Trusted Business Partners News

DANGERS of the comfort zone!

Dennis Gonzalez — Wed, 20 Sep 2023 18:17:36 GMT

The comfort zone: that cozy mental space where everything feels familiar and secure, where the specter of danger and mistakes is banished. It sounds inviting, doesn't it?

But while it might seem like a sanctuary, it can prove perilous, particularly for those striving for the extraordinary, like ambitious business professionals. Comfort zones are unique to each individual, molded by their aspirations and stress thresholds. When you step outside your comfort zone, you're venturing into uncharted territory, often marked by vulnerability.

Let's delve into four critical dangers that lurk within the comfort zone:

Stagnation in the Comfort Zone: Scientific research has uncovered a startling fact: the brain's learning centers shut down when we become accustomed to routine tasks. In essence, repetition bores the brain. However, when you venture beyond your comfort zone, your brain senses novelty and shifts into learning mode. Leaving your comfort zone broadens your perspective and opens the door to embracing new concepts and processes.
Routine breeds Laziness: It provides a haven of relaxation and stress relief. Yet, the downside of this sanctuary is that people who settle too comfortably into routines often fall prey to laziness and complacency. When creativity wanes, goals transform into mere wishes, appearing insurmountable.
Stunting Growth and Narrowing Experiences Picture this: two years from now, your life remains an exact replica of today. Would you be content? By clinging to your current circumstances, you deny yourself the possibility of something exponentially better. Embracing the discomfort of new endeavors leads to a world of wonderful possibilities.
Eliminating Uniqueness Remaining ensconced in your comfort zone robs the world of the chance to witness your true potential and contributions. We each possess a plethora of skills and attributes, yet routines limit our ability to showcase them.

In Conclusion

You've likely heard tales of individuals living the good life until they were blindsided by job loss or economic downturns. The most effective defense against external upheaval is personal evolution. It involves growth, exposure to new experiences, and adaptability. With these traits in your arsenal, you'll be well-equipped to navigate any situation and uncover solutions that work in your favor. So, take the plunge beyond your comfort zone, for therein lies the path to your fullest potential.

TBP Lunch n Learn September 11 Featuring Kathi Fox, Fine Artist

Joe Fox — Thu, 07 Sep 2023 22:06:17 GMT

Boosting Credibility through Power Partners

Dennis Gonzalez — Tue, 29 Aug 2023 21:19:45 GMT

In the world of professional networking and collaboration, the phrase "it's not what you know, but who you know" often holds true. However, the quality of those connections is equally important. This is where the concept of "power partners" comes into play. A power partner is someone who you have a strong and mutually beneficial professional relationship with, and introducing a customer, family or friend to one of your power partners can be a strategic move that benefits everyone involved.

The key to making such an introduction effective is not just in the connection itself, but in the credibility you can offer to your contact through testimonials. This approach involves sharing specific success stories, results, and client solutions that the TBP member has achieved. By doing so, you're not just making an introduction, you're vouching for their expertise and reputation.

Why Does This Strategy Work?

When you introduce a contact to one of your power partners, you are essentially presenting them as a trusted resource. By answering a few crucial questions beforehand, you can present a compelling case for why your power partner should pay attention to this individual.

What problems has the member solved for their clients? Understanding the challenges that the TBP member has successfully addressed for their clients is crucial. Whether it's streamlining processes, improving efficiency, or boosting profitability, being able to communicate these accomplishments speaks to their expertise.
What types of results does the member typically achieve? Tangible results are a testament to one's capabilities. Whether it's increasing revenue, reducing costs, or driving growth, having data-backed achievements on hand adds weight to your introduction.
What testimonials have you heard? Positive feedback from clients and colleagues holds immense value. Sharing these testimonials provides social proof of the member's skills and professionalism.
Why are they a good person for your power partner to meet? Highlight the unique strengths that make the TBP member a valuable contact. Maybe their skills align with your contacts needs, or perhaps they bring a fresh perspective to the table.

Personal Testimonials as a Strategy

To make this strategy truly effective, it's important to be well-prepared. Spend time with the TBP member to gain a comprehensive understanding of their expertise, accomplishments, and client interactions. By having detailed answers to the questions above, you can create a compelling narrative around their capabilities.

In addition to applying this strategy yourself, encourage other TBP members to do the same. Sharing success stories and testimonials about fellow members within the group enhances the overall credibility of the network. It's a win-win scenario where everyone benefits from stronger connections and a more reputable network.

Conclusion

Introducing a contact to one of your power partners goes beyond a simple exchange of contact information. It's an opportunity to elevate the credibility of your colleague through powerful testimonials and real-world examples of their accomplishments. By mastering this strategy, you not only help your fellow TBP member, but you also contribute to the collective strength of the network, creating a community of professionals who can rely on each other's expertise and connections.

Mastering Business Mixers: Selling vs Networking

Dennis Gonzalez — Tue, 25 Jul 2023 17:53:37 GMT

Business mixers, often known as networking events, are fantastic opportunities to connect with other professionals, exchange ideas, and expand your network. However, one common mistake that many attendees make is arriving with the sole purpose of selling their products or services. Instead, the key to successful business mixers is to focus on building meaningful connections and developing referral sources. In this article, we will explore why attending a business mixer with a sales mindset might not be very effective and introduce the concept of viewing the event as a gathering of fishermen, sharing the best fishing spots rather than sharks competing in a pond.

