Interview with Steve Kinney - CEO and President of Search Optimizers

Steve Kinney is the President & CEO of Search Optimizers. His company focuses on automating the process for performing search engine optimization.

In this interview Steve shares some excellent ideas on how to take your networking efforts to the next level...

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

Steve Kinney: Business Networking is the process of building relationships for the mutual benefit of all involved. I recently read a book that really hits the mark on why this is so important, and is almost a guide on how to network in a way that helps others.

The book is called "Love is the Killer App" by Tim Sanders. The premise is that if you really want to succeed in business, you need to help as many people around you get what they need.

If you truly focus on other's needs and not worry what's in it for you, eventually you will develop a network of people that see you as a trusted advisor and won't hesitate to connect you with someone in their network if the fit is right. This is what we all should be doing for our customers, but when we take it to the next level and build a strong business network, and you will help people when it makes sense, and they will help you back over time.

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

Steve Kinney: The first idea is to be open to mentoring others and being mentored yourself. It doesn't matter how much experience I have, I always am open to learning from experts around me.

Everyone is an expert in something and a novice in many other areas. Share your knowledge freely with others and be open to learning as well.

The second idea comes from Sander's book: the purpose of collecting contacts is to give them away. He calls this process "collecting, connecting and disappearing." Everyone that we run into has some areas where they are an expert in and several key problems they are trying to solve in their business.

Ask questions and really listen to the answers. When you learn in which areas they are an expert, think of who you know that could be helped by their expertise. Also, when they tell you what their key business problems are, think about who you know might be able to help them.

The next step is to "connect" the new contact and an existing contact in your rolodex. Setup either a phone meeting or an in person meeting to introduce the parties. Once you are sure they have made the connection, then disappear. There is no need to take their time or yours beyond making the initial connection.

Also, Sander's strongly recommends not trying to profit from setting up the relationship. If you do, it will make both parties hesitant any time you try to setup another relationship. If you do this well for others, they will eventually do it for you!

Josh: Can you share some of the ways you use the internet for business networking?

Steve Kinney: The Internet is a great way to help in business networking. Before meeting someone for the first time, Google their name and business to learn about their areas of expertise. This information can be a great conversation starter. Also, the Internet is a great place for you to share your areas of expertise. Whitepapers, blogs and podcasts are great ways to give back.

-You can visit Steve Kinney at http://searchoptimizers.com.

Interview with Dan Hoffman - President & CEO, M5 Networks

As President and CEO of M5 Networks, one of America's leading Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) providers for small and midsized businesses, Dan Hoffman has redefined the business phone system market by replacing traditional phone systems and phone company arrangements with an outsourced VOIP solution that businesses truly trust.

Personable, approachable and a true visionary, Hoffman was named one of 18 nationwide winners of the 2006 Best Bosses Award by Winning Workplaces, a nationally known clearinghouse for best practices in workplace excellence and innovative people practices, and FORTUNE Small Business.

He is a much sought after speaker on the topic of Voice over IP and its related issues. He often shares his experiences as an entrepreneur with those who are looking to follow in his footsteps.

It's my distinct pleasure to bring you Dan Hoffman...

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

Dan Hoffman: Business Networking is NOT about accumulating a pile of cards, or a big outlook contacts file, or a long list of people on LinkedIn. It is about actual, quality relationships.

A relationship is a potential transaction, in which one side might get something from the other. These might be crucial vendors (plumbers, doctors, lawyers, accountants, etc.), teachers, friends, peers, potential customers, actual customers, potential employees, actual employees, etc.

So, the point is to (1) to understand what that transaction might be and then (2) constantly upgrade your network with the best people to fulfill that transaction. Always be looking for great possible doctors... before you need them.

My network has been crucial to my ability to run a business. Crucial. It is part of my very ability to do my job, and the people have to be there before I need them.

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

Dan Hoffman: Categorize your outlook contacts. Go for FEWER not more, throw out people you don’t really know. Then, ask yourself what’s missing in my network? Do I have an employment lawyer? Do I have peers that do my similar role (i.e. head of marketing, head of technology) or are knowledgeable in my industry? Then go out and fill them.

