This is a guest post by one of my top blogging students, Eric Goldstein. To learn more about Eric, visit his blog at http://CreateWithEric.com. Enjoy!
People are running around looking for the big SECRET to building their business using social media and internet marketing. Is this you? If it is… you’ve had the secret all your life. You just might not be using it effectively.
Do You Want To Know ‘The Secret’?
Isn’t it funny… Here I am telling you that you already know ‘the secret’ and I’m asking you if you want me to tell you what it is. I just found that comical!
So the thing that I believe is the most IMPORTANT ingredient to building your business online is creating strong RELATIONSHIPS. Not much of a secret, huh? If you are like most people, you were waiting for me to give you something that would knock you back off your chair.
It’s usually the simplest things in life that are the most POWERFUL. People are always looking for the complicated strategy or technique… because if they don’t understand it then it has to be something huge. Let go of that belief if it’s one of yours… it will destroy you!
Why Is This So Powerful?
Building great relationships is by far the BIGGEST skill you can learn that will EXPLODE your business… and IT IS a learnable skill. No matter how you look at it, you’re going to be building relationships. You’re either going to build long lasting meaningful connections or inauthentic empty ones. It’s your choice…
Take a look at the people who are successful in the business you are in… or any business. What is the one common trait that you find in all of them? Really think about this for a minute, this is important…
They’ve learned the skill of building strong relationships with their business partners, their clients and the people on their list. I’ll bet if you interview these people and ask them what’s the skill that has contributed most to their success; the common answer you will get is building good relationships.
It really doesn’t matter what business you are in, this is the thing that is going to determine if you succeed beyond your wildest dreams or fail miserably. I really hope you’re paying attention here because this is the information that has and will continue build fortunes!
This is the one skill that is TIMELESS! All other strategies, tips and tricks stop working after a while as times change and new technology comes on the scene. Once you master this area, you will see MASSIVE changes in the results you are getting in your business!
An important thing to remember is you can have all the best strategies for driving traffic to your blog or website, but if you don’t know how to build and nurture a relationship with those people, you’ll have WASTED your time and energy!
Let’s Take A Journey Back In Time…
Let’s go back to the time when you were in school. Get a clear mental picture of the person that was the most popular kid in school. I’m talking about the person that ran the school and everyone wanted to hang out with. Have this person in mind? Maybe that person was you J
What about this person made everyone want to be friends with them? What made them so ‘attractive’ that others wanted to hang out with them? If you really look at it, they were GREAT at building relationships. I bet if you tracked that person down today, they’re probably doing really well in whatever business they are in.
Is Building Strong Relationships Really A Learnable Skill?
The answer is YES! It’s just like baking a cake… if you know all the ingredients that someone used to bake a yummy cake, then YOU can bake the exact same cake. You just have to know what to do and you can create the same success as them.
I’m going to go through the steps on what it takes to build these strong relationships. If you refer to this list often and really put this stuff into action, you will see a SHIFT in the direction of your business… and that direction is UP!
The 4 Keys To Building Strong Long Lasting Relationships:
Key #1: Always come from a place of GIVING and adding VALUE
It’s really funny… I see all of these network marketers running around online slamming their business opportunities down everyone’s throats. Did they ever look up what the word ‘networking’ means? The definition is ‘The cultivation of productive relationships for business’.
Spamming everyone with their business opportunity does not fit anywhere in that definition! Yet if you go to Facebook or Twitter right now, the walls are filled with people telling you how they can help you make a million dollars by Friday… it’s ridiculous!
This is probably the most important key that we will go over. You want to come from a place of adding value to someone’s life. People like to connect and follow people that help them and contribute to the growth of their life. Be giving of information that will make a difference in their life. You don’t always have to sell someone something to help them. Ooooh, that’s a big lesson to learn. When an entrepreneur’s ‘GIVING’ becomes more than the price they are asking for their goods or service, then they’ve arrived… as a true entrepreneur.
Think about this for a minute… Who in your life do you look up to and respect? Do they come from a place of ‘take’ within your relationship? Or do they contribute to you and add value to your life? We all know this stuff because these are the people that we are ‘attracted’ to, but sometimes we’re just not conscious of it when we’re out there mingling online.
Key #2: Create TRUST between you and your prospects, business partners, etc.
