Giving and accepting leads are a large part of the business model for growing one's business.  There are a few ways to look at this model to see how this can be a winning strategy.  Three questions to focus on:

• How do you meet other business owners/leads?
• Do you actively spread the news of their business ?
• How do you help others to help you?

There are a number of ways to find leads partners, the most common of which are to attend networking meetings and to be part of an official "leads group".  Once in a group, many entrepreneurs set a goal of meeting with a number of other members to share information about their business and see if they are a good fit to work as referral partners. I highly recommend this step, because without it, you don't really get a feel for what the other person has to offer.  If you stop there, you may have gathered information and possibly met a new kindred spirit, but you don't have an active referral partner yet.  The next two steps are crucial; talking to others about your referral partner's business, and helping others to help you.

If you decide that your networking partner is someone you want to promote, that they have a good product or service, you will probably need to explore with them what will work best to help them.  Do you take a stack of business cards and hand them out?  Do you mention them in your social media or promote an event they are holding?  Do you combine your efforts to do something together that lets you meet each others' clients and bring in new ones? 

There are many ways to actively spread the news of their business; but the key word is active. That's the only way you'll see real results.  One other key question to decide: Will you only promote them if they promote you?

The final question, how to help others to help you, is a multifaceted one that is the key to your marketing.  For someone to help you, it is crucial that they know:

• Who do you help or serve? (target market)
• What do you do for them? (niche)
• What are the results after working with you? (why should they hire you?)

Give your leads partner a handbook to make it easier for them to help you.  Tell them who you are looking for.  Tell them how you help your clients.  Give them some examples of your ideal client.  With this information, they will be much more keen when the right person comes along to refer to you.

If you are:

NOT getting out and networking

NOT finding referral partners

NOT clear on your who, what and how

CALL ME!

Monica Leggett is a coach and consultant, helping business owners (individuals, couples and partners), who want to Create Their Own Success, on their terms, with joy and ease. Her clients build personal skills, personal awareness, and stronger more effective relationships, in business and life.

If you know a business owner who wants some of this, please refer them to me for a FREE complimentary consultation.

No more second-guessing, over-thinking, or interpersonal struggles.

Better personal awareness, empowerment, leadership, and relationship building. 

Monica Leggett, 203-926-9072, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

I opened my newspaper today and was immediately attracted to the sports page.  A local Westport, CT team had squeaked through to win a semi-final game in the Little League World Series.  They’ll play today for the U.S. final.  Chad Knight, AKA Mr. Clutch, not only an impressive pitcher, was also credited with starting a rally in the fifth inning when they were down 13-6 and with the game-winning RBI in the final inning.  His post-game comments say a lot about his maturity and calmness under fire.  “Going to the plate I was a little nervous, but I realized it was just like any other at-bat.  Just go up there and try to put the ball in play.”

The next sports article was about the New Haven Open tennis tournament.  The four-time defending champion, Caroline Wozniacki, missed “a crucial shot” that “99 times out of 100 I would have hit,” and went on to lose quickly to Simona Halep.  Did she lose her confidence?  Was she reliving that shot for the rest of her time on the court?

We can all learn a lot from this 13-year-old boy and this professional athlete.  Our success is often determined by being present and calm in the moment.  If we let our emotions or our inner gremlins take hold we will surely not be at our best. 

After doing a little more research on Chad, I found out that he has been doing yoga since February!  Yoga for a 13-year-old boy, now that is progressive thinking!  To quote his dad, “(Yoga) has taught him breathing, taught him how to be focused, taught him to relax.” Said Chad: “I think it helps a lot. I can control myself.” I am reminded of the stories about Tiger Woods and what his dad used to do with him as a kid to help him develop a calm focus on the golf course.

I am now even more convinced that our inner thoughts can do more to help us excel or fail than anything else.  It’s a good thing I am just finishing up a Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction course filled with instructions on meditation, yoga, and being mindful!  If I channel my mind like Chad did, I’ll succeed for sure!  The winning strategy?  Be present, Be in the moment, Think positively!