Who are the people in your neighborhood?
While this was a song sung by Mr. Rogers of a children’s television show, the question applies to job seekers wanting an interview and to entrepreneurs wanting to increase visibility. The neighborhood may be thought of as all people who have met in your past jobs, at networking events, associations, along with your friends and neighbors.
Staying connected and continuing to build relationships (a plug for my book) – Nice Girls DO Get the Sale: Relationship Building That Gets Results with as many people as possible is key to increasing your stature in business and taking the leadership position as an expert. People do take note of the underlying marketing communication message that you care. Social media comes in very handy for doing just this. Develop a group and a like page on Facebook; offer helpful tweets on Twitter, and be certain to connect with apropos professionals on LinkedIn.
One of the most overlooked pieces is connecting people you know who may not be familiar with one another. Just this morning, a newfound friend and expert with technology was mentioning he needs to find someone interested and able to take over those tasks for which he does not have the time. A lightbulb came on when I remembered a gentleman who last year kindly offered me programming code for my monthly newsletter without my asking for it. The extra key here is generosity and helping others rather than stampeding for the finish line.
The help coming my way gave me a better understanding of what “Bob” does plus he is now etched into my memory of someone to whom I wish to return the favor of help. We’ve known each other for a number of years. Bob is looking for extra work and so I introduced him to my contact. In honor of the Thanksgiving holiday celebrated this month in the U.S. – who are the people you may thank by way of introductions or holding out a helping hand?
You will find the rewards are enormous when your put your mindset on helping the people in your network or neighborhood. In addition to the reward of feeling good about helping someone else, most often the help will be reciprocated at some point in terms of a referral, recommendation or completely new opportunity. As your sphere of influence grows, you will be developing greater business and attracting far many more prospects, clients and ultimately sales. The same techniques hold true for ultimately landing the job you desire and hearing HIRED!
The people in your neighborhood for the most part will help put you on your way to enjoying a very Smooth Sale!
