One of my newest connections on LinkedIn sent me an email, with a question as to how I manage my connections. For those of you who are building a network and are "afraid" of over-extending yourself, read on . . .

Here is my response:

Don't be overwhelmed, take it one step at a time and enjoy what you do! Most of all realize that not all connections will develop into strong business relationships, although our hope is that they will, reality is that they won't. Don't be disappointed. Do all you can to nurture your network in whatever time you have available to do it. Most of all, don't overextend yourself. Enjoy building these relationships - international, multi-cultural relationships really open your eyes to the possibilities! Do only what you can do - and you are the only person who knows what that answer is.

Enjoy and most of all - let me know how I can be of help to you!

Networking is all about personal interactions . . . pass it on! Take whatever time is necessary to build some strong connections and don't be concerned with having a large number of them. It doesn't really matter how high your numbers are - it's what you do with those numbers that is important!

There are so many social networks available today. Don't feel like you "have" to belong to all of them. Be selective and look at the people who are participating. Do they fit into your target market or do they share a special hobby with you? Do what fits best into your life - don't be bullied into joining up with everyone, everywhere. After all, how many places do you have to be seen in order to network with the same people all the time? All it takes is one network!

Tell me what you think - how many networks are YOU involved in . . . how do YOU handle YOUR connections?

As a final reminder, contacts are those you just met, connections are the next step in the relationship building process (the interactions) , relationship is the level you want to achieve. Work hard, help others and keep those contacts moving in the right direction. Decide what is best for YOU, whether it's 15 minutes a day or 5 hours a day - choose your networks wisely.

Carol Deckert, Netweaving Coach

Carol Deckert is a Networking Coach and the Netweaving Expert for Group Coaching Mastery. She's the founder of Referrals Unlimited Network, has more than 8,500 first-level connections in LinkedIn and approximately 1,000 "friends" on FaceBook and more than 4,000 followers on Twitter! Carol knows you do need the numbers before you can accumulate quality connections, because not every connection will be a good one for you. Through her netweaving work, she helps others learn to do what she did, save them lots of time and heartache, by teaching them how to network efficiently and effectively. Contact Carol on Skype: Deckert1116

2009 is coming to a close and we're embarking on a brand new year in 2010!  It's the perfect time to reflect on the experiences, people, relationships and interactions of the year.  I don't know about you but I've learned so many valuable lessons this year.  With each lesson, I know I move with great intention toward new and more exciting ventures via connections, conversations and relationships with lots of very kewl people.

I wanted to take this opportunity to share intentions for 2010 and review the amazing resourcefulness and sheer know-how of the powerful experts of Group Coaching Mastery.  Each of these experts possesses a truly special gift that shines through in their sharing and caring.  They totally rock!

Lisa Manyon, Copywriting Expert

Lisa Manyon is a such a savvy businesswoman!  We haven't actually met in person but I feel her presence in the way she shows up and shows out as the consummate professional she truly is.  Lisa knows copywriting and lots more.  My favorite blog post by Lisa shares powerful yet quick ways to write great headlines.  I'm looking forward to more exciting posts and savvy action from Lisa in the new year. Lisa is really a copywriting super star!

Regina Baker, Ecommerce Expert

Regina Baker knows her stuff!  I learn something new about shopping carts, ecommerce and even affiliate marketing with every post.  Regina's post on shopping cart blunders was eye-opening.  Who knew there was something called a "smooth cart path" to consider to guide folks easily through the buying process?  I'm ready to learn so many more ins and outs in the new year with Regina–let's go!!

Lou Bortone, Online Video Expert

Lou Bortone is an online video visionary!  Why? Because he gets the magic of video and it's power to transform the planet.  In today's world, where most people are still trying to get the blogging thing down, Lou has a mastered online video and readily shares his expertise, paving the way for innovation for the rest of us.  How kewl is that?! Lou is the Go-To Guy to go viral with your online video in the new year.

Carol Deckert, Netweaving Expert

Carol Deckert is an energetic connector.  She knows how to build relationships and shares those relationships to pay-it-forward for all involved.  Her netweaving post gave me real insight in to the art of networking.  Carol is delightful and I know she has lots more to wisdom to give in the new year.  Who do YOU know who…?

Lisa Angelettie, Article Marketing Expert

Lisa Angelettie is the article marketing expert for coaches!  She's always looking for ways to help us get more coaching clients and ultimately, grow our coaching business.  Lisa gets to the heart of the matter with proven strategies and I just love that!   I know Lisa has more resources and strategies to help ME succeed in the new year.  KEWLIO for you, t!

Kristen Beireis, Marketing Implementation Expert

Kristen Beireis is an awesome implementation professional!  She keeps me on my toes and supports me with lots of kewl, new learning.  Her post on implementing new marketing systems is evergreen and very appropriate for this time of year.  I'm so excited about learning more from Kristen about marketing implementation in the new year.  You are my shero, Kristen — the coaches marketing source indeed!

