Unleash the Power of Your Entrepreneurial Network

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Claudette Rowley
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Unleash the Power of Your Entrepreneurial Network
Claudette Rowley
Copyright 2002

Successful entrepreneurs rely on a "can-do" attitude and
masterful networking to forge new ground, follow their visions
and make them real. Combining strong initiative with a network of
colleagues, mentors and experts, they capitalize on human
resources to build their business and bring their vision to life.

If you unleashed the full power of your network, how would your
business multiply?

Top Five Benefits of Activating Your Network:

- Resource Mobilization. Ask for what you want and need to move
your business forward. Use the question "Who do you know who?"
to reap the benefits of financial, business, or emotional
assistance. By forming a specific request, you build trust and
credibility. If you aren't sure what you need, request a
brainstorming session with a trusted colleague to open up an
avenue to clarity.

- If You Don't Ask, The Answer Is Always No. At a conference I
attended, a film maker shared her experience making a
documentary about women heads of state - presidents and prime
ministers. An audience member asked her how she approached
these leaders. Her response: "If I didn't ask, the answer was
always no."

- Watch "No" Turn Into "Yes." Recognize that "no" doesn't always
mean "no". When you make a request of a colleague, mentor or
expert, you've planted a seed in that person's mind. Don't be
surprised when he or she approaches you and says, for example,
"I don't have time to review your business plan right now, but
I CAN hook you up with someone who's a crackerjack at it …"
By and large, people enjoy helping others; it allows them to
participate in your entrepreneurial vision.

- What Goes Around Comes Around. Successful networking means
giving and receiving. The most successful networkers know how
to ask for what they need, whether it's in the form of a
business referral, financial advice or an introduction to a
potential client. Get comfortable receiving assistance. Think
of it this way: When you receive, you extend to others the
opportunity to give.

- Givers Gain. How can you build your network further by
assisting a colleague or an aspiring entrepreneur? Who can you
mentor or advise? Who can you refer business to? Through the
act of giving, you cultivate partners to support your vision,
and further activate the "what goes around, comes around"
principle.

As an entrepreneur, you are the captain of your ship. But as any
successful leader knows, it takes all hands on deck to secure a
successful voyage. You can do it alone, but not as well and not
as easily. Ease and excellence go hand in hand. Activate and
build your network to harness your full entrepreneurial
potential.

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Claudette Rowley, coach and author, helps professionals
identify and pursue their true purpose and calling in life.
Contact her today for a complimentary consultation at 781-676-5633
or claudette@metavoice.org. Sign up for her free newsletter
"Insights for the Savvy" at http://www.metavoice.org.