Michael Angier interview - from Success Networks International

Michael Angier is the president & founder of Success Networks International. For over thirty years, Michael has been researching and sharing strategies for success, life balance and peak performance technologies. He shares his wealth of knowledge through his writing, speaking, and coaching.

He’s the publisher and editor of "Success Strategies" as well as "Success Digest" and "World Class Business Ideas" -- publications of ideas, information and inspiration.

Josh: How do you define Business Networking and why do you feel it's important?

Michael Angier: I define business networking as relationship building because I think business is all about relationships.

Every contact with a client, vendor, stakeholder, competitor, neighbor or, employee is an opportunity to enhance or harm your relationship with them and affect the standing of you and your organization. Networking is connecting and staying connected with people.

Josh: Can you share one or two ideas that someone could put into practice that would help them to improve their business networking skills?

Michael Angier: Put the focus on the other person. Talk in terms of THEIR interests. All too often, networking is seen as a way to get new clients. It's me, me, me. Look instead to find ways to serve others and you will always be expanding and enhancing your network. People like to do business with people they know, like and trust. Be that kind of person.

-You can learn more about Michael Angier at SuccessNet.org.

Michael Yang Interview - CEO of Become.com

Michael Yang is the President, CEO and Co-founder of Become.com. Michael is an entrepreneur who is passionate about developing services that help people.

Michael Co-founded mySimon.com in April of 1998, and served as its CEO. He developed the original idea and vision for mySimon and grew the company from 2 employees to 60 employees in less than a year. mySimon was selected by Forbes magazine as one of the Top 20 E-Commerce sites in 2000. In February of 2000, mySimon was successfully acquired by CNET.

It's a honor to bring you Michael Yang...

Josh: How do you define Business Networking and why do you feel it is important?

Michael Yang: Business Networking is all about finding, meeting, building relationships with others who can help each other through sharing knowledge and information. It is a critical element of business success because people want to work with others who they trust and respect.

Developing new relationships all the time is another way to keep your ideas fresh, expand the range of inputs you get in making decisions, and expands your ability to contribute to the success of others.

Josh: Can you share one idea that someone could put into practice that would help them to improve their business networking skills?

Michael Yang: Become an attractive person because that will attract others to have a relationship with you. By attractive, I don’t mean external beauty. To me, attractive means having good habits and expressing sincerity, humility, and goodness in all your interactions.

-Visit to learn more about www.become.com.

*Brought to you by: BusinessNetworkingAdvice.com

David Breslow Interview - Speaker, Author, Performance Coach

David Breslow is a nationally recognized speaker, writer and Performance Coach. His clients include professionals in sports and business. His approach has been called, "bold, honest and based on undeniable truths that exist beyond opinion and theory; a real breath of fresh air".

Josh: David, how do you define Business Networking and why do you feel it is important?

David Breslow: I best answer this question with a question: Do you believe cultivating great relationships is important in order to be successful in business or in life? Most people answer with a resounding "yes" so it is clear to folks that generating relationships is important.

I define Business Networking as not the traditional networking at all. Networking, in the traditional view denotes bumping into as many people as you can and offering your business card to as many people as you can. It can be impersonal. For me, it's about building a relationship.

Relationships are what lasts over time and the quick "Hello, what do you do and here's my card" approach is not building relationships at all. I believe the effective way is to ask, "How can I be of service to you?" rather than the "Who can help me?" mindset.

Successful people are those who seek to give first. So, the old view of networking must shift toward building a relationship rather than seeing who can be of service to you.

Josh: Can you share one idea that someone could put into practice that would help them to improve their business networking skills?

David Breslow: Yes. As I mentioned above, approach people with the mindset, "How can I be of service to YOU?" When you look for people to serve you, it shows in your voice and body language and can be a turn off.

I also find it important to ask people for help. Most people will respond very positively when you ask for their help and input. "I need your input on this..." is a great way to open a dialogue with someone whether they turn out to be a real business connection or not.

In addition, be clear about the types of people and business you want to attract. Go to the places these people congregate and you are automatically in front of the people you want to meet. At the same time, don't close other doors. You never know who knows someone that can benefit from your product or service and remaining open to this can help you attract people from places you never would have thought of.

-You can learn more about David Breslow at www.TheFlowZone.net.

Interview with Adam J Kovitz of TheNationalNetWorker.com

Adam J Kovitz, CEO and Editor-in-Chief at The National NetWorker - a resource for NetWorking information, celebrating the lives of those individuals who rely upon NetWorking as a way of life as well as the quality organizations that support them by providing effective and profitable NetWorking environments.

