| When all is said and done, building a | | | | approach just by being you. |
| business is not rocket science. But you must | | | | |
| reach out and build meaningful relationships | | | | Doorway No. 3: Who |
| by being very clear about who you are, what | | | | |
| you offer and how you offer it. | | | | This third doorway is my favorite: Who? |
| | | | |
| Please do not confuse this with networking. | | | | The traditional model promotes choosing |
| To succeed at creating a business that | | | | customers by their demographics. My approach- |
| reflects your passions, you must go to your | | | | I identify the qualities of people. I love |
| clients and connect with them. The method you | | | | working with independent, creative, highly |
| choose must suit you. Otherwise you won't do | | | | motivated people building businesses they're |
| it or you'll do it with limited success. | | | | passionate about. When I go into a room I |
| | | | immediately gravitate to them and vice versa. |
| Imagine five doorways, each with a distinct | | | | It's fun, natural and enjoyable. |
| purpose for connecting with people. Take out | | | | |
| a paper and a pen and draw the doorways. As | | | | Write down who you enjoy being with. Use |
| we go, write notes in each one. It will get | | | | adjectives. Think about the people you |
| the ideas out of your head and help focus in | | | | enjoy. Describe them. What we often forget is |
| ways that reflect your unique approach. | | | | that people hire people they can relate to. |
| | | | |
| Doorway No. 1: Where | | | | Doorway No. 4: What |
| | | | |
| If you're like me, you would rather get a | | | | Once you've decided the "who," this doorway |
| rabies shot than go to networking events. | | | | addresses your customer's needs. At this |
| Yet, building a community of business is | | | | point, it is all about them. WHAT do they |
| central to success. | | | | want? What do they really, really want? |
| | | | |
| In this doorway, instead of thinking about | | | | Choose three people from your "who" doorway. |
| where you "should" go, write ways you already | | | | Think about them. Write down what. What |
| connect with people, or ways you've connected | | | | programs, products, seminars or booklets do |
| in the past that come easy to you. Write down | | | | you offer to serve their needs? |
| places or situations where you enjoy | | | | |
| connecting. | | | | People like to test the waters before they |
| | | | dive in. If you give them a chance to sample |
| Mine-- A class. A creative project. Even | | | | what you do, they can safely test you out |
| shopping. I've made some of my best | | | | before investing their time and money. |
| connections while shopping. When I have a | | | | |
| context, my nervousness recedes. I relax. I | | | | Doorway No. 5: Help! |
| get curious about people and, in turn, make | | | | |
| meaningful connections | | | | This last doorway asks you to identify the |
| | | | skills, support and resources you need to |
| Doorway No. 2: How | | | | connect most effectively with your potential |
| | | | customers. It may be technical skill, |
| Write down how you stay informed. What | | | | referral partnerships or ways to fine tune |
| Internet sites? What magazines or papers? | | | | your presentation. |
| What is your favorite radio station? | | | | |
| | | | Be honest. Write your "needs" list. Keep |
| Online publications, newspapers, radio shows | | | | it simple. |
| and magazines need people to write or speak. | | | | |
| By using the media you enjoy, you connect | | | | Now that you've created a brain storm of |
| with prospective clients that have similar | | | | ideas, circle one or two you are willing to |
| interests and values. You might notice that | | | | take action with today. What's one call you |
| these first two doorways are about you. We so | | | | can make? One email you can write. And do |
| often forget that being successful in | | | | so. Now. |
| marketing means honoring how you interact in | | | | |
| the world. | | | | And remember - typically, it's not the |
| | | | skill-set that people lack, but the courage |
| Once you start writing or speaking, you'll | | | | to reach out and connect. |
| gain confidence and credibility. And you'll | | | | |
| meet people who want to know more about what | | | | Copyright © 2005, Carolyn Campbell |
| you do. | | | | |
| | | | With a master's in theater and a |
| Write down your favorite "information | | | | certification in professional coaching |
| highways," and in a word or two write why you | | | | Carolyn Campbell helps social entrepreneurs |
| like them and what articles or programs you'd | | | | meld passion, strategy and community building |
| like to offer. | | | | to create rewarding, lucrative businesses. |
| | | | For more FREE tips on growing your business, |
| What's key? Trust that you have something | | | | visit and click on resources. |
| important to share and you have a unique | | | | |