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| | Post New Topic | | Question How much expertise/knowledge should one project? | Views: 98 | | Sep 13, 2009 6:14 am | | Question How much expertise/knowledge should one project? | # |  Eric Youle | | Hi I would be interested in your views on how much knowledge expertise should one demonstrate/project whilst prospecting (for Network Marketing).
On the one had I get the impression that the more you can position yourself as an expert. the more people will flock to your team. Whilst on the other hand the impression that one can only be successful by being an expert will put the average person off, as being intimidating and something they could not hope to achieve.
Maybe the attraction is more by demonstrated success than by "book" knowledge.
Over to you.
Eric Youle www.youle.com.au Private Reply to Eric Youle | | Sep 13, 2009 8:54 am | | re: Question How much expertise/knowledge should one project? | # |  Chuck & Shirley Bartok | | Thank you for posing such a great question. I have been struggling with this thought for years.
You and I know the answer when it comes to Off-line marketing, but the Internet poses a NEW personality.
I believe one must be patient and attract the prospect through a caring and sharing persona.
I remember having lunch with Bob"the Teacher" Jenkins in 2007. His rise to "fame" on the Internet was just erupting and he was considering targeting date for quitting Teaching and going On-Line full time.
The consensus, through masterminding with the "table", was Raise the Bar about WHO YOU ARE and What You can DO for "me" through your skill as a TEACHER.
His NEW campaigns centered around "classroom" projects and he DID quit his Job ahead of Planned Date. Now making monthly what he did Yearly Teaching.
So If you have a SKILL Strut your Stuff... but be willing to Offer a serious Open Ear to the needs of others.
And personally follow up Off-line.
When is last time your received a Real Letter or phone call from an Internet Marketer, "just checking up"?
The reason I tout Aweber and their fine staff is the Follow up. By the way they went back to the $1.00 30 day Trial.
The new features are phenomenal and allow one to let the world know who you are, how you got there (or getting there, as in my case).
If you don't have an Aweber account get one now http://focussociety.aweber.com
Final note, the most powerful tool on the internet, in my humble opinion, is Blogging.
I just posted in one of my Dormant Blogs and the "lid is Off". The past 24 hours of traffic and Opt-ins has been fantastic.
Stop by, read and comment and get a great GIFT. http://beginnersmarketingclass.com/blog
Thanks again Eric for the Topic, and let's become Internet Rock Stars, heck we already know more than most from shear "time on the Job"
Private Reply to Chuck & Shirley Bartok | | Sep 14, 2009 4:04 am | | re: Question How much expertise/knowledge should one project? | # |  Eric Youle | | Thanks Chuck
I guess I'm in the throes of simplifying my local promoting. Down to one system - cleared a lot of brochures and CDs out of my bag - see how that goes.
As far as the internet is concerned, its become a nightmare. A convoluted labyrinth of services, some forgotten, half understood, discontinued etc often linked together in some obscure way. Unfortunately its totally non duplicatable I would not even try - but wonder what sort of impression it generates, of the complexity and issues involved in promoting over the internet. It really needs a spring clean.
But should it really reflect the utilities and services anyone could use (maybe just adding their photo and profile, like Ryze) or alternatively suggest more content and input intensive activities such as Blogging? I'm really resisting going to far in that direction - its not something I would recommend to a new prospect, or even wish them to be exposed to.
I'm planning on attending a local function Web Wednesday
"Through Social Media sites such as Twitter and Facebook you can reach literally millions of potential clients and retain your existing ones. It’s still a relatively new phenomenon but it is one as a business owner you definitely need to be aware of, and ideally get stuck into!
Even if the very thought of setting up and managing a Twitter account gives you the willys, come along to our next Web Wednesday event so you can at least gain a working understanding of how it works and how it may potentially apply to your business so you can delegate to a staff member, agency, friend or family member!
In a tough economy, low cost and no cost marketing strategies are financially responsible options. But not only this, done right they can really work!!!"
