We are a little over half way through my Network to Success course with a great group and one of the modules is about follow-up and keeping in touch.

One of the biggest mistakes I see business owners making is that they typically don't follow up that well and if they do, they may meet with someone once and if they don't buy from them at that time, they move on. This is a mistake because it takes time - between 5 to 13 touches to make a sale or to have someone refer to you. 

It's no secret that people buy from those they know, like and trust. But what does that really mean? All of that doesn't happen with the pass of a business card or even after one coffee meeting or phone call. So, it's important to have a way to build on those relationships on a deeper level.

My favorite way is through education which is why I do these videos. It's a way I can give you helpful tips you can use now and it gives you an opportunity to see if you resonate with me and like how I teach and know what I'm about.

There are many ways to keep in touch: phone calls, cards, emails, messaging, and sending things like articles or videos that remind you of someone.

Don't worry! Your keep in touch system doesn't have to be a super strict system. In fact, some of it will naturally be a bit random. 

The important thing is that you're doing SOMETHING to regularly allow opportunities for people to get to know you so they can see if they like you and trust you. Beyond that, they also have to need and be ready for what you are selling.

Thanks for watching!

Please comment and let me know how you keep in touch with those in your community.

I want to share this story from a friend of mine because it happens a lot and it's very much a turn-off. Yet, people offering it think it's ok because they think they are giving a gift of free product to "try".

Well, I'm here to tell you this doesn't work.

I share this story so you can learn from it.

My friend happens to be in the fitness industry so, people reach out to her all the time to get her to use and/ or sell their supplements.

She was recently approached by someone who she didn't know via facebook messenger. Although they had friends in common, they were not connected.

The message went something like this "Hi there, would love to have you try out my products for free and tell me what you think."

My friend wasn't happy, in fact, it annoyed her.

Why?

If you're in that business, you get approached CONSTANTLY so, it's kind of annoying, to begin with.

The person outreaching didn't even bother to get to know the person she was trying to sell to. She had no idea what my friend did as a specialty in her business, what her values are, or if her supplements matched up with that in any way shape or form.

So, if you're doing this. Stop!

Take the time to get connected and learn about the people you want to approach. And don't approach them with the sale first (a free trial when you want someone to buy is not a gift).

Put connections first, and the sales will come.

If you're interested more in hearing about my book "Getting in Bed with the Right People in Business", send me a message and you can buy your copy.

I would love to hear your networking stories! Please share below so I can teach others what not to do.

Cheers!
​Shari

Do you have a clear, concise answer to the question "what do you do?"

This is really important when you're out at networking events so that the person on the other side of your conversation knows who you help and the solutions you solve for them.

If you are confused about your business, then everyone you talk to will also be confused and you will be missing out on referrals and clients.

One reason business owners begin to get jumbled up here is that as they add revenue streams to their business, they may be adding things that seem cool but aren't in alignment with their mission for their business and the clients they are passionate about helping.

I'm a huge proponent for adding revenue streams to your offerings but make sure that the revenue streams you offer support your mission and your vision so it doesn't cloud your message.

Please post a comment, I would love to hear from you about your networking experiences.

Thanks for watching!

Cheers to your success!
​
Shari

At the event, I will get to share with you one of my favorite topics - Developing Power Partners.

Check out why I love to help business owners the art of creating referral relationships.

There will be a full-day of great speakers, networking with other wellness professionals, and learning how to generate more revenue in your business.

Message me if you want to find out more or be one of my guests for the event.

Cheers!
Shari

Creating winning relationships is both professionally and personally rewarding.

What I mean by win-win-win is that you bring something to the table that supports another professional in your community, they bring something that is also supportive, and the win extends to clients or other professionals.

Check out this video on how we did this just last week with my friend Lisa Keith, her photography expertise and my community of women in business..

I would love to hear from you!

How have you created win-win-win relationships?

Cheers to Your Success!

​~Shari

Many business owners underestimate the power of building relationships and community to develop a strong business.

I am here to tell you that if you do not consider this an important component to your business infrastructure, you will only get so far. This isn't a new concept. Many large businesses have "community outreach specialists" because they know the power of lowering the corporate wall and developing relationships with their community.

One of the biggest mistakes I see entrepreneurs making is going out and meeting lots of new people and planting those seeds but not going back to water them. So, look at your relationships. Do you have a large percentage of acquaintances? Or, have you developed relationships beyond that?

Thanks for watching!

Please leave a comment below, what is the state of your community?

Cheers!

​~Shari