The Shark Tank: Sales-Oriented Approach

Imagine a business mixer as a pond filled with sharks, each aggressively trying to sell their offerings to others. This analogy highlights the problem with adopting a sales-oriented approach at networking events. When everyone is focused on selling, it becomes a competitive and uncomfortable environment, where attendees may become guarded, skeptical, or disinterested. The constant barrage of sales pitches and business cards can lead to a lack of genuine engagement and meaningful connections.

The Fishermen's Gathering: Building Relationships

Now, let's change the perspective and view a business mixer as a gathering of fishermen who love their craft and wish to share their experiences. Fishermen understand that the best way to find success in their endeavors is not by competing against each other but by collaborating and exchanging information. Instead of trying to sell fish to other fishermen, they discuss the best fishing spots, techniques, and equipment. Similarly, at a business mixer, professionals should approach it with the intention of building relationships and exchanging knowledge rather than engaging in a sales race.

The Referral Source Strategy: Fostering Connections

At a business mixer, your primary goal should be to establish yourself as a valuable referral source. Rather than worrying about what you can sell to others, focus on what you can offer to them in terms of connections and referrals. Think about the services or products that complement your own and that people often inquire about but fall outside your expertise.

For example, let's consider a tax professional who specializes in individual tax returns. This tax professional might not provide services like bookkeeping or payroll. Therefore, bookkeepers and payroll representatives would make excellent referral sources for them. By identifying such complementary businesses, you can actively seek out professionals in those fields at the mixer, introduce yourself, and express your interest in working together to support each other's clients.

Finding Your Value: Being a Valuable Referral Source

If you're unsure about the value you bring to others, think about the services or products that people regularly request from you but are outside your scope. These are the areas where you can become a valuable referral source. By recognizing your strengths and limitations, you position yourself to collaborate with other professionals and establish a mutually beneficial relationship.

The Power of Exchange: Developing Referral Partnerships

Building referral sources and relationships at business mixers can lead to a powerful exchange of business opportunities. When you connect with other professionals, you are tapping into their networks and connections, opening up new possibilities for your own growth. Similarly, when you refer clients to someone, they are more likely to reciprocate by sending clients your way when the need arises. This symbiotic relationship can be highly advantageous for everyone involved.

Conclusion

Approaching a business mixer as a salesperson in a pond full of sharks might yield limited results and hinder the potential for meaningful connections. Instead, embrace the mindset of a collaborative fisherman, seeking to share knowledge and build relationships. Identify your strengths and the services you don't provide to become a valuable referral source to others. By nurturing these referral partnerships, you can create a network of professionals supporting each other's businesses and paving the way for mutual growth and success. So, the next time you attend a business mixer, leave the sales pitch at home and focus on fostering genuine connections and becoming a trusted referral source.

Featured Corporate Member: Web Village Marketing

Joe Fox — Thu, 20 Jul 2023 22:11:24 GMT

WebVillage.Marketing is a dedicated marketing support team that focuses on providing customized solutions for small businesses, with particular expertise in the wine industry, medical and healthcare sectors. Our journey began in 1999, with a strong foundation in web development, where we initially crafted websites for local businesses. Today, we extend a comprehensive range of small business marketing services to help your enterprise achieve visibility, recognition, and connectivity.

Our specialization lies in ensuring that small businesses establish a distinctive online presence. Whether you seek a simple and localized business aura or aspire for the grandeur of a large corporation, we cater to your specific requirements. Unlike traditional, intricate marketing proposals inundated with countless options and add-ons aimed at maximizing profits, we offer a singular, comprehensive package at an affordable price, encompassing everything you will need as a small business.

Rethinking Goal Rewards: Emphasizing Execution-Based Achievement

Dennis Gonzalez — Wed, 28 Jun 2023 18:06:11 GMT

In the pursuit of goals, many individuals overlook the power of creating a reward system that aligns with their goal execution rather than solely focusing on the desired outcomes. By understanding the disparity between the approaches of professionals and amateurs, we can uncover a more effective method of driving motivation and success.

Professionals, especially high-performing individuals, leverage rewards as a means to sustain motivation for themselves and those around them. They adopt execution-based goals, which are entirely within their control, while recognizing that the results they aim for, but cannot fully control, are known as targets. This distinction allows them to prioritize the process over the outcome, ultimately leading to greater achievements.

Amateurs, on the other hand, often rely on rewards for themselves and their team members based on the attainment of results. While this approach may seem appealing, champions employ a superior system. Amateurs tend to focus solely on the results, mistakenly considering them as their goals, despite having limited control over them. True goals should be attainable objectives, while the results become the targets to strive for.

To illustrate this further, let's consider a scenario involving Cold Calls for salespeople:

Result based goal:

If you set your goal by how many sales you make from cold calls, traditional thinking would dictate that failing to make a sale means failing to achieve the goal, leading to potential reprimands or penalties.

