Every time you or someone else gives a referral, many reputations are on the line, but most importantly, yours.

There is no question about it, word-of-mouth is the most effective type of advertising there is, however, it has a very dark side too.  Many people think that referring people involves just getting to know someone, but they forget that nothing is more important than trust, and you can easily kill trust in business.

If you base your business’ marketing on word-of-mouth, be careful, because your integrity and reputation are at constant risk.  When someone refers you, you better live up to his or her expectations.  You have to be professional, and do what you say you can do.  If you mess up, everyone involved will notice.

In the same way, when you refer someone, your reputation is at stake too.  When a referral is good, you greatly strengthen a relationship, but if the referral is a bad one, you can say goodbye to that relationship.  When the person you refer is not a professional, does a poor job or cheats, what suffers the most is your reputation.

You must know the person or business you refer deeply, to be sure that you know all the facts and that you have strong proof of their integrity and professionalism, otherwise, you will end up apologizing to many people and making amends to get your good name back.

One can say that the biggest risk when giving a bad referral is for the giver.  His or her business relationships may follow his or her advice due to their reputation, only to be cheated into a trap.  How do you think him or her will look in front of those clients?  Do not risk it!  Know as much as possible about whom you are referring, and equally, never give good referrals to people you know cannot refer with integrity.

On the other hand, some people believe that because they have been referred they can do anything they want, harming themselves and those who referred them due to their recklessness.  Remember that word-of-mouth always works, be it in your favor or against you.  Never assume you will get a special treatment just because you were referred, you can seriously damage the relationship between the person who referred you and the third party, without mentioning your own.

It can’t be clearer; everyone involved in the referral circle is under close scrutiny.  Whatever anyone says or displays conveys a message.  It is very easy to pinpoint a dishonest and unprofessional person, however, the harm is already done.  Word-of-mouth is associated with your image; the true professional is honest and dedicated in every area of his or her life.

Even for solid professionals, sometimes word-of-mouth is not the right way to go.  Good business networking demands time and personal involvement, thus, if you cannot give it the care it needs, it is better to stick to other conventional advertising media and marketing strategies, and not risk moving to the dark side of business.

If you liked this article, tell all your friends about it. They’ll thank you for it. If you have a blog or website, you can link to it or even post it to your own site (don’t forget to mention www.meetingwave.com as the original source).

Don’t Forget to Subscribe by RSS or Email:

Social Networking sites can be a great place to catch up with old friends, meet new people from all over the world, as well as have a place on the Internet that is uniquely your own.  But social networking sites can also be hotbeds for harmful computer viruses and malware.  So how can you enjoy your time on the social networking sites, yet still protect your computer, as well as your personal information?  By using caution, and following some protective measures, you will not only be able to enjoy your experience using social media, but you will not harm your computer, or risk your personal information in the process.

Social Networking sites like Facebook, Myspace, and Twitter have become exceedingly popular for kid and adults, all over the world.  But the real question is, is it safe?  The answer is yes and no.  Ultimately these sites are well protected against viruses and malware, but there are always circumstances where your computer could be vulnerable.  However, if you follow the right precautionary measures, and you stay vigilant, as well as informed, you will not only enjoy your social media experience, but protect your computer and personal information as well.

Some ways to stay vigilant while using social media sites is to never divulge any personal information.  This means never listing information on these sites such as your phone number, address, social security number, etc.  Sometimes using your full name can even put you at risk, which is why using nicknames or name abbreviations aren’t always a bad route to go.  Also, be aware that almost anyone all over the world can view your page, as well as pictures you may have on there, and other personal information.  If this is something that you want to stay away from, many of these sites offer you an option of making your profile private, so that only your contacts can view your page.  By being smart, and protecting your personal information, you can protect yourself from viral predators, as well as anyone else looking to misuse your personal information.

