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Book Excerpts From 3 Simple Networking Tactics by Bart Smith

Get a sneak peek into 3 Simple Networking Tactics by Bart Smith by reading a few of the hand-picked book excerpts below. If you like what you read here, then you'll definitely love the book or perhaps the audio version. That said, enjoy these book excerpts!

EXCERPT #1

The Top 25+1 Benefits Of Networking

Here are the TOP 25 BENEFITS OF NETWORKING we should make a priority in our lives and in our businesses ...

EXCERPT #2

Where Can You Network?

Don’t know where to find others to network? Here’s a hot list that is sure to give you more networking opportunities than your calendar can handle. Be there or be square!

EXCERPT #3

The “Top Ten” Ways You Can Help People Who Need It

Ask them! Oh, I already said that. Really though, people need all kinds of help. Listening to them talk about ...

EXCERPT #4

Benefits Of Asking Questions Vs. Talking About Yourself

Are there any benefits? You bet! You might be talking to someone who is either not your ideal client or doesn’t share the same ideology you have about helping ...

EXCERPT #5

My “Top 15” Follow Up Tactics To Act On So You Never Lose Your Networking Momentum

When it comes to following up with people you meet, here are 15 things to keep in mind in order to capitalize on all that time spent networking. Remember, it takes time to build a network. It takes seconds to lose it all if you don’t follow up. So, FOLLOW UP!

Book Excerpts From 3 Simple Networking Tactics by Bart Smith

BOOK EXCERPT #1

The Top 25+1 Benefits Of Networking

3 Simple Networking Tactics Excerpt
Copyright © 2024 by Bart Smith
Reprinted by Permission

Here are the TOP 25 BENEFITS OF NETWORKING we should make a priority in our lives and in our businesses:

#1) Advice – Got a problem or situation in your personal life and/or business where you need a little advice or a fresh perspective? Ask someone! Surely, there might be someone at the event you’re attending that can provide you with their view on what you’re struggling with. Share what’s going on and see what others have to say in return. This goes both ways, naturally. Maybe you can be that person to help shed light on a new direction or other advice from experience that will help someone else. Sharing your knowledge goes a long way quickly when establishing your credibility before you even hand over your contact information or receive theirs.

#2) Brand Promotion/Impact – Who are you? What do you do? Tell people and be proud of your accomplishments. Most likely, you’re in the business of helping people with a unique service or product. Emphasize all the ways you help people and make their lives and/or businesses better, more profitable, happier, healthier, etc. Bring items that promote your brand, including product, books, press releases, and more to share your brand with ease.

#3) Connections – This is probably the number one benefit for networking. Who doesn’t leave an event without new contacts and connections to fuel their businesses and/or social life? When you make them, nurse them, and treat them like gold. Who knows WHEN these connections will generate their intended benefits. It could be within days, weeks or maybe months or years so be prepared.

#4) Credibility – What do you know? How can you help people? Asking people how you can be of service is your fastest way to build credibility in the eyes of those you meet. The more you ask, the more you help, and the more credible you become. “Have you met _____? I did, and wow, does he/she know about _____. C’mon, let’s go talk to him/her about your situation. I bet he/she can help.”

#5) Following/Fans/Tribes – What better way to grow your network, attract/develop new fans, build a new tribe or feed your current one other than networking (online/offline). Who knows, you might become a fan of someone at the event after hearing what they do or where their passion lies. Take pictures with as many people you possible and post them online. Show people who couldn’t make the event who you networked with and help your fans and followers follow those you just met. Reciprocation and helping each other is the secret to everyone making it and succeeding in what we all do.

#6) Friendships – Who doesn’t need friends? Did you just move into a new area? Get out and network. EVERYONE there, for the most part, doesn’t know anyone either. What a great first place to start building new friendships, connections, get to know your community, etc. “I just moved to town. I don’t know where anything is. What’s your recommendation for _____?” You’d be surprised how many business owners reach out to invite you to events they’re attending in the near future. “I’m having an event next week. Why don’t you come?” See how that works? Ask and you shall receive ... new acquaintances and friendships!

