Social networking is a fantastic avenue to connect and form business relationships. The key to being successful is learning how to use it authentically and to create meaningful connections. The platform I’ve spent the most time on is Twitter so I want to share with you some of the ways I’ve found to really connect through Twitter.

I believe the first step is to go into social networking with the right mindset. I have an upcoming class about the Art of Connection where I explain the difference between connecting and collecting when you’re networking.

Understanding the difference between these two concepts will allow you to enjoy networking – both online and offline. Here’s the difference…

Collecting Mindset:

“What am I going to GET?” and “What’s in it for ME?”

Short-term approach vs. Long-term value of connection

All about quantity (how many friends/followers can you get?)

Perceived as less personal

Focus is often on talking about you.

Connecting Mindset:

Focus is on “What am I going to GIVE?”

Focus on being of service first

All about quality (not quantity)

Long-term value of the relationship and how it will evolve

So the goal on Twitter should be to connect and engage. It’s not about having tons of followers but more importantly having relationships. The problem is it can become OVERWHELMING to do. Please read my next blog for tips on how to choose who to follow and how you can connect with them in an authentic and meaningful way.

As an entrepreneur it’s so important to have a network of people you can turn to when you have questions. By getting other people involved in your business success, you’ll not only get answers to your questions, you’ll be inspired by their ideas.

You truly empower yourself when you involve people that will both cheer you on and provide valuable knowledge – people who can show you the “how”.

What if you don’t feel like you have enough people in your life that can give you the support you need? This is a big issue for mom entrepreneurs because we’re home alone and it’s difficult to find the business support we’re looking for. I believe there’s no need to go it alone as mom entrepreneurs are very generous in their support.

I recently had a Metromom in my community approach me on the side and say, “Kim, I’m really struggling. I have a full-time business and a direct sales business that is just not where I want it to be. Times are tough economically, and it’s just not working as I want it to.”

This woman opened herself up to me in a very vulnerable way. Because I understood her situation, I was able to connect her with other women I believed could support her. One of these women got her to think about something professionally that was completely out of the box.

This new idea caused me to say, “Aha. I can make another connection for you.” Together we were creating a spider web of new connections for her. It was such a glorious experience to watch and realize she had tapped into a handful of other people who could provide great support for her.

This story really emphasizes the importance of opening up to others to find the right answers to your questions. You might feel vulnerable admitting that you don’t know the answer but what better way is there to get support?

For myself, by asking good questions and finding the right people to support and help me find the answers, I’ve been able to move my business forward at a much quicker pace. Don’t underestimate your ability to get your business moving forward. With the right support, you can be empowered to be truly successful on your own terms.

So, how do you put a dollar value on connection?

Recently a woman told me that she didn’t want to be a part of my community because it wasn’t large enough. While at first I felt very “small”, I then thought, did she reach out to any of the women who are there? Did she establish contact? Is it really about quantity or more importantly about the quality of who we connect with?

I’m seeing a frenzy within Twitter and Facebook to “amass” friends. Yes, it’s nice to have great groups of followers. However, how can we really touch these “friends” personally? With how many do we end up forming a true connection? I’ve found that one truly significant connection means more to me–and my business success–than hundreds of surface connections.

Here’s a personal story I’d like to share… A few months ago I wanted to reflect in a grateful place on where the great women I’d met in my life had come from. I created a “networking tree” and discovered that almost all of my local connections originated from one person.

The seed of my networking tree

A few years ago, after just moving to CT, I was working on developing leads for my Melaleuca business and periodically purchased “internet leads” of people interested in business opportunities. I contacted a man named Dave who lived close by. We spoke a bit, I had a good gut feel, and in an atypical fashion I asked him to meet me in person. After coordinating my children in the morning, getting myself to Starbucks an hour away, I showed up… but he never did. I refused to get disappointed and assumed there was an honest explanation. I discovered later that he’d sent me an email (which got caught in my Spam filter) explaining that after some quick additional research, he decided he wasn’t interested in my pursuing my company and wanted to cancel our appointment.

For some reason, I felt a real connection with Dave and did something that’s completely “Kim” but NOT “by the books” of how others do things. I wrote him a heartfelt email sharing with him a little bit about my background, how I got to this place in my life, and why I sensed that he was worth meeting. I left the ball in his court and pressed send. Fortunately for me, he responded immediately, hearing something in my words and asked to reschedule our coffee date. During our time together we really clicked, said we’d stay in touch and I knew we both meant it.

While Dave is an amazing guy, we have not worked together, at least not as of yet. However, based on his comfort with our connection, he introduced me to a special woman named Victoria who runs a very dynamic local networking group. At my first Victoria meeting she connected me to Julie, another woman with a great sense of business and creativity. A month later Julie connected me to Krista, a boutique owner in CT, who needed some help on a creative project. Friendships blossomed. Between Julie and Krista, an entire community of great women in CT began showing up in my life.

