The 7 things you absolutely have to know about Networking and Dating!

The other day I attended a business breakfast for entrepreneurs in my home City, Cape Town. The guest speaker gave a short, humorous but interesting speech on two topics close to my own heart: Networking and Dating.

Now one could ask- what has the one to do with the other? Being a network marketer myself, and a single mom, I listened with interest and as he was talking it struck me:

They are both about the initial phase of longer term relationships!

In life and in business. In both Netowrking and Dating , you have to put yourself "out there" in order to eventually connect with the type of person you would like to have as a long term business partner or long term life partner.

How do we put ourselves out there to attract people (not repel them!)?

Here are 7 things you absolutely have to know about Networking and Dating!

1. When you date, you need to have a "little black book". This is to remember who's who! When you are on the dating scene, you need to remember a few things and log them in your book. So for example, if I'm dating a guy who likes watching rugby, is an outdoors kind of chap, I am certainly not going to invite him to the Opera! More importantly, my book will remind me who I can invite to meet my family, and who I can't.

It's the same when it comes to networking. The black book is replaced by some sort of database or list (MS outlook, cell phone, email list etc)- and like in dating, it's important to note how they relate to you...are they service providers, fellow entrepreneurs, how do you fit together, business wise etc.

If my list is accurate, I won't be sending skin care product customers information about network marketing or home based business opportunities!

Building your list is probably the single most important thing you can do as a nertwork marketer. Having an audience that you can over time put your offers and recommendations in front of is a real step towards monetising. It's never been easier to build your list on the internet than now, because of Web 2.0, social media and network marketing is as fun as dating!

2. First impressions count! Accentuate your good points so that they are immediately visible. In dating, if you have tatty clothes or bad breath- or even if you're just plain boring- you're out of the picture!

In business you have 20 seconds to make an impression! Whether you are presenting in person or through a marketing piece online, you really need to immediately stand out as someone with style who has a unique voice.

You need to show what makes you different and what you can offer that puts you above the rest of the crowd.

(Just a quick note for network marketers: MLM companies mostly provide "cookie cutter" Web sites. Every associate has an identical website, except for name, telephone number, and picture. Search engines ignore these cookie cutters websites. No search engine can stay in business returning 30,000 identical web sites for one MLM company. A good approach would be to build your own website with unique keyword focused content pages. Adapt, but do not duplicate verbatim content provided by your company. Focus on positioning yourself and your team as indispensible to the prospect.

3. If you go out to only one spot (for example your local pub), what are the chances of meeting your life partner?

The same goes for business. It's very important to "hang out" with different and diverse groups and to get around. In this way, you can constantly broaden your range/reach of people you are connecting with. (And it never gets boring!).

The internet makes this so easy-there are literally dozens of locations where you can get yourself and your content out, to start attracting tons of eager prospects to you or your website. This holds true for both business and dating!

Twitter is one very easy to use social site you can use to broaden your reach and interact while putting yourself out there.

4. Having said that, of course not every Frog is a Prince. And you don't need to kiss every frog! Not everyone is a prospect for a long term relationship! You need to sift them out. And if they are not adding value, you need to move on.

You need to be clear in your mind about this, so you don't waste precious time remaining stuck in a one way dead end. Once again, the internet is a beautiful tool that helps you really sift (pre qualify) your prospects.

Firstly you can (because you have loads of prospects to sift in the first place), and secondly, you can ask your visitor to fill out a form for your free CD-ROM/report, or send them a link to your online product demonstration/sales page to make a purchase.

A simple invitation for the reader to contact you is good, also. Your visitor may not be ready to join a Network Marketing or business opportunity. They may just need information.

5. Most importantly, as in life and in business, people do not like arrogance. If all you do on a date is talk about yourself, chances are you will not see that person again!

The same goes for business. Asking questions and genuinely showing interest in the other person goes a long way towards making yourself liked. Find out about the other person or their business. What books do they enjoy? Movies? Life philosophies? How is their business going? It's not just about you or your business or opportunity. Your marketing pieces should really be all about your prospect- what it is he or she is concerned with? What does she think about and talk about? What are her needs and problems? What solutions can you provide to deal with those problems?

6. Desperation is a turn off. Attractive marketingdraws prospects like magnets. What would you think if someone asked you to marry them on your first date? I would think they are either completely crazy, or totally desperate! First you want to get to know them, see if you are compatible, if they are for real - build trust.

The same holds true with internet attraction marketing for MLM. Don't try and sell your product or business opportunity upfront. First create a relationship built on trust! With the internet, if you have attractive information rich content that "talks" to your prospects needs and desires, chances are they'll opt in to your emailing list (givinging you permission to communicate with them).

In this way, they can get to know you, hopefully like you- and later, buy from you! You do this by providing information about their interest (positioning yourself as an expert) and at the same time place your offers in front of them.

If you overdeliver and keep up the contact, you can have a lifetime customer or business partner. People learn to value what you have to offer and will follow your advice.

7. Follow up is so important. If you have a great date or wonderful business connection and you want to take it further, artful follow up is the key. Don't come across pushy or needy- that's just a turn off.

A friendly autoresponder email series that "drips" information and adds value to your prospect, is the way to follow up in business. You don't chase them. By over delivering quality information in response to a search engine query, you establish yourself as a sharing, generous expert.

Like in dating, the key in networking is to be attractive!

Tania Williams teaches newbie's Internet Network Marketing so you can attract your prospects to you and generate your own leads for low cost. This is "Hi touch- hi tech" at its best, and I am the hi-touch side of the equation! If you need a guide to take you through the principles of internet attraction marketing, email me at taniawil@mweb.co.za or call Tania Williams on +27 82 495 3702 GMT or skype me taniaatct, or visit www.getprospectsformula.com