Trust is everything! I don’t know how else to say it. People don’t join companies, people join PEOPLE. They do business with people they know, like and TRUST. For there to be a strong relationship, trust is vital. Without it you have nothing.
Your prospects want to know that they can trust you to guide them in the right direction. There are so many people online scamming people today; they want to make sure you aren’t one of them.
You can build trust by ALWAYS following through on what you say you’re going to do. Integrity and Authenticity baby! If you tell someone that you’re going to call them Wednesday at 6:30PM… guess when you should call them? Wednesday at 6:25PM… early! I get people telling me they will call me at that time and then my phone rings at 8:30PM. Right there they’ve lost my trust because they didn’t keep to their word.
Goes back to the old saying… ‘Say what you will do, and do what you say’
Key #3: Learn To Become A Good Listener
There is nothing more ANNOYING than when you’re speaking and someone is talking over you. Or they just aren’t present in the conversation because they are doing something else. Everyone has a million things to do, and they are parading around saying what a good multi tasker they are. You can only focus on one thing at a time… if you are speaking with someone and you start doing something else while you’re talking with them, you are no longer focused.
I can tell when I’m on the phone with someone having a conversation and they’re just not paying attention. Maybe their checking their email, reading Facebook messages or tweeting. I know you’ve had this happen to you? And I know that you’ve done this to other people as well!
People can tell when someone isn’t present and listening to what they are saying. People want to be heard… they really do! When having a conversation with someone, step away from your computer or whatever you are doing. Give them your undivided attention…. or don’t have the conversation at that moment. Pick one! You’re energy is split and the person on the other end can feel it as some level of their being.
Focus intently and listen to the messages conveyed behind and between words. Powerful listening connects us emotionally to whoever we are speaking with.
Key #4: Be Yourself… Act Authentically
Don’t try to be someone you’re not. There is so much POWER in being yourself! When you come from an authentic place, you’re honest with others as well as yourself. Authenticity is a place of freedom. When you are being ‘real’ you can connect on a very deep level with people. When you’re not, people can feel it… either consciously or unconsciously.
If you’re not being you, then you’re creating relationships on fluff. This isn’t the type of foundation that long term business relationships are made of… and that’s what you’re out here for, to build long term relationships, right?
If you learn to practice these skills, you will see a MAJOR INCREASE in your business. You will notice a difference in the way people interact with you. People will all of a sudden be ‘attracted’ to you and will want to join you in business or buy from you. You’ll wonder where all of these people have been hiding all this time!
One thing to keep in mind, DO NOT under-estimate these tips… Don’t let the simplicity fool you! The skill of building relationships is the KEY reason why some will succeed and some will never achieve their dreams.
Most people will go from one business opportunity to the next, thinking the company they were with was the reason they didn’t succeed. When you come to realize that people join you in your business because you have created a relationship with them that is authentic with deep levels of trust, you can jump into ANY company and be successful!
Let me give you some examples…
I really want you to get this! So what I’m going to do is point out a few friends in the industry, who are leaders in their businesses because they are practicing these principles each and every day.
First of all, the wonderful Katie Freiling… You already know of her, since you’re reading this post on her blog. If you look closely at why you are attracted to her blog and her information, it’s because she is a true GIVER. This girl adds VALUE to her community like I’ve never seen done before!
Look at all she shares with you and everyone within her community… cutting edge marketing strategies that she is currently using, insights that have shaped her into the empowered entrepreneur that she is and the products and services that she personally uses to build her business.
If you just learn to model the way Katie contributes way beyond herself, and nothing else… you will see a drastic change in your business!
Now head over to the blog of Mr. Kary Rogney. This guy knows how to create and build TRUST with everyone around him. Kary has built a super loyal following that knows he will guide them down the path to success. Remember trust is EVERYTHING… people join and do business with people they believe in.
Last but not least, Michael Feil… If you want to meet someone that is 100% themselves and lives an authentic life… then this is the guy to check out! Michael has built a strong following because he DOES NOT try to be someone he’s not, and always speaks and trains from his heart. He really has mastered this skill.
If you are always conscious of how you’re communicating with other people, and remember these keys to building strong relationships, you will NEVER have to worry about making money in your business again!
Let the games begin!
So are you going to implement the information I just shared with you? I challenge you become a relationship building machine! Are you up for it? Why not start right now… the information within this post is valuable informationthat can really make a difference in other people’s lives. Click the ‘retweet’ button at the bottom of this post and share this with all of your Twitter followers.
