I believe that in order for someone to be successful, they need to understand what it is they are trying to be successful in. What it is they are trying to embark on.
As some, most, or all of you may know, I have built a 7-figure business and two 6-figure businesses solely off of word-of-mouth marketing, relationship marketing, and networking.
One of the first things that helped me was truly understanding what it is I was embarking on and what it is I’m doing. So, what are these things that I used to grow my successful businesses and how are they all related?
Word of Mouth Marketing
Oral or written recommendation by a satisfied customer to the prospective customers of a service or good. Word of mouth marketing is considered to be the most effective form of promotion.
Relationship Marketing
Promotional and selling activities aimed at developing and managing trusting and long-term relationships with larger customers. Customer profile, buying patterns, and history of contact are maintained in a database. A service representative is assigned to one or more customers to fulfill their needs and maintain the relationship.
Master
An artist of consummate skill. One whose teaching or doctrine is accepted by followers. An artist or performer of great or exemplary skill. An expert.
Reciprocal
A relationship in which an act or movement of one party is met or countered with the corresponding movement from the other.
Resource
Economic or productive factors required to accomplish an activity. The three most basic resources are land, labor, and capital. Other important resources are energy, information, know-how, management, and most importantly, time.
Leverage
Ability to influence a system or environment in a way that multiplies the outcome of one’s efforts without a corresponding increase in the consumption of resources.
Networking
Creating a group of acquaintances and associates and keeping it active through regular communication for mutual benefit. Networking is based on the question “How can I help” and not “What can I get.”
Bringing it all together
All of the above definitions come together in Networking. Networking, and being a master networker, is a resource that allows you to be a master, reciprocate, and leverage. Master networking will also lead to more relationship marketing and word-of-mouth marketing.
The keys here are “mutual benefit” and showing up from a frame of mind of “How can I help.” Many networkers show up from a frame of mind of “What can I get.”
Make that one shift and show up in service you’re going to start to see things shift around you.