Thu, 10 Apr 2008 11:25:36 +0000 Thu, 10 Apr 2008 11:25:36 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Networking articles, updates, and information concerning TalkFusion Video Email Communications. http://quikonnex.com/channel/page/DebbieBarth NCWN-NETWORKING FOR SUCCESS! NCWN-NETWORKING FOR SUCCESS! http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v123/dbarth/NCWNLogo2.jpg http://quikonnex.com/channel/page/DebbieBarth Networking articles, updates, and information concerning TalkFusion Video Email Communications. en Quikonnex Publisher 60 Contact Publisher - Debbie Barth http://quikonnex.com/QMTP/feedcontact/DebbieBarth ]]> Thu, 10 Apr 2008 11:25:36 +0000 http://quikonnex.com/QMTP/feedcontact/DebbieBarth How to Blow a Casting Call for Deal or No Deal or Your Next Business Appointment. http://quikonnex.com/channel/link.php?id=30739 "Q-Tips" for today:

How to Blow a Casting Call for Deal or No Deal or Your Next Business Appointment.


All of the Triad area of North Carolina was abuzz with the news that the casting crew of Deal or No Deal was coming into town on Saturday, March 29, 2008 at a local mall. Never answering the "call" before, my husband, Paul, and I decided it would be a fun experience. And who knows...we might even make it onto the show.

I am a big planner, so the Friday before the big day, I had our two small lawn chairs in the car, a bag filled with water and other necessities, and knew exactly what I was wearing on "the big day". As video email communications is my business, I naturally had the video camera packed as well. I envisioned a fun day of shooting some footage of the other "hopefuls", sitting in our little chairs, reading, and have a fun time of it. The forms we needed to fill out were filled out and ready. Of course, I put a lot of thought into the questions and only redid the form four times. Nevertheless, the forms were ready for our big chance at stardom....and dare I say...a million dollars.

We were up at 5:00 am and off to join the much braver, tougher, and younger souls, who had chosen to weather the elements (cold and yuckky) and had spent the entire night in the mall parking lot or by the doors for the chance to be one of the first groups allowed inside. We were off and excited...and then it happened...the first few drops of cold rain. Yes, we were surprised because the weather forecasters had predicted only a 20% chance of rain for Saturday. They must have meant a 20% chance that they would get it right.

By the time we made it to the mall, the rain was a steady downpour and it was cold. Nevertheless, we walked the mile-and-a-half to the end of the line, greeted the others in line in instant camaraderie, and began what would become our four hour wait in line. The weather was cold, windy, and rainy. Nevertheless, I saw no one leave the line. Probably because everyone was completely numb after the first hour. I also decided against my original plan of taking some fun video shoots of the crowd as was clear that no one was really having fun.

Four hours later we were inside the mall and just minutes away for our "casting call". The last four hours were forgotten and replaced with the excitement at a chance to play for the big money. Ok, that and having all my friends, clients, relatives...the world..see me on TV.

Finally, I found myself in front of the interviewer and ready for anything he asked. Or so I thought.

While waiting outside, we were told by those who had made it to the interview and were on their way home to thaw out that we should just be ourselves, do NOT mention Howie, or talk about the show, or talk about why we wanted to be on the show, etc. I heeded the advice and practiced over and over what I would say when interviewed. I was ready....or so I thought.

I had exactly 20 seconds to answer his question (he had a stopwatch). I saw his lips moving, and then pause, and I was "off to the races". I told him all about the time back in the late 70's that I dressed up as a farmer planting seeds, complete with bibb-overalls, gingham red and white shirt, straw hat, pumpkin seeds, and a toy hoe, and knocked on doors in an effort to promote my new real estate business, in an effort to express my creativity and fun personality, which would be a perfect fit for Deal or No Deal.

The problem was that it had nothing to do with the question that he asked me. He had asked me why I wanted to be on the show and what it would mean to me. This of course explained the blank stare on his face as I finished. My 20 seconds of fame turned out to be four hours and 20 seconds in vain. Any why? Because I was so busy thinking about how to answer the question I thought he would ask rather than listening to him and what he was really asking.