Also, I want you to share something of value with the community here by leaving a comment below. This is NOT a pitch fest, so DO NOT spam everyone with your business opportunity! Maybe share something with everyone that you do on a daily basis to empower yourself. One of the things that I’ve learned in life is that if something works for me, there is a GOOD chance it will work for someone else.
I appreciate you for taking your time to read this post today. Time is the one resource that we all have the same amount of, and I thank you for sharing yours with me.
Yours In Success,
Eric Goldstein
October 23rd, 2009 at 10:39 am
I’ve read Katie’s blog for a while and I’ve already been sold on personal branding and building relationships, but I like how Eric presented things on this post.
I’m walking away from this with Key#3 in mind, something I have to work on. I can say a lot, but if I don’t “stop” and listen, I might as well be running blind. Thanks for this Eric (and Katie)
Antti Kokkonen´s last blog ..Advanced Blog Commenting Tricks
October 23rd, 2009 at 11:05 am
Brilliant Post! I couldn’t agree more. Building trust online is a MUST in order to have a good presence. Buying is an emotional decision, so people should take that seriously.
Social Networkers should look at those sites kind of like going to a party.
You meet people, you start a conversation and if they like you and vice versa, you might invite them to pop by your place (your blog, your website) where they learn even more about you, your product or service and what really makes you tick. Yes, as a networker, you are there for a reason, but if you push your product or service before you even have both your feet in the door, you’ve been branded alright, – “the party crasher” (Who invited this guy?) People are at the “party” to have some fun, meet some neat people and maybe even get or give a phone number…………..
And Business Networkers should also look at these sites more like going to a lounge after work.
So often, people want to push their business opportunity, service or product on you before they’ve even got up to the bar. You risk the cold shoulder, people are saying you don’t tip, and before you know it, you too have been branded…. “Joe CEO” instead of “Ralph the round-buyer” Unfortunate, but people were at the “lounge” to relax, unwind, converse, share stories and perhaps exchange business cards (blog/website)…..And predictability is soooo 1900’s!
Approachability wins! Approachability establishes comfort, creates connections and builds TRUST. Katie is one of those people and I appreciate your post!!
Cheers,
Terri
October 23rd, 2009 at 11:06 am
Thanks to Eric for the info and to Katie for sharing it. Relationships are built on trust and they develop over the course of time. There are no shortcuts. Truly, the relationship-building tools you describe are skills, and can be strengthened in an individual. It’s all about SERVICE. “Trunk-slammers” and “scammers” abound, but anyone can shine through that noise by following the guidelines set forth in this post.
Frank Flocco´s last blog ..The Sugar Shack-Part 5-It’s Getting Hot In Here!
October 23rd, 2009 at 11:13 am
Hey Katie!
First I want to say that I APPRECIATE you
sharing this post on your blog! I’m very
grateful to be learning from you being you
are one of the most AUTHENTIC people I’ve
ever met.
This post really shares what it takes to be
successful online. If people take the info
that’s in this post and put it to use… WATCH
OUT!
Keep BEing you Katie!!
In Appreciation,
Eric Goldstein
Eric Goldstein´s last blog ..Google Docs: Create Your Own Surveys
October 23rd, 2009 at 11:31 am
Awesome Post! In my opinion, everything is about relationships… our relationship with food, money, lovers, friends, family and life itself. It’s all about cultivating beautiful relationships:) Thank you so much Eric!
Rose Goddess´s last blog ..E-Mail Marketing is like Dating… My TOP 10 Tips for Building a Romantic Relationship with Your List:)
October 23rd, 2009 at 11:39 am
Great post Eric,
I guess building strong relationships and having a sales funnel combined would be the ultimate.
Regards and Thanks
Michael.
Michael Cloke´s last blog ..Three Simple Steps To A Smarter Home Business
October 23rd, 2009 at 11:41 am
Great work Eric! And way to put your leaders forward Katie…
I wholeheartedly agree with Eric on most of the points he’s shared about building relationships and coming from a place of compassion, FIRST!
Many people let their income level determine their attitude and this is a practiced skill to overcome. Whenever I’m down and need a pick-me-up I listen to Anthony Robbin’s GET THE EDGE and do a couple of the exercises he has.
