Quite frankly, I think people get downright nervous when they keep reading about how they should give to their network.
I would imagine that it conjures up images of giving away your business and conditioning your network not to pay you for your services.
Well it certainly doesn’t have to be that way, in fact, here are 10 things you can do that will cost you no more than a little sweat!
1) Be A Matchmaker: Introduce people in your network who need to know each other. I do this on Twitter and Linkedin quite extensively! Cost to me: Zip.
2) Be A Matchmaker Part Dos: Host a conference call for 5-6 people in your network. Introduce them to each other and have a topic so you get the benefit of everyone’s thinking. Use a free conference call service like http://freeconferencecall.com to keep this bad boy free!
3) Create A Free E-Book for your network: You can easily create these in word and convert to PDF. There are even free templates you can download so you can avoid expensive software. Note: You don’t have to be a literary genius to do this. It can be as simple as a 10 Things To Think About When Buying (fill in your product) or some other helpful hints that help you demonstrate your expertise to your network . . . while providing value!
4) Create A Spot For Your Free Stuff On Your Website: That’s what I did and you can see for yourself by clicking here dude!
5) Connect With And Get To Know Some Recruiters: Introduce folks who are in transition and you create a win/win/win. Oh and it costs you nothing to be cool like that!
6) Send A Brand Agnostic Resource: Every 4-6 weeks send a link to a helpful article, a website, the name of a helpful book and yes, its perfectly cool to offer some of your free stuff too . . . just make sure you don’t make it all “ME, ME, ME!”
7) Use Your Brand Agnostic Resource To Introduce Someone In Your Network: I’ve promoted other Linkedin groups, friend’s training events, etc. Didn’t cost me a dime and made me feel pretty darn cool when I found out people supported the people I was supporting. Did I mention, that cost me nothing? One caveat: Be careful who you recommend or it will cost you your reputation. Not bueno!
8) Pay Attention To Status Updates And . . . Encourage, validate, give a damn. These things cost you nothing and here’s the thing . . . people gravitate towards people who make them feel good. Don’t ever forget that!
9) Pay Attention To Status Updates And . . . offer to jump on a call with someone who might need some advice or even the benefit of some mutual brainstorming.
10) Provide Rock Star Opportunities: If you see a group discussion or a question where someone in your network can look like a rock star . . . First talk them up publicly and then tell them about it in your best “Get in there dude (or dudette)” fashion!
So there you have it, 10 ways for you to give to your network without having to sell all your worldly possessions to do it.
Now it’s your turn . . . What can we add to this list or What are your thoughts in general about this whole business of giving to our network?
To learn more about how you can hire Paul Castain as your coach, a sales trainer or a speaker at your next event . . . click here!
You have mastered “Giving to your network” Paul. Thanks for sharing your wisdom and reaching with us common folk!
You are far from common Ms Busse and I totally enjoy the customer service newsletters you send to your network.
Thanks for the kind words!
Love the idea of hosting a conference call. I am using that for sure. Thank you Paul that one idea alone is priceless!!!
Thanks Bryan. I have been using that one idea for about a year and a half now and the results have been amazing!
Everyone please read *Go Givers Sell More.*
I’ve been calling people on my LinkedIn list asking how I can help them and if it makes sense vice versa. Last week someone said to me, *You’re the first person to ever call me on LinkedIn.* People do want to connect. Although it takes energy. And, it feels so good for you and them.
Totally agree Steve!
It was The Go Giver and Go Givers Sell More that helped me build the foundation for my branding strategy.
You’re absolutely right about those calls!
Thanks!
Good ideas, thank you. I also appreciate it when someone sends quick tips for becoming more active on sites like LinkedIn. Plus helpful books can be something from the local library–if in your library; probably in others libraries too. Debbie
Great suggestions Debbie!
Thank you!
Great suggestions Debbie!
Thank you!
Paul your ideas ROCK! Love all but particularly #2-I can forsee myself using it so Thank You…
Rock horns of appreciation being sent your way Josie!
Thank you!
You’re always overly full of good ideas Paul, posts like this are another perfect way of “giving” asking for nothing in return. It can be a very exponential advantage if even a small percentage of the people in your network do it as well.
Thank you Gabriele!
I feel like a groupie or something because there ISN’T a single post that I DON’T want to retweet or share on Facebook! The information, wisdom and insight you provide is invaluable. The other year I created my own Castain Jedi binder containing all of the resources you have provided over the years that I refer to on a regular basis. I can’t thank you enough for being my go-to guy for all things related to me becoming a better brand. Muchas gracias, Uncle Paul!
This is a very cool comment Berni. Thank you for the kind words!
Hey Paul,
I was listening to the podcast that hit on a lot of these points. Your first point on that was about sending a letter. Do you send an actual letter or were you referring to an email? (the item where you discuss sending something to your new connection about all ways that they can connect with you.
Hey Brett,
Its an email and I should have been more specific.
Thanks, by the way, for all the great stuff! I just found you last week and been enjoying catching up on the podcasts on my morning commutes.
Great ideas as always muchacho!
Thanks Peter!
Paul,
I always wonder about “what should I give away for ‘free’ and what should I charge for?’.
Shoujld by eGuids be fee? Or should I offer them on Amazon and then ‘give them away’ for attending paid training calls?
I want people to get value from my offering, but I want to get paid for the value I offer also.
(BTW, I love your suggestions above. Being a connector is a powerful person to be.)
Thoughts?
This is a great question.
Why not do both?
This way you can get your thought leadership out there with a little blurb about your paid services.
I’m about to work this from the opposite end in offering some paid content in addition to the free stuff.
I believe they can all live quite nicely together.
And thank you for the kind words. Being a connector is a very powerful way to contribute to our network without giving aware the store.
BTW (and completely off topic) Just revisited your Facebook Fan Page and love how you greet everyone who “likes” your page. Well done!
Another great free conference calling service is freeconferencecalling.com. You can host a call of upto 1000 callers. It has free call recording and web management features.
Very cool Tony!
Thank you so much for sharing that!
Another great free conference calling service is freeconferencecalling.com. You can host a call of upto 1000 callers. It has free call recording and web management features.
Very cool Tony!
Thank you so much for sharing that!
This is a valuable post — we all talk a lot about being connectors and wanting to given even as we are pursuing a living. However, it’s often difficult to know how to give. Here’s a fine blueprint.
Thank you so much Paul . . . I really appreciate it!
This is a valuable post — we all talk a lot about being connectors and wanting to given even as we are pursuing a living. However, it’s often difficult to know how to give. Here’s a fine blueprint.