Execution-based goals:

However, in an execution-based goal system, simply accomplishing the required number of calls automatically earns the reward, regardless of the outcome of those calls. Adjustments to the targets can be made based on the results. This approach emphasizes rewarding individuals for their commitment to actions they can control.

The underlying philosophy is straightforward:

*reward individuals for following through on their commitments, focusing on activities they can influence.

Offering rewards for increasing sales, market share, or any outcome-based goals can be counterproductive, as it rewards individuals for factors they only played a partial role in achieving, while also penalizing them under the same criteria. This practice can diminish performers' motivation and hinder their progress.

While the end results still hold importance, the emphasis shifts towards consistently executing tasks with excellence. By rewarding performers for their integrity and reliability, we foster a cycle of success, bolstering confidence and enthusiasm in their endeavors.

In summary, the concept of execution-based goal rewarding challenges conventional thinking and offers a more effective approach to drive motivation and achievement. By prioritizing the execution of controllable actions and rewarding individuals accordingly, we cultivate a culture of success that thrives on consistency and quality.

5 Tips for setting up One-on-ones

Dennis Gonzalez — Wed, 05 Apr 2023 20:47:45 GMT

Here are the simplified steps for conducting successful business meetings with co-members:

Plan your meetings in advance and schedule 1-2-1's with one member per meeting. Try to meet at their place of business, if possible, to see them in their work environment.
Remember that these are business meetings, so act professionally and focus on the agenda. Treat your co-member as you would your biggest client and be on time. Avoid distractions, such as phone calls and texts.
Prepare and share your objectives for the meeting, which could include getting to know the person, sharing target markets, identifying their current referral sources, exchanging success stories, and establishing a method for qualifying referrals.
Commit and agree on goals, and aim to have at least one short-term and one long-term referral on your to-do list before leaving. Also, consider inviting people from your partner's contact sphere list to the following week's meeting.
Make notes and review them the day and week after the meeting to help remember important information.

By following these steps, you can effectively train your co-members to give you referrals and build strong relationships with them.

Who are you looking to do business with?

Dennis Gonzalez — Fri, 31 Mar 2023 17:44:22 GMT

Identifying your target market is essential for any business, as it allows you to better focus your marketing efforts and reach the right customers. When joining a networking group, it is especially important to be able to clearly and succinctly communicate who your perfect customer or client is, as this will make it easier for your referral partners to provide quality referrals for you.

For businesses that serve consumers, important demographic information to consider includes:

gender, family structure, household income, location, and education level.

For example, a childcare business might target families with young children who live in a specific geographic area and have a household income above a certain threshold.

For businesses that serve other businesses, important factors to consider include

location, number of employees, years in business, specialty or type of business, size of company, number of departments, industry, and whether the company is public or private.

For example, a web design company might target small businesses in a specific geographic area that have been in business for less than 5 years and operate in industries such as hospitality or retail.

By knowing exactly who your target market is, you will be better equipped to develop effective marketing strategies and make the most of your networking group. Remember, the clearer and more specific you are about who you serve, the easier it will be for others to refer you to the right people.

How to provide a quality referral

Dennis Gonzalez — Fri, 24 Mar 2023 17:42:12 GMT

Referrals make a great impact on any business, and following these steps, give you an edge in providing quality referrals.

First, listening actively to identify a need shows the individual that you care about their situation.

Second, letting them know that you know someone who can help also shows that you have a network of professionals and can be trusted.

Third, if you have experience with the member or their services, give a personal testimonial to add credibility.

Next, giving out the member's information or business card is crucial in closing the loop. Without providing contact information, your referral might not turn into business for the member you've referred.

Finally, asking the individual when it would be a good time to call the member ensures that the member is contacted and the individual's needs are taken care of.

It's also important to have an idea of what makes a good referral, like the examples provided, with a detailed description of their needs or services desired. Testimonials establish credibility and make an impact on the referred member's reputation, so making them specific and unbiased helps the individual make a decision.

To further boost testimonials, try offering your services for free to members. By doing so, it can encourage more members to have first-person experiences and testimonials, thus improving the quality of your referrals. By following these steps, you can ensure the referrals you make will have a positive impact on both sides - the one who referred and the business that gained a new opportunity.

Networking during the Holidays!

Dennis Gonzalez — Tue, 20 Dec 2022 18:35:37 GMT

During the Holidays many professionals find it difficult to get any work done but actually it is a great time to take advantage of the opportunity to meet people you would not ordinarily get a chance to. The connections you make can be on a more personal level so that when it's time to get back to business a bond has already been made. Below are some tips on how to take advantage of the season.

Relaxed Atmosphere

When meetings take place at a Holiday party, the atmosphere shifts. Instead of suits, there are jackets and ugly Christmas Sweaters. People laugh with each other instead of impatiently checking their watches. It also allows people to really get to know one another and how they react to certain situations before doing business with them.

More Time to Talk

Business conversations in a corporate situation are always rushed. People are in a hurry to get to done and get to their next meeting. This leaves little time to hash out details. However, when meetings take place during a casual Holiday event, there is an entire afternoon to discuss important information. You can easily get several hours of your contacts time in one afternoon, which is often unheard of in a conference room.

