saving tools and helpful support from an honest friend in the business, come by and grab a F-R-E-E subscription today at: http://www.pathtosuccessonline.biz

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Jun
23

Ok, really. How tough can networking be? It involves
TALKING to people and I talk to people every single day. Why
do I constantly need to learn how to network? Why do I need
to constantly develop networking skills? Why is it
recommended that I participate in GROUPS that only have a
focus on networking? It just can’t be that tough.

Networking is a LEARNED skill. It involves developing strong
relationship-building techniques. These are taught. Just like
mathematical skills and verbal skills. It is a common
misconception that you should “know” how to network. After
all, it’s believed, networking is not brain surgery or rocket
science.

But that IS a misconception. Without constant exposure to new
relationship-building ideas, without exposure to different
people, and different communication styles, without training
in the field of networking, a business professional would
suffer from some serious business development challenges.
These challenges included but are not limited to:

1. A lack of ability to get past “gate keepers”. A very common
way to get past gate-keepers is through a referral from
someone the gate keeper knows and respects. Without strong
networking skills, a business professional will be unable to
generate such referrals.

2. Once past them, a challenge with getting an appointment
with a decision-maker. Here, without strong listening skills
and precise presentation techniques, the busy decision-maker
finds it easy to end a conversation before it’s started.

3. Once an appointment is made, difficulty communicating
features and benefits to your prospect. People relate to
different styles of communication in different ways. Usually,
someone likes to be related to in the same manner that they
relate to others. To use a different style can not only cause
a delay in the presentation process, but can actually lead to
the termination of an otherwise mutually-beneficial business
relationship just because the STYLE was offensive to the
recipient.

4. Even if all the above can be handled successfully, a
difficulty in closing the sale. In an ideal networking
relationship, both parties are concerned with learning about
each other so they can best help each other. This skill makes
closing a sale easier, since you have learned how to best help
your prospect and your prospect has learned how you can best
help them. The close is much easier then.

There appears to be no formal courses someone can take on
Networking. (Although I personally would LOVE to change
THAT!)The closest thing to a networking course is
participation in networking groups. Here, a group of like-
minded individuals meet with common goals in mind-the over-
all goal being increased business revenue for all participants.

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