A warning for people in building relationships FIRST; this is correct, but in my opinion Eric missed one important part, closing the deal when the time is right.
Zack G. Covell (Astoria, Oregon)
Zack G. Covell´s last blog ..Custom Lead Generation Key to Focusing on Network Marketing in the United States that Sadly has Been Placed on the Business Opportunity versus the Product
October 23rd, 2009 at 1:52 pm
Thanks for sharing Katie.Great article Eric! Building Relationships with your online friends is a must to establish yourself.Being authentic(like you) is important too.
Leaving comments for others is a great way to make friends with people too.
Thanks again Katie and Eric!
Beverly´s last blog ..Finding Your Passion
October 23rd, 2009 at 2:29 pm
Eric,
This is an incredible post about building relationships. You really hit this out of the park. Building relationships is a simple concept that actually takes only a little effort to master. The 4 keys you wrote about are inspirational. Imagine if everyone thought of these when using online or offline means for connecting with others.
One of the things I do when using social media is to add a personal note when sending a friend request on Facebook. It’s amazing the connection and level of authenticity when you add their FIRST name and a little note when sending this request. The 30 seconds this takes to do this has a lasting impression.
When that friend request is accepted I send another note saying “Thank you for accepting my friend request.” I also like to add something personal to the second note. Something I found from their profile where I can comment in a positive way. By making an extra effort I know I’ve just separated myself from over 80% of everyone else who are just sending friend requests to boost their numbers.
Thanks for the greats tips and leading by example. You are definitely a game changer!
Ken Pickard
The Network Dad
Ken Pickard´s last blog ..Welcome To My Blog Launch Party!
October 23rd, 2009 at 3:40 pm
I really loved this paragraph:
“Building great relationships is by far the BIGGEST skill you can learn that will EXPLODE your business… and IT IS a learnable skill. No matter how you look at it, you’re going to be building relationships. You’re either going to build long lasting meaningful connections or inauthentic empty ones. It’s your choice…”
I found one of my best friends from Jr High today, and we rekindled a relationship from 35 years ago. It’s priceless
Sharlene Stevens´s last blog ..Why You Should Start A Home Based Business?
October 23rd, 2009 at 3:50 pm
I think #4 is a key because so many times people offer to help you in some way or the other and then you don’t feel the “love”. It is as if the offer to help was not genuine therefore you mentally cut that person from your Christmas list. When I sold door to door many years ago it was much easier for a prospect to feel how genuine you are. The real value of developing a relationship on the internet takes a whole lot longer. I have had people very surprised when I call them back after they have been on my site. It makes me wonder if people are just using the auto responder and not picking up the phone once in a while.
Shirland´s last blog ..Welcome, Thank You For Visiting My Site Today
October 23rd, 2009 at 4:55 pm
Great post Katie and Eric! I agree! It’s all about starting with the fundamentals. Building relationships is the foundation in which trust begins, just as a concrete slab is to a building.
all the best in success,
Tony Novelli
Tony Novelli´s last blog ..Fructose Intolerance Causes Similar Health Problems as Intolerance to Dairy
October 23rd, 2009 at 7:00 pm
Super post Eric on relationships being key for building a business. From our talk the other day, it’s apparent that you embody each of these 4 key factors!
I want to add that meeting people where they are…having empathy, is also a key element in relationships.
Thank you and thank you Katie for sharing Eric’s wisdom with you readers.
Plus, It’s so fun forming these online relationships with y’all!
Sue Vittner´s last blog ..Health And Wellness In The Workplace
October 23rd, 2009 at 7:10 pm
Eric,
You hit the nail squarely on the head. It is all about building relationships and first class communication. True success depends upon it. As you say, not many people online really get it. Imagine how the playing field will change when they do…
There are simple things we can do to improve our relationship building and our communication like adding a personal note when doing a friend request on Facebook. Doing this should be automatic. Would you just walk up to a perfect stranger and say “be my friend”. Of course not! You have a much better chance of connecting and starting a successful relationship if you use their first name and then say something relevant about the person. The same is true when doing a FB Friend request. You use the person’s first name and write a sentence or two for example about something in their photo, or something you have in common, or indeed both.
It is simple, takes little time and starts the branding process of YOU. It works. By doing this, you will set yourself apart from the 90% of people on FB who send “naked” friend requests. I delete those.