Now that you know how to protect yourself, what about protecting your computer?  Protecting your computer from viruses and malware, is much like protecting your personal information: it takes vigilance and proper education.  One important step to take is to protect your password and log in information.  The most common way for hackers to access your social media accounts is by getting access to your user name and passwords, then sending harmful information from your account.  The best way to protect against this is by never divulging this information to anyone.  Also, make sure to keep your passwords safe by changing them periodically, and not making them too easy to figure out.  Secondly, these networking sites will never ask for your user name or password after you have registered an account with them.  If you get an email from one of these sites asking you for your password or username, delete it immediately.   Moreover, please be aware that some url shorteners may lead you into trouble.   If you don’t know the person sending the link, be careful and make sure your security software has been updated before clicking.

Social Networking sites can be great places to meet people, contact old friends, as well create a unique site to attract like-minded people.  But with using anything on the Internet, there are inherent threats and dangers.  Protect yourself by using common sense, staying vigilant, as well being informed about new threats and viruses.

If you liked this article, tell all your friends about it. They’ll thank you for it. If you have a blog or website, you can link to it or even post it to your own site (don’t forget to mention www.meetingwave.com as the original source).

Don’t Forget to Subscribe by RSS or Email:

If you’ve decided to host a networking event, you’ll want to make sure it’s a big success. You’ll hope the event meets the expectations of your attendees and, of course, that they have a great time too.

Whether your event is for business or social purposes, take note of the following tips to make sure you throw a networking party that people will remember.

1. Pick the right venue
The place you choose to host your event will be important for creating the right atmosphere. Have an idea or theme behind your networking event, e.g., classy and sophisticated for a business networking event in the jewelry industry or relaxed and homey for a local community networking meeting. Find a place that you feel best helps you convey your desired atmosphere. These can include any of the following: restaurant, private dining room, hotel conference room, bar lounge, community room or resort locations. You might also choose a location that allows you to contribute your own additions to the decor to help create the atmosphere you want, e.g., by adding fresh flowers, wall hangings, centerpieces or displays, etc.

2. Consider having a speaker
If possible, find a speaker – normally someone who is prominent or knowledgeable in a certain industry – to speak on a subject that will interest your attendees. Advertise the speaker’s presence at the event to encourage people to attend. Make sure the speaker’s presentation or speech is not too long so it doesn’t interfere with the networking process. In addition, the subject should be of value to the attendees so they will remember your event and want to attend any future ones that you might hold.

3. Refreshments
Depending on the type of networking event you are holding, your refreshments may range from simple finger foods with bar drinks to a private sit-down dinner. Whichever it is, providing food and drink for your attendees is important – even for small and informal networking parties. You won’t want your guests to leave your event because they are hungry. Hiring waiters and waitresses who carry around finger foods and take orders for drinks is one good idea. It lets your guests carry on their conversations without the need to go elsewhere to eat or grab a drink.

4. Help your guests connect
You may not know everyone who attends your event, but you are sure to know a few key players. Try and boost their networking success by introducing them to other guests you feel they might want to meet. As you get to know more of your attendees, be aware of good introductions you might be able to make. Your guests will appreciate the help and your willingness to connect people will reflect well on you and your event, too.

5. Think carefully about who you invite
Open invitations to events aren’t always the best way to ensure a successful outcome. Select a good range and balance of people who will be interested in meeting each other. Use an online meeting tool that lets you send your invitation to a wide range of people but allows you to filter the candidates you feel are most suited to your event. If you are looking to invite more people to an event, why not suggest to existing attendees that they invite someone from their own network, business or industry circle?

Follow these tips and your social and business networking events are sure to be a success!

If you liked this article, tell all your friends about it. They’ll thank you for it. If you have a blog or website, you can link to it or even post it to your own site (don’t forget to mention www.meetingwave.com as the original source).

Don’t Forget to Subscribe by RSS or Email:

First impressions are important. Within the first five minutes of meeting someone, they will naturally form an opinion about you based on how you look, how you present yourself and what you say. These opinions will then determine how the person perceives you and can be the basis for many important decisions they make concerning you – for example, you could be attending a job interview, trying to form new business relationships or trying to make friends and form social contacts. That’s why it’s essential to know how to make a great first impression when meeting new people – one that will help you achieve the success you desire.

1. Be on time
Even before you arrive at your interview, a networking event or social meeting, you’ll have created a negative impression of yourself if you don’t turn up on time. The best advice is to plan ahead and try to arrive early. It may even work in your favor – sometimes being the first person on the scene of a networking event helps you connect with the most people as you’re there to greet people as they arrive.

