Terri Rau

I have been in the marketing industry for many years and believe we must keep on pace with the changing ways we promote and market our services, but more importantly, OURSELVES!

I am a Certified Life Coach Practitioner, and Event Planner and a Network Marketer.

I am very passionate about motivating others to be the change they wish to see and be in their lives and businesses.

I read many profiles here on Better Networker, and what I find most impressive are those that showcase the person BEHIND the business or Corporation, learning something about the person before reading the bullet list of accomplishments, features, titles, etc.

Those attributes aren't going to matter to me if I am unable to make some type of personal connection with you.

Market yourself and the magic will follow.

I notice those who are able to be the voice and not the echo by differentiating themselves from others.

There's been alot of debate lately here and on LinkedIn about whether or not Social Media and Networking is just all fluff. I think SM and Networking for Business is ESSENTIAL, however, there is a way this should unfold on many of the sites like Twitter, Facebook, and others.

There is just so much confusion surrounding where to begin, where to start, and when you know where to start, what do you say?

I believe that if you have business website or blog, it's important to develop an online presence.

Social Networking allows us to build relationships. People don't buy from
websites, they buy from people, preferably people they trust, so they need to know who you are.

Social & Business Networks are an important part of my online marketing
efforts & I've learned that Social vs. Business networks do differ very little.

Social Networkers should look at these sites as going to a party.

You meet people, you start a conversation and if they like you and vice versa, you might invite them to pop by your place (your blog, your website) where they learn even more about you, your product or service and what really makes you tick.

Yes, as a networker, you are there for a reason, but if you push your product or service before you even have one foot in the door, you've been branded alright, - "the party crasher" (Who invited this guy?)

People are at the "party" to have some fun, meet some neat people and maybe even get or give a phone number. (your URL)

Business Networkers should look at these sites more like going to a lounge after work.

Again, often, people want to push their business opportunity, service or product on you before they've even got up to the bar. You risk the cold shoulder, people are saying you don't tip, and before you know it, you too have been branded.... "Joe CEO" instead of "Ralph the round-buyer"

Unfortunate, but people were at the "lounge" to relax, unwind, converse, share stories and perhaps exchange business cards (blog/website).....

And predictability is soo 1900's!

I say, approachability wins! Approachability establishes comfort, creates connections and builds TRUST.

For most people, BUYING is an emotional decision and when you can appeal to their need in a trusting way - the magic will follow.