Thanks for this detailed post Eric and thanks Katie for clearing space for it. You guys are true mentors.
Ian Brown´s last blog ..Future Business Success Is Dependent upon Self Education on Global Issues
October 23rd, 2009 at 7:18 pm
Excellent post you guys! Great wisdom being shared here! Relationships at all levels that are sincere and continuously growing for the ones involved in it is what it’s all about!
Best Regards,
Gil
http://gilpizano.com
Gil Pizano´s last blog ..But I Don’t Know How to Network with People!
October 23rd, 2009 at 8:08 pm
Thank you Katie and Eric for this post. It’s true we overlook of the simplest things. You’re right we do have it.
http://faithsonlinereviews.com
October 23rd, 2009 at 8:11 pm
Great post Eric!!! It always comes back to the basics…just doing the basics and doing them consistently. I remember hearing Jim Rohn say…”a few simple disciplines practiced every day.”
rhonda gessner´s last blog ..Benefits of Using Twitter with Targeted Users and Interests
October 23rd, 2009 at 8:24 pm
Enjoyed your post Eric…great advice to live your life by!
Katie, from the brief time that I’ve spent in your environment, I can clearly see that you epitomize the qualities that Eric has enumerated.
It’s always the value you give… in the content -learning something new and valuable about social media, relationships… and just plain, old, everyday communication skills that help make our lives a little richer!
Thanks, Katie… thanks, Eric
Chris
October 23rd, 2009 at 8:27 pm
I guess some people need to do it their own way. My strategy is to destroy my market. My market for one product is people with cancer. Now if enough people are cured of it and they spread the word then it will get to the point where there is virtually no more cancer in America. Then I will have to go and find another way to make money– maybe curing something else.
October 23rd, 2009 at 9:50 pm
Absolutely love it… superb post Eric! And thanks Katie for sharing. All 4 keys you mentioned are spot on, and you both are great examples of these keys in action.
Thanks again!!!
Andre
Andre´s last blog ..Your Blog is Key for Real, Long-Term Success With Social Media
October 23rd, 2009 at 10:10 pm
What a fantastic blog. Thank you so much for allowing Katie to share that with us. I too follow Katie and admire the way she is able to cultivate relationships. I have implemented a lot of the steps that you both talk about and cannot wait to see my business boom. Thank you again for all you both do in our community!
Carissa Smith
carissa smith´s last blog ..The Busy Bee…
October 23rd, 2009 at 11:17 pm
Eric is right on the money! Trust is a function of building a durable and lasting business and personal relationships through personal self development, for the good it generates between human beings to occur naturally from within.
October 24th, 2009 at 1:26 am
Absolutely love it… superb post Eric! And thanks Katie for sharing. All 4 keys you mentioned are spot on, and you both are great examples of these keys in action.
Thanks again!!!
Andre
Andre´s last blog ..Your Blog is Key for Real, Long-Term Success With Social Media
P.S. – Sorry, forgot to tell you great post!
October 24th, 2009 at 4:54 am
Eric
What a fantastic post and kudos to you Eric for the great advice. Building good relationships sounds simple, but it takes time and effort that a lot of people are unwilling to devote to building their online business.
my Mastermind Group is convinced that the Law of Attraction is key to being successful in any business.
Katie
Hats off to you and your influence on Eric is quite evident.
Thanks
Charles
October 24th, 2009 at 5:51 am
Leverage! Thanks for this great post, Katie.
October 24th, 2009 at 6:36 am
Hey Eric & Katie,
KISS — Keep It Simple Stupid, is one of the first things that comes to mind after reading this great post. So many people are masters of over complicating things (I’ve been there myself)when it’s not necessary at all! I truly hope readers take to heart the enormous value here and implement it.
As Eric helps us with understanding “Strong Relationship Building” IS paramount to buisness building. The by-products of these relationships is where we grow and prosper as individuals….it can’t be the other way around.
My very best to all,
Chris
Chris McAdams´s last blog ..The Big Shake Up!
October 24th, 2009 at 8:27 am
Today I am celebrating one year of having quit a line of business that I didn’t find meaningful besides the money I was earning from it. I’ve spent this whole year aligning myself deeply with truth, and I cannot but wholeheartedly agree that this post goes to the heart of the matter. I’ll definitely be checking both your blogs as I launch my new business ventures. Thanks for the inspiration!