2. Look your best
It is estimated that 93% of a first impression is formed with non-verbal data such as appearance and body language. This means it’s important to dress well and appropriately for the occasion. Make an effort with your hair, how well your shoes are polished, your make-up, your choice of tie – every detail counts. By dressing well, you’ll also feel more confident which is always an attractive quality.

3. Smile
Smiles are great for helping people feel relaxed and comfortable. Welcome someone with a warm and genuine smile and they are sure to reciprocate. It’s a fact that smiling helps people to feel happy, too – don’t neglect the importance of this simple gesture when making your first impressions.

4. Learn good body language technique
Your body language communicates a great deal about you. It’s good to have an understanding of the signals you send out and which ones will help you make a good impression. Making eye contact shows you are paying attention to the person you are talking to and are interested in what they are saying. Leaning in towards a person helps you appear engaged in the conversation. Standing tall, offering a firm handshake and controlling nervous habits like fidgeting will help you appear more confident, too.

5. Be polite and courteous
Good manners always help to make a good impression. Being polite, considerate and courteous towards the people you meet is a quality that is often noted and appreciated. One courteous action worth mentioning is making sure your phone is switched off so conversations aren’t interrupted

6. Be positive
A person who makes negative comments is rarely appealing to other people. Hold back any tendencies to criticize complain or grumble. Instead, be someone who is positive and looks for good aspects even in the face of negative situations. Having a positive attitude is another way to instantly attract other people to you.

7. Know how to have good conversations
When talking about yourself, share interesting stories that highlight your best features without sounding over-confident. For example, if you are in an interview for a marketing job, share a story about a unique achievement you made or original sales campaign you had success with, so that the achievement or success will be remembered. At the same time, be someone who shows interest in the person you are speaking to – especially when networking or meeting new people for social or business purposes. Ask open-ended questions that help you learn more about the person you are speaking to.

8. Use people’s names
People like to hear other people using their name. After being introduced to someone, try and incorporate their name into your phrasing while you have a conversation. This is also something that will help you remember their name later – another great way to make a good impression.

9. Know how to shake hands
Knowing how to give a good handshake is especially important during business interactions. Even in social meetings, a good handshake immediately conveys a sense of confidence and self-assurance. The handshake should always be firm, never limp. Position your hand to make complete contact with the other person’s hand. Once they connect, close your thumb over the other person’s hand. You can then give it a slight squeeze with your thumb.

10. Be yourself and be confident
When meeting new people, it’s always important to be yourself and avoid trying to be someone or something that you aren’t or that you believe people want you to be. You’ll feel more naturally relaxed and confident if you are first comfortable with who you are. If you can feel happy about letting other people know the real you, you’ll instantly convey this self-confidence when you meet people for the first time.

If you liked this article, tell all your friends about it. They’ll thank you for it. If you have a blog or website, you can link to it or even post it to your own site (don’t forget to mention www.meetingwave.com as the original source).

Don’t Forget to Subscribe by RSS or Email:

A business blog is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to make yourself visible to current and potential customers; it is a great business networking tool.  You must put yourself out there if you want to succeed, because people do business with people that are accessible.

Blogging won’t make you rich overnight, but a well-maintained blog will surely help you grow your business steadily.  But, what exactly is well-maintained?  Well, there is the right way to blog, and here we show you how.

1.    Content rules!
The first step to creating a successful blog is to identify your readers and their needs.  Once you establish that, you’re ready to start listing topics to write about.  Every topic must be interesting and relevant as well as inspiring.  You can research topics in several ways, for example: check keyword popularity tools to see if your topic is popular, join networking communities and forums related to your readers to see what’s hot among them, create news alerts for your main keywords and check what comes up for ideas, read related blogs to see what they’re talking about and check Amazon.com to find out what other things your clients have checked out.

2.    Select a topic for your blog and stick to it!
If you know exactly what your blog is about, it will be easier to find fresh content.  It will help you create an interesting and professional blog that will bring people back regularly.  For example, you could devote it to regular reviews of books and magazine articles that interest your readers, or reviews of seminars, conferences and webinars that are vital for them, or even major holidays and their traditions, it all depends on your product.  You can talk about articles in your newsletter, about a report you issued or about your clients’ testimonials.