This also gives individuals an opportunity to get to know who is behind the sales pitch and decide if they want to do business with them. While the deal may not be signed right then and there, it’s more likely to happen in the future.

Stand Out

Professionals attending a holiday party can help a company stand out and says something about that business. This sends a message that remains impossible to top with a sales pitch. It tells potential clients that they are valued, that the brand is successful, and can set them apart from competitors which is necessary in the cluttered corporate world.

Do business with a friend

Celebrating the holidays with others helps to create a bond that has the potential to last years. When this bond is created, more deals are signed, and more contracts are renewed. Participating in events on a regular basis also gives you the potential to meet new connections. Most company executives attend end of the year holiday parties, making this one of the most relaxing ways to build a network.

Team Building

Meeting outside the office for a Holiday get together isn’t just for high-powered executives and closing deals. They’re also for building a rapport with existing team members. Holiday get togethers often are filled with laughter as associates form bonds with one another. Back in the office, team members are more likely to collaborate with and support one another.

Business Holiday parties are not only a time-honored tradition but they’re also a necessity. They help build strong bonds with important people and getting vital one on one time with associates or potential clients. This is something traditional conference room meetings simply cannot compare to.

You cannot succeed in a bubble!

Dennis Gonzalez — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 21:05:14 GMT

As a business professional, you already know that businesses need people, you cannot do this alone. No matter how smart your ideas are, no matter how much wealth you have, you cannot succeed in a bubble. That’s why we network; because we know that people are stronger together and that cultivating solid working relationships is the ultimate key to success. That’s why we need symbiotic relationships. Relationships that bring something to the table that benefit each person. Professional connections we form because aligning ourselves with that person is advantageous for our success. This can be beneficial in a variety of ways. For example, one relationship might be valuable by the contacts it brings in. Another might be beneficial because of the money it can bring to your business.

So, if you invest in building relationships with a variety of different people, you’ll build a solid network that can bring you varied benefits. Everyone’s networking needs differ, but no matter what your network brings to the table, it can help you get a boost in the business world and motivate others to respect and admire you.

Cultivate Diversity

Joe Fox — Fri, 19 Aug 2022 20:36:30 GMT

We know diversity is important in the workplace and we all want to provide others with equal opportunities. But we don’t always seek diversity when it comes to our closest partnerships. In other words, although we might have friends from a variety of different cultures, ethnicities, and walks of life, we still gravitate towards people who share our preferences and values. It’s human nature, after all; we’re more likely to get along with people who like what we like and we assume that commonality will lead to closeness. But what if we built our professional relationships on the same principles we use to cultivate our circle of friends? Do you think this would lead to a more harmonious company culture or disaster? If you chose the latter option, you’re exactly right! When any network is bereft of diversity, it becomes myopic, close-minded, and flawed. That’s because we need to be pushed beyond our comfort zones. We need to be challenged and motivated by perspectives that are different from our own.

So, if you want to create a network that’s truly healthy and mutually beneficial, then you need to cultivate diversity. For example, if you’re an older sales executive and you grew up doing things “the old-fashioned way,” you might not be inclined to connect with the hip millennial that runs an up-and-coming vegan cafe. Maybe you worry that the two of you have nothing in common. Maybe you’re uncomfortable with new technology and you’re afraid of looking stupid in front of the new generation. Or maybe you feel as though the chasm between your generations is so great, there’s no hope of closing it enough to find commonalities. This can be especially true if you feel as though your generational business practices are superior or if you’re automatically dismissive of “those darn kids and their technology.” But although they sound divisive, those problems are actually just a list of reasons why you should go talk to them! In this case, both of you have something new and exciting to offer, and you can both benefit from a change in perspective. A simple conversation is a great way to learn new things, make new connections, and develop a healthy network. So, don’t be afraid to reach out to contacts whose values, areas of expertise, or attitudes are different from yours. Instead, be open to new opportunities. You’ll be surprised at what it can do for your network!

Elevator Speech Outline

Dennis Gonzalez — Wed, 29 Jun 2022 20:34:50 GMT

Struggling with your weekly 60-second introduction? Let this outline be your guide to delivering an effective pitch:

60- Second Commercial Outline

1. Introduction- (Name, Company Name, Profession)

2. State a Product or Service (break down your business/profession to its critical parts)

3. Benefits of your business (Success stories, Experience, visual aids, incentives, good vs. bad, etc.)

4. Ask for a specific referral, the more detailed the more success in referrals

5. Call to Action (what would you like the members to do to get you a referral)

6. Repeat your name and company

By following this outline, you can create a compelling 60-second commercial that effectively communicates your value and generates more meaningful referrals.

Best of luck with your introductions!

The Right Networking "Mindset"

Dennis Gonzalez — Wed, 29 Jun 2022 20:22:26 GMT

Big mistake people make when starting a referral marketing program is the idea that referrals should be transactional.