Alan Furth´s last blog ..The Year of Nothing, Part I
October 24th, 2009 at 9:42 am
Katie,
Thanks so much for sharing! Eric, this is a terrific post- I really enjoyed reading it! You are speaking with such sincerity and passion, and from your personal experience. I can’t agree with you more that it is about building trust and real relationships. Keep up the great value, Katie and Eric.
Laura
October 24th, 2009 at 11:04 am
I always like your blog…very rich, informative and practical..You are Great!
October 24th, 2009 at 3:05 pm
Eric, great post. I wasn’t expecting to read it on Katie’s blog, but it turned out to be a great surprise. Good work my friend, you’re always adding exceptional value and speaking from the place where it counts the most.
October 24th, 2009 at 10:15 pm
Hi Katie,
Thanks so much for sharing Eric’s great post with us.
Eric, excellent post. It is so true that when we start giving value we will create a group of loyal followers. Also, we need to give in order to start the receiving process.
Thanks again
Damayanthi
October 25th, 2009 at 1:13 am
What can I say other than thumbs up for you Eric.This post really is something valuable.
It’s nice to see that there are still a few people like you and Katie that really want to create wealth in other people lives and not just want to sell some “magic formula”.
Thanks again and wish you the best!
-Ciprian
October 25th, 2009 at 1:53 pm
Katie,
This is the first time I’ve been to your blog. I was lead her by a post from Eric on his Face Booh Fan Page. Thanks for sharing Eric’s post. It’s true, we do know the secret but all too often we need to be reminded…again & again. It’s good to get a refresher and to remember the basics we seem to take for granted.
I look forward to seeing more of you here.
Thanks,
Don
October 25th, 2009 at 3:39 pm
Great post! Thank you Katie and Eric,
I agree that the single biggest point in building business is in being authentic. I love what you said about “we all just want to be heard”. So true! Listening is so key in earning trust and developing relationships… most importantly when you really want to hear what they have to say. When you believe in yourself and convey that to others, they believe in you. The outside always refelcts the inside. That’s where all the true answers lie.
In love and light,
Cheryl
October 25th, 2009 at 5:51 pm
Simple truth is a beautiful thing. Thank you for reinforcing the obvious Eric, we need to hear it oner and over and implement it over and over. Unconditional giving attracts all those who are ready to receive and gives all these people a share in something that is nourishing, helpful, supportive and in the end it is an expression of love. Love for other human beings is what we must all express and devellop and it comes from loving ourselves first, so there is the work to be done. And you can so quickly pick someone who is not listening when you interact with others, so your piece on listening was just beautiful! That is a HUGE teaching which is invaluable and one which we can all devellop with every encounter. Thank you for your share Eric.
October 25th, 2009 at 6:05 pm
Super awesome article! I grew up shy and low confidence and had to learn much later in life about relationships. But truly, relationships have been the key to my online success. Personal development and building relationships. The rest just falls into place.
You rock Katie and Eric!
Debbie Turner
Debbie Turner´s last blog ..Multiple Streams of Income – Different Perspectives
October 26th, 2009 at 9:37 am
What many network marketers need to realize is that they are not selling products like traditional businesses. That’s not what network marketing is about. People try to use social networking tools like Twitter and Facebook to promote, rather than for building relationships. Its great to see someone who gets the true meaning of network marketing!
Jason Kerchner´s last blog ..Choosing to be Helpless
October 28th, 2009 at 8:59 pm
Way to go Eric and thanks Katie for publishing this post on your blog! So many people really do not get the whole relationship building thing, as simple as it may be. I think the main objective in the entire relationship building process is AUTHENTICITY.
If you are truly coming from this place, then building trust with your peers becomes automatic. So does one’s willing to add value to their community unconditionally. Kinda reminds me of the following quote:
“The fool puts himself first and finds himself last. The wise man puts himself last and finds himself first.”
If we all lived by this simple credo, can you imagine what our world would be like?
~Fredric
Fredric´s last blog ..What Is Personal Development And How Does It Relate To The Characteristics Of An Entrepreneur?
October 29th, 2009 at 3:44 am
Thank you very much Eric for this post. I’ve just started using the Internet to market a business I’ve become involved in and I’ve been putting posts up on Facebook which I thought were really snazzy and no one was responding to them. I know now that I’ve been trying to shortcut my way to success and have been focusing on my goals and outcomes without thinking about my audience.