Josh: How do you define Business Networking and why do you feel it is important?

Adam J Kovitz: Business NetWorking, like computer networking, is the flow of information between two or more nodes.

In computer networking, the nodes are servers with hard drives, storing information and instructions. In business NetWorking, the nodes are people (the most sophisticated computers we know of); we, too, store information and instructions.

Information is shared between more than one person and is typically used for the following:

1.) Passing and receiving referrals
2.) Expanding one's own NetWork
3.) Disseminating and receiving knowledge
4.) Finding talent
5.) Finding work
6.) Establishing credibility

Under the old, outdated regime of competition, there could only be one winner. Business NetWorking is important because it demonstrates that our old paradigms of competition are no longer valid in a constantly evolving, global marketplace.

Business NetWorking is a team sport that (when done correctly) shows that no one wins unless EVERYONE WINS. When everyone wins, we go to work happy, we are free of ego, we are fulfilled. The biggest tragedies we must face are only minor setbacks and opportunities to learn and improve.

Josh: Can you share one or two ideas that someone could put into practice that would help them to improve their business networking skills?

Adam J Kovitz: Know Your Business - as the saying goes, "most people don't plan to fail... they fail to plan". When we know our business, we can position ourselves to help more people, more often.

The way to understand our business is to take the time to plan and regularly review our progress against our plan. This involves understanding who we are, how we make decisions, identifying and understanding the markets we will serve, understanding our "competition", understanding how local, regional, national and global trends will affect our business, knowing our internal structure and resources, critically looking at what make us both good and not-so-good and how to leverage both to our advantage.

When we know all these things, we can plan our actions in a more directed fashion such that we are acting in a way that is both true to the design/model/intent as well as acting such that logical and sequential forward process is possible and measurable. Successful companies measure their own success, which drives performance.

-You can reach Adam J Kovitz at TheNationalNetWorker.com.

Cindy Chernow Interview - Keynote Speaker, Author, Trainer

Cindy Chernow is President of Chernow Consulting. Chernow Consulting provides corporate training and professional development. Cindy shares her expertise through keynote addresses, workshop and seminar presentations, and coaching.

Be sure to take note of what she has to say about networking uncovering the "hidden job market"...

Josh: How do you define Business Networking and why do you feel it is important?

Cindy Chernow: People seem to distinguish Business Networking as more purposeful. They see it as a way to meet specific needs as opposed to the more general life long relationship building. In either case, it is all about relationship building. I like to remind people that Networking is only one letter away from Not Working.

In today's global economy, it is the singular most important skill one can possess. Networking opens doors; uncovers the hidden job market; and is responsible for the hiring of 75-85% of all jobs. More importantly, in today's workplace, it helps people work smarter not harder. People are our greatest resource. Knowing who to call and where to go is the skill set successful people share in common.

Josh: Can you share one idea that someone could put into practice that would help them to improve their business networking skills?

Cindy Chernow: Be visible. There are no opportunities where you are not. Meet as many people as possible but in the process always be connecting others. Be a resource for others as much as you expect others to be a resource for you... "what goes around comes around." Remember to make your "net" work.

-You can visit Cindy Chernow at www.chernowconsulting.com.

*Brought to by BusinessNetworkingAdvice.com

Phil Gerbyshak Interview - motivational speaker, self-improvement advocate, author

I'm pleased as punch to bring you Phil Gerbyshak of Make It Great! He is a motivational speaker, self-improvement advocate, and "relationship geek". Phil is the author of the book, 10 Ways to Make It Great!

Note: Be sure to pay attention to what he says about identifying who you are first, so that you can best know how to give value to others -- and make the time to do the suggestion he gives. You'll benefit greatly as a result.

Josh: How do you define Business Networking and why do you feel it is important?

Phil Gerbyshak: Business Networking is the art of connecting people to other people in a meaningful way, to help them out and to find unique ways to add value to others life. A great example is how you and I were connected by Stephanie West Allen. Stephanie connected us for no benefit at all to her. Thanks Stephanie!

Josh: Can you share one idea that someone could put into practice that would help them to improve their business networking skills?

Phil Gerbyshak: Sure thing Josh. In order to improve your business networking skills, you need to figure out who YOU are first, so you know where you can add value to others. If you don't know who you are, what your strengths are, and what value you have to others, it's hard to talk to others.

