3 disc set; 6 hours of inspiration, motivation. Buy Now

I know you’re dying to know what made me do this right? True story, I was telling someone about the impact that my book was having with people. My listener was all into it, I KNEW I had a sale. I offered to sell him a book and this person looked me up and down like I just farted and said “Man, I don’t have time to read! What’s wrong with you? I’m too busy.” Being quick witted like I’m playing The Dozens I said “If I had an audio version would you buy it?” He said “Yes! I’m in my car traveling to different cities almost every week.” It was a no-brainer!

Information intake is changing. People don’t want books as much anymore but they still want information. Content is king, just ask the people at YouTube! I have a friend who learned how to change his garbage disposal, it wasn’t with the manual, it was by watching an eight minute video by a plumber. Some people still learn by reading and taking notes, some by hands on, but the most effective way is now by hearing or seeing; just ask the creators of Flocabulary.

Another great thing about the Audio version of Connect and Grow Rich is that you can hear how passionate I am about connecting you with your success. Sometimes words on a page just can’t give you that emotion and that feeling. Imagine trying to feel Michael Jackson’s emotion on the song “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’” or “Bad” by reading the lyrics. It can’t be done. There’s a difference between hearing Dr. Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream” speech and reading it. What about the impact of JFK saying “Ask not what your country can do for you, but ask what you can do for your country!” Through the audio version I’ve been able to connect to you the listener so much so that when the book is done playing I’ll be waiting by my iPhone for a call from you.

This post isn’t to just pitch you on a new product. I’m not just trying to get your money. My BIG objective is to strip you of a reason NOT to Connect and Grow Rich! For as many books that have been sold, many haven’t because reading isn’t always the best way for many to absorb information.

I’ve made it really easy for you, the only way I can make it any easier is to spend a week at your house! If I can’t get you to turn off ESPN Radio for a few hours to help you live the life of your dreams then I guess being a master connector is not in your future. But you’re not like that at all, no, not you.

My friend Rance Rob has a saying “With action comes faith.” You won’t know what you are able to accomplish without taking action and you’ll never believe in yourself until you “DO” something. Let’s be real, too many people suffer from “The Secret-itis” you know, where you think it to happen. I know more talented and uber-smart connection impoverished people still THINKING while my less talented friends are connection rich (and some also financially well off) because they think and act. You can read or hear “Connect and Grow Rich” a million times and be able to recite it word for word but it will profit nothing until you DO something.

You actually have to engage with other people, give value to them, stay in touch.  You can’t just read my book, or listen to my audio set, and become rich.  You will only succeed when you put these principles into action.

So that’s my message for today.  Learn all you can, but don’t stop there.  Apply what you learn.  Have you reached out and connected to me yet?  You can find me on Facebook and Twitter and LinkedIn. What about all those other people who you think can help you?  Have you reached out?  What steps have you taken TODAY to move you closer to your dreams? Do not go to bed tonight until you’ve done something to connect with another person.  Taking action, actually “Doing” something, is the only way to true success.

ORDER YOUR BOOK, AUDIO, OR COMBO TODAY!!

I’m in my own world driving down the street. The day is nice, and on the Old School radio station in my city they play “Thin Line Between Love and Hate” by The Persuaders. Immediately I sing along in a falsetto that you couldn’t rival in your dreams.   I glance to my left and get the “crazy” stare from a beautiful lady, her toddler, and her dog. I was into it too much. As I gathered myself and listened to the song I realized something. There’s a thin line between business Networking and NOTWorking.

I want to take the time to give you some keys pointers on how to connect in climates that allow you to network but people may not be in a networking state of mind. This is the silent assassin to building successful relationships: you’re “networking” your mark while they’re “not working.” I could have added a spot for building at “business networking events” but everyone there is in that frame of mind already. If you ever want to get to befriend power players, don’t always try to when their power suits are neatly pressed, cuff links are perfectly in place, and their hi-beams are on. Use those times when neckties are loosened and hair is let down to bust open the doors. I hear these questions all the time; Rob, can you tell me…

Can I try business Networking at a social event?