Continuing on, these local relationships led to my hosting a monthly “Great Women’s Gathering” to share the women I was meeting with each other. This then, and this is HUGE, led to my brainstorm for Metromom in its current state, a place where I can share great women with each other and provide them with lots of value.

Dave was the seed that began my local networking tree, and gave me the gift of my business. From the beginning our relationship was based in truth, honesty and me doing business in a “Kim” way. The reason this connection had value was because I took the time (and vulnerable leap) to open my heart to him and establish a real relationship. Could I put a dollar value on Dave? No yet his value to me, my business and my life is enormous. I feel gratitude for him daily. I’m blessed for who he is in my life and for who he brought into my life.

Farmers value quality

Connecting with one person, when it’s the right person, can be the beginning of a relationship that blossoms and grows. These relationships are invaluable and require the right intention to grow.

I prefer the “farmer”, versus the “hunter” approach in networking. A farmer has a patient, highly visible approach to networking desiring collaboration and development versus the hunter approach of hit-and-run prospecting that’s more focused on closing and acquisition.

In today’s business climate, people – especially women – want to buy, but don’t want to be sold to. The farmer approach is an excellent long-term strategy if you want to build a loyal customer base. It allows you to watch the seeds of connection grow and blossom. If you question the value of connection, ask a farmer. She’ll probably share its value with her own story of the seed she planted that blossomed into her own networking tree.

Please share your story about a meaningful connection that made a big difference in your life.

I’m seeing a frenzy within Twitter and Facebook to “amass” friends. Yes, it’s nice to have great groups of followers. However, can we really touch these “friends” personally? With how many do we end up forming a true connection?

Connecting with one person, when it’s the right person, can be the beginning of a relationship that blossoms and grows. These relationships are invaluable and require the right intention to grow. I prefer the “farmer”, versus the “hunter” approach in networking.

A farmer has a patient, highly visible approach to networking desiring collaboration and development versus the hunter approach of hit-and-run prospecting that’s more focused on closing and acquisition.
Farmers value…

1. Long-term Relationships
2. Nurturing
3. Growing
4. Collaboration
5. Building
6. Loyalty
7. Creating champions
8. Customer advocacy
9. Development

In today’s business climate, people–especially women–want to buy, but don’t want to be sold to. The farmer approach is an excellent long-term strategy if you want to build a loyal customer base. I appreciate that it allows me to watch the seeds of connection grow and blossom.

The thing I love most about Metromom.com is the ability to connect like-minded women together. I’m very pleased to share that I’m now opening the door and providing free access to Metromom’s Connection Tools.

This is very exciting! Take a look at these tools:

Metromom’s Connection Café – This forum is the place to ask important questions on marketing, mindset and motherhood. Women will get tips and advice on what works and what doesn’t from other successful entrepreneurial women and moms. The Café is also a great opportunity to showcase knowledge and promote yourself.

Metromom’s Search & Connect – The ability to search for great women by name, locale, business and industry. Women can use Metromom’s safe intranet to create the powerful connections they need to generate momentum in both their business and life.

Why are these connection tools so valuable?

Women are looking to connect for various reasons. ..

·Embarking on a new direction in life and looking for others that are on that same path.
·Looking for a new job.
·Starting a new business.
·Looking for a personal or professional partner.
·Looking for customers or clients in your niche.
·Wanting support as a woman, parent or wife.
·Wanting new friendships.

Metromom combines the social networking features of some of your favorite sites (Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter) with expert advice on the three Ms – marketing, mindset and motherhood. There are even more great freebies available to this community – check it out at www.metromom.com.

I was thrust under the spotlight at the National Publicity Summit a couple weeks ago as I met with journalists, editors and producers from the media. I was excited to share my vision of Metromom and I knew I needed to do this for myself, my business and my growth.

The first day I forgot how to do what I do so naturally, which is connect. I pitched my ideas “AT” them.  I don’t think I took a breath for the whole 2 ½ minutes I had with each person.

The second day I regrouped and remembered that they’re people, they have a need for content as I have a need to share my message and what I do. I slowed down. I looked them in the eyes, I listened, and I had fun.

Overall a much better day and a good reminder for me that no matter what you’re doing, in any circumstance, it’s about the relationships you create. It doesn’t matter if you’re talking to a producer at the Today Show or your next door neighbor, there’s always a person on the other end of each interaction.

Connecting with soul, intention and purpose is really an art. If you’d like to enhance your own “networking” skills make sure you sign-up for my next free teleseminar.

Beginner work at home moms benefit greatly by observing and connecting with women that exhibit leadership both as moms and as entrepreneurs. Women get to know themselves and grow in relationship to others. That’s why women tend to lead—not by words alone—but through our example and by modeling what we learn.

Most likely there are beginner work at home moms that are in your team, are part of your direct sales organization, or who look to you to take the lead in a mastermind or networking program. How can you to take on a leadership role, learn to enjoy it and thrive?

Success in business and in life requires leadership skills. Take a look at the following list of skills that fantastic leaders model. When women model these leadership skills it makes it easy for beginner work at home moms to duplicate what they see.