And this brings me to the part about blowing a business appointment. The experience with Deal or No Deal mirrors past unsuccessful business appointments that I have in the past. In both situations, I did my due diligence, I crossed all my t(s) and dotted my i(s), I had thoroughly went over the subject material several times, and weathered whatever "storms" to get to where I was going. And then I forgot to do the most important thing. I forgot to listen....really listen to what my prospective customer was saying. Consequently, I did not answer questions appropriately, and did not serve my prospective customer in the manner he deserved. Ultimately, I did not get the business from the customer.

So, while I did not make it to the show, and have no chance of winning $1M, The lesson I have learned about listening and understanding before answering questions, will certainly get me a little closer to earning that $1M.

Looking for some great sales at exclusive stores that you haven't thought of and that are placed right at your fingertips?

DebbieBarth.com

If you are still looking for the perfect network marketing opportunity as a rock-solid business and that has the potential to dramatically increase your financial bottom dollar, then you have come to the right place, and at the right time. Talk Fusion's Video Email Communications Tool is all about the NOW.


YOU CAN WATCH MY VIDEO HERE


Contact Debbie Barth:
debbie@debbiebarth.net
1-888-291-2591

Visit my Website for more information
[COMMENT]]]> Thu, 10 Apr 2008 11:25:36 +0000 http://quikonnex.com/channel/link.php?id=30739 The Year of Relationships http://quikonnex.com/channel/link.php?id=29889 "Q-Tips" for today:

Since this is early into the New Year, I thought I would share my very first 2008 morning thoughts (and epiphaney) with you.


New Year's day I awoke, grabbed my coffee (second every morning only to feeding Jake, the "regal beagle" and letting him out), fluffed up my pillows, and climbed back in bed (moments like this are rare), and reflected on last year and all the promises and opportunities that are possible in 2008.

And then it hit me...one word really sums up this year for me over and above anything else...relationships....this year is the year of "relationships" for me.

As I thought about last year, I realized how absorbed that I had been all year in my business relationships, and that I really hadn't put a lot of effort into my personal relationships.

I thought about my two "bestest" girlfriends, and how we have shared being single, marriages, divorces, babies, and all the ups and downs life hands us. I thought about my half-brother and sister that I found, and flew up to Minneapolis, Minn. to meet for the very first time, four years ago, and how warm and loving they have been to me.

I thought about my two step-children and how I have been so lucky that we have freely chosen to love each other. I thought about my mother and the difficult relationship that we have had for most of my life, but that we have been somewhat working on to repair.

And I thought about my wonderful husband, who lifted me up and gave me a much brighter and secure, loving world over ten years ago.

And then I thought about how much I had given back to them, how often I had stopped what I was doing and spent time with them, called them, told them how much I loved them and how important they were to me. I really was sadly surprised when I realized that it really wasn't as often as it, perhaps, should have been.

So, over my first cup of coffee, on New Year's Day, I decided that this year was all about "relationships".

I then got my second cup of coffee, started my phone calls to all the important people in my life, I let them know just how much I loved them and just how important they are to me. I decided to look at my husband of ten years in the way I did when we first met, and I knew he was the one (now this has been fun) :0)

Now I do want to say that I will probably still get cranky with my husband, still have my head glued to the computer, still not really call everyone as often as I should....but this year, I will do better. And this year will become every year to come.

Finally, a New Years resolution I can live with.

Happy New Year!


If you want to start 2008 off right, and you are still looking for the perfect network marketing opportunity as a rock-solid business and that has the potential to dramatically increase your financial bottom dollar, then you have come to the right place, and at the right time. Talk Fusion's Video Email Communications Tool is all about the NOW.


YOU CAN WATCH MY VIDEO HERE


Contact Debbie Barth:
debbie@debbiebarth.net
1-888-291-2591

Visit my Website for more information [COMMENT]]]> Wed, 09 Jan 2008 14:38:24 +0000 http://quikonnex.com/channel/link.php?id=29889 So how is your holiday promotions treating you? http://quikonnex.com/channel/link.php?id=29444 "Q-Tips" for today:

So, how are your holiday promotions working for you? Are you really grabbing the attention of your current and prospective customers? If you aren't using video, then I doubt it. Just read any current article on how videos are becoming a necessary tool in the race for customers.

If you are using video, are you on a secured server ,or just sharing your video on the internet for free. That may or may not make you a star, but it is probably sales that pay the rent and that keeps your car on the road...and keeps you in business. Bottom line, "free" may be more costly for you than you might imagine.