Josh: How can someone make the type of positive impression that leads to being remembered after the event or initial meeting?

Dan Hoffman: People remember emotional moments. So don’t be afraid to go there. Ask personal or controversial questions. What are you working on at work? Why do you hate your boss?

Interview with Ron McDaniel of Buzzoodle Buzz Marketing

Ron McDaniel is a national speaker, author of the book, Buzzoodle Buzz Marketing and writer for the Buzzoodle Buzz Marketing blog.

Ron's passions for education, technology and new media, coupled with Entrepreneurship and eMarekting have helped him create a unique blend of products and services focused on helping business owners and members of non-profit organizations to create buzz for themselves and become more successful organizations.

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

Ron McDaniel: I tend to group a few things together. I believe that the single most important thing a business owner, sales person or marketing professional can do is know how to spread their story and get others to spread their story. Being successful at that comes down to the quality of the relationships you have with people. A big part of that is networking and meeting new people. It is also the follow up and relationship building after the first meeting.

Believe it or not, a large number of people rarely follow up after meeting someone or if they do, it is with one contact and then they are forgotten. Most people are looking at others in two dimensions. (Sales Lead or Not)

I always ask myself, could this person become a fan of ours even if they never buy from us? Could they be someone that could forge a great, win/win relationship with us? Do I like this person well enough to help them out with or without any hope of getting something in return. (I know that sounds a bit harsh, but you cannot help every person you meet.)

Networking and building relationships over time that are friendly and helpful to the people you know is the surest way to get them to buzz about you.

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

Ron McDaniel: Years ago, when I was first starting out, I set a goal to meet a minimum of one new person every business day. If I met more, it did not roll over to the next day, so every day I had to work at it. I kept a list and sometimes I would have great luck and other times I would send someone an email and never hear back. Over time, I did build up a great network and became a very well connected person in NE Ohio.

Being realistic about networking events is also something worth discussing. When we first started up our budget was limited. Going to many of the events I went to were very painful because they cost money and took time. Often I did not get any great leads for sales. But what did happen over time for me was people began to say, "You again, you are everywhere..." and I grew a reputation for being a go-to person that is well connected.

Josh: Can you share some of the ways you use the internet for business networking?

Ron McDaniel: I find blogging the best online networking tool you can do if you have the discipline to stay with it. I have met the coolest people blogging and I know some bloggers I have never met in person better than I know people I see several times a month locally.

I like the social networking groups like GoBigNetwork and LinkedIn. Two very different ways to connect with people and I have made some good connections on both.

When it comes to the Internet in general, it matters less which online community or tool you use, and more on your commitment. Just like relationships in real life take time and effort, so does any networking done on the Internet. If you just put up your profile on a site or two and wait, it is going to be a very long wait. I consistently network and create original content 4-6 days a week, often after my family is asleep. I really enjoy doing it which makes it easy.

- You can learn more about Ron McDaniel at www.buzzoodle.com.

*brought to you by BusinessNetworkingAdvice.com

Ron McDaniel of Buzzoodle interviews Josh Hinds

I wanted to share an interview I did with Ron McDaniel of Buzzoodle.com -- Ron asked some terrific questions and I did my best to answer them :-) Of course you'll have to be the ultimate judge as to how well I did. If you'd like to check out the interview I did on the topic of "business networking" you can do so here... All the best, Josh Hinds

Gary Schoeniger - author, educator and entrepreneur

Speaker, author and entrepreneur Gary Schoeniger has spent more than ten years chronicling the insights and exploits of everyday entrepreneurs to create a series of life-changing seminars, education and coaching programs for small business owners and emerging entrepreneurs.

Certified as an instructor by the National Foundation For Teaching Entrepreneurship, Gary is also currently involved in creating entrepreneurial education programs for high school and undergraduate students.

