CASH NETWORKING
© BD Manus
Manus Publishing - www.manuspublishing.com
Definition & Overview:
Cash Networking can be described
as using social media combined with basic networking skills to get the cash you
need in this digital age.
For use in a small business, it
can mean the difference between success and failure.
This report will cover the ways
you can improve both your social media & networking skills and how you can
use them (combined) to get the cash you need.
Social Media:
By now, we are all aware of what
social media is. Websites such as
MySpace, Facebook, and Twitter have evolved human communication to a new
level. No longer do we seek human contact,
but through a non-living machine. Video
and images, all static, no physicality, and void of body language.
It is body language that we use
to use to convey sadness, joy, and elation; on-line, this language is
lost. So, the development of social
media skills in necessary if one is to achieve Cash Networking.
Networking:
Basic Networking can be defined
as the using of someone else's contacts to create a chain of contacts to assist
you in finding work.
In Cash Networking, you still
build the chain of contacts, but you use the chain to generate funding for your
business or project. Each link on the
chain gets you closer to your ultimate goals.
If you are unfamiliar with
networking, the text below will help you set up the ultimate Cash Network, that
you can use to build your own network of supporters.
First, you will want to set up a
Cash Networking log that on your computer or Rolodex, that can be used to keep
track of the contacts.
The log should contain:
The date you met with the person
(in person, by mail or e-mail, or over the phone)
The Name of the person
Where the person works (what
company)
The Title of the person (in
business)
How you came by the contact
(friend, networking, other)
The address of the contact
The phone number of the contact
The e-mail address of the contact
Did you submit a funding proposal
Did you meet with this person to
discuss your funding needs
Extra notes
Follow up
Other notes (such as things in
common, birthdays, et cetera)
Now you can start building your
Cash Network. Start by writing down all
the contacts you know and other pertinent information.
Then call each of your contacts
and get contacts from them who may be interested. You will need to make the initial contact
with these people whether by phone or in-person. At the end of the meeting, ask these contacts
if they know people who would be interested in the proposal. Then make contact with the new group, and so
on.
You will want to arrange your
contacts by level.
Level One Contacts - Are
the people you know the best. They can
be past co-workers, friends, and family.
These are the people whom you should meet with in person. Tell them your plans, and present them with a
proposal, but don't ask them for money.
If they agree to help you, then give them your 'Contact Cash Networking
cards'.
You will want to follow up with
Level One contacts in three weeks, in which time, you will update them on your
progress and keep their focus on your campaign.
When ever you make contact with a contact use the log.
Level Two Contacts - Are
the people you know on a more casual level, but may not necessarily be your
friends. These can be people from
organizations such as church, clubs, school, et cetera. Just like in level one, these are also people
whom you should meet with in person, but you can also contact them by telephone
or email.
You will want to follow up with
Level Two contacts in three weeks, in which time, you will update them on your
progress and keep their focus on your campaign.
When ever you make contact with a contact use the log.
Level Three Contacts - Are
the new people that may or may not be able to help you. These are the contacts received from level
one and two, or can be new contacts for your day to day interactions. These are people whom you want to give your
networking business cards to.
When
you hear back from any specific networking contact, you should also email them
a thank you note. You want to let them know you are appreciative of their
efforts on your behalf, and you want to encourage them to continue working for
you.
Remember,
execute, manage, and document your networking activities. A well-managed
campaign will lead to quicker and potentially better results.
Cash Networking:
In Cash Networking, we do not ask
for cash that would be very, very rude.
No we use a form of synthetic body language to get the things (in this
instance, cash) that we want. For Cash
Networking to work, you must first develop a plan for what you need the cash
for and how it will be used. This is
very much like writing a business plan or grant proposal, it must be short but
detailed.
Your Cash Networking Proposal
should be no longer than 1/2 page long, and contain a brief Statement of Need,
Statement of Use, Funding Statement; so potential funders can get an idea of
your pressing need.
You can use your proposal on
Social Media sites. Social media will
also allow you to tweak your summary where necessary to get the donations you
need. You will also want to open up a
Paypal account to accept online donations.
A Project Video will tell both
potential funders and funders how far along you are on your project and can
give them something they can see. Invite
all of your Cash Networking Contacts to the social media site you have set up. The more interactions you have with your
donors and possible donors, the better.
You can also uses mass e-mails,
and the telephone to gain more support and to tell funders of your exciting
progress! Remember that contact is the
key.
Crowdfunding:
Crowdfunding is another form of
Cash Networking when you pitch yourself or idea to others in hopes of a
donation. It can be very lucrative,
though it comes with pit falls. People
have been sued because they did not use the cash as intended. Donations can fall through, leaving you or
your project short, and sometimes, hefty fees can be taken if your donations
are higher than expected.
In Closing:
Just as a well-oiled machine will
run forever, so will your Cash Networking campaign. Continue to follow through with each contact
and keep everyone informed. If possible,
when your project or business is ready, invite your Cash Networking Contacts to
see what they helped you to develop.
Sample Cash Networking Proposal:
Cash Networking Proposal
Lone Star Bingo Hall
Statement of Need: The Lone Star
Bingo Hall (Waco, Texas) would be a place for the Senior Citizens to interact
with people of all ages, while having fun and eating a complimentary lunch or
dinner.
Statement of Use: The Lone Star
Bingo Hall project is 90% funded, and we have already secured a location,
renovated the building, but we lack the funds to finish the kitchen, purchase
food and other supplies for the Bingo Hall to operate properly.
Funding Statement: We require
$5,000 in order to have Lone Star Bingo Hall ready for its grand opening in two
months. Any assistance you can provide
to us will be greatly appreciated by our staff and the senior citizens in the
area that are waiting for Lone Star Bingo Hall to open.
Thank you,
Richard Floorings
Founder, Lone Star Bingo Hall
Sample cards:
You can easily create Cash
Networking Information Cards on your computer's word processor and print them
on business card stock or post card paper.
Carry them with you always and always pass them out.
Is a standard business card
that contains:
Your Name
Your Title
The Company you work for or own
Mailing Address
Phone
Fax
and E-mail address
