Business Networking: Tap Into Rich Resources

There is no doubt that we find ourselves in unprecedented times.  One of the best investments of your time and money is to build a network of trusted advisors.

The YTM community and the connections we have made over the past 10 years, provide a rich resource of knowledge and experience.  Events are accessible online , allowing us to connect our community and  introduce interstate speakers to our network. Technology has also allowed us to share knowledge and maintain conversations and connections cross Australia via social platforms of LinkedIn and Facebook.

This week we introduce you to 3 of our network who recently shared tips that we believe are important for you and your business to action at this time-

Technology- A benefit and a curse

We can use it continue to connect with our network and keep conversations going with our clients near and far,  and also take the opportunity to access knowledge to grow our businesses, however there is also need to be vigilant as all may not be as it seems.  

Marty Haak, Infinite Edge- IT and Cybersecurity Advisor- one of our LinkedIn connections who attended YTM and we now follow on LinkedIn- 

“School holidays are upon us in some states already, and the rest begin next week.

As some of you head off on your time away from the office, many workers are setting up their ‘Out of Office’ replies, but you could be unintentionally giving away information to scammers that you wouldn’t normally give.

Do you include your normal signature in your out of office? Do you also include a personal mobile for emergencies or another colleagues details? How much do you include about where you are going and for how long?

Each of these things are giving cyber criminals snippets of information allowing them to piece together ways to extract further information that could harm you or the company you work for.

Less is more…

Instead of saying the exact dates you will be away, use broader phrases such as ‘returning in a few weeks’ or ‘mid/late July’.

Only mention that they can contact you on your mobile but don’t give out the actual number.

Provided all these details are in previous email signatures and/or the office number is available through Google or your website, no one maliciously phishing for information is going to get it easily.

Relationships- Get Personal for Referral Success

Alvin Cooney from Asentiv Ausralia was the speaker at our June YTM event.  He  shared insights on Referral partnerships . During  Covid-19 restrictions,  a telephone call or zoom meeting is not only provides opportunity to connect but allows you to build on your relationships. So- why not schedule some time and have those conversations?  

“A referral relationship isn’t all business!  Getting personal can deeply improve the level and commitment of a referral relationship. Knowing “personal” things about someone can inspire you and them as well. Do you know the easy items such as are they married, do they have kids, what is their favorite color, favorite sports team, etc?

By knowing more personal items about each other there are many opportunities to continue to build the relationship.  What if you both enjoy hiking? Knowing that could allow you to invite possible prospects for each other out for a hike.  Now you are spending hours together, having fun and by the end of the day, who knows maybe some business gets done too.

The key here is to truly identify all of the personal things you know about your referral sources and see if you can do something to deepen the relationship. It is often a little scary to see how little we know about other people.

This week, your objective is to spend 2 minutes writing down as many personal items about your referral sources that you can.  You may be surprised at how much you don’t know!  Then utilize that information to do something nice for them or deepen the relationship!

Support your people

Meet Jo Johnson, The Content Coach.  Jo has spoken at YTM Dinners in the past, coached Kerryn through her book writing journey last year and will be one of the competitors at the next YTM Award Dinner, once in person events are feasible.. She is an advocate  for staying connected with your people, your audience.
Connection. Communication. Sharing. Inspiring. Leading.

“– your audience, your followers, your past clients, your prospects – need the info, the encouragement, the inspiration, the advice, the understanding that you can provide. They need to know what you know and they still need help with their problems.

And YOU need the exposure – possibly more than ever! Staying visible now and continuing to build strong relationships will help you navigate YOUR business during this weird and wacky time. Those who continue to build relationships will be the ones still standing when all of this is said and done.

This is not a time to stop communicating, to go underground.

NOW is the time to increase the comms with your list and raise the bar on their perception of your value.

How to connect with your audience

Write regularly – more than you’ve ever done. Write honestly but don’t rant. Deliver something of value but don’t be apologetic for just checking in. Connection is key; be the one who reaches out.  READ MORE “

At YTM, what we want for you is to stay safe, make sure that your relationships and technology are working for you, that they , along with us provide the support, knowledge and connection you need, not work against you!

By providing opportunities to access connections, personal and professional development and business, Your Time Matters, provides support, contributes to community and makes business networking conversations count.

If you would like to join the YTM business community for regular ONLINE conversations and connection, subscribe to our Event Alerts and check out what is coming up…