Instead of making New Year’s resolutions that are seldom kept, create a 2012 Relationship-building plan that will help you maximize networking benefits. Learn from business networking authority Lillian Bjorseth how and why to do it.

Lisle, IL, December 18, 2011 – Instead of making 2012 resolutions, which are often idealistic and unrealistic, create a 2012 Relationship-building Plan that will last for years,” says Lillian D. Bjorseth, president of Duoforce Enterprises, Inc., and a networking and communication skills speaker, trainer, coach and author.

“Make it practical and concrete, and it can help you achieve maximum benefits from your networking endeavors. After all, networking – whether face-to-face, online or preferably both – is still the number one way to increase sales, get a job and enhance your career success,” says Bjorseth, author of Breakthrough Networking: Building Relationships That Last.

While the plan may take you a while to create, it can, with slight modifications, serve you well as long as you are in the same business/job, according to Bjorseth. “It also will keep you from fishing for trout in a catfish pond i.e., you’ll know where to find your target market and people who can introduce you to your target market,” she says.

Bjorseth suggests you start by writing down the focus of your business or if you are in transition what you would like to do. Her experience after working with thousands of people nationwide is that most have difficulty succinctly articulating what they do. She advocates following Thomas Jefferson’s advice: “Never use two words when one will do.”

Secondly, Bjorseth recommends you determine your U.O. “Ask yourself: ‘What’s your Unique Offering? How do you do what you do differently? Why would people hire you or buy your products or services when they know five other people who supposedly do or sell the same thing?’” she says.

Bjorseth advises you to then determine your target markets and answer who, what, when, why, where, how do they buy? “This should take you an hour or more if you do it thoroughly … and think of the valuable information you now have at your fingertips!” Bjorseth adds.

Then it’s time to answer the question, “Where are you most likely to find your target market?” according to Bjorseth. “List organizations, groups and events your target markets are likely to frequent. You need to zero in on the few that are relevant to you. You don’t have time to try a dozen different groups, much less pay dues and activities’ fees,” she says.

Another helpful hint Bjorseth gives is to know where to find the organizations/events that are frequented by your markets or those who can introduce you to them. “Be creative. Check the web for local chapters of national organizations. Peruse print and online calendars of events. Also, make a list of whom you already know, divided into such categories as business; professional /civic/industrial organizations, etc.,” Bjorseth adds.

“Above all, finish the plan. A half-done one will give you half-baked results,” Bjorseth says.

Contact:
Lillian D. Bjorseth
Duoforce Enterprises, Inc.
2221 Ridgewood Rd.
Lisle, IL 60532
630-983-5308
lillianspeaks@duoforce.com
http://www.duoforce.com