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Become a Better Networker
Better Networker ...
What does that mean exactly?
What is it to be part of the ABN? (Association of Better Networkers)
Here's a couple of pointers for you to make the most of your time at Better Networker.
First, I would suggest that you choose wisely when it comes to where you post your content.
Take the forums for example.
A lot of the posts I see in the forums and comments don't ask anything of the community, i.e. start a conversation.
And that is a part of your experience here that could really hurt you the most because if it reads like the focus, or your intent, seems to revolve completely around "the opportunity" in your signature and you're just funneling eyeballs to the bottom of your post.
Well let's just say people here aren't stupid.
Here's an example:
Even though you may say "I know this sounds like a pitch but it's not."
Yet in your comments you say something like:
"I want to save you the time and share a single tool that does most of the Internet marketing functions for you, all in one place." Guess what ... it totally sounds like a pitch.
Look at the word "forum."
A forum (Latin, "marketplace"; pl. fora) was the public space in the middle of a Roman city.
In addition to its standard function as a marketplace, a forum was a gathering place of great social significance, and often the scene of diverse activities, including political discussions and debates, rendezvous, meetings, et cetera.
So in essence the BetterNetorker forums are a place for the community to come together for conversations and networking and the sharing of knowledge through conversation.
Whereas if you place "promotional" content like that in the article section or perhaps a video or blog post, where people really wouldn't expect a "conversation" to take place as much and most likely would expect a call to action, such as checking out your system or opportunity for instance.
But again, bring some class to the table. Show some professionalism.
I mean think for just a split second before you hit that submit button. It's your reputation and brand on the line.
Is what you are about to post 100% self serving with a dash of catchy marketing BS to make it appear valuable? Or are you really stepping up with content that is truly USEFUL to your audience? Something they can turn around and use RIGT NOW - TODAY.
This leads to a much more important topic:
You may be "sharing," but are you talking "with" the community, or just talking "at" them?
The name of the game is to become a "better networker" right?
Not to become a Cheesy Networker.
Not to become a Pitch Pimp Networker.
Not to become an "I'm only in it to get your money at any price networker."
And not to become the "I don't care how many people I step on to get to the top networker."
So here is the most important point I can make today:
Spend more time here if you want to talk about your business or promote something.
I really don't care about how great your company, product or reputation is.
I don't care if you are an instructor, ABN member or have a general membership.
This community is not here for you to use and abuse just because it's a "targeted audience."
I mean really, how would you feel if one of your friends only ever called you when they wanted money from you 2-3 times a year. And ignored you the rest of the time. In fact maybe even treated you as a nobody, not even worthy of a response to your emails, phone calls or a "whats up" on Facebook.
You want to be considered a pro? You want to be respected as a pro?
Then start acting like one!
Invest in getting to know the community and letting them get to know you?
Invest in providing value to the community on a consistent basis.
Invest in building rapport and showing everyone here that "you aren't here just to pimp out our wallets."
You want better results from your time here?
Follow the guidelines I just shared with you and this is what you'll find...
- I guarantee you'll make new friends.I guarantee you'll build your list and generate leads.
- I guarantee you won't get called out as a spammer. (as long as you aren't spamming)
- I guarantee you'll rest easy at the end of the day and feel great about the people you helped.
- I guarantee that the community will be much more responsive and may even do business with you.
But more than anything I guarantee ... You Will Become a Better Networker.
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Richard Bravo is an artist, writer, outdoorsman and entrepreneur living
in the rugged mountainous splendor of North Western Wyoming.
Catch up with him on his blog at www.RichardBravo.com
And don't forget to connect with Richard on Facebook and Twitter @RichardBravo
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About the Author: Richard Bravo
Member Since: 02/26/2009
I'm a Distributor For:: Life Force International
Industry: Other
Primary Web Site: http://www.TeamIncPro.com
Or....
Maybe we could rename it the Association of Bravo Networkers.... :)
GREAT article Richard...once again you speak the truth boldly. And it's really needed lately.
Bill
Getting Better
I have seen people post stuff on here just to get someone to look at their link in the signature and hope someone will sign up with them. I will man up and say I have done the same thing in the past until I woke up and smelled the Starbucks. When I post something in the forums or write an article then my goal is hopefully someone can gain something from it, at least that is my intention. I am sure I have ruffled some feathers on here, but I always will tell everyone the way I feel about a post or what is being discussed.
As I said before, I want people to join me but not everybody. Guess what...if they don't join me then that is OK as well because you know what, I will just keep going and won't look back. I don't want to work with everyone but will try and help anyone. This may sound contradictory but I will help them so maybe someday we can work together, but if not then that's OK also...at least I tried to help them and that makes me feel good. I spend a good amount of time on BN and try to help in any way I can, because I know some people appreciate it...I am no Guru but I know a few things and have been around the block more than once.
I see to many people just
I see to many people just trying to rack up points and get their signature seen... contributing nothing of value to the conversation and the community. Thanks for the awesome Article Richard
The big question
How do you get people to read the rules? Not just the first time they come here but once a month thereinafter as a refresher.
You did an excellent job here, Richard, pointing out some obvious and repetitive mistakes people are making.
Thanks Bill
Thanks Bill ... thats flattering. Getting "better" is universal, something everyone can strive for. Its tough enough being me some days, I wouldn't want to throw people off track trying to copy me. lol =)
Be Unique. Be Passionate. Be Authentic. Be Yourself... "BE"
Getting Better Every Day!
