Q1: Who actively seeks out networking support, idea support and emotional support? Which one(s) and why?
@EntreprenMoms A1 Everyone should but not everyone does! It’s the smart ones who understand that everyone needs support
@EntreprenMoms A1 for those seeking support falls into 2 groups: ones in the thick of it with young families & ones who have raised their kids
@CarlaYoung Q1: All three are critical…especially the idea support (in my opinion)
@CarlaYoung Q1: Idea support helps you learn from others (and their mistakes)
@IntactMarketing A1 I found it impossible to be successful on your own. You need support and surround yourself with positive people to grow
@IntactMarketing: A1 impossible to be successful on your own. need support & surround yourself w/positive people to grow
@CarlaYoung: FYI…I built my 1st business entirely on networking (and those relationships still help me today 10 years later)
@HeatherSBroad: A1 – everyone should! We cant do it all – everyone needs support in some capacity!
@CarlaYoung Q1: Networking support means less cold calling…yay – warm leads
Q2: What is your business networking strategy?
@MangoTangoIntrs: I meet people, have a build coffee & see ..build relationships
@CarlaYoung Q2: Meet people, help out and build relationships that follow me wherever I go
@EntreprenMoms: A2: Really pay attention to introductions! Hone in on that person with a view of how they can be helpful
@HeatherSBroad A2 – getting to know them & their business with a view of future collaboration
@MangoTangoIntrs: skype dates to work on business building with people are great
@shelleymayer: A2. Diversification is good. Industries, demographics, channels.
@OrganizerBoards: We do a lot of information sharing, critiquing, and sharing our expertise
@EntreprenMoms: We find that many never knew how much value there was in networking until they try
@OrganizerBoards: Q2 … Talk to people … not at people … start conversations
@shelleymayer: Authenticity & human connection important w/both
@CarlaYoung: It always amazes me how generous other entrepreneurs are with their ideas
Q3: Do you use different strategies for online and offline networking?
@ CarlaYoung Q3: The principle is the same, but the platform is different so needs slightly different tactics
@MangoTangoIntrs I always ask people what they want to discuss so it can brew and then when we meet its a sharing of ideas and go from there
@GoodiesForGifts yes, but either way, you have to be genuine
@CarlaYoung Please everyone ALWAYS remember to follow-up after networking!
@IntactMarketing Q3 I try hard whenever is possible to move my online connections to offline connections
@EntreprenMoms: A3 Definitely! Online is a great way to start but offline deepens the connection
@CarlaYoung Q3: I use online networking to stay connected after meeting offline too!
@shelleymayer Authenticity & human connection important w/both
@EntreprenMoms A3 in person is always more effective – people connect better but online starts the convo so go hand in hand
@EntreprenMoms A3 It’s been proven time and time again that one in-person meeting packs a powerful punch- connections mean more
@CarlaYoung: Q3: I use online networking to stay connected after meeting offline too!
@MangoTangoIntrs: Human connection LOVE it always gets the best result
@CarlaYoung: Q3: The principle is the same, but the platform is different so needs slightly different tactics
@CarlaYoung: Q3: I use online networking to stay connected after meeting offline too!
Q4: How do you start developing reciprocal referral relationships?
@MangoTangoIntrs: say you have a referral program and ask if they have one
@CarlaYoung Q4: Understand their business and start slowly swapping leads back and forth…(it does help to suggest it though)
@EntreprenMoms: A4 look at what motivates them! What makes this person tick? What makes their business tick?
@shelleymayer Find natural synergies
@CarlaYoung Q4: It helps to join referral-type networking groups where that is expected
@GoodiesForGifts find someone you connect with and go from there. I have a few of those now. Happened organically
@EntreprenMoms A4 What are they looking for and what can you do for them
@CarlaYoung: Q4: It helps to join referral-type networking groups where that is expected
@LifeSimplicated A4: focus on what you can give
@CarlaYoung: I’m thinking I’m going to do more virtual coffees via skype to connect with connections
@themomclub: Ive joined forces with great entrepreneurs I’ve met on twitter.
@CarlaYoung Q4: some referrals will only go 1 dir so as long as you are ok & trust established customer centric environment
@IntactMarketing Q4 I learned that if your genuinely interested to know about their dream and help them one step closer you can build long term
@EntreprenMoms: A4 What are they looking for and what can you do for them
@EntreprenMoms A4 what’s key is motivation! What motivates them & what makes this a mutually beneficial relationship?