3.    Above all, be consistent!
It is very common to start very strong, like publishing a post per day, only to eventually let it wear off due to daily responsibilities and lack of time.  In the end, a week will go by without a single new article.  If this happens to you, it is a sign that your blog schedule is not right for you.  It doesn’t matter if you publish once a day or once a week, what’s important is that you are consistent and establish what you are capable of.  Brainstorm ideas so that you have topics ready for when you are not so inspired.

Keeping a blog should be a fun and interesting activity, one to bring quality contact with your clients in order to know them deeply and even make friends with them.  If you do not believe it is important to keep in touch with them, there are many others out there who do, and your business will go elsewhere, along with your clients.

If you liked this article, tell all your friends about it. They’ll thank you for it. If you have a blog or website, you can link to it or even post it to your own site (don’t forget to mention www.meetingwave.com as the original source).

Don’t Forget to Subscribe by RSS or Email:

There is more to networking than being at every single event out there.  Once you meet people you must devote time to making these relationships grow into something meaningful.

Running around looking for more and more people to meet is a waste of time, money and energy.  Instead, after attending several events, you should be focusing on creating a worthy relationship with the contacts you already made.

Good business networking requires stopping at the right time.  You must look at what you have, prioritize it, organize it, select it, and spend time building credibility and profitability.  These two only come after a closer and deeper relationship has been created, and constant nurturing between the parts is given.

Normally, professionals find it hard to stop networking because there isn’t a reliable measurement system that assures them that a certain referral tactic is really working unless they close an immediate sale, thus, they continue to fish as much as possible, only to never evolve.

Seldom, the worth of building relationships is taken into account, because it almost never happens, even though this is the real purpose of networking: to meet people and create relationships that can get you new customers in the future.  These contacts may never buy from you; their value lies in whom they can bring to you.

In regards to business networking, you can sin both ways: by attending too few events or by going to too many of them.  In some situations you may be asked to attend weekly meetings, but this is so you can build relationships with the group members, keep up with the variety of products and services they offer, and pass referrals to others.  In any other case, you are wasting both your time and others’.

Surely you can see how counterproductive it would be to get more referrals than you can manage, as each one takes time, money and lots of energy.  To keep a strong and productive relationship, you must meet your partners on a regular basis and produce good referrals for them, even if you have to neglect your business.  Imagine what condition you will be in if you have to do that for a large number of contacts!  It is humanly impossible.

So, as it goes for most of life’s situations, center on quality, not on quantity.  Think of three strategic partnerships per year, sort them by importance based on your goals, and divide your time between them accordingly.  Measure and keep track of the results, and never promise too much.

The worst you could do is to neglect a business relationship; in that case, it is more beneficial to never start it in the first place.

If you liked this article, tell all your friends about it. They’ll thank you for it. If you have a blog or website, you can link to it or even post it to your own site (don’t forget to mention www.meetingwave.com as the original source).

Don’t Forget to Subscribe by RSS or Email:

We know by experience, that the most effective way to meet new people is face-to-face, or at least it was, until web conferencing appeared.  So, in this virtual era, is it necessary to meet in person at all?  Does it depend on the topic, the people?  Is there a way to know which one works better?

In truth, our daily lives go by experiencing both ways, and there are clear advantages to both.  Here is a list of these advantages to help you identify which one works best for you:

Virtual Meetings
1.    Cost savings.  When separated by hundreds or even thousands of miles, it can be really expensive, inefficient and time consuming to meet people in person.  Web conferencing has proven very efficient and convenient in these cases, as the attendees do not have to move from their office or home to participate, it can be scheduled fast, and the costs involve only software, conference administration, and teleconferencing or videoconferencing equipment.

2.    Recording.  Unlike in person meetings, web conferences can be recorded for later review or replay, allowing participants to check on important topics or missed information.  They may be seen by people who could not attend, and may also be evaluated to improve future meetings.

3.    Time flexibility.  Web conferencing works great for last minute urgent meetings and long distance ones.  Documents may be shared almost instantaneously, reaching the necessary people very efficiently.

