SFI is a networking business. It is about understanding and applying the power of relationship building and networking.
Being involved in networking is a big challenge for shy people. They consider networking as insincere at best, manipulative at worst. They eschew networking for a variety of reasons including lack of confidence, fear of rejection and a sense of unworthiness.
They have difficulty in relating to others; they lack self-confidence and without realizing always self-conscious.
There is a way to overcome shyness and master the skill of networking. Shy people just have to be taught and trained, that successful networking is all about building intimate, sincere relationships based on mutual generosity. They have to network their way to success.
Since SFI is an online home-based business, you don’t necessarily have to meet with your sponsored affiliates face to face. If you choose to network by meeting your prospects face to face, here’s some common sense advice.
How to deal with shyness in your SFI network marketing?
- Start with your warm market.
If the idea of approaching people you don't know intimidates you, begin networking with relatives and friends. Starting with a known contact instead of an unknown demystifies the networking process and helps get a shy person over the hurdle. A series of successful conversations will make you more confident in the process.
- Stop Apologizing.
Inexperienced networkers often apologize when asking for an individual's help because they see networking as an imposition, not as an exercise in relationship building.
Inside their mind, they feel like they're asking someone to do them a favor. They don't think they're worth someone else's time so they're apologizing for it.
Apologizing merely demonstrates your lack of professionalism and confidence. It's also annoying and juvenile. You don't have to apologize for asking help. You don't have to apologize for wanting to learn more about the individual with whom you're networking. One day you may be able to help him/her out.
- Be Yourself.
Do not act like an outgoing person during your networking, when you’re not. It’s alright if you’re a little awkward. Just don’t keep apologizing.
When meeting new people or joining networking groups:
1. Smile.
This is such a simple, basic rule, yet people just don't think about it. They're so focused on needing to network at a conference that they don't realize they're walking around with a scowl on their face. Scowling, serious, expressions are like being unfriendly and reserved. People are more likely to warm up to someone who says good morning with a broad smile than they are to someone with a stern countenance.
2. Ask Questions.
Joining a group engaged in conversation can be awkward. The best way to do so is to ask a question to the group after getting the gist of the conversation. You build your credibility by asking a question, and for a shy person, that's a much easier way to engage than expressing your opinion.
3. Listen.
People love to talk about themselves. If you can engage people to discuss their experiences and opinions—and listen with sincere interest—you can have a great conversation with someone without having to say much at all.
4. Have your SFI business cards handy.
If you have personalized SFI business cards or “Grow a Second Income X-cards”, they’ll come in handy as you engage yourself in meeting new people. They're an effective way for you to leave your name behind so that people remember who you are.
How to deal with not being Internet savvy in order to succeed in your business?
If a person wants to become successful in his business in this present time, which is dominated by digital information technology, the Internet, he/she needs to step up and become digitally fluent. His/her ability to communicate depends largely on his/her willingness to step whole-heartedly into the digital world.
If being not an Internet savvy is an obstacle, he/she needs to reconsider his/her motivation behind in joining SFI. Is he/she passionate in networking business that is, in helping other people to succeed in their own business? He/she needs to spend time and effort to discern what his/her passion, if he/she doesn’t he/she will never feel fulfilled.
There is always a way of solving the lack of skill in order to succeed. There are tutorials that one can avail of to learn and improve his/her skills about computer and Internet. The library is a great resource. One can find articles about how to do just about anything on a computer or about the Internet.
The good news is that anyone can learn them if they are determined enough.
Don’t hide behind the excuse that you’re not internet-savvy, because if you really want this, you will find a way to move forward and learn what you need to learn.
And believe me, it’s not hard if you take everything one day at a time.
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