The Key word here is Social. Most people don’t come to social events to do or even talk about business.The best thing to do is make regular conversation the way you would in any social setting and try to make a FRIEND! “All things being equal people want to do business with friends. All things being not so equal, people STILL want to do business with their friends.” – Jeffrey Gitomer

Remember when talking in this setting to ask questions using the Power of F.O.R.M.: Family, Occupation, Recreation and Motivation. Don’t just ask them about what they do! Most people are trying to get away from work so don’t bring it to a social event. That’s like trying to talk Happy Meals with a McDonald’s manager at a nightclub. Find out what they like doing in their free time or maybe what is a trip they want to take this year.

In my experience I have found the highest-level people carry no cards. So what does that mean? Don’t offer yours… Take their cell number or email down and immediately connect with them on all the social media networks after you get home.

How-to-Network Power Play: Don’t drink too many drinks if you are still trying to “network.”

How do I Network with a Coworker?

If you’ve ever read the book Acres of Diamonds by Russell Conwell, then you know that some of the finest gemstones are in your own backyard. In any business environment, most people only know their coworkers superficially and don’t take the time to get to know them on an intellectual basis. Try taking fifteen minutes a day and get to know someone at work a little bit better. If you find something in common– similar high school, hometown, or childhood activity your depth of connection will immediately go up 1,000 percent. If you only network with one person a week, next year you’ll have fifty new connections, which you have something in common with!

Also, never think that there are certain levels of employees that you should only build co-worker connections with. Never look down on the mail clerk or janitor, you never know who they may find favor with within the company.   Always remember that some of your most important connections come in the most mysterious ways. You could be talking to a mail clerk that is the son/daughter of the company VP. They may run that company one day and you established that important connection before everyone else. On the flip side maybe you have a side passion like music. Your connection to a co-worker could lead you to a famous producer. It happens.

How-to-Network Power Play: Connect with your fellow co-workers on Facebook so you can get to know their personal and family side.

How do I network with INFLUENTIAL PEOPLE?

The big fish, everybody dreams of saying they’ve networked with (insert your dream connection.) Connecting with big wigs are one of the best things you can do to build momentum in your business. What celebrities, athletes, and business power players carry with them is influence. People are most likely to follow people that are influential and have a great track record.

Here are 3 important things to remember:

1. They put their pants on the same way as you! My mentor told me to never look up to anybody of influence… he said you look at them straight in the eye. They are no different then you.

How-to-Network Power Play: Stop acting like they are a foreign creature! The influential person will notice and appreciate this also. That’s how you will stand out to them.

2. When you meet influential people for the first time, you better have something powerful to ask or something powerful to say or you will have blown the opportunity. Read down this blog to find 8 powerful questions. Remember to go slow and have something for them that they perceive to be valuable! In my experience, I found out the slower you go the more likely you are to maintain a great connection.

3. Have a way to add value after the meeting. During the conversation you should have at least 3 ways to add value to what this influential person does! Reference my book for the many other ways to become Remarkable instead of invisible. How can I help you… and with no motive is one of the best ways to not only to make a connection but keep it!

Always remember this! People can smell “What’s In It For Me” like bad cologne on an Italian wise guy so try not to network while wearing this fragrance. The next thing for you to do is go, connect, and build! ]]> http://www.connectionaire.com/2010/05/networking-and-not-working-the-only-difference-is-one-letter/feed/ 5 http://www.connectionaire.com/2009/01/the-value-of-connecting/ http://www.connectionaire.com/2009/01/the-value-of-connecting/#comments Sun, 04 Jan 2009 04:01:50 +0000 admin http://www.connectionaire.com/?p=61

The Value of Connecting,
whether you’re looking for a job or not, is important. Why does it matter?

According to the New York firm BH Careers International, 80% of all available jobs don’t make it to job boards or the classifieds. Landing a position, therefore, is far more likely to be accomplished through word-of-mouth. That means who you know and who knows you are paramount to your career.

Whether you are content in your current job, actively looking elsewhere, have not had a job in years, or are working on getting your very first position, networking is important. You never know when you will need to call on your contacts, or when they may have a lead on an exciting new opportunity.