Take the time right now to write down 5 things that you are passionate about and good at. Memorize these things and whenever you see someone who needs one of these 5 things, offer to help others by sharing your gift.

-You can visit Phil Gerbyshak at MakeItGreat.org.

Chris Gloss Interview - Motivational Speaker

It's a pleasure to bring you Motivational Speaker and Coach, Chris Gloss. He's known as the "The Possibilitarian" for good reason -- A self starter and an entrepreneur, Chris does not believe in limitations of the individual. He speaks with conviction, pushing others to break through the barriers of their perceived limitations.

Josh: How do you define Business Networking and why do you feel it is important?

Chris Gloss: Business networking is the proactive advancement toward one's business goals, by building relationships and affiliations that fill a need or gap, which, when filled, will propel the business toward the attainment of the desired results.

In the past, networking merely consisted of exchanging business cards and maintaining those contacts to call on for future associations. Today, there are many other avenues by which to network, including the Internet and Tele-Conference exchanges.

One key thing to remember is that business networking begins with the proper state of mind. Prior to ever engaging in networking for your business, it is crucial to be very clear about the areas in your business that need strengthening: this will give you the proper foundation to successfully aim your networking efforts. Secondly, the purpose for building new relationships must be firmly established in one's mind.

Once the weak areas and purpose are established, you can now begin the process of filling those gaps in your business, via strategic networking, designed to cultivate the exchange of resources, expertise and money. Strategic business networking is invaluable to growing a successful business!

Josh: Can you share one idea that someone could put into practice that would help them to improve their business networking skills?

Chris Gloss: Be the First to Give! Networking involves an exchange. People love to receive but it's rare in the lives of most people to ever have someone give to them freely. The funny thing is that the act of giving will actually open any closed door, tear down any wall, and create an environment where "favor" loves to dwell.

When networking, seek to find out what the other person's needs and wants are, before seeking to fill your needs. Look for an opportunity to solve a problem for them. Give them a lead to help grow their business, or simply connect them with someone who can help them achieve a higher level of success.

Never ask for anything without first offering something. When you give freely, you will be empowered and receive favor in the sight of the person whom you desire to network with.

These nuggets of wisdom are my gift to you. Enjoy and activate them!

-You can learn more about Chris at www.ChrisGloss.com.

Interview with Dr. Stan Harris - Motivational Speaker and Trainer

Dr. Stan Harris is one of the top trainers in the field of direct marketing, and is sought after by many different companies and organizations because of his motivational skills and knowledge. Dr. Harris delivers positive and empowering breakthrough messages as a motivational speaker to people across the world!

Josh: How do you define Business Networking and why do you feel it is important?

Dr. Stan Harris: Business Networking is the ability to leverage relationships to enhance whatever business a person is involved with. We have all heard about the six degrees of separation, well everyone we need to know and everyone else needs to know (or client we/they need to contact) can all be made a reality through Networking. We may not have it all together, but together we have it all!

And remember, your ability to network, will highly determine your net worth! No man or Business should try to be an Island to themselves.

Josh: Can you share one idea that someone could put into practice that would help them to improve their business networking skills?

Dr. Stan Harris: Work on becoming a problem solver or solution provider instead of a salesperson. I'm not a salesperson per se but rather a problem solver, however, when I help solve people's problems they have a tendency to buy my product or use my services! The more problems you solve, the more you get paid. The bigger the problem, the bigger the pay.

The #1 product that people buy in every culture, on every continent, in every climate, regardless of the price, or the person providing it? Solutions to their problems! What solutions does your business provide, what problems does it solve?

You want people to say, "I'll call (your name) because they will know where I can get what I need, or how I can meet who I need to meet."

-You can learn more about Dr. Stan Harris at DrBreakThrough.com.

Merlin Mann from 43Folders.com - Interview

Merlin Mann is the creator of 43 Folders, a family of websites about personal productivity, which includes a collection of simple ways to make your life a little better.

Merlin makes some interesting points -- I particularly appreciated what he said about doing for others while expecting nothing in return... a hard pill for some to swallow, but those that take this idea to heart will be well ahead of the game if you ask me.

Josh: How do you define Business Networking and why do you feel it is important?

Merlin Mann: Hm. That's a complicated one.

I have to admit that I loathe "networking" in what I take to be the conventional sense of the word -- to leverage friends and strangers for whatever intrinsic value _their_ relationships can bring to oneself.

