DISQUS

I absolutely agree with the contents of the post and because I attend several networking events I often see people racing around promoting what they do without waiting to be asked. The point about not expecting instant gratification is well taken because here again people attribute not receiving immediate business to a networking failure rather than a failure on their part to GIVE first. The receiving will come once relationships are developed. Thanks for the reminders.

Susan, I applaud every word you've written! The importance of building relationships is very near and dear to my heart and it really puzzles me when I hear people say that they don't attend networking events because it's a waste of time! What is their goal? Is it to establish contacts with the goal of developing lasting relationships or just to hand out a stack of their cards in exchange for a stack of everyone's card?

They are usually disappointed when they e-mail or call persons they have cards for that do not respond. But they miss the point that they did not take the time to develop a relationship with even one person. It's called "building" or "developing" - it takes time! Thank you for a great article.

I appreciate this as I have found that I've been saying "Yes" to too many invitations and do not have the time to spend on all of these sites. Because I've just getting my feet wet in Internet Marketing I listened to recommendations to get on as many sites as possible but I agree with you...identify the few that may make a meaningful difference to your business and stick with those. Great post. Thank you.

Great post, Nancy. Sadly, many people fail to consider that any benefits they may appear to gain by failing to practice their business and lead their lives with integrity are only short-lived. Ultimately, they lose! For example the "party-plan" Consultant who has not honored her word has damaged her personal reputation, the reputation on the Company she represents (she might be the only representative of that Company the customer knows), and any future business she could have gained directly from that customer or through referrals.

I like to give people the benefit of the doubt; perhaps she became ill or experiencd some other tragedy! On the other hand there is no shortage of communication methods - call or send a brief note of apology and explanation to the customer with a deadline to fulfill her order...or refund her money.

Nancy, Can't wait to join you on this conference call. I appreciate your style and the down-to-earth way you present info. Loved you in Bootcamp. Will be a great way to conclude my night after weekly Success Meeting. Thank you.

<abbr>Yvonne Jones’s last blog post..MKvonnej: @jeffherring Love so many Kenney Chesney songs but favorite probably "You had me from Hello" What's yours? How about Garth Brooks - fan?</abbr>