-“I gave you two referrals I expect two back” approach will never work because we do not offer the same services. An example of this would be comparing one referral sale by a restaurant vs that of a referral for a Realtor. The Restaurant would have a lower value than a sale for a Realtor, which would take much longer. A realtor that tells the restaurant, "I sent you a referral, now you need to send me one" would never be fair.

Networking is more like farming then it is hunting. Salesman go out to make a sale, a networker goes out and plant seeds for referrals regardless of how many referrals they provide.

You must also consider your referral sources. Just because someone refers you does not make them a good business person. Even bad business people will refer you back. To succeed with your referral program long term you must refer for the benefit of your customers first, they will ultimately become your greatest referral source.

Remember the benefits to giving referrals without getting them in return

-Helping someone that’s in need of a service you cannot provide

-Knowing your client, family, friend, is going to be taken care of by somebody that gives good service. They do not know how to refer but they provide great service

-Enhancing reputation

-Building an array of services that people seek you out for (the "I know a guy" guy, which if they come to you for everything, when they are in need for your service they will seek you out as well)

You can’t just refer anybody, what if they provide bad service? We need to get to know each other through the following:

-seeing each other often (weekly meetings, one-on-ones, etc)

-getting testimonials from others

-Educating yourself about with what your referral partner does

Are you returning the favor?

Dennis Gonzalez — Thu, 12 May 2022 17:16:13 GMT

What do you hope to accomplish from your relationships with your network? Everyone hopes for a mutually beneficial partnership, correct?

You’re hoping that if you have a problem of some sort, the people in your network can help you solve it by directing you to the right people, resources, or information. And that’s awesome! But as you build your strategic network, it’s important to ask yourself if you’re returning the favor. A network is only successful as long as it’s mutually beneficial, so your list of contacts is going to get pretty short if you’re doing all of the taking and none of the giving. That’s why it’s important to approach every partnership by asking yourself how you can add value to that other person’s life. Because if you really think about it, the people who help others solve their problems are truly the real value!

Let's visualize this example,

Think for a moment about your vehicle. It’s powerful. It’s comfortable. It can easily fit multiple people in it. It can almost take you anywhere you need to go. But eventually, it’s going to run out of juice. On its own, your vehicle can’t do anything about that; it lacks the ability to fuel itself. You, consistently filling it will gas is what causes your vehicle to run. Fuel is a key ingredient your vehicle needs to recharge, succeed, and fulfill its purpose. And when you fuel your vehicle, you and your vehicle become the perfect partnership! What can you do to provide the proper fuel that your network needs in order to perform in the best manner possible.

Control your word-of-mouth message

Dennis Gonzalez — Wed, 04 May 2022 17:03:44 GMT

Have you ever played the game “Telephone”? One person whispers a message to the person next to them, that person then has to whisper the exact same message to the next person. The relayed message invariably gets contorted before reaching the last person in the chain. The end result is quite funny, with the final whispered message bearing little resemblance to the original.

The longer and more complex the starting message, the less chance it has of surviving the trip. This game can be funny, but in real life, when it comes to your business this is no laughing matter. In word-of-mouth marketing, communication is critical; success rests on the delivery and impact of your message.

Create a message that can be repeated

1.) Make sure your message shows your passion

2.) Be memorable, mention benefits more than features

3.) Make your message authentic and motivational

4.) Simplify your message. Make it clear and concise and it will arrive intact when it reaches your target market.

Become a Magnet for your business

Dennis Gonzalez — Thu, 28 Apr 2022 20:54:30 GMT

Increasing your approachability

1. Be ready to engage

Whenever you attend a meeting, event, party, etc, be prepared for conversations to take place. It is important to have rehearsed conversation topics, questions, stories, etc. in the back of your mind so that you are ready to converse as soon as you meet someone. This will help avoid awkward “how’s the weather?” conversations.

2. Discover and Focus on CPI (common point of interest)

Your duty, as you meet new people, is to discover the CPI as soon as possible. This will help establish a bond between you and others. It increases your approachability and allows people to feel more comfortable talking with you.

3. Give Flavored Answers

We hear plenty of basic questions in our interactions that go nowhere if not responded with a flavored answer. Questions like “How’s it going?” “What’s Up?” or “How are you?”. Do not fall into the conversation-ending trap of responding “Fine.” Instead offer “Flavored answers” like “Things are going Amazing?” or “Everything is beautiful.” Your conversation partner will instantly change their demeanor, smile and most of the time inquire further to find out what made you answer that way. Why? Because nobody expects it and offering a true response to magnify the way you feel is a perfect way to share yourself and make yourself personally available.

4. Don’t cross your arms

People see crossed arms and they drift away. It’s a simple, subconscious cue that says “Stay away.” It makes you not approachable.

5. Give options for communication

People like to communicate with you in different ways; some will like to speak face to face, others over the phone, or via text and email. Give people as many ways as you can to contact you. Make it easy and pleasant. What matters most is the other person’s comfort and ability to communicate with you effectively.

6. You’re in control

Do you ever hear yourself saying, “They won’t say hello to me. They won’t be interested in me”. Don’t let the fear of rejection, inadequacy stop you from achieving your goals. The more you start conversations, the better you will become at it. Be the first to introduce yourself or simply say hello. When you take an active rather than passive role, you put yourself in control and will develop your skills to lower your chance of rejection.