#7) Fun – Who doesn’t like fun? What’s not fun is working at home (or at the office) for hours, days, weeks on end without actually coming into contact with other people. Sure networking might focus on business, making connections, helping others and gathering leads, but it’s also a lot of fun to dress up and head out to an event. Networking makes business more fun! Bored out of your mind with all the work you have to do? Stir things up, get creative, and reignite the passion you have for your own business by heading out and learning about OTHERS. It can be a lot of fun! “I didn’t know you also like to _____ (i.e., hobby/interest). We should definitely get together and _____.” This doesn’t even include what can happen before, during or after a networking event. Some of you might decide to stay at the hotel where the event was held and head to the bar/lounge/restaurant for some drinks, dinner and more conversation.

#8) Get Out & Socialization – We just mentioned FUN and why networking is actually a FUN event to participate in. It’s not all business and work. Getting out of the house/office is always guaranteed to put a smile on your face and can help you build new social networks and friends to do things with. That’s a bonus.

#9) Impact – We all want to have an impact on people (in a good way) and be remembered or at least highly thought of. What better way to impress others than by offering to help them with their needs. “How can I help you? Really? Great! I’d be glad to _____." You can just imagine the other person saying to themselves, “Wow, I’m so grateful I met (YOU) at that event. What he/she said and the help I got is really going to have an impact on my overall success.”

#10) Increased Confidence – There’s no better way to increase your self-confidence than by helping others with what you know or who you know. Seriously. Confidence comes from three main sources: education, training and faith. When you share those things with others, they add fuel to your own confidence allowing you to comfortably approach other people. Share what you know, what you do, how you’ve helped others, and have faith in people and recognize their achievements. You’re boosting their self-esteem in return. “I believe in what you’re doing and think you should press on! You’ve got my support! Keep me posted on your progress.”

#11) Introductions – How are you going to get introduced to new people if you’re at home or at the office? You’re not! You gotta get out there, show up, attend and BAM! Watch the introductions happen left and right. You should make the effort to introduce at least three people to people they never met at the event that you did. Also, ask three people to introduce you to people they met that you didn’t meet. Just say, “Did you meet anyone interesting tonight? Should I meet them?” Watch people share who they met and take you over to them. How cool! Great way to meet new people, with an introduction!

#12) Leads – Who couldn’t use more leads? It isn’t about finding that one lead for your business, it’s more about getting leads and contacts from that ONE PERSON who might turn over their entire database to you, for example. I’ve seen it happen. “Bart, great meeting you. I’d love to join your affiliate program and share your books and training programs with my list of 25,000.” WOW! Remember though, many people are looking for leads. So, help as many people as you can to find leads for their business first. In the process, people will learn what you do and naturally align themselves with what you need and help you. Help others to help yourself. Funny how that works!

#13) Opens New Doors – Don’t you just love it when one door closes and another door opens? That’s what it’s like when you’re sitting in your office wondering why one client closed the door on you and said, “No,” to your offer. Then, you went networking and what happened? You met ONE PERSON who said, figuratively, “My door’s open for (your) business. Please come in. I could use your help!”

#14) Positive Influence – Some people you meet might not be as positive, optimistic or high on life and business as you. So? Impact them with your positive attitude, lift their spirits and watch them sing your praises among others they know and meet tonight. Watch them seek you out in the room wanting to introduce you to their best friend who just might be the owner of a company you would love to get to know, but never would have unless you had spread your positive influence with all those you met that night. Keep it up!

#15) Raising Your Profile – There’s nothing better than to be talked about (in a good way) and RECOGNIZED at events you attend. Take pictures and post them on different social media websites/accounts. Show people where you go and network. 

(THIS CONTINUES IN THE BOOK)

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BOOK EXCERPT #2

Where Can You Network?

3 Simple Networking Tactics Excerpt
Copyright © 2024 by Bart Smith
Reprinted by Permission

Don’t know where to find others to network? Here’s a hot list that is sure to give you more networking opportunities than your calendar can handle. Be there or be square!

