Generosity and persuasion are two ways you’re gonna make people more money. And in return, you increase your money flow just by helping them.
Craig and I’s friend Joel Marion, the co-founder of BioTrust Supplements, is one of the most giving people we know because he actually puts other people first when he’s selling his product.
When you go out with a giving hand, you get so much more in return. And through helping others, you build relationships with people, who turn into connections in your network, who then turn into prospect clients.
Making money with friends, baby!
For me, as I’m growing the Fit Body Boot Camp franchises and my coaching business, I find it easy to go to the friends in my network and ask for references.
I go to them and I say “Hey guys, this is what I’m offering with the franchise business and this is what I’m offering for my coaching program. Who do you know that would be a good fit? I’d love to get on the phone with them and give them results in advance.”
A lot of people don’t think to start with their own network first, and then simply ask those guys to refer you to their network.
I see it like this, if I can connect with people in my network’s network, and help them move the needle in their business, then I’ve earned the right to pitch them my Mastermind or franchise.
I recently spoke with Bill Shaw, the CEO of Entrepreneur Magazine, and he connected me with this pretty popular woman in the fitness industry.
Bill said that we had to connect because while this woman is famous and doing well for herself, there’s a lot more money to be made. There’s much more room for maximum income growth that she wasn’t being exposed to yet.
So here’s what I did. Rather than telling her to buy my products or services, I connected her with my assistant, Joan, so that she could send her all my coaching programs, free of charge.
I even went another step further and said “Let’s get on the phone, and see how else I can help you move your needle by making more sales, reach more people, and make a bigger impact.”
Why am I doing this?
The way I see it, if I’m lucky enough to be invited into Bill Shaw’s network, I need to take full advantage and come with a giving hand to the person he connected me with.
I gave them my products in advance. I gave them my time on the phone. And only after I decide whether my franchise or high level coaching program will be beneficial to them, do I invite this person to get on board with the program.
You need a strong network of likeminded people who are gonna be the right fit for your products or services.
They say the average person knows 51 people. If I look at Craig’s network of 51 people, and Joel’s network of 51 people, that’s a total of 153 people cut from the same cloth who I can market my services to.
Helping People Make Money Makes You Money Too
One important thing you need to understand is that when you go and help other people make a lot of money, you’re gonna make a lot of money in return.
As Craig says, you don’t want to be the loose knot that holds some boats together and lets others drift away. You want to be the strong tie that brings all the boats together.
Bring opportunity to others, and opportunity will be brought back to you.
A lot of you might be asking yourselves right now, “But I’m broke, I have no money and no value to bring. How can I network with top performers if I’m not on their level yet?”
Stop it. You’re already defeating yourself!
You can go out to events, workshops, seminars, and masterminds and connect with these people.
They’re not necessarily just looking for someone who can make them money. They’re looking for someone they get along with, maybe even have a beer with.
When’s the last time you went out of your way to build a rapport and friendship with someone you’re trying to do business with before you get to the selling?
Just because you think you have no value or money to offer this person whose financial status is way above yours, doesn’t mean you don’t have a chance of getting into their network.
You don’t even have to buy anything from them! All you need to do is show up at whatever event they’re speaking in, find them at the hotel bar later, and buy them a drink. Connect with them, get to know them on a friendship level first and then bring your product into the picture.
The Power of Podcasts
In today’s digital age, it’s nearly impossible for you to not find a way to put yourself out there. One great way to really expand your reach is by creating a podcast show.
Let me tell you something, even if you have no idea how to start a podcast, just do it!
You don’t need any money to start one up. Even Craig was totally clueless about starting his podcast when he first began, but he made it happen by sitting down, opening up his computer in his living room, and just doing it.
It doesn’t even matter if you have 10, 50, or 100 listeners. People love the idea of being on a podcast. Why? The possibility of getting that maximum exposure to enhance their own business.
And for you, being the host of this podcast is what’s going to get you and your products or services in people’s faces. Which means more money in your wallet!
Plus, if you make a connection with a noteworthy professional in your industry and land an interview with them, you’ve automatically earned the respect of that person’s fanbase.
Meaning they’re gonna go to you, check out your products, and buy from you. Simply because this famous person came on your show and raved about your business.