In Person Meetings
1.    Better communication.  During a meeting face-to-face, you are able to see the person’s expressions, perceive his or her voice tone and watch body language.  You are dialoguing, not presenting, which allows you to grasp lots of information that is present beyond words.

2.    Focus.  Participants are forced to pay attention and be present when you meet in person.  When in a web conference, it is easier to do other stuff while you are listening.

3.    Control.  Although web conferencing is less expensive, you may encounter problems such as dropped calls, interferences, or other technical issues.  This doesn’t happen face-to-face, and if something does happen, you can measure the participant’s reaction to the event, allowing you more control over any situation.

4.    Content flexibility.  In person, it is easier to select what information to present based on verbal and non-verbal indicators.  On the web, the amount of information presented is limited, and it cannot be explained in the same extent as in person.  A meeting face-to-face is more dynamic.

5.    It makes you unique.  In a world where everyone is in a hurry, taking the time to meet your clients, colleagues or associates will make you stand out from the rest.  It says a lot about how much you care and how professional you are.

There are several benefits to both ways of meeting people which can be taken advantage of to perform and enjoy high-quality meetings and interactions.  You can really learn to complement them and get the best out of both!

If you liked this article, tell all your friends about it. They’ll thank you for it. If you have a blog or website, you can link to it or even post it to your own site (don’t forget to mention www.meetingwave.com as the original source).

Don’t Forget to Subscribe by RSS or Email:

Asking clients and contacts to write a testimonial about the product or service you provided can prove to be the best way to appear credible and consolidate your business.

Written testimonials are very influential tools, even more so when they come from trusted personal contacts.  In many instances, a friend’s opinion is very important, even when selecting something as critical as a doctor.  So, regarding your business, potential customers will be very attracted to your products or services if they know what others have experienced with you, and depending on your field, people will ask for references they can personally check.

Testimonials are very credible because they come from someone who has experienced your products or services.  They are extremely good trust developers; the person giving it has nothing to gain, so the words come from the heart.

In order to support their business, many companies make it a habit to ask for customer testimonials; they trust what they offer that much.  These testimonials can be used in many ways to increase your credibility and give you a competitive advantage.  They are widely used throughout websites, and are one of their strongest business networking resources, but you should also offer them to your clients at the office, by placing them in an accessible location to read while they wait, or to include them on your business proposals, for example.

For some new entrepreneurs it may be difficult to ask for testimonials, but it will get easier if you make it a standard practice.  However, ask for them when the time is right; you will know when that is along the process.  It could be at the beginning, in the middle, in the end, or even after a while, in every case, ask for the testimonial when the person is excited about your products or services, because he or she will want to share the joy.

When a client agrees to write about you, teach them how to do it.  Ask your client to tell others why he or she chose you, how he or she benefited from your products or services, how you solved his or her problems, and what others should know and expect from your business.  Feel free to give suggestions so as to get the best out of them.

A testimonials document must be updated at least every two or three years. This way you remove the ones that no longer apply because they have lost credibility or validity and include new, improved and more powerful ones.  Basically, get rid of testimonials from businesses that have closed, or those that were written by someone who is not working at the company anymore, as well as those that mention products or services that you currently don’t offer, those that are turning yellow, or have to be updated with current customer statistics.

With this new and powerful clarity about why you should ask people to write about you and your business, try to ask for at least three testimonials this week, and remember: the best way to get someone to write positive things about you is to write positive things about them first!

If you liked this article, tell all your friends about it. They’ll thank you for it. If you have a blog or website, you can link to it or even post it to your own site (don’t forget to mention www.meetingwave.com as the original source).

Don’t Forget to Subscribe by RSS or Email:

Your business card is worth gold in the business networking world.  If used correctly, it is one of the top tools you can take advantage of to increase referrals.  Can you imagine 20 people carrying your business cards around and delivering them to high-quality prospects?  You betcha!

Business cards are a powerful investment.  They are inexpensive, compact, durable, and offer your prospects valuable information: who you are, how to contact you, and a hint of your personality and style.  A business card can be one of a kind, so elegant, funny, weird or charming that it will keep you in the minds of people for a long time.  It can even be a conversation starter.  It is passed from person to person taking the message to anyone who comes in contact with it.