Consequently, I've always tried to avoid becoming one of those horrible little men who pretends to like everyone for the primary purpose of eventually pressing a crisp new business card into each of their palms while making a vague promise about future synergies and meals. That makes my skin crawl.

Having said that, I finally have grown up enough to realize two things.

First -- people who genuinely like one another usually enjoy introducing each other to _other_ people that they like. That's just human nature. It's a healthy habit and it spreads interesting connections and ideas.

Second, the heart of ethical and humane networking means _not_ asking favors of others, but instead frequently doing unrequested propers for _others_. And expecting zilch in return.

So I guess networking, in an ideal world, just means you help your friends meet cool people as you do nice things for them. I can get behind that.

But the grinning bearers of business cards who clearly want to put your soul in a Bell jar on their desk? I can still do without them.

Josh: Can you share one idea that someone could put into practice that would help them to improve their business networking skills?

Merlin Mann: No but I will share 5 very short ones.

1. try not to lie or mislead
2. always accept "no" (esp. when people want to be left alone)
3. don't treat your friends like either hookers, agents, or trading cards
4. never be afraid to dislike people who deserve to be disliked
5. accept that a lot of people in life think you're a d#@chebag, then move on

--Visit Merlin Mann at www.43folders.com.

*Brought to you by BusinessNetworkingAdvice.com

Interview with Stephanie West Allen

I'm pleased to bring you the following interview with speaker, trainer, author, and personal strategist Stephanie West Allen. Stephanie is a principal in Allen & Nichols Productions, a Denver-based firm that conducts programs using accelerated training techniques to make learning easy, long-lasting and applicable to daily life.

Josh: How do you define Business Networking and why do you feel it is important?

Stephanie West Allen: I think of networking as clicking into place (see here for more about this). A long time ago, this clicking was an integral part of our early, small-town communities. People knew their role in the village. And they knew to whom to go for a service or product -- shoeing their horse, filling their pantries, treating their sick. People knew how they fit, knew how they clicked into the community, knew how they helped each other.

Our community is bigger now. With technology such as the Internet, it is as big as the planet. And yet we all can still click into our role in this bigger community and help each other. And, while doing so, we can be enormously rewarded in many ways, including monetarily and spiritually.

Josh: Can you share one idea that someone could put into practice that would help them to improve their business networking skills?

Stephanie West Allen: We each are a part of the tightly woven network of humankind. This network is sensitive and receptive and active. When you talk to one, you are talking to a multitude.

Remind yourself that the person with whom you are communicating is a part of that living, pulsing network of humanity. Consciously be aware of the web of which both of you are an integral part. Bring to mind the reverberation your interaction will have on many others. And bring to mind the impact it will have on you. Life is an echo; what you send out is what you get back.

--You can visit Stephanie West Allen's blog at www.idealawg.com.

Interview with Terry Gold of Gold Systems

It's my pleasure to bring you Terry Gold. Terry is the co-founder, CEO and President of Gold Systems, an independent software development company that creates self-service solutions powered by voice. Gold Systems was named to the Inc. 500 Fastest Growing Private Companies in 1998. The company has also been named to the Deloitte & Touche Colorado Fast 50 every year for the last seven years.

If you'll pardon the pun... in my humble opinion the advice Terry shares below is 'solid gold'...

Josh: How do you define Business Networking and why do you feel it is important?

Terry Gold: Definition - Zig Ziglar said, "You can have everything in life that you want if you will just help enough other people get what they want." Networking to me is a chance to meet other people, learn something about them and maybe be able to help them. It is not selling or even prospecting to me.

Josh: Can you share one idea that someone could put into practice that would help them to improve their business networking skills?

Terry Gold: Here's an idea. Show up, be present. As we're doing this interview I'm actually at a networking event right now -- I just met the number one contact to meet at this conference because I was hanging out in a high traffic area. He then introduced me to three other people and scheduled another meeting for tomorrow.

If I had been in my hotel room checking email, it wouldn't have happened. I'm not a natural networker but by putting myself in the right place at the right time I often get lucky!

-You can visit Terry Gold at www.TerryGold.com.

* brought to you by: BusinessNetworkingAdvice.com

Business Networking Interviews - September 2006

Here's a list of our Business Networking Advice interviews from September 2006 ...