You don't have to pay thousands of dollars for professional, quality promotional videos, either. Not if you are using Talk Fusions video communication tools. It's affordable, easy, and fun. And to top it off...it can definitely grab the attention of your target market and give you the lead in front of your competitors.


Point in case.....I just created a promotional video for my website, http://www.ncwomensnetwork.com, and while I'm no Hollywood producer, it gets the attention of my customers and visitors, and it was so easy to create......and did I mention affordable. And, there is no limit to the amount of videos that I can create. In other words, I paid one time for the package....one time. Then I pay a very minimal fee for the views. I guess you could compare it to buying a cell phone and a package of minutes. I can send out video emails with any of the beautiful templates located in my back office. I can even use my own graphics. And equally important, I can attach a video (as often as I like) to my website, simply by adding a piece of code.

So it isn't just a matter of "jumping on the video band wagon", it is also important to choose the tools that will make you stand tallest among your competitors.

With that being said, I am going to share my promotional video with you. All you need to do is to click on the link. Oh, and I would be happy to answer any questions for you. keep in mind...the holidays have begun....so again, how are your holiday promotions treating you?

Click here to view video


If you are still looking for the perfect network marketing opportunity as a rock-solid business and that has the potential to dramatically increase your financial bottom dollar, then you have come to the right place, and at the right time. Talk Fusion's Video Email Communications Tool is all about the NOW.

YOU CAN WATCH MY VIDEO HERE


Contact Debbie Barth:
debbie@debbiebarth.net
1-888-291-2591

Visit my Website for more information
[COMMENT]]]> Wed, 28 Nov 2007 13:02:19 +0000 http://quikonnex.com/channel/link.php?id=29444 Networking in North Carolina http://quikonnex.com/channel/link.php?id=29060
How Do You Find A Legitimate Network Marketing Opportunity?

Debbie Barth
October 24, 2007


There are a lot of network marketing opportunities out there, and now, more that ever, people are turning to network marketing as an additional income stream. But how do you pick the right one, or distinguish credible opportunities from outright scams? Here are a few things to take into consideration.


1. How long has the company been opened for business?
  • If a company has been around five years are longer (or is a part of, or has a parent company in long standing), chances are the company will be around for the long term.
2. Does the company have an easily accessible, well-established, and talented management team and customer service team in place that is prepared to offer assistance 24/7?

3. Does the company offer on-going training, using a variety of training vehicles dedicated to ensuring their associates' success?

4. Does the company offer products or services that are unique?
  • That is to say, they're not just another "one-of-a-100" product, that can be offered at lower prices, with no distinguishing differences?
5. Is there a genuine need for the product or service? Does it fill a genuine need and offer a fair price for the consumer?

6. Is the product or service something your customers will use for a long time?
  • Long-term income cannot be built with "trendy" products having a short life span.
7. Is the person that you may be talking with concerning an opportunity a "recruiter", or a "sponsor"?
  • A recruiter brings you into the business, and then goes on to the next person. A sponsor is dedicated to the success of new associates, and will spend the necessary time to train, motivate, and guide new associates in the direction of success.
8. Is the technology in place to allow you to continue with your current employment and gradually "grow" into the business opportunity?
  • In other words, are there automated features in place for easy ordering, delivery, demos, etc., which allow you the time needed for your current job, and the time to effectively grow your new business.
9. Does this network marketing business opportunity fit your personality?
  • This is actually a critical piece in finding the right business opportunity for you. If it requires that you network, meet, and talk with new people, or make cold calls, and you are a die-hard introvert who shudders at being the first one to speak at a function, or you wouldn't use the product if someone else presented it to you, then that business opportunity would not be right for you. You are more likely to have more success in starting your own medical transcription home business, for example. On the other hand, if you love meeting new people and the product or services are something that you absolutely love and would use, whether you are an associate or a customer.....and you would enjoy, really enjoy the product or service, then take the time to look the business opportunity over, and ask all the questions as suggested above, because it could highly be likely that you have find the right opportunity for you.
Personally speaking, the rewards of choosing the right company, with the right products, with people in place to ensure your success each and every day, are unimaginable.....and so much fun. And, "fun" is extremely important, too.
If you are still looking for the perfect network marketing opportunity as a rock-solid business and that has the potential to dramatically increase your financial bottom dollar, then you have come to the right place, and at the right time. Talk Fusion's Video Email Communications Tool is all about the NOW.

