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How to Boost Your Success Through the Daily Discipline of Networking

It’s time to shift our approach to networking because the reality is, people play a part in our achievements and pursuit of goals

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We’ve been told that our network is everything in life. It makes sense that the larger our network, the greater our exposure to the world. Additionally, the people we surround ourselves with will directly impact our experiences and opportunities. 

So, why is it that we don’t prioritize networking as a daily, or even weekly, task or goal?

Perhaps we believe that networking is more of a serendipitous phenomenon, or a task reserved only for “networking events.” Perhaps we’re intimidated by the process of networking and feel it’s only for extroverts or sales professionals. As a result, we default to relying on the organic growth of our network through friends, family, and co-worker introductions. 

Well, it’s time to shift our approach to networking because the reality is, people play a part in our achievements and pursuit of goals. And, if done with consistency, it can get us a job, an opportunity for promotion, access to talent, or even a soulmate.  

High performers in the skill of networking understand the power of a large network. They realize the value it brings and have developed an intentional disciplined approach to networking. They’ve built specific time into their daily routine to network. 

The consistency and discipline in their networking routine results in a networking habit, which pays them weekly dividends in access to talent and opportunities. This habit fuels the expansion of their talent pool, which drives their learning and growth. 

They also utilize their networking skills to gain access to decision makers, which propels achievement of their goals.  

It’s clear that growing our network has tremendous positive benefits, but how do we begin to establish a fun, daily discipline to networking? 

Below are five tactical applications you can use to not only establish a daily discipline to networking, but make it fun and purposeful as you navigate the social waters of career and life.  

1. Understand the essence of networking

At its core, networking is relationship building in order to establish a connection with individuals with whom we can share, learn, and provide mutual benefit. Relationship-building can be accomplished by focusing on two networking vehicles, digital and social networking. 

Digital networking requires a platform, such as email or LinkedIn, and allows you to discover individuals with unique talent or career positions that you’re interested in. 

Social networking is live, human-to-human interaction that generally requires a specific event or environment.

2. Calendar block: Make time to network

Unless you’re a person who has two or three networking events each week, you’re going to need to build time into your daily schedule to network. This will build a foundation for daily discipline in your network routine, ultimately forming a habit. Select a time that works well for your schedule and create a 30- to 60-minute time block for focusing on this essential task.

“The true value of networking doesn’t come from how many people we can meet but rather how many people we can introduce to others.” – Simon Sinek

3. Establish your digital outreach

Your approach to networking via digital platforms is important to your networking success. One key to a successful approach is to ensure that your digital profile is up to date, engaging, and shows your value through its display of your experiences. 

Tell your story through hobbies, certifications, and career experience, and be sure to sprinkle in some personal history and anecdotes. If you’re concerned about how your profile looks, ask a close friend or family member who knows you well to point out areas that you should highlight or remove.   

Once you’ve polished your profile, create your outreach message. This message should be genuine, clear, and without tangential fluff, such as: 

“Hi Sarah, hope all is well. I noticed you [are skilled, have a background, hold a position] in “X”. I’m always looking to connect with interesting people in order to share and learn. Would you be open to connecting? My [background, skill, talent, role] may be beneficial to you [or your company] in the near future.”  

Remember, your approach isn’t about what you need, but what you can provide. Write it using this mindset to ensure your approach is genuine.

4. Do your research

Who do you need? What skills are you looking for? What goals are you trying to achieve? Networking should be strategic, so do your homework before reaching out to someone. Because of the many search features built into digital platforms, your approach to networking should be strategic and implemented with intention to gain knowledge, talent, or access to individuals.

5. Search out fun ways to network socially

Not all social networking must be conducted at “networking events.” Take a fun approach to the social side of networking and reach out to interesting people that you see every day. The local coffee shop or restaurant manager is a great place to start. 

Why? Because they know hundreds of people from all different walks of life with whom they engage daily. Once they’re part of your network and they know who you are and what you do, there may come a day when they say to you, “Hey, I know a person you should meet.” 

Your network contacts become your connectors. You can also become a connector for others when you introduce them to people in your network. 

Like anything in life, practice and consistency lead to experience and confidence. Establish your new networking discipline today, and in one month’s time you’ll see compounding growth and the positive impact on your performance that a large network provides.  

Aaron Salko, Founder and Creator of The 9th Stratum, is a Sales Management Professional with the innovative solutions-based company Stephen Gould. Salko’s expertise is in talent development, innovation, creativity, and organizational growth. For more than two decades he has focused on human performance in both career and life, exploring how the science and mechanisms of human behavior, psychology, social interaction, and human physiology apply to performance. His new book is The 9th Stratum: Your Guide to High Performance. Learn more at stratum-nine.com.

