Welcome to the connected economy

. . . where advantage is temporary and nothing is fixed in time or space.  Relationships rule! Here is how things are today: - Change is constant and quick.  Every aspect of business in a connected organization operates and changes in real time. - Imagination and knowledge are more valuable than physical capital. - Products and services are blended as ‘offerings’ and what’s important is making sure you can serve, immediately, be connected and deliver anywhere. - Adaptability is paramount as more companies build permeable networks of business relationships with suppliers, distributors, employees, and even competitors. - Everything is electronically connected to everything else.  Products, people, companies, countries……everything. You are ‘with it’ if you are an effective social networker. Today, dictators are being overthrown by Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, etc.  Propaganda hasn’t got a chance.  Relationships are built or destroyed in a flash.  Everyone wants a better career or better business.  Social networking can be a great tool.  Effectiveness means you block out 15 – 19 hours per week to stay on it.  That eliminates two thirds of those who begin and then drop it.  Like anything else, social networking won’t produce results unless you put in the time and stay committed. It isn’t just about technical tools.  It’s about core ‘Dale Carnegie’ principles says Corey Perlman, author, consultant, and leader of networking boot-camps.  For example: 1.    Becoming genuinely interested in others.  Giving recognition, assistance, time, and referrals to your network, leads to reciprocity.   You will gain lots of referrals from dedicated relationships with a diverse group of contacts. 2.        Don’t just use the technical tools, be a leader.  Be the one to connect others in meetings, shows, seminars.  Be the one who does the introductions, brings people together, and acts like the host.  Be the go to person and opportunities will come your way. 3.   Be a personality. Stand up, speak out, add enthusiasm and feeling in one-to-one conversations and in your public speeches.  People connect with you on a personal level because you are an expert and are engaging..  Write about your expertise and give it away to a target audience and your network. 4.   Be a value-adding friend, help others get what they want.  Find a core group of motivated supporters, people who can leverage their connections and create buzz for you and your business.  Ideally, they are your customers, suppliers and friends.  Again, focus on helping them get what they want.  (If you are thinking “Wait a minute, I want to get what I want”, then delete this e-mail now.  Networking won’t work for you.) The old Rolodex and address books still rules with corporate leaders, even though, today, it is done through technology.  You can be more influential by building your network through networking efforts. Other Actions: - Volunteer in a community activity.  Be more visible while doing personally rewarding, selfless work. - Send real cards such as thank you, good to meet you, thinking of an idea for you, birthday, etc.  (not just e-mails) - Maintain communications by bringing your network together for a lunch, dinner, drink, etc. -                     Get involved in a professional association, service clubs such as Rotary or Chamber. - Offer to host an event at your office, or dinner party, or ball game.  Bring your contacts together and pick up the tab. - Another Dale Carnegie principle…. Learn, again, to be a better conversationalist.  Listen more, ask pertinent questions, don’t talk about yourself, get people on the right topic.  Being a self possessed bore doesn’t work except on TV or in the movies. -                     Occasionally, write a press release about newsworthy events or accomplishments.  Again, the best ones are about showing others recognition. - Create a book of testimonials.  Send them to someone who is asking about your business or services.  Remember to ask them for success stories, and use them in introductions or discussion-starters with first time clients. - Always write your own introduction to a speech.  Never let anyone wing it.  A bad or inaccurate first impression is difficult to overcome.  Effective introductions should humanize you, give you credibility, talk in terms of the listeners interests and get their attention as to why they should listen to you. - Once a year, find a way to garner feedback from customers and let those who participate know the results and tell them of any actions you are taking. - Ask for referrals.  Get good at asking in a natural, but not ‘cheesy’ way. - Start a Master Mind Group or join one. - Set up an advisory board and become available to other boards. What one action  will you take this week that will advance your connections within our connected economy.? Have a great week.