Why I've Shifted My Focus from Mostly Networking to Building Relationships

Why I’ve Changed My Focus to

 Building Relationship!

What Networking has Meant to Me

To me, networking is reaching out to people, B2B and B2C so they become aware of my existence. Why? Because no one will patronize my business if they are not aware of its existence.

My Networking Experience

So, I began networking, with business cards in-hand, so people could discover my company’s obvious value. 

I quickly learned that there are many, many varied networking styles and group techniques. Some groups occur weekly. Other groups have scheduled presentations or, focus on a ‘speed dating’ format. Some networking groups are free while others charge a fee. Some have a defined membership theme while others are open to the public. Of course, this is just a sampling of networking groups and styles.

Why I Think Networking is Important

I’ve found the core theme of most groups is to enhance people-people connectivity, designed to provide a competitive advantage in their industry. 

Yes, I understand the philosophy and, appreciate the value of networking. However, I (too) often have found myself going to networking events, cards in-hand, with the primary intent to gain new clients. I’d accommodate their ‘pitch’ long enough for the opportunity to share my ‘pitch’. 

I’ve often watched in awe those networkers who avidly networked by the clock. If no clear commitment to ‘close’ within 2 minutes (much like the speed-dating format), they quickly move on to the next potential client. Although I respect those who adhere to the volume-based connection, As an introvert, I’ve never been artful with this technique.

Why I’ve Converted from Networking to Building Relationships

However, a recent One-One meeting has accelerated my evolving approach to networking. It really is about building relationships, instead of just grabbing for the ‘sale’.

Here’s my story

I recently decided to reach out to a business owner that I’d crossed paths with at several networking events. Eventually, we began acknowledging each other with eye contact and an occasional verbal encounter. I never considered her as any mutual value because her business is in cosmetics (after all, I am a guy).

However, our brief engagements were always pleasant and professional and, she clearly had a sharp mind. I decided to request an Eye-Eye, adhering to the principal that the purpose of networking is to build relationships. I attended this meeting without any intention to make a ‘sale’ or avoiding the risk of being ‘sold’.

Because my sole expectation was to build a new relationship, the entire encounter turned out to be a novel and enriching experience.

Relationships Designed to Build Value

Too often I’ve experienced the other networking contact telling to meet near their office, regardless of how far apart we might be based, while also designating a day and time to meet. Clearly, I’ve been slotted to maximize their efficiency. Efficient for them as they’ve apparently decided that their time/effort was much more valuable than mine. 

However, (I’ll call her) Sue and I spent much of our pre-meeting dialogue trying to accommodate the time-value of each other, regarding our location, day and time. At our actual meeting, we were focused on learning about each other, our journey, our mission and our projections. Our talk was anything but about our business. Again, I’m a guy and cosmetics talk just doesn’t grab me.

Our conversation was engaging and expansive as we learned more about each other. The most amazing part was our realization that we shared almost identical values of service, quality and work ethic. We decided to enter into a mutual business venture that will likely provide us a significant advantage in the designated market.

My New Focus– It’s all about Building Relationships!

Joseph Wesley

JNL Creative Tours LLC

www.jnlcreativetours.com

Once Your Brand-Value is Clear,

The Sale is Done!

Competitive Immunity for Your Business

7 Trust Building Tips for your Business!

Virtually every business owner I've met clearly states that they are the best in product/service/value/cost. However, they then complain that the 3rd question usually asked by a prospect after, (1) what's their business and (2) for how long in business is, (3) how much? Generating trust in your business is a key element for a strong Brand-Value, that's an excellent buffer against the third question.

Creating a strong Brand-Value reduces price-comparison pressures on your business, now appreciated as providing a valued service instead of being treated as simply another negotiable commodity. Here are 7 trust-building tips for your business.

Joseph Wesley, president of JNL Creative Tours LLC, Once Your Brand-Value is Clear, the Sale is Done! 

7 Great Steps to Stand-Out your Business above the Competition.

The mission? Converting possible prospects into definite clients for your company. Although this article is primarily focused on how to intrigue an audience that knows nothing about you or your job, the 7 steps presented are ideal for providing a stand-out impression of your business.

It's all about Engagement.

JNL Creative Tours LLC,  generating prospects to enhance your business growth, through creative tour events.