YOU CAN WATCH MY VIDEO HERE


Contact Debbie Barth:
debbie@debbiebarth.net
1-888-291-2591

Visit my Website for more information
[COMMENT]]]> Wed, 24 Oct 2007 12:12:37 +0000 http://quikonnex.com/channel/link.php?id=29060 Networking For Success or Putting Up Billboards? http://quikonnex.com/channel/link.php?id=28941 More than ever, networking marketing groups are playing an important role in promoting yourself and your products, or services. If you are not involved in any network marketing groups at this time, you may want to consider checking out a few.


Now, I did say checking out a few... not joining a few. Choose well, because it isn't necessary to join several in order to be successful in your networking efforts. In fact, most business professionals simply do not have the time to interact and build relationships in more than one or two network groups, let alone a dozen. Belonging to a network marketing group implies a certain amount of responsibility on your part as well. You should choose a group with a common theme or common goals, so that you have something to bring to the group. No, not just your products or services, but your expertise, wisdom, and experiences. You should be willing to interact with the messages posted by the other members, share your ideas, and yes, even lend support when applicable. Network marketing groups should really be more about you and your fellow members.

Yep, your products and services should come second. Well now...fancy that!

And, as with any relationship, it takes time to build your credibility. It takes time to build the confidence needed for the members to want to purchase your products and services from YOU. And, as long as it takes to build your credibility up, it only takes a split second to tear it down. Wanting instant results, false bravado, blatant insincerity, and messages that look more like billboards on a busy highway, probably will not net you a positive return on the time that you have wasted posting. On the flip side, if you join a network marketing group and are seeing 90% of the latter just mentioned, run...run like the wind! In my humble opinion, this is not a network marketing group in its truest form.

While I have joined different network marketing groups in the past, there is only one that I feel fortunate....truly fortunate..... to be a part of, and that I feel is worth my time. I say fortunate because I am surrounded by women just starting their businesses, and with women who are true leaders in several different industries. Whether, newbies or "institutions", these women are so generous in sharing, not only their experiences and wisdom, but their fears and doubts. I enjoy the camaraderie, as well as the frankness and the candid interaction. I learn from them all and wonder if I can possibly give back what I receive. Oh, and yes, business is done each and every day; and there is always the opportunity to promote our own services, products, and opportunities.

This is a group network that I recommend on my website, http://www.ncwomensnetwork.com, and to anyone who is looking to join a credible, professional network marketing group. The name of this network is HER Mastermind and is hosted by a truly incredible woman, Heidi Richards. This network is found at RYZE.com (a global network). You do need to join RYZE in order to then join HER Mastermind, but both are free. I can say with confidence (or I wouldn't say it at all), that this network is definitely worth checking out. And, as I have said elsewhere, "if you want to play in the same sand box that talented and professional women do, you will want to join HER Mastermind.

***Disclaimer*** This above endorsement is my sincere opinion, and I am not in any way an affiliate for HER Mastermind (just a member), and as much as I would absolutely love it, I am not being paid big bucks for this endorsement.


If you are still looking for the perfect network marketing opportunity as a rock-solid business and that has the potential to dramatically increase your financial bottom dollar, then you have come to the right place, and at the right time. Talk Fusion's Video Email Communications Tool is all about the NOW.

YOU CAN WATCH MY VIDEO HERE


Contact Debbie Barth:
debbie@debbiebarth.net
1-888-291-2591

Visit my Website for more information
[COMMENT]]]> Wed, 10 Oct 2007 09:16:47 +0000 http://quikonnex.com/channel/link.php?id=28941 North Carolina is ready for Talk Fusion's Launch TODAY! http://quikonnex.com/channel/link.php?id=27789 North Carolina is set, and ready to witness the history-making launch of Talk Fusion today at 3:30 pm EDT.

Today is the day that you, your downline, your family and friends, and anyone that you have talked to concerning Talk Fusion need to be on the 3:00 pm EDT opportunity call. TODAY Talk Fusion will launch while we are on the call. There will not be another call like this one EVER.