Q5: What is the best way to ask for business referrals without seeming too pushy or salesy?
@EntreprenMoms: A5) put your “I would love to help you” best foot forward! Be disarming always remembering what’s in it for them
@EntreprenMoms: A5 Put it out there! Say I would love to work with you – we should chat!
@shelleymayer Q5. Strong value prop is key- referrer is helping their own network
@CarlaYoung Answer the question WIIFM (What’s in it for me)? FIRST
@IntactMarketing: Q5 First offer your help to them and they will return the favor. Treat people the way you want to be treated
@EntreprenMoms A5- I tend to have a very casual and straighforward manner- “let’s do something together!”… Have to feel it out first!
@EntreprenMoms A5 read their reaction to wanting to work with them. Get a sense of whether it is reciprocated
Q6: How do you seek out peer advisors to share ideas with and learn from?
@CarlaYoung: Q6: It sounds silly, but ask! Sometimes that advisor may want to set up a coaching arrangement
@IntactMarketing: @MrsSotology I attended several tweet-ups and made some meaningful connections
@CarlaYoung I always go to tweetups around conferences.
@ EntreprenMoms And the legacy of the connections is timeless! RT @jenniferdonogh: @CarlaYoung
@GoodiesForGifts tweetups are fun
@EntreprenMoms A6) If you seek a peer advisor go where they should be and make the ask
@EntreprenMoms A6) Meet people where you hope to find them- who’s in the health food aisle pouring over ingredients if you’re in health industry
@EntreprenMoms: A6) Look to your networking groups first as they are obvious and chock full of networky-minded folk like you
@EntreprenMoms: A6) Peer advisors seem to pop out of every crevice when you make the decision to look.
Q7: How do you find the right group to mastermind with? What qualities do you look for?
@ GoodiesForGifts I look for drive, dedication and desire to really get to know me as a person. I love personal connections
@CarlaYoung: Q7: Seek people who are at your level or above
@IntactMarketing: Q7-I look for groups where the members want to help each other not compete against each other
@EntreprenMoms: #EMI is offering masterminding events this season as we know how vital it is
@KidsGummyMum Following your local stream is smart
@MrsSotology: look for others that respect your craft and want to help you build business not just take take take
@EntreprenMoms: A7 Masterminding is important- it provides intense 1-on-1 problem-solving that we miss around the water cooler
Q8: What boundaries to you put in place to make sure idea sharing doesn’t turn into brain draining?
@MrsSotology I try to give enough information to display my expertise but not so much to consult… be careful of that
@CarlaYoung Q8: If it’s reciprocal (equal sharing), then yes. If it’s you coaching for free, consider boundaries
Q9: How do you find a safe space where you can really be open about the challenges of building a business?
@CarlaYoung: Q9: Hanging out with your peers. Friends and family dont always get it
@MrsSotology surround yourself with others that are in or have been in your situation.their passion & intent will be in your favor
@ EntreprenMoms Safety is achieved with ritualistic familiarity. When you see the same people regularly, your guard can come down.
@CarlaYoung so true! Some of my biggest supporters have been 3rd party colleagues!
@EntreprenMoms A9) A dedicated group of specific people is needed for security and feeling comfortable in airing challenges
@ jenniferdonogh a9. in the more literal sense, a safe place is not at the local coffee shop
Q10: Accountability Question: What are you going to do this week to build your business support network?
@ GoodiesForGifts learn more about the ladies I met tonight, and look into tweet-ups. Also research Entrepreneurial Moms!
@ EntreprenMoms A10) Brush up on cool but not frozen contacts this wk
@shelleymayer Make the calls don’t just write them on a to-do list
@ CarlaYoung Q10: Get more business cards printed for upcoming event!
@KidsGummyMum @MOMeo Q10 going to @shesconnected conference & personally speak 1on1 to all 200 attendees. #MyGoal #BuildBusinessNetwork
@ EntreprenMoms Remember we are social creatures. Being connected is sewn into our genetic fabric!
Want to build your business support network & connect with other moms who understand what drives you to build a business while raising a family? Join your local or global Entrepreneurial Moms International chapter today!