What makes the world's most successful individuals so good at their jobs? What do they do that others don't? The Connectors answers those questions with the kind of straightforward wisdom that business strategists so often overlook. Forget marketing tactics or business school best practices. Those are handy, but it's really people-and the relationships you build with them-that form the cornerstone of long-term success, sales growth, and excellence. Whether you're a salesperson, an entrepreneur, or an executive, your ultimate job is to bring in clients and keep them. Competition is brutal. No matter what you sell, there's probably someone somewhere selling it cheaper and faster than you can. So how do you differentiate yourself from your competitors? The Connectors uses practical exercises and case studies to show you how to set yourself apart from the rest by building high-quality, profitable relationships with your clients and customers. The Connectors presents a five-step methodology that helps you build the kind of high-quality relationships that lead to lifelong clients, repeat customers, and endless referrals. Inside, you'll learn how to: Stop networking and start truly connecting Create an avalanche of referrals and an army of happy customers Become a "connector," even if you've never been a "people person" Find your social IQ-and improve it Put relationship-building principles to work daily Focus on others and reap the rewards yourself Ask the right questions-and sell without selling Differentiate yourself through the impact you have on others In addition, The Connectors includes a wealth of valuable relationship-building tools, including tips on using software; smart strategies for keeping in touch; speaking tactics that really work; and self-coaching exercises that will change the way you develop relationships. Learn the relationship-building secrets that lead to lifelong clients, repeat customers, and endless referrals In today's commoditized marketplace, no matter what product or service you sell, there's probably someone somewhere able to offer it cheaper, faster, and maybe even better. So how do you differentiate yourself from your competitors? The Connectors shows that the only thing that truly sets you apart is the quality of your relationships with your clients and customers. Everyone knows that relationships are important in business. Yet most people would admit that their relationships could be better--but don't spend time working on the underlying skills. This book explains how to develop better, more profitable connections--as illustrated proven by some of the world's most successful professionals. Even if you're not a "people person," you can dramatically grow your business or your career through a few simple approaches to relationship-building. The Connectors presents a five-step methodology that lead to lifelong clients, repeat customers, and endless referrals. Inside, you'll learn how to: Stop networking and start truly connecting Create an avalanche of referrals and an army of happy customers Become a "connector," even if you've never been a "people person" Find your social IQ--and improve it Put relationship-building principles to work daily Focus on others and reap the rewards yourself Ask the right questions--and sell without selling Differentiate yourself through the impact you have on others In The Connectors, Maribeth Kuzmeski, founder of Red Zone Marketing, LLC, and consultant to Fortune 500 firms, shows you how to build profitable, long-lasting business relationships. PRAISE FOR THE CONNECTORS "The Connectors is truly a book after my own heart! BNI across the world has been built on similar concepts. This great book takes an in-depth look at what it takes to create valuable business relationships. It's packed with advice that will help you improve your current relationships and create great new ones!" -Dr. Ivan Misner, founder and chairman, BNI; New York Times bestselling author "The Connectors helps readers put their best self forward to create strong, positive, profitable relationships. In a world where who you know and who knows you matters, Kuzmeski's great advice will help you lay the groundwork for building relationships that last." -Jon Gordon, author of the international bestseller The Energy Bus: 10 Rules to Fuel Your Life, Work, and Team with Positive Energy and Training Camp: What the Best Do Better Than Everyone Else "Every sales superstar I have ever met knows that relationships can be developed only by becoming a master connector. You won't find a better handbook for connecting anywhere!" -George Ludwig, international speaker, trainer, corporate consultant, and bestselling author of Power Selling: Seven Strategies for Cracking the Sales Code and Wise Moves: 60 Quick Tips to Improve Your Position in Life & Business "Ineffective connectors do not make great leaders. They do not make great entrepreneurs. They do not make great salespeople. And so on. In The Connectors, Kuzmeski presents her relationship-building formula and then chapter by chapter shows readers how to use their relationships and connections with others to take their business life to the next level. It's great advice from which we can all learn." -Quint Studer, CEO and founder of Studer Group(r); bestselling author of Results That Last: Hardwiring Behaviors That Will Take Your Company to the Top and Hardwiring Excellence: Purpose, Worthwhile Work, Making a Difference "The lessons you'll find in The Connectors are invaluable. The book is chock-full of actionable advice that teaches readers how to use their own talents and unique qualities to positively impact others and thus improve their bottom line. Kuzmeski's promised result is simple. By branding yourself as a true connector, you can keep them coming back to you time and again without ever having to ask. If you want to learn how to truly connect with your clients, employees, coworkers, or anyone in your business life, read this book!" -Robin Fisher Roffer, CEO and founder of Big Fish Marketing; author of?Make a Name for Yourself: 8 Steps Every Woman Needs to Create a Personal Brand Strategy for Success and The Fearless Fish Out of Water: How to Succeed When You're the Only One Like You