Network Building Technique: Show Interest to Generate It

What’s the # 1 way to get someone interested in you? Be interested in them.

People Care about Themselves, Not You

Think about this scenario. You’re at a party. A friend introduces you to someone you’ve never met before.

After a brief introduction, the friend goes away.

Now you are alone with the stranger. You ask a simple question. They start to answer . . . and they don’t stop.

Be honest. Do you really pay attention when people drone on about themselves? Or do you start eyeing the food?

If it takes longer than 10 seconds to say what you’re saying, STOP! Cut yourself off so the other person has a chance to get a word in.

90% of the time people are thinking about themselves. Capitalize on that. Talk to them about their favorite subject. 

Showing Interest on the Internet

It’s a little different on the Internet. But the same principle applies.
Speak to your audience’s interests, and you will win.
Your ads need to talk directly to the audience. They need to focus on the end goal—not the product. They need to provide a solution.
So frame your message in terms of the audience. It’s always about them!
Second, be ruthless in editing yourself.
Make it a game. Think: How do I use the least amount of words possible to communicate this?
The less you use, the better.
Keeping Them on the Hook

Make the experience as interactive as possible.

Have them take action—and not all at the end. Set up some small interactions along the way, like breadcrumbs on a trail.

For instance, ask a yes or no question. Make it an instant poll so they can see what other people said.

Have them enter their email address. Then send a special code to the email address that they have to retrieve and enter into your site. (This also gets you a list of prospects.)

Pose a riddle for them to complete.

The point is to keep them actively engaged. Being able to take actions on your site is like having their turn in the conversation.

Sprinkle action opportunities throughout your sales process.

Closing the Deal

No hard selling here, either.

If at the end of your process they are not ready to commit, don’t sweat it. Simply give them something to take away from your site so they can find their way back later on. Try a special report chock full of useful information.

It’s ok, too, to contact them occasionally by email. But with helpful information, not a straight-on sales pitch.

Once again, these post-visit activities should be interactive whenever possible.

What can you do?

Hold an instant email poll, then email the results after a set period of time.

Set up a forum to discuss the results. Email participants the latest posts on a regular basis.

Remember above all that the most interesting people are the ones that engage us. They talk to us about us; they welcome our participation.

When you do this—and do it right—you’ll grow a large and loyal following. Do it, and the money will come.