Might pick up some good ideas.
Eric Private Reply to Eric Youle | | Sep 14, 2009 11:10 pm | | re: Question How much expertise/knowledge should one project? | # |  Cindy Manoske | | Hi Eric,
I think that sharing what you know and answering the questions that you know the answers to is a good way to start.
When you don't know the answer, be able to point him or her to a person that does. Or simply say that you'll find out and get back to them. This way your prospect will know that it is possible to do this business without knowing all the answers.
Aloha, Cindy Manoske http://SupportYouNow.com
Private Reply to Cindy Manoske | | Sep 15, 2009 5:24 am | | re: Question How much expertise/knowledge should one project? | # |  Eric Youle | | Hi Yes - Cindy that's a good approach - I have seen it suggested that rather than answer all the questions off the cuff, even if you know the answers, you rather look the answer up in fron of them. Showing them they don't have to know all the answers rather they just need to know where to get them. (I guess that is the basis of most education, at other than the basic rote level.)
My question is how does this approach conflict with personal branding as an knowledgeable expert in the field, something a prospect could respect but find intimidating if there is a perception they would need to know all that "stuff" to do the business.
All the best - Eric
www.youle.com.au
Private Reply to Eric Youle | | Sep 15, 2009 6:30 am | | re: re: Question How much expertise/knowledge should one project? | # |  Jeff Beeman | | I'll throw in a couple thoughts on this one Eric and these are what I see as I come across different opportunities and information on the web.
Many of us have just enough knowledge to be dangerous. We canabilize our own efforts by trying to be to knowledgable and spewing to much informaiton on the prospects. Just keep it simple and know your product or service so you can capitlize on opportunities through out your work week or day. THere is so much informaiton available weather it be Health, tele-comm or other services you are never going to know it all so pick an area and be an expert. When questions arise for other topics then show them or better yet take them to the info for that topic.
My point here I guess, as the coffee starts to wake my brain up, is this...You can multi task with various businesses, products or services so you have options but become an expert in at least one area. Be professional so you do attract quality customers and prospects but keep it simple. Find a need they have by using your web site to ask the right quesitons or face to face you personally asking the right questions and then present information that will fill that need. Basic sales 101!
It can work ether way...Present your self as a knowledgable expert or present your self as a "I just got started" person but the find a need fill the need solutions still remain the same.
Many new people to marketing/sales also need to recognize the different personalities they are dealing with. Some you better come across knowing what your talking about others you can use the "I just got started" approach and be fine.
Make it a great day Jeff B.
Private Reply to Jeff Beeman | | Sep 15, 2009 7:07 am | | re: re: re: Question How much expertise/knowledge should one project? | # |  Chuck & Shirley Bartok | | What a joy to read such concise discussions on this intriguing Topic..
And praise the lord! I get to see the Island Girl, Cindy!
Most of you know I have fairly New to the Internet (5 Years) and I mentioned that a lot in the beginning.
But I declared my expertise in other Areas. Everyone possess these expertises.
Cindy has a knack for "teaching"
Jeff Is "tenacious", people love to learn HOW to follow through
Eric has a persona and skills on the Tech side of the internet 3 years ago he helped me through my First C-panel experience.
Plus the wisdom of "age"
Diane just projects a Solid caring Position.
Deb is full of energy and sense of humor.
Tim is always asking questions presenting an ability to Solve problems
and everyone else here have Strong Talents.
I say "Strut your Stuff" and also discuss your "short-comings" but do it the format of
asking for help.
That will solidify the relationship.
But as Jeff mentions keep your "branding" Focused. I have found Interviews with "experts" and then sharing them has been a fantastic tool to Develop Authority.
I learn More, the interviewee gets to solidify their Position and the listeners get to meet two REAL people.
By the way the more, Popular the Guest, the easier they were to get to join the interview. Successful people understand the POWER of Exposure.