This is truly one call you do not want to miss.

when:

Monday, July 02, 2007

3:00 pm EDT

Phone: 1-620-294-4000

Code: 222685, and then press #

You may introduce yourself (it is not mandatory), and then you will want to press *6 to mute

This is a call that will go down in direct marketing history, folks, and I believe that you will want to be able to say that “you were there when……”

Contact Debbie Barth Today:
email here, or talkfusion@ncwomensnetwork.com
or call toll free 1-(888)-291-2591 or 1-(336) 471-5686


[COMMENT]]]> Mon, 02 Jul 2007 10:34:04 +0000 http://quikonnex.com/channel/link.php?id=27789 "Ismail Ax" - My Theory Of What Cho Seung-Hui Meant And The Referenced Source http://quikonnex.com/channel/link.php?id=26782 There has been much speculation about the words reportedly found scrawled in red ink on Cho Seung-Hui's arm, "Ismail Ax"

One theory is that, since Cho was an English major, it may have been taken from a character, Ishmael Bush, in James Fennimore Cooper's book, The Prairie.

Another speculation is that it is in reference to the narrator of Moby Dick, Ishmael.

Blogger Steve Decatur at Islam Threat, shares this thought:

"Ismael is the Arabic for Ishmael the father of the Arabs, the son of Abraham and the one that Muhammad the founder of Islam favored above Isaac the father of the Jews. This terror seems to have indeed been motivated by Islam. Muslims believe that it was Ishmael that Abraham almost sacrificed on the mount of Moriah rather than Isaac. The feast of sacrifice, Eid Al Adha, celebrated by Muslims, celebrates that event by slaughtering sheep. Ismail-AX definitely slaughtered many innocent people like sheep yesterday."

******************************************************************************************************************

While reading the horrific details of the tragedy at Virginia Tech yesterday, I too, gave the words some thought. Maybe as a way of shifting my thoughts away from the ugly visions playing in my mind while reading the details given by the press.

My first thought about "Ismail Ax", was that there were two capitalized letters....I, for the beginning of the sentence and A for a name. I then came up with "I am".

The problem then was trying to figure out what name he could be referring to, and why. I played around with the letters and finally settled on Axsil. I tried a google search, and came up with nothing much. Then I tried a yahoo search (who is Axsil) and found Camelot Herald in the directory, ....Axsil 23rd level Wizard. Axsil is a member of Judgement-23th level Avalonian Wizard. This is a mythic online game. There is a newsletter entitled Dark Age of Camelot. More compelling, although it might not mean anything (and more than likely, doesn't), is another newsletter entitled War Newsletter and a reference to the "Age of Reckoning".

Cho perceived himself as sitting in Judgment of others. And, sadly as we all know.....there would be a judgment day for 33 unsuspecting victims.

Considering just how cold and dark the waters swirled within Cho's sick mind, I wonder if this would not be more in line with the meaning of the words scrawled on his arm.

Maybe it was a message to the others in the game identifying who he was. Maybe it was his way of telling the world that he had sat in judgment and had declared his own "day of reckoning."


** This is mere speculation on this writer's part and in no way, shape or form, am I trying to connect Cho with the Camelot Herald, other than with the word Axsil that I came up with using the extra letters. Cho may have never viewed, let alone, played this game, nor am I stating that he was a member. In fact, I could be no closer than a distant planet to the real meaning of Cho's words......Debbie Barth 4/18/07

*** Source link to Camelot Herald ......... http://www.camelotherald.com/chardisplay.php?s=Nimue&c=650532

*** Source link to above referenced theories.......http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/219122/web_wildly_speculates_about_the_meaning.html?page=2

[COMMENT]]]> Thu, 19 Apr 2007 12:09:54 +0000 http://quikonnex.com/channel/link.php?id=26782 The Virginia Tech Tragedy: Are We Still Missing The Point" http://quikonnex.com/channel/link.php?id=26769

It has been two days and a few hours since the devastating and unconscionable act carried out by Cho Seung-Hue, a 23-year-old South Korean, against his fellow classmates.

The world has since gone through shock and disbelief, the grief, the anger; and now, as in most tragedies of this multitude, the finger pointing has surfaced.

Blame is being placed on the the U.S. gun control, which is the most lenient in the Western world. Blame is being placed on Virginia Tech, itself, for not responding to the first shooting and alerting students fast enough, and securing the campus buildings. Korean and Korean-American students fear a backlash, although they are not directly or indirectly involved with the horrific incident that occurred at Virginia Tech.

It is this writers opinion, and dismay, that we are all still missing the point. As human beings, we are quicker to place the blame on something or someone else, rather than to see the situation for what it really is and to accept, at least, a small part of the responsibility ourselves.

