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Unleash the Power of Your Entrepreneurial Network Claudette Rowley Copyright 2002
Successful entrepreneurs rely on a "can-do" attitude and masterful networking to forge new ground, follow their visions and make them real. Combining strong initiative with a network of colleagues, mentors and experts, they capitalize on human resources to build their business and bring their vision to life.
If you unleashed the full power of your network, how would your business multiply?
Top Five Benefits of Activating Your Network:
- Resource Mobilization. Ask for what you want and need to move your business forward. Use the question "Who do you know who?" to reap the benefits of financial, business, or emotional assistance. By forming a specific request, you build trust and credibility. If you aren't sure what you need, request a brainstorming session with a trusted colleague to open up an avenue to clarity.
- If You Don't Ask, The Answer Is Always No. At a conference I attended, a film maker shared her experience making a documentary about women heads of state - presidents and prime ministers. An audience member asked her how she approached these leaders. Her response: "If I didn't ask, the answer was always no."
- Watch "No" Turn Into "Yes." Recognize that "no" doesn't always mean "no". When you make a request of a colleague, mentor or expert, you've planted a seed in that person's mind. Don't be surprised when he or she approaches you and says, for example, "I don't have time to review your business plan right now, but I CAN hook you up with someone who's a crackerjack at it '" By and large, people enjoy helping others; it allows them to participate in your entrepreneurial vision.
- What Goes Around Comes Around. Successful networking means giving and receiving. The most successful networkers know how to ask for what they need, whether it's in the form of a business referral, financial advice or an introduction to a potential client. Get comfortable receiving assistance. Think of it this way: When you receive, you extend to others the opportunity to give.
- Givers Gain. How can you build your network further by assisting a colleague or an aspiring entrepreneur? Who can you mentor or advise? Who can you refer business to? Through the act of giving, you cultivate partners to support your vision, and further activate the "what goes around, comes around" principle.
As an entrepreneur, you are the captain of your ship. But as any successful leader knows, it takes all hands on deck to secure a successful voyage. You can do it alone, but not as well and not as easily. Ease and excellence go hand in hand. Activate and build your network to harness your full entrepreneurial potential.
----------------------------------------------------------------- - Claudette Rowley, coach and author, helps professionals identify and pursue their true purpose and calling in life. Contact her today for a complimentary consultation at 781-676-5633 or claudette@metavoice.org. Sign up for her free newsletter "Insights for the Savvy" at http://www.metavoice.org.
About the author: Claudette Rowley, coach and author, helps professionals identify and pursue their true purpose and calling in life. Contact her today for a complimentary consultation at 781-676-5633 or claudette@metavoice.org. Sign up for her free newsletter "Insights for the Savvy" at http://www.metavoice.org.