Focus on your already God Given talent and Blast it every where through Audio, Video, Press releases articles, Social networking and Most Important, BLOGGING.
Again visit my latest post,learn to comment Positive or Negative, doesn't matter, include a relevant Link that send people back to YOU (SEO loves it).
http://news.beginnersmarketingclass.com
At least you get a copy of my Procrastination Book Private Reply to Chuck & Shirley Bartok | | Sep 15, 2009 1:14 pm | | re: re: re: re: Question How much expertise/knowledge should one project? | # |  Heidi Caswell | | Don't forget Chuck's talent in bringing out and appreciating the best in others.
I don't believe we should hide our talents, expertise. Those blogs are a great place to share stories, examples, etc. I don't think we should try to make ourselves look like something we're not either. Keep it real, build trust, relationships.
When sharing our business with others, the simpler we keep it the better. If I'm not using some kind of tool (which makes it easier to duplicate) I find myself taking twice as long. Time is precious, both mine and theirs. No matter what we do, each of us still only have 24 hrs in a day. Strangest question I'd run into was who does your company use for legal advice. Didn't know, found out. He had a good reason for wanting to know.
Asking questions to see what further info is wanted keeps me away from info overload. Sometimes I don't know the answer, but I can always find out. Last night a guy needed to know exactly how much it will cost to join, including any tax for his state. Not something I know, nor will I memorize sales tax for each state. He needed to know to make sure he puts enough funds on his debit card. Easy to find out.
Helping a new team member yesterday. I simply asked what was the most important thing to her that she wanted to accomplish in with this business. Her answer was using the service to help build her brick and mortar business (not what she sells, but physical outlet not virtual). That is what we focused on, pulling from my expertise with the service and her expertise with her own business. Next she wants to work on the making money part.
My answer is there is a time and place to show our expertise. Remembering that others copy what you do. You are showing your expertise in building the business when you use simple tools (click here and listen) even if you know it by heart. Showing others how to find the answers, by example.
Heidi Caswell http://connectsimply.com/blog
Private Reply to Heidi Caswell | | Sep 15, 2009 2:20 pm | | re: re: re: re: re: Question How much expertise/knowledge should one project? | # |  Sharon Pudleiner | | If you are new to the internet or to a business it would behoove you to rely heavily on the business website's back office. Many of them have the information necessary to allow you to learn continuously so that you are able to answer many/most of the questions that come your way. I have noticed that many businesses have autoresponders that explain the business in terms that even a newbie can understand. I have found that people respect an answer that says, 'I don't know the answer, however, I do know where to find it!' You are better off admitting that you do not know than to try to fudge it.
http://www.shortsalespro.info
Private Reply to Sharon Pudleiner | | Sep 15, 2009 9:15 pm | | re: re: re: re: re: re: Question How much expertise/knowledge should one project? | # |  Chris Janssen | | The important thing is to be honest and genuine. You can't fail with honesty! Forget all the tricks and how much is too much. Be yourself and be genuine. The type of people you want to work with will follow you if you are yourself.
Make it a great day!
Chris - Follow me on twitter at http://twitter.com/gettinricher34 "Cherish your memories, look forward to the future, but LIVE today" Founder - Beginner's Network Class - http://beginnersmarketingclass.com/?rid=51 MLM for Serious Network Marketers Network - http://seriousmlm-network.ryze.com/ Private Reply to Chris Janssen | | Sep 16, 2009 2:45 am | | re: re: re: re: Question How much expertise/knowledge should one project? | # |  Cindy Manoske | | Great to see you again, Chuck! You're always in my mind and I love to see your posts and videos. Heidi's right about your talent in appreciating people.
People join people, so branding yourself and being honest, like Chris says, is the way to go. Don't have an agenda! Help your coachable people get what they need.
I'm going to go read your latest post now, Chuck ...
Aloha and it's great to be back here,
Cindy Manoske http://SupportYouNow.com Private Reply to Cindy Manoske |  | |
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