Pittsburgh's First-Ever NetworkNow Event a Success

***PRESS RELEASE***

PITTSBURGH – CarbonCopyPRO Consultant and Pittsburgh-based entrepreneur Jason Cercone, along with many other business professionals from a wide variety of organizations, came together this past Wednesday at the NetworkNow Networking and Social Media Event at the Syria Shrine in Cheswick, about 12 miles northeast of Downtown Pittsburgh.

This is the first NetworkNow event to be held in the Pittsburgh Area.

Cercone was one of many businesses with vendor displays set up. The event provided an opportunity for those in attendance to mingle and share ideas with other professionals and expand their networks.

“Despite the ever-growing importance of communications and networking via the Internet, it’s just as important to be active in your community and get to know what other businesses are offering,” Cercone said. “The NetworkNow event provided me with a fantastic opportunity to discuss my business, as well as discover other business owners in the area and how we can help each other be successful.”

The Syria Shrine housed several owners from several different industries, including travel, Internet marketing, search engine optimization (SEO), social networking, web and graphic design, business coaching, referral networking, financial planning, mentoring, personal care, and several more.

Cercone felt this was a great place to share the advantages of CarbonCopyPRO.

“A lot of entrepreneurs are looking for ways to build a solid income from home, and CarbonCopyPRO gives them that opportunity,” Cercone explained.

The most important aspect of these networking events is to treat them as a platform to meet and speak with new people. NetworkNow provides a fantastic hub for people from all aspects of business to come together and share experiences. As it is with many social networking websites such as Facebook and Twitter, it is far better to get to know people and establish relationships than it is to push a business opportunity in their face.

“The most critical element to an entrepreneur’s success is his or her ability to build relationships,” Cercone said. “You don’t want to be the person whose sole purpose is to sell something to everyone you meet. This is a tremendous turn-off. Instead, get to know people and discover how you can be of value to them. They’re more likely to return the favor.”

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The Power of Social Networking and its Affect on Your Business

On a daily basis, millions of web browsers flock to social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, Linked In, Better Networker, YouTube, and many, many others across the Internet. Just recently, Facebook reached 200 million users and that number is climbing by the hour. The average person spends 19-25 minutes per day social networking.

Due to their popularity, social networking sites provide a fantastic platform for meeting new people and expanding your skill set by learning from others. And, they can be downright addicting, too!

Many home-based business owners are using these sites as a way to market their business. But to do this effectively, there are some things you want to be aware of. It’s important to treat these sites like any live networking event. When you’re at a mixer or social event, you don’t try to sell your business or product everyone you meet. You mingle and get to know people. Facebook, Twitter, and the others are the exact same thing and can be a tremendous asset to your home-based business if utilized correctly.

You always want be transparent on these sites. You’re providing a sneak peek into your life, so don’t be afraid to share your story, hobbies, interests, favorite books and movies, and goals. Always provide a way for people to check out your business, but don’t blatantly throw it in their face. Once someone gets to know you, they’ll naturally be interested in what you do.

In addition, as I mentioned before, don’t try to blatantly sell your product or business opportunity. This is a tremendous turn-off and people will quickly ignore you. Instead, interact with people you share common ground with on other levels, such as opinions on a movie or favorite sports team. Any social gathering you attend is not filled with people peddling their products, but rather people socializing about current events, sports, activities, and a wide variety of subjects.

Remember, the world does not revolve around your business. So don’t try to make it the focal point of every conversation you have.

Finally, and most importantly, you always want to provide value to your social network friends and connections. If you find an article or video that holds value for you, chances are it will hold value for many of your connections as well. After all, your network is mainly comprised of people who share similar interests. The more value you provide, the more people are going to grow to know you, trust you, and, over time, want to do business with you.

