Put this on your calendar! John Whitesell will be hosting this event at his home in St. Augustine and will supplying a select of meats. Bring your spouse or significant other, a covered dish and your favorite beverage. The party starts at 6:00 pm and will run till 8:00ish. RSVP is required. Click on the calendar of events and RSVP. There will be a contest for the one who looks the sexiest in their shades. Decorate them up or just bring what you have.
This is a structured event where everyone will walk away with every-one’s business cards. Bring at least 80 business cards and a guest. RSVP is strongly recommended to reserve your spot. Space is limited to 80.
Excerpts from the book: “7 Laws to Honor for Uncommon Success” by Mike Murdock
2. The Law of Difference
Everyone is different. No one is created identical and no business should be identical. Your Difference Decides Your Importance.
Apple Computers created a niche because they were different not because they were like Microsoft. People go to McDonalds NOT because they are like Burger King but because they are different.
Your Similarity Creates Your Comfort But Your Difference Creates Your Reward
What makes YOU and your BUSINESS different? What do you love? What do you hate? What angers you? What makes you cry?
Are you educated on new technology that few know about?
Can you service a client faster and with fewer headaches?
What problems can you solve for your clients like no one else?
Can you educate your client better than anyone?
Can you anticipate a client’s problem(s) before they do?
If you do not know your distinctive difference you will never discern what others need from you.
Problems are the seed for reward. The only reason you have a job is because you are the solution to a problem. Once you don’t become the solution, you no longer have a job.
1. We are in constant pursuit of someone that can solve a problem.
Or
2. We are in constant pursuit of someone who has a problem we can solve.
Where there is a problem there is an opportunity for significance.
Until someone hurts you don’t get a reward because the problem you solve determines your value to another. You have no value until you solve a problem
What makes you different from others? What makes your business unlike another?
At most networking events there is a time when you have the opportunity to introduce yourself and your business either to a group or individual. Most networkers understand the importance of networking and therefore are professionals, so be prepared. You have 60 seconds to make a good impression and allow people to “KNOW” you and “LIKE” you and begin to “TRUST” you. On previous posts we’ve talked about what “TO” say…in this post we are talking about what “NOT” to say.
Our philosophy of “Know Me, Like Me, Trust Me” is a process…not just a slogan. As you begin to talk to others at a networking event your goal is to get them to “KNOW” you first then “LIKE” you. Over the years we’ve heard a few phrases and introductions that MIGHT hinder someone from wanting to “KNOW” you or even “LIKE” you; thus never achieving the “TRUST ME” phase. Missing the “TRUST ME” phase will keep you from a REFERRAL or more importantly a SALE. We hope these ideas help you in expediting relationships to the “TRUST ME” level and ultimately gaining a referral and closing a sale faster.
Although some items listed below may be extreme, there is a point at the beginning of any relationship building that some more personal items should be left for conversation at a later time. Mistakes and challenges in life are inevitable, however, there is a time and place among trusted friends when these can be disclosed. In the beginning keep your conversation professional and void of personal trials. In the end, people do business with those they “KNOW” and “LIKE”; and they will continue to do business with those they “TRUST”. Please comment and send us any other suggestions, feelings or ideas you may have.
“This is a new business and I don’t know a lot”
“I really don’t know what I’m doing”
“I didn’t bring any business cards”
” I am having marital problems”
“I haven’t made any money at this job yet”
“I don’t really like my boss”
“I really don’t like this company”
“I’ve got several medical problems that have prevented me from following up with clients”
“I’m not sure that this will work”
“I’m looking for another job”
“I haven’t made any money at this”
“I’m really not making enough money to pay my bills”
“My competition really doesn’t know what they are talking about”
“My boss doesn’t think I’m doing a good job”
“We do it all”
“Anybody is a good referral”
Don’t talk about negative press from the media about your industry or business.
Don’t use acronyms specific to your business. Your prospect may not know what they are.
Refrain from telling your “life story”
Don’t overload your prospect with too much information ( TMI).
Never return a business card when offered and say “I don’t need your services”.
GoodNews4TheDay is a video spotlight of successful businesses in Jacksonville, St. Augustine and Orange Park.
Meet our member Bridgett Van Landingham with Business Solutions Unlimited. www.bsullc.com
