Janice Porter and Associates Networking Blog » greeting cards

What is the Net Worth of your Networking?

wpadmin — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 19:22:57 +0000

Networking is an important part of any business, and yet so many people fail at it. Why do they do it? Why do they take the time from their already busy day to go out and meet new people? Obviously, in most cases it is to increase their bottom line, by introducing more people to the services and products they offer, etc. Yet,it is not enough to just attend a meeting, shake a hand and grab a business card. It is equally important, while you are there, to begin building a relationship – ask questions, be present, and mentally note where a future connection could occur. Additionally, you need to follow up with that person. Over 90% of businesses DO NOT follow up with prospects after first meeting them. Just imagine how much business is being left on the table…

I challenge you to change this statistic and put a follow up strategy in place. How can you set yourself apart from the others and show that you are serious about networking?

Some of the things I recommend are:

1. Within 24 hours of meeting someone at an event send a quick email telling them how much you enjoyed your conversation and it was nice to meet them. This will make you stand out from the crowd already.

2. If you want to further the conversation, ask if they would like to meet for coffee and suggest a couple of times.

3. Use Send Out Cards to then send a greeting card in the mail – it is quick, easy, and convenient to do, and it keeps a log of the cards sent for you – this will definitely impress someone…

4. Stay connected and if you have the opportunity to refer some possible business to them, or send them an article of interest this will further the relationship also.

5. Invite them to an event you think they may enjoy.

Have fun implementing these ideas into your follow-up plan and see how much it “ups your networking net worth”.

Gratitude Rocks!!

wpadmin — Sun, 21 Nov 2010 04:13:40 +0000

My friend Mike has this very cool website called Gratitude Rocks . He shares amazing photos and thought-provoking quotes with all who subscribe.
Recently it struck me how much Mike’s website aligns with what I do. I send cards, greeting cards, in the mail – how novel is that in our fast-paced,
throw-away world today?

People love receiving cards. The cards are a “feel-good” thing to do. They spread positives into the world. They make someone’s day.

Cards can be sent for so many different reasons, for example:

to show appreciation for a gift
to thank someone for their time
to share photo memories of special occasions
to show gratitude for a job well done
to cheer someone up
to celebrate occasions, holidays, milestones
“just because…”

When was the last time you sent a card to a loved one or to someone in your business world who needed to be appreciated?
Often we think about doing it but it’s too inconvenient; we don’t take the time and the moment passes.

Why not give it a try?

You can do it instantly with my program, which of course is in tune with the world we live in – it’s web-based – and still create
a custom card that shows you must have taken time to do so, AND have it delivered the old-fashioned way … in the mail!

NOW THAT ROCKS!!

It’s Time to Get Reconnected

wpadmin — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 21:59:42 +0000

I am very excited to be back writing my blog and to focus on all the things I am passionate about: networking, connecting others, and customer service. My new website is up and running and I feel extremely energized about all that is going on in my life.

Business networking is the greatest single asset for creating growth and a sustainable business model in today’s market. I love building relationships and teaching entrepreneurs how to create their own networks. I am very grateful for all the amazing people I am meeting as I share my greeting card service on a weekly basis at my regular BNI meeting – who then work on my behalf to expand my prospect and client base. I also “pay it forward” by instructing people how to link with new clients and create opportunities as I connect these prospects with other great people in my network. One of my favourite things to do is meet new people and learn about them and what they do. Even as I’m talking to them I am thinking about how I can best support them.
There has never been a better time to start using valuable networking and communication skills to rise above your competition. I heard this quote from someone I respect and it resonated with me:

” Appreciation wins over self-promotion every time.”

I think it is a good mantra to remember when networking, and I hope you agree. Let me know what you think and please take a look at my new website and let me know how I can be of service to you. Let’s get connected or reconnected!