By Mitchell's Posts, on January 24th, 2012 The quickest way to fail at networking is tied to the same reason that we came out and started networking in the first place. We are typically introduced to networking through an individual, book, audio or video resource… encouraging us to grow our sales, our profits and our bottom line… through networking. While this is usually the driving force behind us getting out into the “networking world,” it puts us in the wrong frame of mind, for successful networking. Why? Because this makes us think “Sales.” I want to increase my bottom line, so it must be about how many people I can meet and present my products/services to, right? Wrong.
Networking is not about sales. Networking is about connections and lots of them. If you think about the first part of Networking, you will see the word “Net.” Just imagine a net and where each horizontal thread of the net meets a vertical thread. At each of those points, you will find a “connection.” If you want to catch more fish, you need a bigger net, right? Well, you can make a net larger by either spacing out each connection, but then the holes in your net get larger and you net is not effective. Instead, you have to have more and more connections that are closer together. This will make a larger net and one where the holes are smaller, so you have success… catching fish. It’s the same with networking. We need to build our net by creating many solid connections with the people that we meet. Here’s the rub; when we start networking with a “sales” mindset, people will naturally pull away from us. People do not want to be sold and neither do you. We can smell a salesperson a mile away and we run away from them as fast as we can. If we are trying to make “connections” in our net, then leading by selling isn’t going to work. We have to put our sales hat aside and start looking at networking as an opportunity to get to know others around us and see how you can give into their lives. By taking this approach, you will quickly begin to see your net grow and you will have the end result of increasing your bottom line, but as a bi-product of your networking, not as a result of your sales skills or prowess.
By Mitchell's Posts, on January 1st, 2012 The Lost Art of the Thank You Note - Give Honest Sincere Appreciation
I have learned a lot from Dale Carnegie during my life. As we start the new year off, I wanted to share a nugget that I have found very important.
Writing a sincere thank you note is one of the professional skills that can make a lasting favorable impression. People like being appreciated. One of Dale Carnegie’s fundamental human relation principles is “Give honest, sincere appreciation.” When writing a thank you note, use a plain, small card. However, the card is not as important as the effort, so if paper is all that is available, write the note anyway! Use this 6-step formula as a sure-fire method of expressing appreciation in a written note.
1. Greet the Giver: Dear Mr. and Mrs. Smith OR Dear Jamie. It seems like an obvious point, yet many people will begin a note with “Hi” or even omit the greeting.
2. Express Gratitude: Thank you so much for the book. The key is to keep it simple and specific. The point of writing the note is to create an expression of a heartfelt sentiment.
3. Discuss Use: I started to read the book immediately and have found many great ideas already. People like to know that you found their gesture or gift valuable. Sharing how you are using the item or idea makes their effort more meaningful.
4. Another Thank You: Thank them again for the gift. It’s not excessive to say thanks again.
5. Complimentary Close: Wrap it up with a close that expresses your final thought: Regards, All the Best, Sincerely, Gratefully, etc. Then sign your name.
6. Send It: Even if your colleagues and acquaintances are not of the note-writing variety, be the one who sets the precedent.
It is the mark of a true professional to become skilled at writing thank you notes in this age of email, voicemail, and text messaging.
Demonstrating business professionalism is not difficult; it just takes effort and focus. Applying simple aspects of business etiquette goes a long way in establishing our professionalism, which builds our confidence and comfort in business settings.
By Mitchell's Posts, on December 20th, 2011 As we attend networking opportunities, we find that most of them revolve around food and drink. It is true that food brings people together. Just think back to the last few social gatherings at your house and ask yourself, where does everyone congregate? In the kitchen! We are so accustomed and comfortable with socializing around food and with food, that we have allowed some bad habits to creep in.
Here’s the scenario: You’re at a networking event that has some wonderful hors d’oeuvres that look mighty tasty. Since you’re not in any big conversation, and you’re feeling a little hungry, you go and grab a plate of those hot-wings and other tasty treats. As a right handed person (which most of us are), you hold the plate in your left hand and proceed to chow down, using your right hand to grab the food and shovel it in your mouth. Towards the end of the evening, you realize that nobody has really come around and struck up any conversation with you and you think to yourself… what is wrong with these unsociable people?
What really happened is that you isolated yourself from the room. Anyone that was paying any attention to you at all, noticed how you were eating your food. Nobody wants to walk up to someone who is eating with their right hand and introduce themselves. Why? Because they know that the introduction leads to a handshake and they don’t want to shake your hand that has been all over your food and in your mouth. There are frequent times when I see someone doing this and they go even farther and lick each and every one of their fingers… to get them, clean. This individual will find the evening to be one where it is hard to connect with people. Not only will people not want to approach you, but they will not want to bring someone over and introduce them to you for the same reasons. Not only are they personally uncomfortable with your habits, but they are concerned for the person that they want to introduce to you.
The bottom line… carry your plate of food in your right hand and eat with your left. Just remember this: Protect your right hand, so people feel that you are consciously being considerate of them. If you’re going to network, network with intention and purpose and you will reap the rewards of standing out in a crowd… in a good way.
~Mitchell From
By Mitchell's Posts, on December 12th, 2011 With Christmas and New Years coming fast, we will have plenty of networking opportunities that will have drinks of all kinds, available. This is always welcomed, especially because of all the talking that we do while networking. Now, whether you think that toting a drink around the room makes you look more sophisticated or whether you just need to quench that thirst, there is a definite rule that everyone should know about drinks and networking. Don’t carry your drink in your right hand.
