Time to Hire a Professional Networker?

It used to be that people said that there was 6 degrees of separation between everyone. Many people know that Kevin Bacon game that people play to prove it. They name a film that such and such played on with Kevin, who worked with your cousins, friends' uncles' gardener, and BOOM.. there you have it! Someone who you know who knows someone who knows Kevin Bacon! There is also the Hollywood version that makes a point to prove that everyone in Hollywood is connect to Kevin Bacon through any amount of projects that they'd worked on. You get the point!

I'm finding more and more that networking is one of the greatest business skills of all time. It can move mountains and create opportunities that didn't exist whatsoever until you met that special person. And now with the power of the internet, the world has shrunk so that everyone is the neighbor of one another. You can literally network on the computer with people to be in touch with the PERSON who you need to meet. It's mind boggling!

We're beating at the door of the good ol' boys' club and it feels GREAT!

But how do you break in? How do you get it started? Well, one way I've found is to actually HIRE a Professional Networker?

What is that you ask, and how is that different from a publicist or a marketing person? In my mind, Public Relations is how to position yourself or a company in the media or to the public. These people can be excellent sources for you. They're going to do articles highlighting you or send press releases about you or make calls for you.

The marketing people will do similar work but they'll do more repeated calling and branding of you or the company.

The Professional Networker? They position themselves anywhere and let people know how great you are. If and when they meet someone that fits the perfect client profile, they'll introduce you as a friend to friend contact. It's a lot less intimidating and a lot more informal. You have to select someone who is a natural networker. Pick a person who is friends with the rich, famous and the powerful. It doesn't have to be the rich and powerful, just someone who isn't afraid to meet them!

I'm one of those self made people I guess. I didn't have any connections that got me launched doing anything that I've done, but I was blessed with a good education, supportive parents and a mom who pushed me out the door when I graduated, but besides that, I've been the one who has created and maintained my contacts throughout the years.

Just on one trip alone, the people I've met can help me or my clients a tremendous amount! I met the president of the cell phone company that I need to get a new contract and phone from. I met the president of the textile firm who might invest in another of my friend's business who is raising money for his business. I put the textile president in touch with my friend Josh, the Broadway producer, who asked if he'd be interested in investing in a Broadway play.

Back at home, I am actually paid as a professional networker. I hook people up for other people when they are trying to find people to sell to or to recruit. I'm also being considered to be hired for this position by a recruiting firm.

The techniques I use are exactly the same as when I was a lecture agent years ago. My job was to put two people or two companies together. The object is to find out who needs what and who they need or want to meet. As I get to know the companies and their needs, I automatically can draw from a mental list of people who would fit into the role that they are seeking. I'm not a full time recruiter, but I do possess the same skills and have been paid when I've made some decent hook ups.

I happen to know a lot of people. I know people in nearly every job profession across the board. I know or have met people all across the country and most of the people are always willing to meet someone new.

The skills are teachable, learnable and definitely usable! It takes a lot of energy and follow-up but it's worth it in the long run. Here are some of the valuable hook ups I've made; some have brought me finders fees, some not but here they are:

? I've gotten up and coming stars an agent. One turned into a regular gig on the Rosanne Barr show after I got him an agent. Others have made money for years from their public lectures.

? I've gotten many people on radio and TV because I introduced them to the hosts or the producers or the publicists

? I've helped financial companies recruit sales people

? I've helped financial professionals meet new clients

? I've introduced men to women and women to men. (There's at least 1 marriage but many great relationships were established!)

? I've introduced two TV news anchors in the same city who are on competing stations and I've never even been to their city!

? I've helped friends and clients get tickets to great events, meet top notch lawyers, meet business partners, helped get items for silent auctions, and helped moms find good babysitters.

Networking is the answer to your problem. If you need to meet more people, hire more people, recruit more people or sell to more people, you can either become an expert networker or hire someone who is. Why cold call when you can be walked in the back door? Working smart can save you time, and it can make you money.