Attending a "Business Mixer"

Dennis Gonzalez — Wed, 06 Apr 2022 19:31:32 GMT

What is a business Mixer?

-It is typically a meet-and-greet event of different business professionals of all professions held by city chambers, businesses, and business associations

Why should you attend?

- Gain knowledge and exposure to new trends, products and resources

-Keep an edge over your competitors with knowledge of the latest technology and trends in your industry with an introduction to new products, equipment and services.

-Learn about what’s hot, what’s fading and what your company needs to have right now

-Meet the who’s who of local business professionals

-Stimulate new ideas and creative ways to support your business

-Most importantly you are there to build business relationships, meet other business professionals who you can lean on, learn from, and possibly gain business from that you would not have had the chance to meet had not attended.

Tips while attending a business Mixer

1. Have a Purpose

Before you get to the event, ask yourself, “why am I going?” Come up with two outcomes you hope to get out of the event—say, meeting three new people. Knowing ahead of time what you’re hoping to accomplish will help you stay focused—not aimlessly wandering around.

2. Bring Business Cards and other Marketing Material

The goal is not to just to hand out to everyone you see, but have available for those that want the information.

3. Have your introduction prepared

4. Focus on others and their needs

5. Have a list of questions

Have a few good questions in your back pocket. Asking the other person about their background and work will show that you’re interested in more than just your own job opportunities.

· How do you like working for your company?

· What’s your primary role at your company?

· What projects are you working on right now?

· How did you get involved in your field?

6. Take Notes

You may be meeting quite a few people, try to jot notes down after each conversation to remind you of what was discussed.

7. Follow Up

A few days after the event, send follow-up emails to anyone you met that you’d like to continue networking with. Inviting them to join your networking group is a great way to start a consistent networking relationship.

5 Tips to introduce the referral process to your clients

Dennis Gonzalez — Fri, 25 Feb 2022 20:43:04 GMT

Here are some general rules around building a referral process to keep in mind.

1) Let it be known.
Referrals can be an extremely effective way to grow a business, but clients need be informed that it is something your firm desires. Throughout your interaction with your client, make them aware that your firm builds there business through referral and word-of-mouth, it will give them a way to thank you.
2) Add Value.
Customers will want to refer you if you’ve delighted them. Go above and beyond with your customers to reap the referral rewards. If they have a pleasant experience they will want others to experience the same.
3) When to Ask. (The Law of Reciprocity).
Customers want to exchange with you something of value after you perform a service. If you perform the bare minimum, the payment will suffice there urge to reciprocate. However, if you go above and beyond, a customer will feel the need to do the same, and referrals are a perfect way to show that. The best time to ask for a referral is when they express gratitude for the extra service they received.
4) Make it easy for them.
A lot of times referrals are not made because of the complexity of getting the referral in touch with you. Make it easy; offer various methods to make the connection happen: email, text or phone call and the best times to do so. Let them know they can also send you the referrals information and you will make the contact.
5) Make it a comfortable transition.
Explain to your client how welcoming you will be to their referrals and the special treatment they will receive because they were sent by them. Tell them what their clients can expect when they call and say they were referred, or how you will go about contacting there referrals. If you make your client look good, they will want to send you more referrals.

Using Neuro-LInguistics when Networking- Interview with Denis Nurmela

Dennis Gonzalez — Mon, 21 Feb 2022 02:32:58 GMT

TBP got that chance to sit down with former member Denis Nurmela. Denis Nurmela was a member of TBP as a Business Coach and has since moved to China. Mr. Nurmela is an author & freelance writer who has real-world experience in subjects he writes about. As an entrepreneur for over 20 years he has founded companies in both the for-profit and non-profit industries. He has built companies from ground level to multi-million dollar organizations.

Denis has been an active member of Vistage, the world's largest CEO membership organization. He is sought after as a business consultant, speaker, and is a freelance writer for a variety of business associations.

In our latest interview with Denis, he provided multiple secrets in the area of Neuro-Linguistics, where you can train your subconscious mind to turn off all the restrictions that hold you back when conducting business interactions, Full Interview below:

Listen to the "NEWS" with Intent

Dennis Gonzalez — Mon, 31 Jan 2022 18:26:27 GMT

Everybody watches the news, reads a newspaper or googles what’s going on to gain insight into local and world event. Begin to look at “the News” differently by looking for opportunities for referrals. Every part of “the News” presents problems or significant issues of one kind or another. Train yourself to see problems and opportunities where an ordinary person wouldn’t.

The News is filled with opportunities for you to act as a “go-to person” for the people in your network.

With the right mindset, a news article can turn into information or a resource that could be beneficial to you or someone in your network.

We understand that a lead is different than a referral but if you change your mindset and become the go-to person for these issues, you can help your network turn leads into referrals.

Questions to ask yourself when listening to “the News”

1.) What are people saying?

2.) What are the problems or changes happening in the environment you are reading about?

3.) What is happening that could have an impact to you or one of your network partners?