Natural Leaders…

•    Care about helping others and being of service
•    Are open to learning
•    Attract other leaders
•    Don’t make excuses
•    Find ways to make things happen
•    Brush themselves off when they go through a flat spot

Some of these skills might seem natural to you and some might require more effort. I really believe that we all can be leaders in different ways. Every time you encourage, inspire or support someone you’re displaying leadership. Read the article I posted in our work at home mom resources section. I outline action tips you can take to enhance your leadership abilities.

Women tend to be collaborators and prefer not to go it alone. This can be a tremendous advantage because they’re always on the lookout for help to get their business off the ground more quickly. Most women don’t have a problem admitting that they’re not sure how to proceed and will ask for direction. Their businesses benefit as a result.

At whatever stage their business is at, entrepreneurial women are always looking for:

• Inspiration – Women are inspired when they see and learn from other women who have great ideas, a broader, more creative perspective and who are already achieving the kind of lifestyle they visualize for themselves. Learning from other successful entrepreneurs gives women a sense of who’s doing what in business and if she can do it, I can do it!
• Resources - Women want training and coaching from business experts on the latest business strategies. They also want advice on how to create balance and a high-quality personal life.
• Community – Women crave a like-minded community of women for a daily dose of wisdom, support and guidance.

Women need a venue to get the inspiration, resources and sense of community they crave. A few years ago I began hosting a monthly "Great Women’s Gathering" in my home. These few joyful hours of unstructured sharing are tremendously valuable for everyone in attendance. It gives each of us a chance to connect, gather together and learn from one another in a completely supportive environment. Consider starting your own group as a way to reach out to women in your community.

I launched Metromom.com for female/women entrepreneurs only so they can find all the business support and business supporters they need to be successful. I wholeheartedly believe there’s plenty of room for every woman to shine in all that she does-and this quality of abundance is a very important way to celebrate the feminine way of doing business.

As entrepreneurial moms, working on our own, we don’t have a boss looking over our shoulder. This means we have to motivate ourselves. Staying in an open-minded, positive place is crucial to our success.

With that in mind I wanted to share a few Mindset "gems". These are gems I’ve used myself and were reinforced at my recent Mindset Retreat with Fabienne Fredrickson.

1. Start your day with time for yourself, before your kids and definitely before your business. Set the tone for your day. Ideally journal, read your intention statement, read from a book that has uplifting messages, listen to a guided meditation, or exercise listening to something motivational.

2. Be purposeful about the life you’re creating. Know what you want, when you want it and how you want it. Personally, my goal is to do what I want, when I want with whom I want.

3. Embrace change. If you’re not happy with the results you’re getting, something’s got to change. Recognize that the change starts with your thoughts.

4. Make a decision that you want to make a change. The strength and conviction of that decision will set your intention out into the universe.

5. Step into the fear. When we’re scared of something we procrastinate taking action. The key is to step into the fear => make the call, write the article, sign-up for the program. When I’m scared to do something, that’s my sign that it’s what I need to do to move forward. If I do it first thing, the rest of the day flows.

6. Notice your feelings and use them as your barometer for what you’re thinking. Catch yourself quickly when you find your energy lagging, or your thoughts going into a less than positive place.

7. Do something that causes you to shift to a more positive vibration – hug your child, listen to music, change your environment, call a friend, take a shower, or go for a walk-whatever works for you. Staying in a funk doesn’t serve you or your business.

Those are just a few gems. I promise I have a lot more to share on Mindset. In fact, an entire section of my upcoming Direct Sales Success System addresses this subject because it’s truly the key to success in direct sales (and really any entrepreneurial venture). The bottom line is that with a clear intention of what you want and why you want it, you’ll be able to achieve your financial goals. Not only that, you’ll have fun in the process.

Listen to Robin Hardy interviewing me about these 7 Mindset Gems.

I’ve collected some of my favorite mindset lessons and consolidated them into a short eBook – The Motivated Mindset. Please check it out and share the impact you gain from making small daily shifts.

Networking can be fun and it can be intimidating, it all starts with your mindset. Compare these two mindsets:

"I have to network for my business, meet lots of people and collect lots of business cards."

"Getting out there and "networking" can be a pleasant experience if I approach it with the desire to connect meaningfully. I can remove the pain and pressure for a transaction to occur."

The difference here is the focus. Are you focused on collecting or connecting? Understanding the difference between these two concepts will allow you to remove the stress and pressure from this key business activity.

If your focus in collecting (or traditional networking):

• Networking is often perceived as "What am I going to GET?" and "What’s in it for ME?"
• Short-term approach vs.. Long-term value of connection
• All about quantity (how many business cards can you get?)
• Perceived as less personal
• Focus is often on talking about you

If your focus is on connecting:

• Has a different quality and energy to it
• Focus is on "What am I going to GIVE?"
• Focus on being of service first
• All about quality (not quantity)
• Long-term value of the relationship and how it will evolve

Have you ever wondered how to get BEYOND networking and truly connect with potential customers and partners?