the Muse When it comes to making new connections , introverts get a bad rap, in spite of the fact that introversion and shyness are not the same thing. While extroverts are the life of the party, introverts do better in smaller, more intimate settings, and they tend to be better listeners and more inquisitive than their […]

By Geoffrey James There are thousands of “how to sell” books and training courses available everywhere around the world. However, everything you need to know about selling really boils down to the following simple rules: 1. Specialize in selling one thing. The notion that a great salesperson can sell anything to anybody is as stupid as the idea that […]

by Tori Dunlap For most, networking is one of the most vulnerable things you can do. Physically getting in front of someone will always be the best way to connect — but what if you’re just not feeling it today? Take 10 minutes this weekend (while curled up on a big, comfy couch), and let’s […]

By Jeff Haden Say you meet a new potential customer, a potential employer, or anyone with whom you want to establish a business relationship. Which matters more: Showing that you’re skilled, experienced, and capable, or Showing that you’re trustworthy and likable? Many people assume that skill, expertise, experience, and competence matter most. After all, if you’re going to hire […]

By Nicole Lapin I’ve always been a huge proponent of meeting new people, making connections, and then following up — but in the most personal and least sleazy way possible. So I recently sent a client a bag of cat poop coffee. Wait — what?! Yep, you read that correctly: I sent him a $70 […]

By Chris Herbert and Christian Smith Every entrepreneur knows this feeling: A stack of business cards on the desk collected from networking events past triggers a sharp pain in recalling all those evenings spent shakes hands and nodding the head. In recent years, networking events have become rather mechanical and rote: An entrepreneur shows up, grabs a […]

1. Build the Know, Like and Trust Factor It’s a phrase you’ve heard countless times, but are you living it? [Tweet “”To know and to not yet do it, is to not yet know.” -Stephen R. Covey “] To consider the importance of follow through with your know, like and trust factor, start by thinking […]

by Geoffrey James Referrals are always your best source of new customers.  Unfortunately, many people ask for referrals from the wrong people, in the wrong way, at the wrong time, and with lousy follow-through. Here’s how to do it right, based upon conversation with Joanne Black, author of “Pick Up the Damn Phone,” one of my 5 Best […]

By Candis Hickman There’s something that happens to a lot of people when they start an online business. They forget that businesses are built on relationships. In the pursuit of huge followings of people you may overlook the value in the power of the relationships you form. You have to build a business network that’s […]

by Ariella Coombs You don’t have to be outgoing to be a great networker. In fact, there are plenty of great networkers out there who could be classified as ‘shy.’ So, what other qualities can you leverage to help you build a strong network? To find your answer, look no further than the one and […]