Despite the popularity, ease of use, and fun of Internet social networking, it’s also important to network in your community as well. Joining entrepreneur groups, referral clubs, and attending chamber and networking events will never go out of style, regardless of how much momentum Twitter, Facebook, and the others continue to gain. Getting to know other business owners in your area through the aforementioned methods can give your business a tremendous boost and build your network even more so.

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Don't Be Stuck Up on Twitter!

Twitter is gaining massive popularity and has become one of the easiest, and most addicting, forms of social media available.

Amazingly, the entire premise of this powerful application is centered around one question: What Are You Doing?

We're living in a world where constant communication is an absolute necessity. Not even 10 years ago, I remember not even wanting a cell phone. Now, I can't leave my house without it. We don't even have a landline phone in our home anymore. Most people feel lost if they don't have their phone nearby.

My cell phone now has Twitter and Facebook apps added right in so I can stay in touch with my connections while on the go.

As social networking continues to gain momentum, one topic that's raised some eyebrows is "snobbery." Especially in the Twitter world. The "Tworld" if you will...

Are you the kind of person who has 20,000 followers, but only follows 20 people in return? Some industry experts say that following everyone that follows you dilutes the power of the service. Others, including yours truly, feel that following those that follow you speaks strongly to the overall purpose of Twitter...networking with other like-minded people while sharing and gaining value from others.

You never know who you're going to meet and who's going to impact your life, so why would you want to shut someone out?

The following video is by social networking guru Perry Belcher. His videos are entertaining, informative, and his Twitter "tweets" are chock-full of value. This video covers the topic of Twitter snobbery. Enjoy, and check out Perry's YouTube channel for other great videos on social media.

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Can You Survive In Your Network Marketing Opportunity?

According to Forbes Magazine, 79 million people in North America plan to start their own business in the next 3-5 years. This does not take into account the amount of people globally that share similar intentions.

There are thousands of network marketing opportunities available to people looking to work from home and create a legitimate income through their own business. These opportunities offer a wide variety of products supported by a compensation plan that pays a person for their efforts.

But statistics also show that 97% of home-based entrepreneurs actually spend more money than they make. This means that only three people out of 100 actually turn a profit in their business. So as you open the doors to your first network marketing opportunity, your back is already against the wall. You are already a statistic. And many people get buried underneath these negative numbers and their business fails before they even get started.

With that in mind, the question is this: Can you survive in your network marketing opportunity?

To answer that question, you must consider three absolutely crucial elements to your business practice.

The first element is mindset. The way you’ve been programmed to think and make decisions typically resembles that of the circle in which you grew up. You closely relate to your friends and family and carry out your life the same way they do. But in order to be successful in your own business, you need to re-program your thought mechanism and shift your mindset to a new level. Your survival will be a direct result of your ability to ignore those closest to you when they insult your efforts, your ability to push through discouraging times and keep digging until you strike oil, and your ability to never settle for less than what you feel your personal net worth is.

The second element is your ability to market yourself. This particular element is the exact reason why 97% of home-based entrepreneurs fail. When you’re introduced to a new opportunity, you’re normally told how great the product is, how ground-breaking the compensation plan is, and how no one else in the industry is doing what you’re doing. But what you aren’t being told is this: People do not buy into an opportunity…THEY BUY INTO YOU! People aren’t looking for an opportunity…they’re looking for a solution to their problems, be it debt, a crummy job, etc. And they’re looking for SOMEONE who can help them solve those problems. This naturally means the next key to survival is not hyping your product or opportunity; it’s marketing yourself and positioning yourself as a leader who provides value. Those who don’t do this inevitably fail in the long run.

Finally, you need to define your mission. Who are you? Where are you going? What do you want to give back for the greater good? When you can answer these questions, you’re on the right track. But you need to literally see these things taking place in your life and take action towards making them happen for them to become tangible. You will not make more money simply because you say, “I want to make more money.” It doesn’t work that way. Your mission will include your values, your responsibilities, and something so great and so powerful that once you accomplish your mission, money is just a byproduct. Everyone wants more money. But your survival in the home-based business industry rests solely on your ability to realize that money will come when you stop thinking about it and focus on achieving something more.

