The Champion | toddejones.net

Relationships for Business

January 21, 2011 By Todd Leave a Comment

Do you think relationships matter when it comes to business? I do.

Consider this. I just drove past one auto parts store to go to another one in a part of town I rarely shop. Why?

A guy I have met from the gym works there. That’s it!

Flickr: hawaii

Cedric is a body builder/trainer who works out the gym where I am a member. He is a great guy. I tease him about almost being as “buff” as I am. He laughs, or pretends to. He’s always smiling, except when he’s lifting weights. Then, he’s serious.

Funny thing is, Cedric was off. He wasn’t even in the store, but that’s why I went. The guy who helped me was the manager and he was super nice.

The next time you are thinking about whether or not to cultivate a relationship, go ahead! I give you permission. Don’t worry a lot about making the “fast buck.” Develop a friendship and you have a friend. You never know where that will lead. Of course there are people who won’t care, but you don’t really want them as customers anyway because they are not loyal.

Now, by developing relationships for business, I am not talking about handing your business card in every social setting or just being plain overbearing. Make a friend. Friends know what other friends do for a living. Better yet, BE a friend. This is the very modus operandi of the book The Champion by Frank Agin and Jim Ballard.

By the way, social media is a great place to network and make new friends. In fact, I just met a new friend from Twitter. More about him later.

Filed Under: Networking Tagged With: business, networking, relationship, The Champion

Who would like to win a free book?

September 9, 2010 By Todd Leave a Comment

Win a copy of this book!

Fran Agin has sent me three copies of his book, The Champion, to give away! So, here we go.

You have to do four things to register for a chance to win a copy of the book.

First, read the book review for the book. It’s really easy to find as it is the article just before this one, so it will above this article. However, if that doesn’t work, here is the link.
Second, sign up for my email newsletter. Pretty simple right? You will find the sign up form on the right sidebar.
Third, in the comments below, tell us/me about a “champion” in your life who helps you in networking, business, etc. Be sure to include links to their website. Also, make sure you tell us who you are and a link to your website too. It might be something like:

Hey, my name is Todd (www.toddejones.net). My champion is Cotton Rohrschieb who has been a tremendous help to me in getting started here in Conway. His website is . . . . . .

Finally, email me and let me know that you have done everything. Make sure you include how I can contact you (ie. email address). You can email me at todd{at}toddejones.net.

That’s all you have to do.

I am going to begin a segment this month called “Champions.” I am going to tell about a person whom I see as a champion and how they utilize their online presence.

I will announce the winners on September 24, 2010. Good luck!

Filed Under: Contest Tagged With: books, Frank Agin, free, The Champion

Book Review: The Champion

September 8, 2010 By Todd 4 Comments

The Champion: Finding the Most Valuable Person in Your Network
Frank Agin & Jim Ballard

Have you ever looked for that book that can be a “game changer” for your business and networking? Well, this book is that book. If you are struggling with your attempts at networking, Frank Agin and Jim Ballard’s little book will give you insights through the parable they tell to improve your networking skills.

In the story, our protagonist, Jerry, looks for a “champion” networker. Jerry looks for that one person who has the contacts and the ability to take his business to the next level. Jerry gets a good idea of what his “champion” looks like after visiting with his new friend Walter.

Following a networking conference in which Jerry gets a handful of cards, his vehicle breaks down, he gets drenched in the rain helping Walter clean up his new restaurant, and a storm knocks the power thwarting the ability to email follow up notes. The next morning, Jerry comes down with a horrible cold. Suddenly, Jerry’s attempt at finding a “champion” is in jeopardy.

How can Jerry find his “champion” when he has so many obstacles? Does he find his “champion?” Well, you have to read the story to find out, but it is not very long. One can read the book in one sitting, however, the message is powerful.

We all are looking for someone like the “champion” that Jerry was looking for. We understand that making the right connection with the right person can take our businesses to another level, giving us the freedom and financial security that comes with a high performing company. The lessons Jerry learns are lessons we can apply to our lives as well.