Its time you start doing what the stars have known all along. It's not who you know, but who you can GET to know that matters. Then its all up to you!

Mary Gardner, The Charisma Coach! is an Executive Communications Consultant and Trainer. She works with, coaches and trains individuals, sales teams, executives, and celebrities. She owned and operated one of the first coaching institutions on the east coast, CCI, in NYC, Philly and NJ. Mary has appeared on ABC's 20/20 and has self published a book on public speaking. Mary is married to Sway and is mommy to Jeremy 5, and lives in Orlando, FL.

Information: mary@marygardner.com or Web: www.marygardner.com

---

Unforgettable First Impressions Part 1: Discover the CPI

People like others whom they are like. So if you... Read More

Hey, Whos the New Guy? How to Make Guests and First Timers Feel Welcome

The New Guy is a person we all know. And... Read More

Give People Something to Talk About!

My husband and I tried an experiment one night. We... Read More

Network Marketing

Network marketing is the ordinary person's best opportunity to make... Read More

Unforgettable First Impressions Part 4: Become a Social Gift Giver

Do you ever wonder why single people give flowers, wine,... Read More

Planting the Seeds of Greatness - Make it Great Newsletter #7

Thought of the WeekThis week, I'd like to challenge you... Read More

Examination of Discovery - Finding the Right Networking Group

Why would I pick this group over another group?How many... Read More

Networking: Breaking into the Buzz

Breaking into conversational groups is one of the things people... Read More

Networking in the Change Room: 5 Ways to Network Effectively While Getting Undressed

There's a time and place to network with people in... Read More

Where to Find a Cash Windfall of $10,000 - $1,000,000 - You Never Knew You Had

There is a rather famous true story called "Acres of... Read More

Politics, Religion, Race; Conversational No-No?s in Business

Do not destroy all your positive displacement and high energy... Read More

Growing Your Network of People Can be Easy and Fun!

A few years back when I moved to Charlotte, NC... Read More

Networking: Strangers, Friendship, and Business Growth

You already know that uncomfortable feeling, that knot in your... Read More

Lessons from the Wedding Mafia

One of my clients shared a story with me from... Read More

Create a 10 Second Introduction From Your USP

You can generate a ton of business by networking, whether... Read More

Network Marketing Secret: On Becoming the ?GoTo? Guy

For years we've been taught to identify ourselves as reps... Read More

5 Ways to Wow People Who Wear Nametags

People wear nametags more often than you think. The majority... Read More

How To Make Your Next Networking Event A Success

There are people who are natural born networkers - those... Read More

Network Your Way to Success, and Remember: Its Not About You!

Quote of the week"The answer is always no...unless you ask."... Read More

10 Effective Ways to Remember Names

Sigmund Freud says "a person's name is the single context... Read More

Giving the Gift of Your Name (The Networking Factor)

Although, this is about giving the gift of your name... Read More

Why Cant I Remember Your Name?

You're terrible with names. You forget someone's name within ten... Read More

How to be Known

Why business relationships are formed with certain people?If you go... Read More

Social Network Software

My neighbor ? a lovely man I've known, and have... Read More

Where Does That Word Come From?

"Instead of a handshake, I gave Toby a high-five to... Read More

Two-Step Your Communication

Ever use someone else to get your message out?For example,... Read More

Youve Got Personality, Use It!

For the self employed professional, nothing is more important than... Read More

The Five Step Formula For Getting Prospects to Call You

Are you tired of prospecting for new business?Are you sick... Read More

3 Reasons to Join a Group

Defining your purpose for joining a group.When you make the... Read More

How to Find Participants for a Trial Run

Why is a network meeting the best place to get... Read More

Five Steps for Expanding Your Customer Base with Guerilla Networking

As a single company, it is impossible to provide your... Read More

How to Avoid Falling Asleep Behind the Conversational Wheel

Think about the last time you feel asleep behind the... Read More

Land the Ideal Job Using Social Networks

With at least 60% of job-seekers finding employment through networking,... Read More