So many people have failed over the years because all they see is dollar signs. This is a lottery mentality. You always hear the words “get rich quick” thrown around when it comes to network marketing opportunities. But there are two sides to every coin. The 97% choose the dirty, tarnished side that focuses on the negatives and the comfort of staying within the boundaries of a pre-programmed state of thought. But those who focus on the shiny side of the coin are the 3% of successful home-based entrepreneurs, and those are the ones who are setting themselves and their business up for long-term survival.

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Simple, Effective Internet Marketing Strategies for Home-Based Business

When distributors join a new network marketing business, they're usually super-excited. They now own a home-based business they can run in their bathrobes if they wish, and getting that business started happened with little effort and start-up cost.

But once the initial "Hey, I'm a business owner!" excitement dies down, reality sets in. How am I going to get my business off the ground?

Old school network marketing tells new distributors to create lists of everyone they know, talk to everyone within earshot, hand out fliers and/or magazines, hold meetings at their homes and hotels, and a lot of other outdated techniques that provide little to no return on their efforts.

You don’t want to over-complicate things. You want to generate quality, targeted traffic and prospects to your business. The easiest way to get started is to learn some basic Internet marketing strategies for home-based business.

The first step is establishing yourself as a person who provides value. The Internet is where the vast majority of people are going to go to find out about home-based business opportunities, so you want to build a significant presence so you and your business get noticed. Offering value and SELLING YOURSELF BEFORE YOUR BUSINESS is an effective strategy known as Attraction Marketing. You don’t want to be the person that does nothing but flaunt their business to everyone. You want to be the leader, the mentor, and the person who shows others the path to success.

Next, you need a way to obtain your website visitor's information so you can turn them into a customer and business partner. Without their information and the ability to speak to them, find out their needs, and build a relationship, there's really no point in having them visit your website. To get their information, you need a “squeeze” or “capture” page that offers your visitors a giveaway for providing their information. This can be a free report, newsletter, e-book, or any other useful piece of information they can implement.

Once you have their information, the next, and most important step begins: BUILD A RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUR PROSPECT! Don’t just call them and shove an opportunity in their face. This is unattractive and makes you appear desperate. Simply give them a friendly call to introduce yourself, give them a voice to go with the website, and answer any questions they may have. Keep your conversation as focused as possible. The call is all about them, but you want to be sure you’re uncovering the information that helps you decide whether they are a person you want to work with. You want to recruit the best, most qualified candidates into your opportunity.

The reason so many people fail in the home-based business industry is they skip over the simple steps and go straight for the sale. But the most successful networkers apply these Internet marketing strategies to their business every single day. It’s a very simple formula and has been the proven method of success for top Internet marketers.

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How Do You Uncover the Value of Home Based Business?

In today’s world, the common phrase is “I don’t have any money.” Many people are quick to blame the current economy for a downswing in their own personal finances. And while a significant amount of people have been greatly affected by the current economic situation, an even greater amount hasn’t…at least not to the detriment to which they broadcast.

Here’s an example. I am a huge sports fan. I follow just about every American sport there is. Can you tell me the last time you watched an NFL, NBA or NHL game where the arenas weren’t jam-packed to the rafters with people? Those tickets aren’t cheap. But to the consumer, this particular sporting event presented value.

Another example: I went out to dinner with my family last Saturday night to a renowned seafood restaurant in Pittsburgh. We waited 35 minutes for a table. So people are still eating out. If they weren’t, we would’ve been seated immediately. And as we sat at the bar and waited for our table, I looked out the window at the mall across the street. The parking lot was packed. So people are still shopping.

People still have money, and they’re still spending. But their buying habits have shifted more on items and products of increased personal value.

So with that in mind, how do you present the value of home based business to your prospect? More so, what is it going to take for your prospect to see value in the opportunity you’re presenting?

