Mixed Messages

Paul Johnstone ©


A lot of what determines success or failure is NOT the obvious stuff that you see and are concerned with.


Studies have shown that whether you're talking to someone their impression of you and what you say is based ONLY ABOUT only 7% are words, you use!! The other 93% is made up of 38% verbal, 55% visual in other words most of it is your body language. 

This combined with the sound and qualities of your voice. I'm sure it's easy for you to understand that if you sound uncertain, no one is going to follow you. To be successful, you must sound and look like you know exactly what you are doing.

Face to face networking should help you develop these skills. Also a great resource is the Association of Speakers clubs http://www.the-asc.org.uk who hold meeting all over the UK.  

As a networker the ability to address groups is one of the keys to your success.  We will all have seen people present who do not get their message across and as a result don’t get business.

Every 60 seconds needs a start a middle and an end, and these components need to be joined up.  A bright opening followed by an example of your skill with a nicely worded conclusion is what will make you stand out form the crowd.

Networking is not just social networking, nor is it just face to face networking.  

The great networkers have a presence in both camps.  Because they both support each other.   And the higher your profile off line as well as on-line will determine how successful your networking activity will be.

Those of you who have read my 10 steps to profitable networking will be aware that being regular when networking is one of the cornerstones to success.

At Refer-On through our meeting topics we show people how to get the most out of their networking.  It’s just part of what Refer-On does. 

You invest a lot of time, effort and money in your networking activity, and you deserve success.  This is great once you have trained yourself to be regular.  Turn up at every networking meeting you are supposed to, weekly, monthly or annually. Raise your profile on line by offering to help others first. 

Never start a social networking connection with a sales pitch, you will loose so many friends that way.  When you message people make it valuable to the reader and don’t dump on them a date, time and place of an event.

When networking face to face never start by selling your product or service, you must sell yourself first.  And if you are I in MLM never, never try to sign up distributors from your regular group.  This last one should be self evident but so many get it wrong.

Be positive when speaking to groups and help them where ever possible.  Which is where your ability to address a group, normally in your 60 seconds is worth it’s weight in gold. Show people you care and they will come with you. 

If all you do is use networking as a sales opporunity, it is probable people will turn away from you.  After all everyone has a choice who to buy from.  Most people buy from those they know, like and trust. 



Helping Real People do Real Business Through Real Networking