I once reluctantly met with a person who asked for a meeting – his business was not only something I was not interested in, but one that I avoid

“…Ned the bull, that’s me now” -Groundhogs day.

In our conversation, a light came on and he said “I know who needs to work with you” and he walked me into a great long term client relationship. That client has since referred me to another, also a very good client. 

Had I asked your list of questions, I might have said “not a chance” but in fact it worked differently.

So I say, every once in a while, it’s ok to roll the dice!

…needless to say I won’t even take the guys calls now! Just Kidding.

The best networkers also monetize every relationship.  How much revenue could this introduction possibly create for my business?  If it doesn’t create revenue, why is it part of your business?

What do you think?

I collect the cards of people I meet and I have two different systems for referrals. If they’re a massage therapist, they go into a card file that is alphbetized by their state and town. That way, when someone asks me if I know anyone they can get a massage from in Anchorage, Alaska I can pull out a card.

I have cultivated relationships with realtors, because they meet everyone new coming into town, and I make sure they have plenty of my cards. In fact, I have had special cards made from Vista Print for my realtor buds that say “You must be a VIP if you’re with Scott Walker from Century 21″ and it gets them $10.00 off on their first visit here.

People who are new to town are always needing a plumber, a carpenter, a doctor, or someone to cater their daughter’s wedding. I have the cards of everyone from accountants to window-washers alphabetized by their profession. When I give out someone else’s business card, I write “Tell them Laura Allen from THERA-SSAGE sent you” on the back of it. 

Your questions are great. And BTW, the next time WE meet, I want that to be for more than 3 minutes. I’d love to interview you for my blog. I hope to see you in Minneapolis!

A portfolio, at least, is a picture of that iceberg. Most of your life’s work is buried beneath the surface but the image provides an illustration of the scope of your efforts.

The best way to hire, however, is not by reviewing old artifacts. Instead, we should offer to pay candidates for an initial period to see what they can produce. Doing so is a real measure of their productivity, and gives them the chance to set expectations in exchange for fair compensation.