This writer feels that most of the blame really falls back on the doorstep of Cho Seung-Hue.

After all, who should know Cho Seung-Hue better than his own parents? Who is ultimately responsible for the actions and behavior of their own child, than the parents? And before my readers get upset because I am attacking his parents, who had nothing to do with the actual attack, this is not about his parents in particular.....it is about anyone who is a parent.

It is about parents completely being involved with their children from day one, and staying involved. It is about "seeing", really "seeing" their child for what that child is in the "now", and not when the child was a cute little bundle of joy.... but in the "now". It is about the parents educating themselves to the *"warning signs" that their child might be heading down a dark passageway. And really... most importantly, it is about the parents acting on those warning signs reflected by the child. Not reacting (yelling, screaming, pleading, etc), but acting.

Many parents (it is up to you to decide whether or not this rings true for you) have a tendency to see what and who they want to see when looking at their child. Now being a child once myself, I recognized this early on and used this to the fullest. Ninety-nine percent of the time, that is acceptable on both sides and really just a part of the family dynamics. However, it is that one percent that can lead to tragic, and even deadly, events.

There are parents, (this is where some may get defensive, but hey, who said I was describing you?) that recognize several negative changes that fits the "warning signs" of imminent and severe consequences in the future, but choose to simply ignore them. They comfort themselves by thinking that it is "just a phase" the child is going through and that it will pass. They recognize that there is a problem themselves or are forced to face the issue by friends, family, school, etc., but decline getting professional counseling because it is too time consuming or it cost too much money. And lastly, and a tragedy in its own dimension......they really are too busy dealing with every day life and self-induced responsibilities (careers, etc) that they have disconnected completely from their own child and have no clue what the child is capable of, let alone who or what the child has become.

This writer believes that there have always been warning signs in every individual case involving incidents similar to the Virginia Tech incident. This writer also believes that some of these tragedies that have occurred might have been prevented if parents would have been more alert to the negative changes in the child or the child's behavior that leant towards violence, and then would have gotten the necessary professional help needed.....not only for the child, but for the parent as well.

Yes, there is plenty of blame to go around, and we can all bite off a piece of the blame pie. There is an ever increasing amount of violence in movies, on tv, and in the music that our children listen to, and in the games our children play online, but again, ultimately, it really does fall back on everyone's doorstep.

*********************************************************************************************************************************************

*Some of the warning signs indicating a potential problem: Social Withdrawal

Excessive feelings of rejection

Feelings of being picked on and persecuted

Expressions of violence in writings and drawings

Uncontrolled Anger

Drug and Alcohol Use

Serious threats of violence

Past history of violent and aggressive behavior

History of discipline problems

*I found a great guide (from 1998, yes that far back, so this is not a new phenomenon) listing the above warning signs, and 40 pages of valuable information every parent should read. Here is the link to the pdf file:

http://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/172854.pdf

[COMMENT]]]> Wed, 18 Apr 2007 16:20:06 +0000 http://quikonnex.com/channel/link.php?id=26769 Networking or In The Land Of The Living Dead? http://quikonnex.com/channel/link.php?id=26673 A network is defined ( Merriam-Webster) as a usually informally interconnected group or association of persons (as friends or professional colleagues). People join networks in order to share common interests, ie hobbies, music, books, etc. Online professionals join networks to interact with other online professionals, share experiences, wisdom, and most of all... let's be honest.... to get the word out about them, their products/services and to create sales/make money.


A zombie is defined ( Merriam-Webster) as a person held to resemble the so-called walking dead. There is more than one definition found in credible dictionaries, but this one suits the purpose of this article perfectly.

By now my readers are wondering what the connection is between the two above, and where could I possibly be going. And thus, the following....

I , like many online business professionals, belong to serveral online marketing networks. I actually do my research and attempt to join only those marketing networks with the same core beliefs and standards and whose members are serious online business entrepreneurs and professionals. I then go in and set up my profile information, attach my picture, and hang up my shingles....ok.... add my website links.

It takes but only a couple of days to realize that I am, once again, in a land with the "living dead".

Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love the networks, and the staff, of which I am a member. Nor am I referring to most of the esteemed members.
This writer simply has her own opinion of what networking is (or should be) all about. For example, I love it when other members drop by my profile page and leave a comment/sign my guestbook. I mean a real comment, like "hi, I'm from Texas, too. Dropped by your website and I think that we have real networking opportunities.......". Something along those lines. Often, however, someone will drop off an online card or cute graphic, and simply say "hi".

Quite frankly, I feel the same amount of emotion about that as I do when I go to my mail box and find a little plastic "thing-a-ma-jiggy" (with an advertisement inside) attached and dangling in the wind. Or say, that piece of paper just under your windshield wiper that you don't notice until you are actually driving down the road.

I also enjoy getting "friends requests", and being asked to join their groups, etc. However, I always wonder WHY after I discover that they haven't visited my websites, googled me, or really read my profile.

I mean, how do they REALLY know that I am not a Porn Queen (imagine inviting one to your group and having her do an impromtu presentation for your group), or some whacko who slips out of his room at night and logs into the mental hospital's computer.

Hopefully, now I have your attention and will attempt to connect the two above definitions.

You don't have to join 100 networks to be successful, either. Again, do your research and pick just a few of the ones that are most compatible to you, your business, as well as your core belief and standards for doing business.
Why, because being a successful networking member requires participation from YOU. If you spread yourself too thin, then you are wasting your time setting up your profile, etc. It takes setting aside some time to read the bulletins, forum post/group posts.....and responding. If the staff of the group asks for your participation in group meetings, etc., try to be there. Bottom line, make your presence known.....even better....define your presence.

How do you define your presence?

Simply by using the blogs (if your network provides you with one), posting to the forums, going to online meetings and letting the other members hear your comments and suggestions. Some networks will also allow you to do a presentation of your products and services. By all means, take advantage of it.

Now, back to some of my earlier comments. When you are browsing the network and dropping by different profiles, get to know the other member. After all, reading the profile should take less than a minute. And here is the biggie....take the time to visit their website. Yep, it does take time and it may or may not be something that you are interested in, but how do you know if you don't stop by? After all, why did YOU put up the links to your website on your profile page?

Keep in mind that most webmasters have the neccessary tools in their back offices and knows who dropped by their website and even when. This writer has to believe that most people appreciate members who take the time to visit their website and are more likely to actually click on the corresponding website as well.

This writer believes that when we join networks for marketing purposes, the networking part isn't really about YOU as much as it is THEM. And this writer believes that there are two kinds of networkers; those who actively participate and takes an interest in the other members, and those who move in a zombie-like state, moving from one profile page to another, requesting friends, leaving cards, sending advertisements in messages....just going from one profile to another.

This writer also believes that there are more of the former, rather than the latter......thank goodness. And as for me, I prefer my zombies in a glass with lot's of ice.




[COMMENT]]]> Thu, 12 Apr 2007 11:41:19 +0000 http://quikonnex.com/channel/link.php?id=26673 Great Idea For Using Our Family Web Conference Room....Wedding Planning! http://quikonnex.com/channel/link.php?id=26517 Spring is in the air. Love is in the air. And that means weddings are most definitely in the planning stages.

NCWN is sending you a tip on how you can get the most
out of using our family web conference rooms.

These rooms make excellent meeting rooms for everyone, anywhere in the world, to plan that special wedding, all together in one room.

It's so easy to plan, delegate, and exchange information when
everyone is assembled at the same time. And you can invite as many attendees as you would like.

Want to give everyone a preview of where the wedding and/or the reception is being held? Just put in the url and click.

Want to see your family members and friends? Just use the webcam.

You can record the meeting as an mp3 and then send it out to everyone! How much better is that than everyone independently taking notes that can get lost or misinterpreted!

Use the room to talk to the wedding party, the caterers....the list goes on and on.

Excellent communication is vital to the successful planning of a wedding and using your own conference room has just made communicating your wishes so much easier!

If you haven't gotten your rooms yet and want more information about our rooms, contact Debbie Barth, NC Women's Network, at admin@ncwomensnetwork or call toll-free at 1-888-291-2591.

You can go to http://www.ncwomensnetwork.com for a demo presentation, or http://www.ncwomensnetwork.com/familywebconferencing.html for more great ways to use a family web conference room . If you are ready, then great.... get your rooms today!



[COMMENT]]]> Thu, 29 Mar 2007 14:37:35 +0000 http://quikonnex.com/channel/link.php?id=26517