How To Recognize The Who's Who Of Your Community

They are hardly ever alone and tend to have their own fan club.

Most of the time, they stay in one spot and have people approach them. They are dressed very professionally and sometimes considered "trendsetters". They are well liked and very popular with a certain level of confidence and charisma. They seem to always be in the "know" and keep up with current affairs.

Sometimes they make a grand entrance and everyone takes notice of their arrival. Within minutes, people approach them to say hello and network with them. People are drawn to them like a magnet and want to get to know them. They usually never sit alone and command the attention at their table.

Next time you go to a professional or social event, look for a small crowd of people that are usually laughing. These movers and shakers like to share stories and get people involved in the discussion. Most of them are highly intelligent, have a positive attitude and always greet people with a bright and cheerful smile.

These master networkers are also introducing people they know to others at the events. Sometimes they'll even offer an endorsement or testimonial for them. They will even take your card and make a connection for you later on when time permits. They like to bring people together and go out of their way to create communities.

They usually remember names easily and look for opportunities to help others. They can be extremely generous and supportive. They are familiar with leadership positions and participate in non-profit groups usually as board members. Many of them become mentors for other professionals and volunteer their time.

They attend networking events for a variety of reasons, mostly to listen, learn and share. Of course staying visible in the community is very important to them as well.

The Who's Who of any community typically has a strong desire to communicate and make a difference. These motivated individuals are goals setters and sometimes over-achievers. You'll see them being recognized for their accomplishments, winning awards and commended for their support. Most likely they are extremely busy taking on some of the biggest challenges all the while inspiring others to do the same.

They have a strong sense of commitment and integrity knowing their reputation is extremely important. They work hard to fulfill their promises and maintain their credibility at all costs. You can depend on them 100% to be truthful and deliver on their promises.

Overall, they give constantly without expecting anything in return and understand the process of creating lasting relationships. They look for ways to help support their community at large and genuinely care about people.

Here are a few ways to approach and get to know these influential individuals:

·Learn about them and their interests
·Introduce them to your network
·Wait for them to be alone and introduce yourself
·Ask them for advice
·Get their opinion
·Interview them
·Involve yourself in their world
·"Google" them
·Become their friend
·Offer your support
·Support their cause
·Make their life easier by saving them time and money
·Nominate them for something
·Endorse their work

It's well worth investing your time and energy getting to know these contributors to our society. The results will not only impress you but accelerate your own professional growth, make a major impact in your life and spark your own personal quest to become one of the Who's Who in your own community.

Darlene Willman, aka The Sassy Networker, is a keynote speaker author and coach, specializing in small business networking and referrals. She provides resources, connections and support to entrepreneurs, small business owners and other professionals that have a strong desire to promote their companies through relationship marketing. She will show you how to build an incredible network of people who refer business to each other plus so much more. You can start receiving her eZine, The Networking Focus by visiting www.SassyNetworker.com