Alumni Events
Art Societies
Associations
Blogging
Chamber Of Commerce
Classes
Clubs
Coffee Shops
Conferences
Councils
Ethnic Clubs
Expos
Gender-Based Clubs
Gyms

Hobby Clubs
Launch Parties
Leagues
Lectures
MeetUp Groups
Meetings
Museum Societies
Music Concerts
Neighbor Groups
Networking Events
Online Forums
Organizations
Parties
Pet Clubs

Powwows
Religious Events
Retreats
Round Tables
Seminars
Signings
Social Media
Speeches & Talks
Summits
Toastmasters
Trade Shows
Volunteer Work
Where Connectors Are
Workshops

WHERE TO START?

The first place to really start is your with own network. Tap into what your friends, clients, and business associates are doing. Where are they networking? Ask if you can tag along. That usually gets the ball rolling. You could also check out mobile apps that help you find people close to you or networking events in your area. Whatever you do, wherever you go, remember ... MAKE NETWORKING a “MARKETING PRIORITY!”

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BOOK EXCERPT #3

The “Top Ten” Ways You Can Help People Who Need It

3 Simple Networking Tactics Excerpt
Copyright © 2024 by Bart Smith
Reprinted by Permission

Ask them! Oh, I already said that. Really though, people need all kinds of help. Listening to them talk about themselves and their business or passion is the fastest path to you learning how you can help them. YOU then get to decide how you can help them: 

1. Offer referrals (for free/no charge or a commission) ...

2. Offer recommendations, make introductions ...

3. Offer encouragement, support and cheer them on ...

4. Offer ideas, suggestions, feedback, resources ...

5. Offer to mention them on social media or on your list ...

6. Offer a JOINT VENTURE proposal or bundle your products and services together to form one product/service you both can sell and split the profits. Conduct a seminar/class together!

7. Offer to INTERVIEW THEM (or be interviewed) to help promote what it is they do ...

8. Purchase what they sell because you/someone needs it ...

9. Offer your products and/or services to help them ...

10. How have you helped others in the past? Make note, especially if it worked, and apply it again to others in need.

(THIS CONTINUES IN THE BOOK)

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BOOK EXCERPT #4

Benefits Of Asking Questions Vs. Talking About Yourself

3 Simple Networking Tactics Excerpt
Copyright © 2024 by Bart Smith
Reprinted by Permission

Are there any benefits? You bet! You might be talking to someone who is either not your ideal client or doesn’t share the same ideology you have about helping others. So, instead, focus your valuable time on them and what their needs are to get to know them better. As you get to know them, try to peel back the layers as to what makes them unique; what they say, how they say it, etc. to give you more insight into the person you are speaking with. 

This approach is similar to the response, “No, I don’t have any business cards. I prefer to give out my contact information personally and on a need-to-have basis. I just don’t go running around handing out business cards for the heck of it.”

Likewise, being selective as to who hears your story also comes into play. Better to spend your precious time at the event listening to all those you meet. You might not get that chance again. So, spend your time asking questions and making fewer statements about yourself. If you do talk about yourself, keep it brief and yet use exciting words and phrases that share a little bit about what it is you do.

More Tips For Conversation
Talk Less / Listen More

It’s been our theme for networking conversations so far, hasn’t it? Have you heard this saying? “We were born with two ears and one mouth?” Translated, it means don’t talk too much and listen more. Let the other person do most of the talking without interrupting. This will allow you time to think about what’s being said so you can reply with information, ideas, and relative questions, which will make a knockout first impression. 

No one likes to be fire hosed with a non-stop spray of never ending words. Talk in sound bites and phrases that can be easily digested mentally. Choose your words wisely. Don’t talk over someone’s head and remember to pause between thoughts to allow the other person to respond and get a word in edgewise. 

Again, keep the focus on the other person. It’s perfect to keep the conversations to about 70/30 meaning that 70% represents the time given to the other person to speak and giving you a 30% opportunity to respond and ask more questions to stimulate the conversation and keep it flowing in their (and your) direction. 

If you have products/services to sell, focus on outcomes, results, and the experiences of others. Stories sell! So, there’s no need to tell folks what you do if you can narrate in an entertaining and effective way. Tell stories about yourself and even better with a sense of humor. Maybe you can relate a success story that would appeal to a group to give them an idea of how you handle certain situations. Just don’t overdo it.