In only 3 mins, Discover and Take Advantage of Secondary Referrals to Build Your Business.

In only 3 mins. discover why secondary referrals are invaluable resources to enhance my business growth.

JNL Creative Tours, LLC,  generating prospects to enhance your business growth, through creative tour events.

Jumping your business ahead of the competition with undercover networking.

Click pic to view 8 min video: 

Us business types all understand the necessity of networking in building our business However, particularly at networking events, the challenge is still, how to stand apart from the competition.

One web designer recently asked at a peer-peer networking group,'how can he distinguish his business from the other web designers in the room'. The field is crowded and the perceived techniques are similar.

The answer may be Undercover Networking. This 8 min video will show you how it can provide your business an invaluable edge over the competition.

JNL Creative Tours LLC are engagement experts who facilitates the growth of your company's bottom line through creative tour events.

Why the Bus can be a critical part of your company's growth!

Your prospects and clients may not know if your company offers the best product or service but, they can know if they like doing business with you the best. It's clear that strongly developed relationships supports a solid business.

This video describes why it's important to begin engaging your guests even before they arrive at your venue. This article describes, 3 Things Highly Successful People Know about Business Networking.

JNL Creative Tours, LLC - we generate referrals to strengthen your company's bottom through creative tour events. Just one positive comment from your newly enhanced network provides your company or association with an invaluable recommendation.

Having Fun to build enhanced Business Relationships

This video is about having fun as a critical technique to enhance your business relationships. The included FedEx link shares tips on, 'Unforgettable Customer Relationship Events'.

https://smallbusiness.fedex.com/plan-some-fun.html.

JNL Creative Tours, LLC generates referrals designed to enhance your organization or company's bottom line, through creative tour events.

Growing your business through Linkedin

Sharing how using my Linkedin tools more productively has generated a stronger network for my business. This 8 minute YouTube video also includes a link providing '8 Ways to Grow Your LinkedIn Connections'.

JNL Creative Tours, LLC generates referrals for your business designed to enhance your company's bottom line, through creative tour events.

Tips for Building Strong Business Relationships

This video shares tips for Building Strong Business Relationships and includes the article, How to Network with a Purpose, to enhance your business prospecting.

JNL Creative Tours, LLC generate referrals to enhance your company's bottom line.

Network Building for Business Success

Are there 'bad' reasons why one may choose not to do business with you? 

Here's how I've begun changing some of those prospect's 'no's' and 'maybe's', to (now) my clients saying 'yes', through engaged networking. Included with this (approx. 4 min) video is a link to an article that provides 7 Habits of Highly Effective & successful Entrepreneurs. 

How enhanced networking increasingly has my new clients approaching me with new business

Accelerate your Business Growth through enhanced Relationship Engagement.

Growing a business can be very rewarding as it is also time consuming and challenging. This video will summarize my 2 year evolution from basically chasing after prospects to increasingly sitting down over coffee to brainstorm new ventures.

This article, 3 Rules of Building Business Relationships, has been extremely useful in my growing success. I suspect your business will also benefit.

Share your Expertise, Show your Value, Build your Business through JNL Creative Tours, LLC.

Share your Expertise - Show your Value - Build your Business

 

Investing the time to build relationships can generate invaluable referrals for enhancing your company's bottom line. Look at it like having a residual income that keeps working all by itself, for your business, in the form of referrals that does not inflate your budget or add excessive time to your clock.

This 2 min video nicely summarizes the concept of sharing your expertise to grow your business, through better value branding. 

This article provides 10 ways to share your expertise. Both resources are designed to get results for your company.

The common theme is to engage your audience, share common values, as you develop mutually beneficial relationships designed to strengthen your/their company's bottom line.

JNL Creative Tours, LLC is a creative events tour company that generates viable referrals leading to a stronger bottom line for your business. Your prospects, or clients, may step onto the bus as individuals but will step off to your venue as a part of your expanded network.

I work Hard for my Money so why should I give any to You?

I work hard for my money, and I barely know you, so why should I give your business more of my time or money?

Do you, waaay too often, bump into this attitude both from your current clients and fresh prospects? You've already given them your business card, met over lunch and followed up with several phone calls. What's left?