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Success Advice

15 Essential Habits to a Stronger, Healthier, and Happier You

The journey towards transformation is not about perfection but about progress

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building positive habits

What habits can truly transform your life? That’s what you’re here to uncover. In our no-nonsense guide, we’ll introduce you to 15 habits to change your life, each with the power to improve your day-to-day existence.  (more…)

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Success Advice

19 Common Characteristics All Visionary Leaders Have

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visionary leadership qualities

When you look at business leaders like Bill Gates, Sam Walton, Sir Richard Branson, and philosophers like Bertrand Russell, Martin Heidegger, Ludwig Wittgenstein, David Bohm,  C. S. Peirce and inventors like Nikola Tesla, Paolo Soleri, Harvey W. Bailey, Thomas Edison, Alexander Graham Bell and Wright brothers and political leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Jr. and Aung San Suu Kyi, it becomes very clear that they are all connected through one leadership—visionary leadership. (more…)

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Wealth Lessons Everyone Should Hear for Every Stage of Your Life

Do you have the courage to rewrite your story?

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what i would tell my younger self

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Success Advice

How to Choose the Best Affiliate Programs for Your Blog

If you follow these steps, you can create an affiliate marketing plan that makes money, fits well with your content, and connects with your readers

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how to choose the best affiliate programs for your blog

Picking the right affiliate programs for your blog is really important. It can make a big difference in how much money you can make and how much your readers get out of your blog. With so many choices out there, deciding which ones to go with can be tricky. 

This guide is here to make it easier for you. It will give you clear steps and helpful tips to choose affiliate programs that fit well with what your blog is about, what your readers like, and what you stand for. 

For more articles on this theme, please head over to this blog https://blog.partners1xbet.com/.

Understanding Affiliate Marketing

Before you start picking affiliate programs, it’s important to really understand what affiliate marketing is and how it works. 

Basically, affiliate marketing is when you promote a product or service on your blog, and then you get paid a little bit every time someone buys something or does something because you recommended it. 

It’s great for both the person selling the product and the blogger, because the seller gets more sales with low risk, and the blogger can make money from their blog.

How to Choose the Right Affiliate Programs for Your Blog

1. Assess Your Niche and Audience

The key to doing well in affiliate marketing starts with really knowing what your blog is about and who reads it. Consider the following:

  • Your blog’s content: What topics do you cover? Ensure the products or services you promote are relevant.
  • Your audience’s interests and needs: What solutions are they seeking? Choose affiliate programs that offer products or services that solve their problems or enhance their lives.

2. Research Potential Affiliate Programs

Once you know what your blog is about and what your readers want, start looking for affiliate programs. Choose ones that are well-known for good products, great customer service, and helpful support for affiliates. Resources to find these programs include:

  • Affiliate networks like ShareASale, Commission Junction, and ClickBank.
  • Direct searches for “[Your Niche] affiliate programs” in search engines.
  • Recommendations from other bloggers in your niche.

3. Evaluate the Commission Structure

The commission structure is a critical factor to consider. Look for programs that offer competitive rates that make your efforts worthwhile. Consider:

  • The percentage of commission per sale.
  • Whether the program offers a flat rate per action (e.g., per sign-up).
  • The cookie duration, which affects how long after a click you can earn commissions on sales.

4. Consider the Program’s Reputation and Sureness

Join affiliate programs with a solid reputation for quality and sureness. This not only ensures that you’re promoting good products but also that you’ll be paid on time. You can:

  • Read reviews from other affiliates.
  • Check the program’s history and background.
  • Look for any complaints or issues reported online.

5. Analyze the Support and Resources Offered

A good affiliate program gives you things like ads to use, training on their products, and helpful managers. Having access to these resources can really help you do a better job at promoting their products.

6. Understand the Terms and Conditions

Before signing up, thoroughly review the program’s terms and conditions. Pay close attention to:

  • Payment thresholds and methods.
  • Any restrictions on how you can promote their products.
  • The program’s policy on affiliate marketing on social media platforms.

7. Test the Product or Service

If possible, test the product or service before promoting it. This firsthand experience allows you to offer genuine charge and build trust with your audience.

8. Look for Recurring Commission Opportunities

Some affiliate programs pay you again and again for subscriptions or services that charge fees regularly. These can provide a more stable income compared to one-time sales commissions.

Implementing Your Choice

After choosing the best affiliate programs, the next step is to smoothly include your affiliate marketing in your content plan. This includes:

  • Creating valuable content that naturally incorporates affiliate links.
  • Disclosing your affiliate affairs transparently to maintain trust with your audience.
  • Tracking your results to understand what works best for your audience and adjusting your strategy accordingly.

Picking the best affiliate programs for your blog involves careful planning, research, and making sure they match what your audience likes and needs. 

If you follow these steps, you can create an affiliate marketing plan that makes money, fits well with your content, and connects with your readers. 

The real key to doing well with affiliate marketing isn’t just about the products you talk about, but also how much your audience trusts and values your advice. 

With enough time, patience, and hard work, your blog can grow into a successful space that earns a good amount of affiliate money and helps your readers choose the right products.

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