Thats awesome Don.
Day by day, in every way, getting better and better at being Don.
I like what you said "I'm not a guru but I have been around the block more than once." That's it right there man ... You don't have to be a guru - be you. YOU have your experience. Experience unique to everyone else. Share that. Draw from that. "Be Don" and the rest is just details.
The Way
Tristan I was talking with someone the other day and we got to the topic of marketing and business etc. I commented that "being" an entrepreneur isn't a job, it's a way of life.
When we see people trying to game the system, look for loopholes to exploit, shortcuts and constantly reaching for the "easy" button, they just have not found The Way yet. They don't truly own it yet. For them it's still a game, a job, a trite route to a fast buck.
When they live it, when they (be)come an entrepreneur, that's when they will truly see abundance and the universe open up for them.
The Big Answer
I know Joyce. It's the proverbial quandry ...
You can lead a horse to water but you cannot make him drink.
More and more I see the theme popping up that there is only one person in this life that we can control - our self.
We can lead. We can set the example. We can teach and we can share our experience in hopes to guide others to the watering hole. But they must choose for themselves to partake of the well.
Common Sense Advice
Richard,
As usual, your common sense comes through clearly. It would be nice if posts like this were not necessary but apparently common sense is not so common.
Keep up the good work,
scott...
The Font Size is the Killer !!
If you can see the font size of people's signature lines before you see their comment - then this is usually enough for me click "back"! Great post as ever Richard, although Joyce makes a good point that how many people actually read the guidelines and the manual? Postings like yours need to be scheduled every month here to keep this the professional outfit that we love!
Nicky - I think you've hit on something
"If you can see the font size of people's signatures before you see their comment - then this is usually enough for me to click "back"! "
If we all did that, it wouldn't take long for people to stop it or at least get them guessing why their comments/forum posts were not being read.
Thanks Nicky,
Joyce
Homerun!
Richard,
You knocked it out of the ballpark my friend! :)
Haha! I like the word "Pitch Pimp Networker."
Seriously though, if people would just read the guidelines and like you said... just think for a split second before they hit that submit button.
Keep on Rockin'
- Yo
BRAVO!!
And I'm not referencing your name, although it
certainly fits! :)
Perhaps it's partly because of the perceived anonymity
people can have while "hiding" behind a computer monitor
that causes folks to behave this way.
It's important to remember there are real people on the
other side of the screen...and they're watching!
Before hitting the "submit" button, ask yourself
how YOU react to posts like the one you're about
to put up. If you ignore them, you can bet that
others will do the same.
Thanks for the common sense reminders, Richard.
My Dad Always Said ...
Scott, my Dad always said "Common Sense Isn't Very Common."
Man I had no idea what he meant when I was a kid.
But now I realize just how true that is.
Better Networker.
wow, what an areticle! You tell it just like it should be and I am afraid I have not been doing enough of the networking. Thanks for a very pertinent wake-up call!
Excellent Points Nicky
Monthly updates to the community regarding best practices and policies is a great idea Nicky. Joyce and I, along with a few others are on the Advisory Board for the site, so I will definitely be adding this to the team project area.
PS:
It's good to see you active in the community again and around Facebook.
Cheers!
Yo Le in da House!
Hey man, thanks for the compliments, means a lot.
I almost put a pic up with the velvet suit and ostrich feathered hat on that one.
Rollin 2 deep ... lol
Cheers!
Common Sense Reminders
Sounds like a great title for a blog series Cathie. =)
Pause and reflect ... its been a recurring theme for me.
Treating my business very much like a game of chess ... Before you do "X" think it through.
Thanks for the feedback.
You're Welcome Sallie
Glad you enjoyed the read. See you around the forums - cheers! =)
As usual
Richard,
As usual you have posted another well-written, informative and helpful article. Congrats, and thanks again!
Have a GREAT day,
Warren
Well said Richard!!!
Very clear, concise and to the point Richard. You see many people just pitch and they just don't get it that we will just look past their "Pitch Pimpin." Love it!
BTW can I ask what font style that is you have in the comment below and don't forget to vote picture you have above. I saw that pic and it inspired me to make one up myself. Doesn't look anything like yours but I love that font and wondered what it is? Thanks!
Comment GRFX
Thnx Brian - glad you liked it ...
The comment box font is "Museo 700" & "Museo 300."
Thanks Richard
Thanks for the information about the fonts Richard. I appreciate it!
Much Needed Reminder
Thanks for taking the time to give a much-needed reminder.
I know that there are a lot of people in BN who are just getting started in here and may have some bad ideas as to how to interact in the community. With gentle reminders like your article, it can help correct the "newbies" which will most definitely ensure that they too can become Better Networkers.
Hi,
I wish humans to accompany me but not everybody. Guess what if they don't accompany me again that is OK as able-bodied because you apperceive what, pass4sure 1Y0-A15 I will just accumulate traveling and won't attending back. pass4sure 1z0-050 I don't wish to plan with anybody but will try and advice anyone. This may complete adverse but I will advice them so maybe anytime we can plan together, but if not again that's aswell at atomic I approved to advice them and that makes me feel good. pass4sure 350-029 I absorb a acceptable bulk of time on BN and try to advice in any way I can, because I apperceive some humans acknowledge it. pass4sure 642-427 I am no Guru but I apperceive a few things and accept been about the block added than once.