According to a recent study by FedEx®, there is a proven marketing solution, ROR, that can elicit greater customer loyalty and patronage. Their study demonstrates that a company can anticipate up to 30% increased business growth, both in numbers and volume, by developing a solid ROR (return on relationship) marketing program.

ROR is about building relationships with your clients and prospects that can produce a stronger and more consistent bottom line. Discover, for your business, what FedEx® already uses for their business growth. The same ROR factor can ideally work for nonprofits to raise much needed funds for growing missions, also.

JNL Creative Tours, LLC provides creative bus tour events that are designed to build relationships that can lead to endorsements to create a stronger bottom line for your business. Your prospects may step onto the bus as individuals but will step off to your venue as a part of your expanded network.

Relationships, do they create Distractions or, Resources?

This article is written to actively seek your experiences and opinions.

I have a trait shared by many of my entrepreneurial associates, being so focused on my business success that I tend to not 'hang-out' with the crowd. I simply have too many things to get done, as of yesterday. The people I associate with are inclined to be like minded.

Our focus is clear and our efforts are driven.

Yes, in the Linkedin family you Do get to Choose your Relatives

We anticipate certain things from family, such as support and loyalty. We tolerate certain things about family, such as habits and attitudes. After all, family is family, and we don't get to choose how those genes spill out into the world. 

It's often said that one doesn't get to choose their family members. So, it’s not unheard of that we may also try to keep any family skeletons hidden away.

The Linkedin Family

I have discovered a certain affinity to Linkedin as an extended family. I assume that members are savvy to understand, and sharp enough to act on the potential resources offered by Linkedin. After all, I joined Linkedin with the intent to enhance my business success.

When I meet a new contact, and as we exchange cards, I ask if they belong to Linkedin. If they say yes, I smile...I've just discovered a new family member that I can interact and grow with.

Building your Business can be less stressful

My natural skills is servicing my business. I'm very good at what I do and I offer an excellent product that's backed by fantastic service. However, I'm aware that networking is an important tool to build my business but I often find that the process can be very stressful. 

Some people seem to thoroughly enjoy networking events. They're surrounded by an ever present and tight circle of friends. The continual roar of dialogue bangs against my eardrums.

Excellent Business is Exceeding Expectations

I recently read an update from a member of my Linkedin network that, good business is meeting the needs of your client. My response was we have found that, excellent business means exceeding the expectations of your client.

As we talk about 'generating business', we may overlook that we actually mean we're 'interacting with people'. Here at JNL Creative Tours, we've learned that people more readily trust and respond to relationships that they feel good about. 

We've observed that prospects in the second group are much more likely to brag about their experience from and value of your business, to their associates. Some would call this a recommendation, likely to have far more value than any formal presentation by your company or organization.

We call this good marketing.

JNL Creative Tours, LLC, building relationships for a stronger bottom line through creative bus tour events.

Building Relationships - critical for these 3 key points for Fundraising on a Tight Budget

Not for Profit organizations are increasingly challenged to meet the needs of their served population despite shrinking budgets in an increasingly competitive industry. However, each organization potentially has untapped access to almost unlimited and affordable resources, to help grow their program.

This article, by The Non Profit Times, provides 3 key ingredients for fundraising. The core theme is to develop solid relationships for strong growth, despite a tight budget.

Valentine's Day, highlight your great relationship with the perfect match of Wine & Chocolate

I enjoy wine because of the varied flavors, body and nuances that wine provides. I even know enough about wines that you pair red wine with red meat and, white wine with just about everything else.

However, I definitely didn't know that the percentage of cacao in the chocolate will determine what wine pairs best with chocolate. Anything that's going to make my wine world (I mean relationship) better is, of course, worth learning and sharing.

The Royce® company wants to share their formula for a perfect match, of wine & chocolate. with the special people in your life.

Enjoy and, Happy Valentine's Day!  -The JNL Creative Tours family

Why I stopped passing-out at those networking events

A few years back I often found myself passing-out at networking events. I had business cards printed with bold lettering, embossed design and a holographic logo. I spent a lot of time of the card's design because I was convinced that these special cards would make my business pop.

I was primed, with cards in hand, to attend the very next networking event. I'd made it a point to arrive early so I would have maximal opportunity to immediately begin passing-out my business cards. I would extend to right hand not to shake their hand but to pass out my newly created business icon.

Beginning to get the picture?