4.) Who is in need of services because of this information?

5.) Where are the networking opportunities?

Build YOUR Networking Group

Dennis Gonzalez — Thu, 20 Jan 2022 19:32:56 GMT

Build YOUR Networking Group

Joining a networking group is a great strategy to have a consistent opportunity meeting with other business professionals to develop business relationships that can provide referrals, exchange business ideas, and develop your business skills.

Members can get discouraged if they feel they’re group does not have the proper industries that can help their profession grow. What they fail to do is take responsibility in making the group their own. Networking Groups welcome all types of members and encourage you to invite them in order that you make the most out of your time.

It is important you take some time to strategize on how you will form your meeting so that you can get the most out of it. Below are some tips to help:

- Know your business’ target market

Sit down and look at what you are offering and look around at who you think would be perfect for your product or service. Geographic, demographic and psychographic are the three main ways you can find your target market.
Know how to explain exactly who you are after and your referral partners will know how to reach them easier. You'll be more focused, more effective in your marketing strategies and be able to get a greater return from your networking group. (For example, a wedding planner would be a connection with a wedding photographer)

- Know your complimenting industries

Identify business professionals that compliment you rather than compete with your business. They have similar target markets and naturally provide a source of referrals for one another. They are in somewhat related but non-competitive markets. (For example, a wedding planner would be a connection with a wedding photographer). Make a list of all industries that compliment your business.

- Invite

Do not be hesitant to invite these industries to your group. There is huge value at this group for them, YOU! It is worth their time to attend any meeting that has a complimenting industry involved because they know the referrals are there. It is up to them to earn them.

- Ask your Fellow Members to Invite

Make sure when you are speaking to the current members of your group that in addition to a referral, you are also requesting for them to invite these complimenting businesses. And to make sure they use “YOU” as a good reasoning for them to visit.

- Develop your sales strategy

This goes for all the members in the chapter, it is important that you have developed a simple system for your referral partners to be able to refer you. This will take some practice; the complimenting industries will be who you use to measure the success of your sales strategy. If they are not able to easily refer you, especially with the fact they meet your target market daily, it could mean your sales pitch needs some work. Ask your group members for input and criticism to help develop this pitch.

We are each other’s Sales team.

5 tips when visiting Networking Zoom/Virtual Meetings

Dennis Gonzalez — Wed, 12 Jan 2022 01:08:30 GMT

1. Have a system

Before you sign in to a zoom meeting, make sure you have a plan. Set aside time on your calendar 24-to-72 hours after an event to follow up with the people you met. Literally block the time out as you would with an important appointment. Additionally, how will you capture information at the event? Have a note pad and take notes to remind yourself of the topics you discussed. It’ll pay off later.

2. Prioritize the contacts

Everyone you meet is not equal. It would be great if we could follow up with everyone in the meeting with an hour-long personal meeting and learn at leisure about what they do. But let’s be honest, most of us don’t have this luxury. So think about the people you see and decide who you’ll connect with on social media, who’ll get a follow up email, and who’s just not important enough to reach out to. Consider those you either had a great personal connection with or who may be a potential client or strategic partner and they are the ones that should be your top priority to cultivate and grow the relationships.

3. Remember that small things become huge

Take note of the special events and interests of those in the meeting and reach out. Keep in mind someone’s birthday, someone new in there field, received a promotion or had some other milestone event. Use these items as opportunities to reach out. In your conversations, if issues come up that you can help with, be a resource. Perhaps someone at a networking event mentions their husband is recently unemployed and looking for an executive career coach. If you know someone appropriate, contact them with the information or make the introduction. Or if someone mentions they know Instagram could really help with marketing their business but they don’t understand what to do, send them a helpful article with some tips. Action items like this will help you stand out, be of value and be extremely appreciated because they show you listened.

4. Do what you say you’ll do

Often at a networking event you may promise to make an introduction or send a new contact some information about an event or an organization. Following through with those promises is a great way to build trust and credibility with a new connection. Conversely, if you say you’re going to do something and don’t do it, you’ve really made a bad impression. In the future when you see that person again, it will be an elephant in the room with both of you thinking about the fact that you never followed through with what you promised. Uncool!

5. Open your network

Ask your new contacts who they’re looking to meet and try to make a few introductions within your network to help them out. You can also tell people to feel free to look at your social media connections and let you know if there is anyone you can introduce them to that would be helpful. Note you don’t have to do this with every new contact. Some people will take advantage. Make sure you have vetted people in some way or gotten to know them better before simply opening your network.

Remember, being successful with your networking follow up has a lot to do with planning ahead. Have a system in place where you are reaching out to people in your network every 30 or 60 days, or whatever works for you. Think about setting up quarterly phone calls with people in your network to simply hear about what projects they are working on or what challenges they are facing. It’s less about you and more about how you can serve them. All that good karma will come back to you.

The Importance of Having a Prepared Elevator Speech

Joe Fox — Mon, 06 Dec 2021 17:57:50 GMT

The 60 second introduction is not unique to Trusted Business Partners; in

fact it is not even unique to Tips (referral) Clubs. It is an integral part of

most business, clubs, social gatherings and service organizations. The elevator s

peech is used in everything from board rooms, to churches to family reunion, or just standing in line at the bank.