Regards … Elizabeth
November 4th, 2009 at 12:35 pm
I have always been a firm supporter of positive reinforcement. I believe that EVERYONE will agree with me when I say that Keys 1, 2, and 4 have been a core part of Katie’s site and educational videos from day one. Do I mind hearing it from someone else? Definitely not!
Key 3 is definitely something that is crucial to understanding the person standing in front of you, or across the internet. Without this intimate level of personal understanding, a business relationship is valueless. There will be no synergy and, in fact, there will be more confusion and less progress as you try to work together.
Business partners must understand not only each other’s strengths and weaknesses, but also how each other think. This allows you to feed off of one other, and to make the most of the other person’s creative energy. Every relationship, business or otherwise, will fail without both partners listening and understanding one another.
November 10th, 2009 at 3:49 pm
Well, Eric,
You’ve done it again. I am always very deeply impressed with your words, your wisdom and your big heart…not to mention the way you put those all together into such a valuable and attractive package that is you!
Building relationships never came easy for me when I was young…I just never felt I had much value so it was hard to think that anyone would really want to be close to me. Learning by watching – or as they say now, modeling – was and remains, the most important way that I gradually, over the years, have been teaching myself the art of relationship building. I’m still learning and greatly appreciate all the positive reinforcement in your post.
Thanks for being so authentic!
Buff Elting
buff´s last blog ..Dreaming: The Magic Carpet Ride
December 2nd, 2009 at 1:05 am
creating strong relationships is important, I agree, but not like Tiger Woods does!
Tempo dulu´s last blog ..Nomad Restaurant: Ubud, Bali
December 5th, 2009 at 10:16 am
Awesome Article Eric and thanks Katie for publishing this!
In My opinion this business is all about Personal development,building relationships and Attitude.
Attitude is another important consideration for success in MLM.
The right attitude will make it easier for you to stay focused on building your network and making more money. When you face challenging times or you aren’t reaching your goals, if you have a positive attitude you can turn things around quickly.
Amir Shkolnik
Amir Shkolnik´s last blog ..Some Of The Biggest MLM Lies
December 20th, 2009 at 1:53 pm
Eric great insight!
I’ve been networking online since 1996. We sure have come a longgg way since then!
We were doing this social networking thing back then only no one really called it that! haha! All we had was email, a few AOL chat groups and the phone of course!
Building relationships with people I’ve met throughout the years online has been a huge key to my success along with self-development being one of the big pieces of the pie.
Like my favorite mentor, Jim Rohn, always says “Success is not to be pursued; it is to be attracted by the person we become.”
We all become better and stronger too by networking and building relationships with people that we connect with to help and encourage along the way!
Decide To Believe!
Sue
January 23rd, 2010 at 12:15 pm
Great post! Eric makes wonderful points about Being a Good Listener. I can always tell when someone is not present on a call. And it’s a great reminder to make sure I’m not doing it too!
Thanks for the useful information!!
Lisa Arnold
February 5th, 2010 at 9:05 am
Wow, tis is exactly the foundation of successful Internet Network Marketing. People do join people that they know, like and trust. Giving value is everything in this business. Give and then receive. Even give without any agenda in mind, just share the wisdom with people!
Listening is a skill that ever taught in the business world and universities. But it’s essential.
True nuggets of wisdom on this blog!
Thanks for the great post.
Vitaliy Dubinin
Vitaliy´s last blog ..The Power of Time – How To Do More And Earn More
February 5th, 2010 at 9:06 am
Wow, this is exactly the foundation of successful Internet Network Marketing. People do join people that they know, like and trust. Giving value is everything in this business. Give and then receive. Even give without any agenda in mind, just share the wisdom with people!
Listening is a skill that ever taught in the business world and universities. But it’s essential.
True nuggets of wisdom on this blog!
Thanks for the great post.
Vitaliy Dubinin
Vitaliy´s last blog ..The Power of Time – How To Do More And Earn More
March 7th, 2010 at 3:23 pm
Thank you Eric and Katie for sharing such an incredible insight to the “secret.” It is quite comical but a very simple approach to the mindset of building strong and powerful relationships!
Aloha,
Shannon
Shannon Tecson´s last blog ..Amongst Other Gifts You Can Gain Through A Home Based Business