Business Tips To Enhance Your Business Skills:

Definition of Exposure

By M. Kameron Hawkins

Exposure - From a Business Ambassadors point of view.

1. The act or an instance of exposing, as:
   • An act of subjecting or an instance of being subjected to an action or an influence: their first exposure to business or business ownership.
   • Appearance in public or in the mass media: a business owner with much recent exposure in a local event or business publication.
   • The act of presenting an offer, especially a much needed product or service: one business to another, one to provide and one to receive.
2. The condition of being exposed, especially to a future customer: the start of a business relationship one customer at a time.
3. A position in relation to location or type of service or time in development: We want to own a business that would be close to our home, family and friends.
4. The brand marketing or image or name: the business name is the website name and it reflects the image or service of the company.

"As a business owner that develops relationships with other businesses in order to build cross-marketing platforms of opportunities for exposure one should seek out those who are looking and are ready to gain from being desired." M. Kameron Hawkins - Founder of BusinessAmbassadors.org (1995)

Guidelines On "Networking Tips"

By M. Kameron Hawkins

BEFORE THE EVENT:

• Business events are for "Business". Take notice of what other professionals are looking for and assist them. Don't try to close or conclude a sale at the event(s).
  • Why am I going to this event?
  • How many people did I let know about this event before going? (No less then 10)
  • When are the best times for me to attend events? (Let others know)
• Dress appropriately to create the image that reflects well on you and your business.
• Carry MANY business cards in an easily accessible place. (Don't mix your cards with the cards that were just handed to you.)
• Place your nametag below your collarbone (up high).

DURING THE EVENT:

• Arrive early and stay late - don't shortchange the reason you're there.
• Make an effort to meet people by introducing yourself to others and then introduce them to someone you know. (Network or as our founder would say "Cross Market")
• Talk to people in groups of two to three.
• Always be willing to give more than you receive.
• Have paper, pen and/or pencil available so you can write notes on the cards just given to you.
• If you're attending a meeting, take an active role in the meeting.

AFTER THE EVENT:

• Enter all new business contacts in your database within 24-hrs.
• Send all new business contacts an email within 48-hrs.
• Plan your week (phone calls, meetings, letters/brochures to send) - don't procrastinate getting in touch with the people you just met - this will help them remember you and your business.
• Call each person you receive a card from and thank them for their card. Ask them questions about things you discussed, and suggest ways in which you can help them and they can help you with referrals. (Follow-Up)

Business Ambassadors Guidelines On "Networking" can be copied and shared in order to assist you with your business development skills. Here's a reminder for our members: The one-on-one training is at no added cost. M. Kameron Hawkins - Founder of BusinessAmbassadors.org (1995)

Guide On "Generating Referrals"

By M. Kameron Hawkins

A referral is the term used to describe a company and the contact person of a potential associate and/or customer who may require services/products that are provided by a member. Providing a referral is not a promise of business or a commitment on the part of the potential customer. It is simply providing an opportunity for a member to provide a service and/or product to someone who is in need of it.

Always remember:

The Quality of Referrals is More Important than the Quantity!

Methods for Giving Referrals (listed in priority order):

• Providing or offering a personal introduction
• Contact the member by email and ask for a reply
• Send a Business Profile to the member about the contact
• Inform members of observations you made about a referral

How to Originate Referrals from people we know:

• Co-workers
• Relatives
• Business associates
• Friends
• Classmates
• Professionals

"Notice what other business professionals are looking for.what their needs are.what their goals may be."

From observations we gain information about:

• New businesses opening, expanding and/or relocating
• What other businesses are doing

From exposure we gain knowledge from:

• Newspapers and the Media
• Events, Tradeshows and Seminars
• Problems and/or Challenges that can be met by our products and/or services

From suggestions or ideas we share with people we find:

• New ways/methods of presenting or selling a service or product.

"Business Ambassadors Guide On "Generating Referrals" can be copied and shared in order to assist you with your business development skills." Here's a reminder: For our members the one-on-one training is at no added cost. M. Kameron Hawkins - Founder of BusinessAmbassadors.org (1995)

How to "Develop a 30-Second Introduction"

By M. Kameron Hawkins

Most people form an impression of others within the first 20-30 seconds. Therefore, it is important that your 30-second introduction creates a favorable and to-the-point impression of you and your business.

To help you use your "30-Second Introduction" to your best advantage, plan what you will say. Read out loud and time yourself. Practice your 30-Second Introduction until you can talk without referring to your notes. Standing during your introduction will provide a stronger and more personal presentation. Look for 2-3 people that are looking right at you and talk to them as you inform the group. The preparations you take today will enhance your success tomorrow.

Ask other members for constructive comments on your Introduction(s) and/or Presentation(s). Plan to incorporate visuals in your presentation. Ask members what other kinds of information they need from you in order to secure quality referrals for your business. What do you want people to remember about you and your business?

Notes:

• 20 WORDS: who are you and what you do.
• 30 WORDS: a good referral for me is.
• 25 WORDS: you can generate referrals for me by.

And always remind others of your business location and/or website. Always remind members to send you referrals from our website for tracking member-to-member referrals.

Business Ambassadors how to "Develop a 30-Second Introduction" can be copied and shared in order to assist you with your business development skills. Here's a reminder for our members: The one-on-one training is at no added cost. M. Kameron Hawkins - Founder of BusinessAmbassadors.org (1995)

How to Develop a Mission Statement

By M. Kameron Hawkins

Every professional association has a mission, a reason for being. In most cases, the mission is why the business or group was founded. Over time, the marketplace may change and the original mission should be reviewed, updated, or changed dramatically in order to focus on the new realities of the times.

When reviewing the businesses that have withstood the hands of time, I found a universal link-the providing of basic needs, education, and information.

Your mission statement should answer the following questions:

1. What are the needs or opportunities that will be addressed?

2. What are the steps or ways to address these needs?

3. What are the values that are held?

Write down the first words, ideas, or phrases that come to mind that reflect the business or group. Just open up and let your passion come out. Do not edit at this time. Give everyone a chance to open up and be heard. Embrace the key words and concepts that empower the committee or board members.

Your mission statement should also:

1. Be short and free of jargon.

2. Be easy to grasp and repeat.

3. Motivate and inspire those committed.

4. Express your purpose and commitments.

BusinessAmbassadors.org - "How to Develop a Mission Statement" can be copied and shared in order to assist you with your business development skills. Here's a reminder for our members: The one-on-one training is at no added cost. - M. Kameron Hawkins - Founder of BusinessAmbassadors.org (1995)