THE "MISSING LINK" OF THE INTERNET

Networking is a powerful tool.Just to be clear, we are NOT talking about running miles ofcable from one computer to the next and we are NOT talkingabout recruiting people for a business opportunity. What we ARE talking about is recognizing, developing and profiting fromyour NETWORK of contacts, no matter what business you are in.We all know more people than we think we do. Surveys haveshown that, by the time we graduate college, most of us knowabout 250 other people. The Internet has changed all of that.That number goes way up when you think of people you know viathe Internet. Let's look at five ways to develop your networkof contacts, online and offline, to help skyrocket your business,no matter what that business is. Make a list of the people youknow and let's get ready to go!STEP 1:The first step is to let your group of contacts know whatyou are doing. Honesty is the key here. HELP them see thenext level of relationship where you can be of help to eachother in a business setting. If they are going to open theircontacts to you, and you to them, you must both be comfortable.And don't push it. If they hesitate, back off.STEP 2:Ask them how you can help them. Many times in life and businesswe get by giving. HONESTLY offering your help to them withoutasking anything in return will set the stage for a mutuallybeneficial relationship. Honesty is the key. If you have lessthan noble motives, stay away.STEP 3:Be involved on the Net. The most efficient way to make newcontacts is over the Internet. There are thousands of chats,newsgroups and forums out there. Almost certainly there aresome on YOUR topic. Get in the swim and meet new people.STEP 4:Develop credibility. Here we go giving before we get again.While in the chats and on the forums answer EVERY questionthat you can. Don't answer if you don't know. But if you DOknow, make your voice heard often. Be sure and let them knowhow to reach you and, over time, they will.STEP 5:Be in for the long haul. If you are not building relationshipsfor the long haul, people will sense that and back away. Letpeople know that even though many things may change over theyears, you won't.If you begin with these five basics you will start to developyour own network of contacts that, over time, will mean youmay NEVER HAVE TO FIND PROSPECTS AGAIN. The math isstraightforward. Each contact you develop who shares even oneperson with you is opening you up to not 1, but 250 otherpotential prospects.Remember to be honest and up front about your intentions andYOUR network of contacts will grow up to produce a bumper crop.