| |
| |
|
Networking Information |
|
|
|
Two-Step Your Communication
Ever use someone else to get your message out? For example, big, multi-location companies sometimes make important announcements through local plant or office managers, rather than at head office. Another example: advocacy groups that ask their members to individually write or call politicians. Both examples illustrate what's called a two-step communication strategy - getting extra mileage out of communication by selectively using other people to pass on messages. It's so common we often don't think of it as a distinct strategy. But, it is, and offers many benefits, including: borrowed legitimacy, extended networks, speedy distribution, and unofficial status. Let's review those benefits in more detail, and as we do so, ask yourself how you could apply them. Borrowed legitimacy: The example of the advocacy group illustrates how you can use third parties (in this case individual voters/members) to give greater credence to a message. It also explains the testimonials you see and hear in advertising. And, book publishers commonly use several forms of two-step communication, including testimonials, prefaces by well-known or well-respected persons, and book reviews. In your workplace, some people probably have more influence than others. If you send out a message to the people with influence and ask them to pass it on to others in the organization, the message may carry more weight. If you're a sales person, you know the value of referrals. Again, this applies the two-step process to borrow legitimacy. Extended networks: The two-step process can extend personal reach. It's like an old-boys' network that allows us to greatly expand the number of people we 'know'. Some publishers of free electronic newsletters ask subscribers to pass on copies to friends and colleagues. It's a way for publishers to reach potential subscribers, with an implied or explicit endorsement. Speed of distribution: Some messages can't be sent out in mass, they need to be delivered individually and personally, but still need to go out quickly. The two-step process can do that. For example, some associations use phoning trees. Simply sending written notices of meetings may not be enough to get a good turnout. So, one person phones three other members, and those members each phone three other members and so on. If everyone cooperates, phone trees are very effective (in my experience, though, 'if' is the key word here). Unofficial status: Sometimes, organizations use what politicians call trial balloons, which is to say, they want reaction to an initiative before officially announcing it. For example, a politician might test the feasibility of an idea by leaking it to the media. If a news story refers to 'unnamed sources,' you may be seeing the two-step strategy at work. It allows the politician to get a reading on the public's mood without making a commitment. In summary, the two-step process refers to the idea of using third parties to pass on important messages. Conscious, creative use of the process can extend your reach and give your message more impact. That makes it a useful addition to your communication toolbox. Robert F. Abbott writes and publishes Abbott's Communication Letter. Learn how you can use communication to help achieve your goals, by reading articles or subscribing to this ad-supported newsletter. An excellent resource for leaders and managers, at: http://www.communication-newsletter.com
MORE RESOURCES:
Google News |
 |
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
Networking in the Change Room: 5 Ways to Network Effectively While Getting Undressed There's a time and place to network with people in order to generate leads, build rapport and form meaningful relationships. The change room at your gym, spa or country club isn't one of them. Is The Company You Keep Hurting Your Business? When you look at your friends, it's like looking into a mirror. Take the sum of characteristics of the five people you spend most of your time with and you will be the average of that sum. Mobile Car Wash Companies; Trading Tips If you run a mobile car washing firm we recommend trading for as many products and services as possible. You should trade for both personal and business items. How to Generate More Business by Telling People What You Do What do you tell people when asked what you do? Many small business owners and independent professionals repeatedly miss great opportunities to generate new business or develop leads by answering the "what do you do?" question with a poorly crafted or completely unplanned answer. If your answer does not regularly start a conversation about your business you need to change your answer. The 7 Habits of Highly Horrible Networkers Networking is a term that didn't exist (academically) until almost 40 years ago. It's a word uttered in and around the business world every day, yet is unclear to most as to how it actually works. Building Bridges - The Importance of Being Connected Where You Live As a Young Professional (YP) in the up-and-coming city of Milwaukee, WI, I can tell you that it's very important to find a way to get connected in your city. It's important because in order to make a difference, you need to know who those difference makers are. Franchisees Should Learn From Each Other If you own a franchise you should be in contact with your nearest franchisees and share information as if you were the manager of a corporate store. You should set up meetings once or twice per month and have their phone numbers logged into your speed dial for easy reference. Networking Know How Networking, even to a seasoned professional, can seem intimidating or scary at times. The reason for this is due to the fact, that networking can be positive or negative! We don't often think of "negative" networking. Networking: Strangers, Friendship, and Business Growth You already know that uncomfortable feeling, that knot in your stomach that forms, when you enter a room, a bus, or any other location where only you and a total stranger occupy the formerly quiet space. What do you say? Do you say anything? Do you even dare make eye contact? Do you locate a point exactly 180° away from the other person and make that spot your own?Why is it that we are so uncomfortable with strangers, after all, aren't they just people like ourselves? They simply have the unfortunate luck of also being alone in a confined space with a stranger. Make Money on the Internet - The Lifestyle Advantages of Professional Marketers Some of the most successful businesses in existence today started in a box room, bedroom or garage. It isn't how you start out to make money at home that is important. Why Cant I Start A Conversation With You? One out of every ten Americans has a fear of talking to strangers. When you enter a room full of new faces, to start these conversations seems like an impossible task. Strategic Networking: Take the Shortest Path to Success Do you use Ryze or LinkedIn to promote your web based business? If so, you may have noticed that everything is linked to everything else. Here's how to take the shortest path to networking success: use keywords and a targeted linking strategy. Networking: Breaking into the Buzz Breaking into conversational groups is one of the things people ask me about when I'm conducting networking sessions. There's a buzz that hovers over a crowded room that comes from all those people conversing. Sticky Situations: Nametag Best Practices Because a person's name is the single context of human memory most apt to be forgotten; because self-disclosure is the single most effective way to build rapport and connect with people you just met; and because initiating the conversation is half the battle - your nametag is your best friend.However, improper creation and wearing of nametags can work against you (and your business) if you're not careful. Networking for Wallflowers: How to Profit from Getting into the Crowd The two most common complaints about networking are: 1) I never meet people I can do business with and 2) I am always so uncomfortable going to networking events. These two complaints are related and can be relieved with a three step approach to networking that helps even the most frustrated networking wallflowers. Youve Got Personality, Use It! For the self employed professional, nothing is more important than the image you project to your clients and potential clients. Napoleon Hill put it best when he said, "People buy your personality and ideas long before they buy your products and services. The 4 Actions of Awesome Hospitality These Actions of Awesome Hospitality? will help you manifest the power of approachability through your organizational front porches.AWESOME ACTION #1: Go Beyond the Door My friend, Pastor Bob Farr of the St. 3 Reasons to Join a Group Defining your purpose for joining a group.When you make the decision to join a group, you should make sure that you have a clear understanding of what you would like to gain from the group. Your Front End While surfing for traffic or browsing your safelist emails, you are sure to have noticed the very large number of networkers promoting similar, if not identical, programs. Empowerism and Profit Rally are everywhere, as are health related and telecom based MLM opportunities. Networking - How To Do It Networking is probably the oldest, easiest, most effectiveand least expensive way to get more business. Itdoesn't necessarily involve selling your product or servicebut it does mean selling yourself.
|
| home | site map |
| © 2007 |