The reason may not be to state your business and what you are looking for (like how we use it at a TBP meeting). For example it could be to let others know who you are and how to contribute to a common goal within an organization, etc.

I have heard countless elevator presentations over the years, some great ones and many that could have used a little work to get their point to the target audience

The great ones all had one thing in common, they were prepared. With that preparation came the focus off taking the speech from point A to Point Z all in Just a 60 Second Span.

The goal of having a well prepared and rehearsed elevator speech, when it comes to structured networking should be to teach your fellow members to be your extended marketing arm in the course of their daily activities.

You might be thinking to yourself its only 1 minute, I can wing It I’ve been doing this for a long time. This attitude on the surface is not good if only for the fact that while you are trying to think of something to say, you are not giving the people speaking your full attention.

I know where that train of thought is coming from. I used to feel the same way. In fact I felt that sometimes it was better to adjust my speech to react to something that was said in the meeting. It wasn’t until later that I found out the true consequences of not having a prepared speech.

Your elevator speech should be ingrained in your mind until it becomes a reflex, so that no matter what the situation is it’s there at your fingertips to use on a moment’s notice.

My “Ah Ha Moment” came a few years back when I was backstage at a convention getting ready to go out in front of hundreds of people to receive an award. There was a person there also waiting to go on stage. This person would have been my perfect power partner and I would have never thought I would have had an opportunity to meet him. We started talking to kill the couple of minutes before we went out to address the assembly. He ask me what I did and I went blank. I don't even know what I said. He got called to the stage before I could recover I went out about 10 minutes later and never saw him again.

Who’s in my Network?

Joe Fox — Wed, 01 Dec 2021 18:05:35 GMT

“If I had to name the single characteristic shared by all truly successful people I’ve met over a lifetime, I’d say it is the ability to create and nurture a network of contacts.”– Harvey Mackay, founder, Mackay Envelope Corporation

Successful business professionals build and nurture their Network of Contacts. The average person sees networking as simply attending business and social events, passing out and picking up business cards. Professional are not only collecting business cards, but also handpicking exactly who they want to network with based on who can help them the most. Successful business professionals know the most valuable assets they have are their personal and professional networks.

The difference in strategy is profound; the average person sees this as a distasteful operational strategy of using people to climb the ladder of success. A professional sees it as a symbiotic, synergistic relationship of give and take. Friends do favors, grant privileges and create opportunities for friends. It’s the emotional nature of man to want to help people who have helped them.

What does it mean to become a P.R.I.M.E. resource?

Joe Fox — Tue, 30 Nov 2021 18:06:41 GMT

P.R.I.M.E. is an acronym we use to describe achieving a level of relationship where your customers see you as a key resource and a contributor to their customers' businesses.

P is for Primary. According to Webster's dictionary, primary means, "First in time, rank or importance." It suggests:

1. You become pre-eminent in your customer's mind. You are the first person who comes to the customer's mind when a problem or question in your area of expertise arises. You are vital to the success of your customers' operations.

R is for Resource, a source of help or supply. You become an extension of your customer's organization. You enhance their capabilities to understand, anticipate and solve problems, and build their business. You and your team bring the ability to critically diagnose the situation, as well as gather the knowledge and ideas to help them create solutions that they wouldn't have thought of on their own.

I is for Involved. It means you will carry out a long-term, mutually beneficial relationship based on trust and respect. When you are involved, you have your customers' best interests at heart. That means:

1. You sincerely care about their concerns.

2. You know that what is best for your customer is ultimately best for you and your company.

3. Quality business is not a hit-and-run proposition. You look for every opportunity to strengthen the relationship, keeping it at a level of satisfaction that neither you nor your customer will be looking for ways to get out of it.

M is for Managing.

A P.R.I.M.E. resource helps people understand their situation, their risks and their opportunities, then collaborates with them to determine how to achieve the required results. They do it in such a professional, credible and non-threatening way that the customers require them to execute the solution.

E is for Expectations. Customers will look upon you as a P.R.I.M.E. resource when you consistently manage their expectations based on the issue that has been diagnosed. It is critical to expand the customer's understanding of the problem, the consequences and costs associated with it, and the financial impact. Co-create the expectations of the solution, what it will be like when the problem is resolved and finally help determine the decision criteria that will enable the customer to select the best solution.

How to Become a P.R.I.M.E. Resource

This involves building strong relationships with your customers. Here are a few pointers on how to do it:

1. Build a reputation for excellence based on trust and dedication.

2. Be a scholar. Keep up with market conditions, new products or services, technical standards, industry trends, advertisements and personnel changes.

3. Use a conscientious, professional approach to your customer's critical issues.

4. Polish your professional sales and problem-solving skills continually.

5. Know your customer's world -- their associations, their industry, their marketplace, their customers.

6. Be the customer's advocate. Work to smooth all problems your internal systems may create for your customers.

7. Know what the competition is doing. Report back to your company any information you gain.

8. Remember that you are just as important as the product or service your company offers.