* Guy Kawasaki - Entrepreneur, Author, and Speaker.
* Jim Donovan - Motivational Speaker and Author.
* John Harricharan - businessman, lecturer, and author.
* John Pullum - Television Host, Speaker, and Entertainer.
* Matthew Cornell of Matt's Idea Blog.
* Meghan Wier - author & writer She writes on a variety of subjects including business networking.
* Jill Lublin of Promising Promotion.
* Scott Ginsberg - That Guy with the Nametag.
* Pegine Echevarria - expert on success, leadership, teamwork, and diversity.
* Olivia Fox Cabane - author, speaker and the Executive Director of Spitfire Communications.
* Donna Fisher author of Power Networking.
* Rene Godefroy - motivational speaker and the author of "No Condition is Permanent!".
* Ruben Gonzalez - Olympian, Keynote Speaker, and Author.
* Phil Town - Rule #1 Author and Speaker.
* John Ahern of CBD Financial Planning Group.
* Stephen Kraus - The Success Scientist.
* Rhonda Sher of The 2 Minute Networker.
* Sean Woodruff - entrepreneur and marketing expert.

--All the best, Josh Hinds

Business Networking Interviews - August 2006

Here's a recap of the Business Networking Advice interviews from August 2006 -- in case you missed any of them, or just want to re-read them again... Enjoy :-)

* Kyle Wilson, president of Jim Rohn International.
* Christopher Knight, Publisher and CEO of EzineArticles.com.

* Greg Reid - Motivational keynote speaker and author.
* Jim Canterucci - executive advisor, author, professional speaker, and CEO and founder of Transition Management Advisors.

* Jason M. Gracia, founder and president of Motivation123, and the author of "The Motivated Mind".
* Bob Burg - Keynote Speaker and author of: Winning Without Intimidation: How To Master The Art Of Positive Persuasion, Endless Referrals: Network Your Everyday Contacts Into Sales.

* Jim Stovall, an accomplished keynote speaker and author.
* Joe Tye -- a nationally recognized speaker on values-based life and leadership skills. He's also the author of six books, including the international bestseller Never Fear, Never Quit: A Story of Courage and Perseverance.

* Joe Vitale - author, speaker, and marketing strategist.
* Jim Rohrbach - Success Skills Coach.
* Laura Stack, MBA, CSP, President & CEO of The Productivity Pro, Inc.

* Jeff Keller - speaker, seminar leader and writer in the area of motivation and human potential.
* Chris Widener - Motivational keynote speaker and author.
* Michael Lovitch - co-founder The Hypnosis Network.

--Wishing you much "business networking" success, Josh Hinds :-)

Interview with Marjorie Brody of BRODY Professional Development

It's a pleasure to bring you Marjorie Brody CSP, PCC, CPAE Speaker Hall of Fame -- the Founder of BRODY Professional Development. She is a Keynote speaker, trainer, and the author & creator of: More than 18 books, including the award-winning Help! Was That a Career Limiting Move? and Career MAGIC: a Woman’s Guide to Reward & Recognition.

Josh: How do you define Business Networking and why do you feel it is important?

Marjorie Brody: I think business networking is about meeting people and creating meaningful business relationships. It’s important because it’s through people and with people that we build our careers.

Josh: Can you share one idea that someone could put into practice that would help them to improve their business networking skills?

Marjorie Brody: Meet people and look at ways that you can help them. Remember, it’s not just about selling yourself. What goes around comes around. The more people you help, the more they will help you. It’s the law of reciprocity.

-You can learn more about Marjorie Brody at www.MarjorieBrody.com.

Interview with Steve Pearce - Executive Coach and Conference Speaker

Steve Pearce is an executive coach and conference speaker who specializes in helping people become brilliant communicators. He is retained by some of the world's leading banks and law firms, and writes the blog Common Ground.

Josh: How do you define Business Networking and why do you feel it is important?

Steve Pearce: I think of business networking as survival tactic number 1 in today's volatile job market. You're going to need someone's help some day. Far better to know, when that day comes, that you're already in credit with a whole bunch of people, rather than face the humiliation of knocking at a closed door.

Josh: Steve, could you share one idea that someone could put into practice that would help them to improve their business networking skills?

Steve Pearce: I think there's an exact parallel between business networking and dating. In both enterprises there's a clear objective. But, all too often, people (men in particular) rush the early stages and don't have the patience to play the long game. Totally unoriginal but massively ignored fact: people want to be respected as people rather than as the object of your ambition (or your lust.)

People I've met and tried in some small way to help without expecting anything in return at the time have often come good for me years later. Treat everyone you meet as your potential champion or advocate - but don't expect an immediate payoff.

-You can visit Steve Pearce at www.common-ground.info