It may be time to change the channel

If we have been listening to WII-FM for very long, it's definitely time to switch channels. We all may visit there occasionally, but we can't survive on a steady dose of this programming.

WII-FM means "what's in in for me?" That's a normal, natural question to ask ourselves before undertaking something, but if that's our guiding principle or our main reason for joining organizations or donating our time or money resources, we're going to be disappointed with the results.

Whether it's joining a social networking site like Acive Rain or volunteering to serve on a committe at the homebuilders, Realtors, church, school, or neighborhood association, we should do it because we support those groups and want to help out in a meaningful way. Sure, it's a great chance to meet people and exchange information. Sure, business may eventually come our way, but that cannot be our primary reason for getting involved.

Joining something just for what we can get out of it means that we've been listening to WII-FM too long.

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For more information on my coaching and educational programs and services, visit my website stevehoffacker.com or go to my other blog homesalesinsights.com for additional sales tips, insights, and commentary. You can also listen to my free podcast messages at Steve Hoffacker's Happenings. © Steve Hoffacker, 2009. All Rights Reserved.

17 comments • Steve Hoffacker - Sales Trainer/Coach, Sales Books Author, Photographer • April 11 2009 01:45PM

Confusion over networking

This post was inspired by a few others that I have read about this topic. We tend to join organizations and serve on committees as a way of meeting and connecting with other people - networking. Nevertheless, if that's our sole or even our primary purpose for signing on, we likely will be quite disappointed.

To contribute to an organization or group effort, we've got to like what it does and what it represents. Otherwise, we won't give it our full support and embrace it energetically.

We will meet people in those committees and organizations that we join, but unless they detect that we are concerned about furthering the causes and mission of that committee or organization, we won't be respected and any thoughts we have of being regarded as someone that they might like to do buisness with will not materialize.

The same thing happens in social networking. We can join sites for this and that. We can post a bunch of articles and think that our inbox will start filling up with requests to do business with us. People want to see quality contributions  and participation - whether in person or online. Just showing up doesn't get it done. Actually being a part of the organization or online community in a meaningful way will begin to pay dividends later.

Active Rain is no different.

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For more information on my coaching and educational programs and services, visit my website stevehoffacker.com or go to my other blog homesalesinsights.com for additional sales tips, insights, and commentary. You can also listen to my free podcast messages at Steve Hoffacker's Happenings. © Steve Hoffacker, 2009. All Rights Reserved.

36 comments • Steve Hoffacker - Sales Trainer/Coach, Sales Books Author, Photographer • April 11 2009 07:37AM