Don’t Talk About Yourself Without
Being Asked, “What Do You Do?”

It’s better to wait for a queue to start talking about yourself, rather than jumping into your story with someone who: (1) doesn’t care, (2) can’t appreciate what you have to say/do, (3) can’t use or make a positive referral for you, or (4) _____? It’s better to start off any conversation focused on the other person by asking relevant questions and learning what they do best to navigate your way into talking about how you can help them with surgical precision. No one wants to waste time at these events and not everyone will be interested in what you have to say. In most cases it was because they were too much into themselves. Don’t let that be you. This should be your cue to politely move on.

(THIS CONTINUES IN THE BOOK)

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BOOK EXCERPT #5

My “Top 15” Follow Up Tactics To Act On So You Never Lose Your Networking Momentum

3 Simple Networking Tactics Excerpt
Copyright © 2024 by Bart Smith
Reprinted by Permission

When it comes to following up with people you meet, here are 15 things to keep in mind in order to capitalize on all that time spent networking. Remember, it takes time to build a network. It takes seconds to lose it all if you don’t follow up. So, FOLLOW UP!

#1) Create a system (if you don’t have one) for organizing leads you gather from all your networking efforts. It could be as simple as using Excel, Google Contacts, Outlook or some other contact management system.

#2) Google your new contact(s) online to see what you find. You might discover more information about them that motivates you to follow up with them or NOT. Yikes!

#3) Add their personal/business contact information to your contact system along with extra information about them. If you found them online after the event from searching, populate their contact profile with as much information as possible including notes about the contact. “Met at XYZ networking event on 00/00/00. Talked about                .”

#4) Out of sight, out of mind. You know the drill. About 99% of the people you meet will forget about you. Don’t you forget about them. Make plans to contact them within 24-72 hours after each networking event.

#5) If you took pictures, put them up on your website, Facebook, Instagram, and other websites. Tag them, whenever possible, so their names get associated with your photos. Post them within 24-48 hours to keep the memories of the event fresh and alive!      

#6) Follow up on how you promised to help those you met.

#7) eMail your new contacts within 24 hours of meeting them. Remind them of who you are, what you talked about and the action/ideas/resources you both discussed upon meeting. You can do this from your phone, most likey. Here’s a sample letter:

SUGGESTED SUBJECT:
Bart Smith following up from last night’s networking event.

SUGGESTED EMAIL:
Hello ________, I wanted to reach out to say how great it was to meet you. I’m interested in continuing our conversation about ________ when you have time. Let me know what day/time is best for you and we’ll pick up the conversation right where we left off. Sound good? Have a great rest of your week.
Bart Smith
(000) 000-0000 CELL/TEXT 

Done. See how easy that was? Next!

#8) Call your contacts within 1-3 days after meeting them.

#9) Contact them on social media, add them as friends on Facebook and your LinkedIn network, Like their Facebook page, Tweet ‘em, like their posts on Instagram and TikTok, send them photos you took with them in them for posting, etc.

#10) Share your newly formed contacts with your current friends, associates and colleagues.

#11) Send them something, perhaps a link to something you want them to check out or that resource you promised to forward. Did you write a book? Send them access to the digital copy online or mail an autographed hard copy after confirming their mailing address.

#12) Blog or write about your networking experience. What happened? Who did you meet? Share some of the discussions. Communicate it to your blog readers.

#13) Plan to meet in person for lunch, coffee, etc., to continue your conversation.

#14) Mention other networking events you might be attending that they might like to know about, and ask them if they know of any you might want to attend.

#15) Call them back after a few weeks or even a couple of months if you don’t hear from them after awhile. You never know. They might have been busy that first week you met, and, now, maybe time has opened up for you to check in. “Bart, I’m so glad you called. I remember speaking with you. Yes, let’s get together. How about Wednesday?”

STAY IN TOUCH

The most important aspect of building / maintaining a professional network is staying in touch. Maintain those relationships on a regular basis. Remember, follow up SETS you apart from everyone else. Lay a foundation to create extraordinary friendships / business relationships essential to YOUR success and theirs!

(THIS CONTINUES IN THE BOOK)

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