First, you need to uncover your prospect’s motivation. What do they want out of life? What are they willing to sacrifice to get it? Most people aren’t willing to do what it takes to succeed. They expect full-time results from part-time effort. If a person does not value their dreams, goals, and long-term well-being enough to make sacrifices, this is not the kind of person you want to work with.

Second, a prospect needs to see how they can gain tangible results. This does not mean you should fill them with empty promises about making thousands of dollars in their first week. Nor does it mean you should share the exact amount of money you make in your business. People value leadership. They value instruction. They value someone giving them the tools and the vehicle to reach their goals. So be that person. Offer value and that’s what you should expect in return.

Finally, it comes down to mindset. If your prospect can’t literally envision themselves being successful on their own terms, the idea and opportunity you present won’t be worth a nickel. Many people develop an inferiority complex that tells them they can’t do it. Others fear the ridicule of their friends and family if they don’t succeed. Others are too complacent in their comfort zone to ever take a risk. But it’s the ability for a person to move from “employee” mindset to “entrepreneur” mindset that allows them to find value in themselves, their time, and their efforts. From there, they can find value in your opportunity.

Your goal is to surround yourself with the right people. Think of your business as a multi-million dollar company. Each prospect you present your business to is someone you’re looking to work with long-term. So, in essence, you’re interviewing your prospect for the job. And you want to be sure you’re working with someone that not only sees the value of home based business, but also values your leadership enough to be a part of your team for many years to come.

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What Should You Look For In a Top Internet Marketing Company?

Most people are looking to join a top Internet marketing company, and who can blame them? To be the best, you want to associate yourself with the best. When considering an opportunity, you want to do your due diligence and discover whether the opportunity is right for you. But there are a few key factors that go into making a top Internet marketing company.

The first factor you should look for is your team’s leadership. When you join an opportunity, you want to be sure your direct sponsor and those on his or her team possess the qualities of leadership that will give you a source of help and inspiration should you need it. As a whole, network marketing has earned a bad reputation over the years simply because people have signed up for an opportunity, and never heard from their sponsor again. The sponsor becomes a ghost, and the new business owner feels taken, discouraged, angry, and finds it very hard to trust anyone regarding a network marketing business, regardless of how much value they see in the opportunity. It’s imperative to find people who are willing to work with you and not disappear once you’ve joined the team. You can do this by asking questions and getting to know your sponsors. If they are wise and looking out for YOUR best interests, not their own, you should feel comfortable working with this individual and their team.

The second aspect you should zoom in on is stability. There’s nothing worse than seeing something you devoted time, energy, and capital towards, come crashing to the ground. Therefore, you want to ensure the company you’re looking to join has a future. Do research online. Ask questions of the person who introduced you to the opportunity. Listen to testimonials of current members.

But remember one crucial aspect when performing your due diligence: When you search for the company through any search engine, be very careful not to buy into the “scam” sites. You may want to check some of them out, but take the information you read with a grain of salt. The contributions on those pages are added by people who didn’t take the time to expand their education and LEARN THEIR BUSINESS. Basically, they were looking for a get-rich-quick scheme, and when it didn’t happen, they decided to become an advocate for anything involving network marketing.

If you look hard enough, you’ll find the top companies in the world have some bad press from an angry customer. But you have to consider the positive press as well. Use your best judgment when making your final decision.

The third factor you need to consider is the company’s marketing system. You could have the greatest product in the world, desired by 98% of the population, and it just might be the next big thing that everyone’s been looking for. But if the company you’re involved in doesn’t have a way to market the product, no one’s ever going to find out. You want to be sure that you’re going to learn and apply a system that will generate traffic for your websites and expose your wears.

These three factors are very important when determining if the company you’re looking to join is one of the top Internet marketing companies. Never be afraid to ask questions and gather all the facts you feel are important before making your decision. To learn more, visit http://www.gptwealthmission.com

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