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

Gary Schoeniger: Like others, I define networking without the business distinction. It's a philosophy, a way of life that stems from a genuine need to connect and collaborate, an innate curiosity and a desire to help others, even when it isn't likely to benefit us.

To small business owners, networking is an essential skill. (Why they don't teach this stuff in high school is beyond me). Networking is also a critical component of what Seth Godin refers to as "viral" marketing.

Rarely do we learn about a new product or service through traditional "interruption" marketing such as newspaper, radio or television advertising. We learn about cool new things through our network of cool friends.

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

Gary Schoeniger: In Stephen R. Covey's 7 Habits, habit five says: "seek first to understand, then to be understood". In this habit he describes the four levels of listening; ignoring, pretending, selective listening, or attentive listening.

Covey suggests we should learn to listen using the fifth, highest form of listening - empathic listening.

By understanding the other person, we can learn to understand them through their own view of the world and begin to truly understand their needs. We can't effectively prescribe a solution for a problem we haven't accurately diagnosed.

Networking is about social intelligence. People need to feel understood.

Josh: How do you encourage referrals from your network?

Gary Schoeniger: By delivering on my commitments and building relationships. By being remarkable, demonstrating genuine passion and enthusiasm for the work that I do and by being a cool friend.

Carol Deckert - Virtual Marketing Assistant

Carol Deckert's experience in the administrative field for more than 35 years, and the last 13 years as a business owner, provides the background for her Virtual Marketing Assistant business. Her niche is working with small businesses, solopreneurs and entrepreneurs, providing marketing administrative support.

Networking is one of Carol's passion and she is the founder of Referrals Unlimited Network (RUN), Lancaster, PA.

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

Carol Deckert: Business networking is a way of life. It is about the success, confidence and accomplishments achieved by working together and connection of people for mutually beneficial results. Networking is an invaluable technique that anyone can use consistently for building contacts with people.

Building a database of quality referrals that you can help new people with that will make you a quality person to know. I truly believe in the "Givers Gain" philosophy or in "Paying it Forward" and networking is the best way to do that. By helping someone, with no expectations of receiving anything, in return, builds credibility. You cannot be successful in business if you are not credible, honest and willing to "go the extra mile." Business networking provides the avenue to do all that.

I am lucky I have found my passion and I am not going to hide it. Passion, positive energy and a love for what you bring to this world are all reasons to get up in the morning!

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

Carol Deckert: Take notes when you meet someone, online or offline, write down their needs, wants or even desires. As you go through your daily life, be aware of the people you meet. Is there someone in your sphere of influence that you can introduce to one another in order to solve either one or both of their pain? Networking is not about you, it's about the other person. Giving before receiving is the best networking practice you could have.

Listen, and then listen some more. People love to talk about themselves. Good networkers listen to find out where the other person's "pain" is and try to connect them with someone who will help.

Make yourself memorable. Be the best of the best. Be clear and concise in talking about what you do and be sure to tell everyone you meet, online or offline, how you are different, how you help solve problems. Make it easy for people to repeat what you do to someone else. When you are memorable and repeatable, you are referable.

Actively look for opportunities to assist or introduce people who can benefit from each other's acquaintance. Be enthusiastic in your conversations and don't be afraid to talk to strangers!

Josh: Can you share some of the ways you use the internet for business networking?

Carol Deckert: As a Virtual Marketing Assistant, one of my tasks is to be able to find ways in which I can help my clients become visible to others. The internet is a great place to meet people and websites are great sources of information. Make your website easy to navigate and tell me your "story".

One of my local clients, needed a ghostwriter and I did not know anyone in the local area that I could refer so I turned to my online connections. The ghostwriter that I connected her with had participated in several of the same online forums that I have and I saw her as the expert, the perfect match for my client, not only in skills but personality.

I participate in many online forums, with the intention of becoming visible. It's amazing what you learn when you have a genuine interest in listening, posting questions and/or answers that will position you as a trusted resource. Be selective where you spend your time and energy and make sure that the group you join is a good match.