The Round-the-Clock Approach
True or False:

If you already have a job, there’s no need to connect.
Connecting is only done at formal business get togethers.
You can’t connect successfully if you’ve never had a job or haven’t worked for awhile.

The answer to all these questions is “false.” You should always be connecting, no matter what your current job status. If you think of every place you go as an opportunity to meet people, whether it’s for business or pleasure, you will expand your connectionship seamlessly and have resources to tap when it’s time to make your move. Your current job status doesn’t matter.

Contacting former colleagues, friends, and family and arranging face-to-face meetings may be the core of networking. But so are the serendipitous contacts you make standing in line for stamps, mingling at a tenants or neighborhood meeting, or striking up a conversation with the person at a fundraiser or on the next treadmill in the gym.

What Makes A Successful Connectionaire?
It’s true that the longer you’ve been in the work world, the more people you can call on. But even if you haven’t worked for years, you probably already know a lot of people through informal network-community book clubs, faith-based groups, walking groups, and children, for instance. Having multiple networks exponentially increases your professional opportunities.

It’s how you network that will determine your effectiveness. HR experts and savvy connectionaires offer this advice:

Be prepared. Rehearse what is known as an “elevator speech,” a 30 second summary of what you currently do and what you’d like to do professionally to use in social and business situations. Say it in a way that will make someone want to pursue the conversation. For example, instead of, “I’m a freelance magazine writer trying to branch out into corporate communications,” try, “I just finished a national magazine story about a group in their 70s, 80s and 90s who sing rock ‘n roll and tour Europe.” If you’re not currently working, you could say, “I recently helped raise $50,000 at my son’s school to start an art program and I’m hoping to find a job in business development,” or “I volunteer at the local hospital with preemies and am thinking of pursuing a job in child development.”

Always have business cards with you and an up-to-date resume you can send off upon request. At the very least, business cards should contain your name, address, telephone number, and e-mail.

Make a list. Consider current and former colleagues, competitors, classmates, parents of your childrens’ friends, your spouse’s and your parents’ friends and business associates, neighbors, relatives, acquaintances from professional associations, organizations, religious or community groups, or bridge or golf buddies. When appropriate, tell them you are job hunting and ask if they can recommend a couple of people for you to contact.

Fill in the gaps and be visible. What’s missing? Reconnect with old friends (high school and college reunions) and former colleagues. Sign up on alumni websites. Join trade organizations and boards. Volunteer on committees to meet members. Circulate!

Follow up promptly. After you’ve met someone knowledgeable and interesting, send a quick e-mail or a handwritten note. Say that you enjoyed meeting them and mention something you discussed to jog their memory. (”It was fun talking about….”) Tell them you want to learn more about how their company hires financial analysts, for example, and offer to take them for coffee or lunch. Let them know you will follow up in a week or so.

IMPORTANT!!!!
Stay in touch. The best time to be in contact is when you don’t need anything. The point is to build a rapport so that when you do need a favor, it feels comfortable to ask. Then, every few months, send an e-mail or call to say hello. Let them know there is no agenda. When you read an article you think might interest them, send it off with a short note. Your job is to keep your name at the top of their list should they hear of an opening.

Ask for advice, not a job. You risk turning off potential contacts if you hit them up outright, so seek their counsel instead. (If there’s an appropriate job, they will bring it up.) Draw them out about their business experience. Explain your skills, the kind of position you seek, and then solicit suggestions.

Be grateful. A thank you note to everyone who helps you is a must, whether it is handwritten or an e-mail. Keep contacts appraised of how their referrals pan out.

Offer to return the favor. Be generous with your contacts so there is give and take. Make introductions when you think it will benefit prospects, and let them know you want to reciprocate their kindness.

Create your own connectionships. Get together once a month with five or six people you respect to learn more about their work. Actively trade leads.

Be patient. Meeting someone once rarely leads to a job. Connecting requires time and effort to cultivate and nurture relationships.

If you’ve made it this far don’t STOP! Please Leave me a comment! Thank You