What is network marketing?

Not enough can said about the value of a professional head shot. When many people look at networking sites such as CollectiveX, Linked In, or Plaxo they make a very rapid opinion on your seriousness as a business builder. The lack of a head shot shouts “I’m just giving this a try, but I’m not serious enough to post a picture.” Here are the top reasons you want to add a professional headshot to your toolbox:

1. Professionalism. As just said, it shows you are serious about business. Let me add that people that use a logo instead of a head shot are saying “I’m here to sell”. Successful networkers are looking for synergistic relationships, they are not looking to buy your products. When you realize that, business from networking will soar.
2. Opinion Editorials. One of the best ways to set yourself up as an expert in your field is to get in the habit of writing editorials. Online sites, such as EzineArticles and Article Blast can get you high level visibility fast. However do not under estimate the staying power of the print media. I have been published in The Oakland Press, Crain’s Business, and the O/E newspapers because I was able to provide an immediate jog of my mug. They will NOT publish an op-ed or opinion piece without one.
3. First Meetings. When you meet someone for the first time send them your headshot. People feel much more comfortable about meeting a stranger, albeit a professional, when they know what they look like.

So go out and find a professional photographer (there is probably one in your networking group already) and get a headshot. You will be amazed at how much more effective your online networking will become.

You can find many SEO companies on the Internet that claim to offer you services to get your website high page rankings. It is no wonder that many entrepreneurs seek the help of companies that specializes in search engine optimization techniques to help them achieve high rankings. If you are looking to make money online with a website, then getting your site at the top of the search engines can prove to be a profitable choice. However, before you pay any company to achieve these results there are some startling facts that you must be aware of.

What SEO Companies Are Not Telling You
 
The sales messages that SEO Companies relay is that there is a magic algorithm that will get your website to the top of the search engines. The fact is that using this marketing strategy is not automated, its does takes time and work to achieve high rankings. However, it is suggested that when entrepreneurs learn these strategies for themselves, it allows them to get targeted and quality traffic. These are the two most important elements to make money online with an Internet Business.   Companies are not’ telling you these strategies can be done for yourself. Some make it appear that they know some secret undercover strategy that will get you the rankings. The truth is if you learn the techniques to getting you there, and consistently work on those rankings you can achieve the same results and save yourself thousands.
 
Why are some people looking at SEO companies if they can get training to learn how to do it for themselves.. For many to put the time in learning the strategy, implementing the steps, and then maintaining the website may prove to be difficult. For those that have do not have the time to learn or work this marketing strategy, pay find that paying someone to accomplish these goals may be the best choice for them. If you are considering paying a company to get these results for you there are some startling facts that you must know.
 
What You Must Know Before You Pay SEO Companies
 
1.) Guaranteed Results - Do not fall for the line guaranteed results. Only search engines, can guarantee positions. If someone guarantees first position on keywords, I would evaluate them closer.  This is not to say they can not guarantee a first page inclusion, just guaranteeing first or even second position is difficult, especially when they put a time frame on it.
 
2.) Time Frame - Search Engine Optimization is not a quick marketing solution. It takes time, to obtain quality rankings. A company that claim you can get a fast listing for a website, I would be weary of utilizing there services.
 
3.) One Time Cost - Usually for a quality campaign to be run there will be an initial charge incurred, and then a maintenance fee every month. Companies that charge a monthly fee are suggested to continue to work toward high rankings. Those that do a one time fee, are more likely to not continue giving you the time necessary to continue to get search queries.
 
4.) Testimonials - I would be skeptical of any SEO companies that do not have testimonials. If they really are giving results they should have testimonials to prove it.
 
5.) PPC Vs Search Engine Optimization - There is a difference between PPC and SEO. Make sure that they are giving you the service you are paying for. 
 
6.) Content - What content are they going to be optimizing for the search engines? Many times SEO companies will try to get rankings for your current website. This is suggested to not be the best choice. A detailed campaign will include a new website that is optimized toward your campaign. If they tell you they can optimize your current site with no changes, or do not offer to create a new website according to the campaign I would question their authentic. In addition what do you want optimized. Some companies are misinterpreting what is going to be on the search engines. Some are charging a lot of money to get a blog, or lens up on the search engines, while they suggest they were going to get a website the ranking. Be clear as to what you want optimized.
 
7.) Price - A quality campaign is not cheap. Due to the work involved and the time spent to get the desirable ranking it will come with a price tag. It has been suggested those offering a low cost, are not delivering real results. Be realistic about the expectations and cost, even though you are paying a low amount it probably won’t give you the results desired. Any money spent without results is to much money.
 
There are reputable SEO Companies that will help you to get optimal search results for a website, and it may be a profitable choice to pay them for results. While you can pay for top ranking for a website, it is still suggested to learn Search engine optimization for yourself. Getting the top rankings for website is considered profitable for entrepreneurs. When you obtain those skills, and knowledge you can grow any website to profit. Many are not willing to pay a large fee to SEO companies, when they can take a training to get top rankings. The fact is no one is going to work your business or website like you do, regardless of how much they are paid.  

In the world of networking, trust is the currency of choice.  With it, doors open freely.  Without it, you can be standing on the outside looking in at the business you wish you could have.  Much more valuable than money, it grows in ways similar to money.  Consistent effort, living up to commitments and time are key ingredients to building both trust and money.

Why then, do people walk into a strong-contact networking environment and expect to receive business without any currency?  Is your sales manager serious when she expects you to walk out of a new customer’s house with a fist full of referrals? 

A few days ago, I ran across a great blog post  asking if it is possible for businesses to regain trust.  “Integrity and honesty are two of the deepest and most human traits, and I say they absolutely translate to a business level,” said Amber Naslund, author of the Altitude Branding blog.  

While I wholeheartedly agree, I also wonder why people expect to be referred to others before they have proven themselves to be trustworthy.  Building business by referral requires authentic communication, transparency about your qualifications and proving you truly care about the success of your referral partner.

Maybe this is why so many people shun referrals as a way to build their business, preferring the more immediate feedback they get from cold calling.  They will live by the cold call and the occasional referral that comes from being active.  This model of business building will never die, but it certainly can kill otherwise good sales professionals!

Since trust is necessary to building solid relationships, here are a few things you can do to build that trust more quickly.

1.    Be prepared to give a lot more than you receive.  Giving the referrals people are asking for is a good way to get started.  If you know your referral partner has a particular cause they are passionate about, volunteer to help occasionally.  When you see an article that relates to their business, send it to them.  These are all things that do not require a great deal of money and show you care about that person and their business.

2.    Under promise and over deliver.  Admittedly, this sounds trite.  And it works, try it sometime!

3.    Play fair.  Networked Inc. founder Terry Bean likes to talk about coopetition, the art of cooperating with your competition.  This can be a delicate balancing act and one that is highly profitable.  It requires you to be transparent with your coopetition in every aspect of your business. 

4.    Drop the scorecard.  There are many factors at play in giving and receiving referrals.  Just because you give a referral does not mean it is easily reciprocated, so stop expecting a one-to-one referral exchange.  Maybe your business requires a greater degree of trust to build before referrals can be given.  Or maybe you just are not asking for the correct referrals.  Regardless, keeping score will cause you to become bitter which will keep you from becoming referable!

Trust takes time is a correct but incomplete statement.  Trust takes time, sincerity and consistent effort.  I hope you are ready for the journey!