Would you like to get more people to create word of mouth about you?  How about refer you to potential clients?  How about introduce you to cool people?

Today I was on the way to a board committee meeting, and realized I could help the organization much better if they first helped me focus.  It comes down to respecting other people’s time and understanding just how busy everyone is.  The organization I am involved with does well, but could get better results from me if they help me focus on specific goals.

At the meeting I made sure I was highly focused on a few goals that could have a big impact.  I had to contact two people and set up a database we could all share that would help us coordinate our recruitment.  I was able to do that in a half hour, and provide a lot of value to the organization.

When you or I go to networking events or meet with people, we hope to get some value.  This same focus can really benefit you if you are trying to get other people to take (free) action on your behalf.  You have to help them understand the exact action you can benefit from and be the kind of person they want to help.

Here are some things to consider when you are talking with people that could create a buzz for you.

• Is your story simple and easy for someone to repeat?
• Do you clearly state one easy thing they could do to help you? – I like to meet interesting people that are marketing savvy…. for example.
• Do you mention one clear benefit you or your product provides?  Not general (We make people more financially secure) but (We help high net worth people pay less taxes.)
• If you are in a networking group that meets regularly, have a clear, different objective every meeting.  – It would be great if you guys can help me meet this weeks goal of meeting three people that need to buy a new car.
• Set a deadline – You cannot tell someone to refer you to someone by January, OR ELSE!  But you can set a sense of urgency.  – If you know someone that needs a widget, tell them to contact me before Monday.  We have a special that ends this week…. 
• An offer to help?  If someone offers to help you, be extremely specific on what they can do for you that would give you the most value from the least effort on their part.

Each situation will require some thinking on your feet.  Meeting someone for the first time is not the same as talking with someone you run into regularly.  The common denominator is encouraging someone to focus and understand how they can help you.  I think that the best way to do that is to first help them.