In any profession, industry, sector, walk of life, there is a distribution curve of performance.

There's that 2-3% of people who bring up the rear. They never do anything and they're tough to manage. Like pushing milk uphill. These people sell the least, object the most, create the most problems, take up most of their bosses time and are the least motivated.

Likewise there's that top 2-3% of star performers who are simply world class. These people make the most money, sell the most stuff, have the most influence, get the best results and seem to have the most luck.

Then of course you've got that middle swathe of people who are average. Perhaps slightly above, perhaps slightly below. As well as applying to certain industries, it applies to certain skills. In every team there will be the best performing networker, presenter, seller, typist, coffee-maker etc.

If you want to be a better networker, you can do it. If you want to be world class, that top 2%, here are three world class tips...

Most people will tell you that their business comes mostly from referrals, recommendations, introductions and word of mouth. Yet could you tell me:

• Where each of your referrals comes from.
• How to identify and develop your best referral sources.
• Exactly how many referrals your need.
• What kind of referrals your're looking for.
• The amount of business you generate by referral.

Considering this is your best source of business, shouldn't you be a little more on top of this kind of information? Read more and I'll show you how it works...

Did you know that networks are like trees? They are both planted for the future. If you want business today, and you're not putting all of your hopes in advertising, cold calling or direct mail, then you're probably going to have to go through your existing network.

When did you start building your business network? Not overnight. Probably over years.

They say 'dig your well before you're thirsty'.  If you want business today, build your network yesterday. Better still, build it 20 years ago! This next story will illustrate how this works...

Ever considered that your best customers can still be prospects? If you've got something else to sell them, or you need to sell them again, you can't take it for granted that just because they've bought from you once, they'll do it again, no questions asked.

You've got to take them through some kind of sales cycle and treat them like prospects. They need woo-ing, romancing, nurturing, qualifying and questioning.

Came across this great story from a Christian website - they do a really inspiring and motivational ‘Word for Today'. It's a story that tells you the power of a well-worded question!