Once a good introduction has been made, the follow-through with people is the most critical factor in word-of-mouth marketing. Following are some ideas for honing a new relationship:

Stay in Touch - After meeting people, be sure to send them a personal note. It can be a thank you, a confirmation of the next meeting, an invitaion to a business group breakfast or it may include an interesting article that pertains to their business.

Make 10 Calls Each Week - Be sure to practice good listening skills and don't do all the talking.

Play Fairly - Take a unique approach and think about ways to refer business to others. They will be inclined to return the favor.

Be Appreciative - Don't forget to thank others for business leads.

Thinking of You - It's important to occasionally call friends, clients and associates for no other reason than to say, "Hi." This type of call will keep the communication lines open without a sales pitch.

Use High Tech Communications - High tech tools can be utilized to touch others in today's changing marketplace. Many prefer to use e-mail, so it's important to have e-mail addresses. Ensure that databases are updated and organized regularly.

Develop Friendships - Look for opportunities to develop a personal and professional friendship. Friends not only will enhance business, but they can bring balance to the pressures of work.

Copyright © - Donna Fisher - Reprinted with permission. Donna Fisher, CSP (Certified Speaking Professional), is a professional speaker, trainer and author of Power Networking: 55 Secrets for Personal & Professional Success. She teaches people skills essential for business success. For further information: www.DonnaFisher.com or 800-934-9675.

The First Book of Life Skills: 10 Ways to Maximize Your Personal and Professional Potential - Larry James - This book will teach you how excell in business networking. It is a book devoted to the process of developing close personal and business relationships that work. It is a book committed to personal development and career management. Adapted from Larry's popular seminar, "The 10 Commitments of Networking!" Click here for more details.

The Six X-tremes of Power Business Networking: How to Get Your Business Noticed in Crowded Rooms! - Jeff Glaze - This 60-Page e-book breaks all of the rules of modern business networking. It gives you detailed information on how to stand out from the rest of the crowd when you are trying to promote your business. Whether you are a seasoned networker or a beginner, this e-book has information that can help you to be more successful and increase recognition for both you and your business. Larry's Review: Coming Soon!

Power Networking: 59 Secrets for Personal & Professional Success - Donna Fisher & Sandy Vilas - Packed with 59 proven networking methods for achieving success in all areas of your life, this inspiring book helps you to discover key networking skills to show you how to make the requests that get the results you want. Larry's Review: The importance of making important business connections cannot be understated. Donna offers sound advice and encourages you to give up your shyness and offer to assist others as you build a network of support; one that increases your visibility, expands your network and marks you as someone who is willing to do whatever it takes to succeed.

The Essential Network: Success Through Personal Connections - John L. Bennett - This book is about establishing, maintaining, and reaping the benefits of connections. It incorporates many personal stories to illustrate the productive results that can occur from building connections. These include people who have found life-partners, avoided personal and financial disasters, made career changes, built businesses, and met famous people. Larry's Review: The principles of business networking in an easy-read and understandable format. Highly recommended!

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