Now, I know that most of you are complaining right now, saying, “… but I’m right handed, it’s only natural for me to carry my drink in my right hand.” Even so, we must train ourselves to carry our drink in our left hand. Most drinks “sweat” and the outside of the glass gets wet from the condensation. This means your hand gets wet. Now, if you had the glass in your right hand, this is what happens:
A perfect connection for you approaches and wants to introduce themselves to you. They say “Hello” and extend their hand to shake. You leave them hanging for a moment while you switch your glass into your left hand, proceed to wipe your hand on your shirt or pants ( trying to get it as dry as possible) and then shake their hand. You think that you were smooth, but what you just did was slime them with a wet, cold and clammy hand.
After people catch on that this is your M.O., they will stop coming up to you at events and they surely will not bring people over, to introduce to you. Carry your drink in your left hand to avoid this common mis-hap. Also take note, that with your drink in your left hand, your right hand is free to not only shake hands, but also to reach into your shirt/jacket pocket or purse for your business card. Be intentional; know how your actions will help or hurt your networking.
By mitchellfrom, on August 5th, 2011 PRESENTATION: “How to Become a Master Networker”
… at the Tomball Chamber of Commerce First Friday Networking Luncheon
I wanted to give a special thanks to Bruce Hillegeist, the staff and the board of the Tomball Chamber of Commerce for allowing me to speak to all the members and guests about “How to Become a Master Networker.” The Tomball Chamber is very special to me because this is the first Chamber that I ever joined and took part in. This chamber is an example of how a community comes together in a warm, welcoming and friendly way. I am very excited to share what I have learned over the years with all of my peers.
DATE: August 5, 2011
TIME: 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
LOCATION: The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd (entrance on FM 2920 across from Concordia Lutheran High School) ****LOCATION CHANGE********
RSVP: $15 for members, $17 if invoiced
RSVP to: 281.351.7222 or admin@tomballchamber.org
By mitchellfrom, on July 25th, 2011 Maximize Your Memberships
“The B12 Shot To Energize Your Networking!”
The B12 System of Networking is a set of 12 easy to use, basic strategies that you can apply right away, to get new business from your networking. Mitchell From (President of My Referral Network) and William James Dutton (V.P. of Marketing for My Referral Network) will be visiting these chapters and doing a special presentation together. Invite a friend or colleague and catch one of these incredible presentations!
This Week Only!
3 Locations to Choose From:
Tuesday – 11:00 AM - My Referral Network – Kingwood Chapter
Los Cucos
23730 Hwy 59 N.
Kingwood, TX 77339
www.loscucos.com
Wednesday – 11:00 AM - My Referral Network – CityCentre Chapter
The Tasting Room
818 Town & Country Boulevard, Suite 100
Houston, TX 77024
www.tastingroomwines.com
Thursday – 11:00 AM – My Referral Network – Cy-Fair Chapter
Romero’s Las Brazas Mexican Kitchen
11734 Barker-Cypress (at Queenston)
Cypress, TX 77433
www.romeroslasbrazas.com
Visit one of these weekly meetings as a guest this week.
This is an open and free event, everyone is welcome.
There is no fee and no requirement to join, even if you have been a guest in the past.
By mitchellfrom, on July 23rd, 2011
By mitchellfrom, on July 23rd, 2011 {EAV_BLOG_VER:1404bdbd4fcff20b} 
Have you gotton on EmpireAvenue yet? It’s a great way to connect with a whole new group of people. You are networking while having fun practicing the art of stock trading. However, you’re not trading stocks of companies, but instead you’re trading stocks of people and their influence on a number of social media platforms.
You’re not only learning about stock trading, but you’re learning how influential you really are on social media and whether other people see you as an asset to their network. Come join EmpireAvenue and Buy my stock… with a Ticker of … N3TW0RK3R. I’ll buy you back!
-Mitchell From-
By mitchellfrom, on May 9th, 2011  Incredible Networking
Business Expo & Conference
A Special Thanks goes to William James Dutton for inviting me to come speak at this Incredible Event. I will be closing out the day as I will be the last speaker to speak. Come on out and get some great “nuggets” of information from all the great speakers throughout the day.
Mitchell From’s Topic for the Event is: ”3 Keys to Becoming A Master Networker”
Watch the Promo Video here!
Location:
Norris Conference Center
803 Town & Country St.
Houston, TX 77024
Time: 9:00am – 5:00pm
*** Reception Mixer @ Hotel Sorella from 5:00pm – 8:00pm… after the event.
By mitchellfrom, on April 25th, 2011 Referral Request: I am looking for a very creative Graphic Artist.
I am choosing to look within my network, instead of going to an online service. For all that are interested, I will be giving the details of what I need/want by next Monday. It will consist of some re-branding with logo, name tag & business card creation. From there, I will choose one designer to work with (based on their submission) and I will announce via social media (My Blog, Facebook, LinkedIn & Twitter) of my decision.
Please message me or email me if you are interested in working with me and taking on the challenge.
If you know of someone that would be interested in this opportunity, please forward them this information and have them message me or email me.
I will distribute the details by May 2nd and will be accepting submissions through May 9th.
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