Investing in your Network

To build a stong house you have to spend your money in a strong foundation. It is not the prettiest part of the house, but it is the most important part of the house, if you don't spend the money and take the time to build the foundation, the house collapses.

The same holds true with when you are building your network. A stong network is built on trust and trust takes time. You can't use money to build trust and trust is the foundation of a strong network.

Many people join BNI chapters, they believe they can spend their money to join and as soon as they do, the network will begin to pay off. But, they have spent no time building a foundation of trust and credibility.

As a member yoiu should consider the first 6-12 months as the time it takes to build your foundation. To build the trust and credibility that it takes to get your fellow members to refer their best clients and contacts to you.

Here are a list of things that you can do to build a strong foundation.

1. Take advantage of all of the educational opportunities offered
2. Spend time doing one to ones with your fellow members. Learn about them and
their businesses.
3. Give a referral when you can, practice Givers Gain
4. Ask the leadership team how you can help serve
5. Bring Visitors, they help to build everyones business
6. Make sure that if you get a referral, you make the person referring you
look good.
7. Spend time developing your sales manager minute.
8. Know who you want as your next customers and ask.
9. Make sure your first 10 minute showcase teachs your members who your customers
are as well as who they are not.
10. Teach your members how to refer to you.

Make the time investment to build a stong foundation the first year and the referrals you get in the second year will be better qualified and have a higher value. Remember, trust takes time and trust is the foundation of a strong network.

Happy Networking
Hazel M. Walker
Queen of Networking