7 ways to start a conversation online.

One of the most common concerns I hear when chatting about building relationships in today's environment is the lack of respect and professionalism about connecting online.

People tell me they've tried reaching out but, invariably, they get no response or, after a brief exchange, the person fails to engage. They find it quite disconcerting, rude even.

There's no question things have changed. But the rules of engagement haven't. The fundamentals of interpersonal contact (sincerity, empathy, transparency) matter more than ever.

The lack of a face-to-face experience, with its ability to influence and accelerate a connection, means relying more on your online secret weapon: context. Here's how I use it.

1. Pick the right contact. Know whom you want to connect with. Without a clear picture of your target market or ideal client, you won't be motivated to move the relationship forward. It matters.

2. Research before reaching out. The wonderful thing about social networks is that they supply a wealth of information about many areas of a person's career or life. It's a gold mine of context opportunity,

3. Expand your context. Resist the temptation to focus solely on business aspects of a profile. Look for areas that are unique or individual. They can act as the key to showing you care, a huge difference-maker.

4. Choose one. Zero in on the one topic you feel will have the greatest impact. That way, you demonstrate focus and intention. People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care.

5. Less is more. Ensure your message is brief. Online people don't read, they scan. Your objective is to get her/him to reply. Think about starting a conversation, like getting a pendulum swinging.

6. Be sincerely curious. The words you use are extremely important. It's what the other person uses to?assess your professionalism and character. Be kind. Be gracious. Be sincere. Be transparent. Words matter.

7. Seek to engage. Technology doesn't sell, people do. Think in terms of a?series of exchanges that build trust and eventually lead to a live conversation. That's when the real relationship-building (and selling) starts.

Bonus tip. Online, the twin pillars of persistence and patience are the secret to relationships and results. Be prepared to work harder, longer. It's simply a fact of life?in our new normal.

This week's tip:?Technology-based communication?now drives the relationship?process. Yet maximizing it for results requires a different mindset and new skills. How would you rate yourself on these 8?points?

WEBINAR - 7 Secret Network Laws and How to Leverage them for Optimal Results.

Almost 15 years ago, I invested an entire summer researching networks.?I read a dozen books on this topic and came away with an entirely new perspective on how to harness their power and potential.

I discovered that networks are governed by universal principles that, when used effectively, have the ability to accelerate results. I've been using them successfully ever since.

And now I'm ready to share the Secret Network Laws to help you achieve the success you want and need in these difficult times. I'll even supply a plan to implement each. Here's a sampling of what you'll learn in this virtual event

• The?fundamental law of network and how?it determines your results.
• 3 Basic Network?Laws that are the foundation of all network effectiveness.
• 3 Network Power Laws that dramatically leverage?network results
• Network Law action plan

As a result of attending this session, you will have a greater awareness of how the?Secret Network Laws impact your efforts, specific information to put them into action, and a strategy to convert your new knowledge into results.

DATE: Thursday October 14th, 2 - 3 pm EST (+ Q&A)

COST: There is no cost but you must pre-register.?

Click here to reserve your spot for this one-time event.