Shannon Cherry, Publicity Expert

Shannon Cherry is THE power publicist!  Not only does she know publicity and media.  She also knows how to leverage tools and technology to get visibility for your group coaching programs.  Shannon is aptly known as the power publicist helping folks to be heard in a crowded marketplace.  Oh, what kewlness the new year holds for you to be heard!

MaryPat Kavanagh, Social Media Relationships Expert

MaryPat Kavanagh is a social media connector who loves joint ventures.  She knows how to leverage social media tools to create profitable relationships for the communities she serves.  I know MaryPat will offer more insight to help you build relationships and create joint ventures in the new year.  WOOHOO!

Wendy Y. Bailey - Master Certified Group Coach

By the way, the timing of this post is quite deliberate. At 5:14 pm Eastern on the day this post is published we'll experience a full moon/blue moon eclipse.  I won't go into the science of it but the message is very clear:  Our lives are a gift that we need to take seriously. Celebrations and parties are a wonderful thing, but this Full Moon/Blue Moon Eclipse wants us to take a look at our life and create something wondrous.

Create something amazing and wondrous in your group coaching business in 2010!  I look forward to serving you with Group Coaching Mastery!

Big HUGS and MWAH!

WendyY

Turning to your current and/or past clients for their referral business is not only a smart and practical way to build your business, it's EASY!  We all know it costs more to obtain new clients than to maintain current or past clients.  Make a commitment to keep in touch with them often - tell them what's happening with your business and ASK for their help.  People love to be needed!

1. Look at your clients not as a one-time sale, but as a budding friendship.

Friends help friends.  Share your stories with each other - develop those important relationships.

2. Ask for them!

I know, that's an obvious statement, but so many people are afraid to simply ask.  Why not try this ?  Contact one of your clients/customers today and simply ask - "Of all the people in your office (or of all of your closest friends) which person do you think would be the most interested in the product/service I offer?"  What's the worst that can happen - you certainly cannot be killed for asking!

3. Begin at the beginning.

Instead of waiting later in a client/customer relationship to ASK for referral support….(which for some can be uncomfortable) begin TELLING your prospects/new clients at the very beginning that receiving referral support from your clients is HOW you do business.  Always tell your prospects what they can expect from you during  your relationship, and in turn, what you will expect from them.

4. Practice makes perfect!

The more you do, the better you become at what you do or know, the more confident you naturally come off to others.  Creating more confidence for THEM to easily refer you to the people in their life as "The only ONE to go to."

5. Shift the burden.

Many business owners are afraid that asking for referrals from their customers/clients puts an unwanted burden on them. (They feel embarrassed or ashamed to ask for 'help.') So, shift your belief or understanding. When you ask your clients to refer their friends or colleagues to you, YOU (once again) are HELPING MORE PEOPLE. (The burden stays on you and off of them!)  People LOVE to help others (generally) so why not make them feel special, and ASK for their help?

6. Create an exclusive experience!

Create an experience for your customers/clients that feels (and is) exclusively just for them. How you do business should definitely stand out (and apart) from your competition. It doesn't have to be a lot. Keep it simple - yet clearly beneficial to your clients/customers.

7. Clearly express yourself!

Let your clients know ALL that you do. Most will think the only thing you do or offer is what they get from you. Explain through stories, examples, and other offers the FULL RANGE of what you are able to offer.  Don't drown them in details, it's better to explain all the products and services you offer, one at a time.

8. Think Long-Term Relationship - not just WIIFM!

Let your clients/customers know you are interested in serving them for the long haul. Sometimes it won't occur to a client/customer to return to you for your product or service. Let them know you would like to serve them as long as they need the product or service you are exchanging with them.

9 . K.I.S.S.  Keep It Simple, Specific

People love easy and simple (isn't that why you are reading this top ten?). Whatever your product or service, make the experience of working with you as easy and simple for your customer/client as possible.  Be specific in what you are offering or in what you are looking for!

10. Tell your clients just how important their referral support is to your success.

People love to know when they are doing good and when they have been a key player in something successful.  Be sure to thank them, thank them often, keep in touch with them, find out what's important to them and to their business and see if you can offer a solution to them!

What other ways are you using to increase the number of referrals you receive?  Tell me about them in the comment section below!

To  Your Networking Success!

Carol

Carol Deckert - Netweaving Expert

Carol Deckert is a Networking Coach and the Netweaving Expert for Group Mastery. She's the founder of Referrals Unlimited Network, has more than 6,700 first-level connections in LinkedIn and approximately 1,800 “friends” on FaceBook and more than 3,000 followers on Twitter! Carol knows you do need the numbers before you can accumulate quality connections, because not every connection will be a good one for you. Through her netweaving work, she helps others learn to do what she did, save them lots of time and heartache, by teaching them how to network efficiently and effectively. Contact Carol on Skype: Deckert1116