What Is Your Networking Quotient?

By Minesh Baxi

Use these 10 questions to determine how focused you are on Networking

1. I have at least 400 people in my network who receive information from me at least once a month
2. I have a compelling 30-second commercial
3. I focus more on selling through my relationships than on selling to people directly
4. I have marketing materials like business cards, brochures and a website, which showcase my expertise. They have a clear, attention getting headline, bulleted points about what I can do for my clients and a low risk, irresistible offer
5. I ask more questions than talk and take time to get to know the people I meet
6. I have a list of top ten referral partners
7. I meet at least one new referral partner a week
8. I thank my referral partners using note cards, gifts and reciprocal referrals
9. Within 2 business days I call and talk to the referral provided to me by a referral partner
10. I practice win-win philosophy both in business and personal life

So how did you do? If you got 10 out of 10, obviously you are a professional networker. On the other hand, if your score is below 7, you have not tapped into your network effectively enough. Either you have not been focused enough on building your network or you have not learned the skills in getting the most out of your network.

There are three keys to networking:

• The size of your network: The bigger the network, the better it is.
• The influence of people in your network: Very few sales professionals and business owners pay attention to this part. They don’t realize that it is better to have a handful of influential people in your network than a number of people with very little influence. The other part is how influential are these people in your target market. Some people are influential but have very little to do with your target market. Make sure the people you are networking with have credibility and access to your target market.
• Your skill in influencing your network: Again most people assume that they have the necessary skills. All they have to do is show up at a few events and shake hands. That is the strategy which is based on hope. Also this shows that the salesperson is an amateur networker. The question you must ask is what are you doing consistently to make your network obligated to provide you referrals? Giving gifts, leads and solving people’s problems on an ongoing basis is the key to gaining influence in your network.

I hope this has given you a good start in understanding the power of networking and how to go about it.

Download FREE First Two Chapters of “Network Your Way To $100,000 and Beyond” at www.networkto100000.com.

Minesh Baxi, business coach
877-968-2500
www.mbaxi.com
minesh@mbaxi.com

© 2006 Minesh Baxi, author of “Top 10 Blunders Business Owners Make”. His second book, “Network Your Way to $100,000 and Beyond: Build a Team of Powerful, Proactive Referral Partners and Put Your Marketing on Autopilot”, co-authored by Chuck Gifford, reminds us that many professionals want to eliminate competition, work less and make more. To claim the first two chapters of this exciting step-by-step plan to grow your business in competitive times, visit http://www.networkto100000.com/.

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