Business cards have two important functions:

-    Do business with the person who receives it.

-    Put your name out there through the person who receives it; this means: referrals.

So, how is it exactly that you play your business cards right?  Check out these tips for using business cards effectively:

1.    Don’t leave home without them
Keep your business cards with you at all times, and many of them, so that you never run out.  Make sure than you always have your cards with you AND that your business networking associates have them too.

2.    Look for opportunities to exchange them
There are many situations in which you can distribute your cards around, one-on-one meetings, social gatherings, seminars and shows, and to complementary businesses.

3.    Long distance contacts
Every time you send a letter, send a business card along.  Send business cards with thank you notes and sales materials you mail out.  Communicating through email is very efficient, but try to complement it with some ways where you can include your business cards too.

4.    Be a magician
You should always use tricks to make your cards unforgettable.  When you meet people and give one out, write something down on it, another phone number or email address, to make it more desirable.  Give the person more than one card and ask him or her to pass them along to someone who could be interested.  When you receive a card from someone, treat it with care in front of the owner, and when you are alone, write something on it about the person so that you can remember him or her easily.  At restaurants, leave your card with a good tip and a thank you on the back.

One of the basics of handing out business cards is to recognize the power and potential this little tool has.  Remember: never leave home without them!

If you liked this article, tell all your friends about it. They’ll thank you for it. If you have a blog or website, you can link to it or even post it to your own site (don’t forget to mention www.meetingwave.com as the original source).

Don’t Forget to Subscribe by RSS or Email:

Whether you meet people through online social networking or in-person networking events, your reputation is what makes or breaks you when it comes to business.  You put yourself at risk for a negative reputation if you don’t take the steps to protect your reputation. Word-of-mouth spreads fast. It only takes one harsh word to a client or negative comment from a customer to put your business in jeopardy.

Even if staff members attend networking events on your behalf and talk negatively about your competition, it’s your company’s reputation at stake. As a business professional, you are a direct reflection of your company’s mission and code of ethics.  That applies to both in-person networking and online social networking.

Social networking makes it easy for customers/clients to post both positive and negative comments related to your business. However, before you can protect your reputation you need to first understand how reputation management works. Reputation management tracks one person’s actions against another person’s opinion about those particular actions. Tracking can be as simple as setting up Google e-mail alerts, or as complex as using reputation management software.

How Can You Protect Your Business Reputation?
These are easy reputation management strategies that will ensure your business reputation remains intact:

•    When setting up social networking profiles, always tie your business name and contact information into your profile. Add a personal picture or company logo – this helps brand your company so people know you are the original “ABC Real Estate Company.”  Set up business profiles in search engines such as Google and Yahoo. This further protects your identity (especially when potential or current customers or colleagues search for you online)

•    Use online tracking tools such as Google alerts or simply search for your company name online. Take an active role in online forum communities and spread a positive message about your business.

Remember to always say it with a smile – whether you post tweets on Twitter or shake hands with the mayor. Put your best face forward, and remember you are the voice and face behind your company’s reputation (even if you aren’t the business owner). Join your local chamber of commerce or business networking groups.  By interacting one-on-one with fellow entrepreneurs, you will quickly earn a positive reputation within your community.

Stop Rumors in Their Tracks
If you hear a rumor circulating about you, don’t get angry and fire back with negative comments. The best way to stop a nasty rumor is to confront the source directly. For example, if a local newspaper misquotes a fact about you or your business, follow up with an immediate phone call to the media. You want to stop that rumor in its tracks before it spreads.

People believe what they read and bad publicity is the fastest way to ruin your business reputation. It doesn’t matter if you are a small business or a large corporation, don’t fall into the trap and think that “all publicity is good publicity.” Bad publicity can ruin your business reputation in mere seconds.

If you liked this article, tell all your friends about it. They’ll thank you for it. If you have a blog or website, you can link to it or even post it to your own site (don’t forget to mention www.meetingwave.com as the original source).

Don’t Forget to Subscribe by RSS or Email: