Are you a Parasite? Networking and Gratitude
Hey All,
Just a quick one from me this time.
If you have read the last post, you know about the entire ordeal of Bristol. If you haven’t read the previous post and want to know how to have the shortest of trips – the longest possible journey or if you want to know how to miss 2 flights in a row or may be you are interested how to have a positive perspective on the most negative of situations – you might want to read the last post first.
Anyways, this post is about the importance of Networking and how it can help you accomplish what you want. I will try and touch briefly on What NOT to do when socializing with Big name Marketers. And then we will talk about Gratitude and how vital it is.
So I went Bristol to attend LFMpire workshop, met some of the biggest names in the Internet Marketing Circle, made some great new friends and met some old friends. Networking, is not as easy when you have got the wrong perspective.
So what is the wrong perspective? First tell me the first thought that comes to your mind if you get a chance to meet any Big Marketer? It is quite predictable if you ask me. Either you would like to ask them any one question about your business that is bothering you at a time, their ’secret’ strategy to make it BIG online or you want them to promote or endorse your upcoming launch. Tell you what, that is the WRONG PERSPECTIVE.
You would not like to be approached for anything related to business when you are simply having a good time mixing with your peers and enjoying some time off from work, then why should be these Big Guys be any different? After all, what is in it for them anyway? In fact you will be consuming their hard earned and well deserved leisure time. Fact of the matter is, specially during the socializing hours – they are there to have a good time and meet friends, not coach you and give you tips about how to run your business.
So if you get a chance to go to an event or a workshop, please don’t be a parasite. Hang out with them and have a good time – You want them to remember you as someone who didn’t want anything in return, someone who knows how to have a good time and someone they won’t want to avoid the next time they see you. And believe me, the business will follow – you will get loads of tips and strategies and more from them but only if they are comfortable around you, you are friendly and if they don’t see you as a parasite.
So in a nutshell, Be a friend – Not a parasite.
I would also like to give a quick shout to the new mates I am glad to have met in Bristol such as Sean Beardmore, James Howard, Andy Michaels, Shaqir Hussyin, Phil Henderson, Ben Kench, Tony Newton, Chris Johnson, Thomas Callaghan and many others.
Gratitude:
Although its kind of off topic, but I’d like to say a few words about it. I have also mentioned the vital role of Gratitude in my report ‘The Ultimate Success Mindset’ [you get a free copy when you subscribe to this blog under this post].
I personally feel it is one of the most overlooked part of our business and our lives. Although we think we are thankful to most things in life but we quite often take stuff for granted. Most importantly, we take People for granted. Our friends, family, peers, business partners… We very rarely say it too.
I’d like to Thank everyone of my friends and subscribers I have met online, every single person who has commented on this blog, everyone who has believed in me and I sincerely wish I make a positive influence in your life and business.
I would also like to thank a very dear friend, one who was with me via text and via skype throughout my 16 hour nightmare to Bristol and who actually pushed me to go to the workshop at the First place.
She is having a Blog Traffic competition, I personally love her Blog and love what she does. Mainly because she is a gem of a person, she is authentic and genuine, she is fun loving and a very good human being.
Her name is Lisa Hernandez and I would very much appreciate if you visit her Blog and say Hello 
Click here to check out Lisa’s Blog
Thank you for being my Friend Lisa.
As always, please feel free to share the love by the fancy social bookmarking buttons at the top of the post, leave a comment below and if you like what I have to say, please subscribe to this Blog.
Until next time,
Maddi Murtaza
Hey Maddi,
Just want to say, how come I didn’t get here before?
Your post rings so true and to be honest, the successful Internet Marketers who you share a drink with, a laugh or two will remember you longer other than if you went up to them in desperation and asked if they would promote your product for you!
They are human after all! (and like a drink)
Be great to hop over to Lisa’s blog, on my way over after I have written this.
Good to have met you Maddi and I am sure we will catch up again real soon, and its good keeping in touch!
Take care
Sean
Hey Sean, Welcome to Maddiction
Totally agreed. Like I said people don’t want to remember you as a Parasite or ESV [Energy Sucking Vampire
] they’d rather have a laugh with you and share some good times and that surprisingly* increases one’s chances of getting business from them, developing relationships and forming partnerships.
See you again on the blog mate.
Maddi
* sarcasm
Hey Maddi,
I’m a believer in exactly what you are speaking about in this post. The thing is that this is true in all aspects of your life.
It is all very well wanting to make the best of the opportunity of meeting these big guys but the quickest way of mucking it up is by being too pushy and forward. It sounds obvious but many folks just go way over the top on a first meeting and it is rare that it is a successful strategy.
I just wanted to have a blether with them anyway and if I can get some tips or help from them in the future then bonus but that isn’t my main priority.
And I’ll pop over to Lisa’s as well. She certainly keeps in touch with plenty of folks!
Andy
Exactly. But for some reason, many forget it as soon as they see someone who could help them in anyway and come across as pushy which like you said, is so not the way to go about it.
Thanks for dropping by mate and I’m sure you’ll like Lisa’s blog. She’s got a new post now too.
Maddi
Maddi, Maddi, Maddi,
You are making me blush, even a little teary eyed! I am speechless and I wanted to write you a really awesome comment, but the words escape me!
You are such an awesome guy and you know I want everything amazing in your life and that all your awesome over the top dreams come true for you!
So ya see?? you did get to Bristol, made a ton of friends, and were hanging out with the big dogs!!
They are some of the coolest people ever!! I wish I could have been there.
Now about the parasites?? Nope, not me! I am more interested in their family, life, hopes, dreams and why they cut their hair like that!! It’s the social butterfly in me! I would rather have a coffee and chat about their kids than ask them about their business!!
There is a time and place for that and sitting at the bar or cafe isn’t one of those times!
Thank you Maddi, you are fabulous!! =)
Let me know if you need anything,
Your friend(and I mean it!!)
Lisa~
My dear Lisa,
you don’t have to write me an awesome comment to tell me how awesome you are. Loving the new posts by the way, the style has become even more authentic and genuine now and you have incorporated your personality in your writing which is a great thing.
Thanks for being there for me – You are a star or as you say You ROCK!!
Maddi
Hey Maddi, I loved the attitude of gratitude part at the end, you seem to be such a giving person without asking for anything in return, such a kind hearted person.
I loved your tips on how to approach the gurus, I shall keep them in mind for the next event I go to, thanks for sharing them.
Sally
ps. youre right, Lisa is lovely
Thank you Sally!!
You are quite a wonderful gal yourself!!
Lisa~
Hey Sally,
Thank you so much for your comment. I really appreciate it. The Guru’s are after all humans like us, who can relate to where a newbie, beginner or a slightly advanced level person is – but that does not in anyway warrant people pestering them which is quite often forgotten.
And yea, Lisa is a sweetheart
See you around.
Maddi
Hi Maddi,
Very wise post Maddi! You hit a nerve with your talk about networking. I am a huge fan of networking…so much so that I want to write a report to give away on the subject. Your advice was right on. Never be star struck and never go in with an agenda! It’s pretty simple really…if you want a friend…be a friend first
Gratitude…the great Attitude! No wonder I like you so much.
It is so easy to forget about the “blessings” that are right in front of our eyes on a daily basis. Thank you for your gentle reminder to pause and reflect and consciously give “thanks.”
I agree with you about Lisa…she is a special person and what a nice tribute you gave her. I will navigate to her blog today and explore a bit.
Thanks Maddi!
Kathy
Hey Kathy,
I think a report about the do’s and don’ts of Networking is long overdue. I’d love to read that
and yes, you are absolutely right. If you want a friend, be a friend first.
Lisa is a gem isn’t she. I love her attitude about giving and helping others. I’m sure you’ll
love her Blog.
Thanks for dropping by.
Maddi
Cool post Maddi,
Shame you were running late again today – while Terry was there we both recalled someone from Bristol who got right on everyones nerves….lol
(I wont go into details – suffice to say that non of us are promoting him)
But hey – there was also the cool guys who you wouldn’t know were newish – because they did just as you mention and mixed right in with everyone…. Enjoying the social side and the chance to make friends.
They might not get a promo this week or this month – but next time we meet chances are they will be asked what they’re working on… and…..
Chat soon mate
Randy
http://www.RandolfSmith.com
Hey Randy,
Welcome to the Blog. Wonder why your comment ended up in the Spam. could’ve something to do with the link
I do recall someone who got on everyone’s nerves, wonder if you are on about the same guy. As for the cool guys,
I will not be surprised if they move ahead in their business surprisingly fast as they did the right thing, and mixed
right in. I recall you telling me about this too, and advising never to pester anyone Guru or Big Guy you meet
offline and I totally agreed.
Thanks for coming here mate. Hope to see you more often.
Maddi
Maddi,
I have to tell you…I was shocked when I first read this post.
Now there are folks over here commenting and have actually went to my blog to see what it’s all about and commented and I thank YOU and THEM for that!
Sean, Andy, Sally, Kathy…THANK YOU!!
Y’all are an awesome bunch!!
Maddi,
you know I would do anything for ya!!
I am really glad I was able to virtually hang out with you when you went to Bristol. Glad I was a part of your IM life for the weekend!!
Let me know if you need anything! I have been learning some really cool things to do with blogs to help out with analytics, traffic, SEO, etc ….so holler if you need any help!! (maybe you can teach me a thing or 2!!)
Again, thanks Maddi…you’re the COOLEST!!
Take care and God Bless!!
Lisa~
P.S. Write a book on how to network and be a friend!! Some folks need some schooling!!
Lisa, Dear you don’t have to thank me. You have been a great friend, and the guys who went
to your blog from mine loved you too. I can see you and Sally getting along really well.
I will look into writing a book about networking too
Maddi
Maddi,
This is important sharing you have given.
Going to a BIG name IMer at a social event and asking for anything would be like going to a Dr. in same setting and asking for a remedy for whatever. How unprofessional!!
And gratitude is the core of everything. If things aren’t working in my life—in any area—I begin reviewing out loud my thanks to everyone & everything. Interestingly enough thing start to line up.
I like your heart Maddi.
Thanks for sharing your insights and love!