What is Social Currency?
By: Andrea Sittig-Rolf
Excerpt from Power Referrals: The Ambassador Method for Empowering Others
to Promote Your Business and Do the Selling for You (McGraw-Hill, 2008).



Social Currency is the value we bring to the social networks in which
we are involved. Think of all of the networks you are involved in;
social networks, professional networks, family networks. In every
network, you bring value to others in that network based on the
people you know and the relationships you have. Social currency is
what you have to "spend" by way of introductions you make to help
the people in your networks get what they want.

So how do you determine your social currency? Think of all of your
spheres of influence: the people you know and the networks you're
involved in. Your spheres of influence can include colleagues,
associates, referral partners, prospects, customers, friends, family,
and Ambassadors. The Social Currency Assessment will help you
map and understand your individual strengths and how they can
benefit those in your spheres of influence, your potential
Ambassadors, and your actual Ambassadors.

Everyone has skills, abilities and gifts, and this assessment will help
to hone yours for a clear understanding of what strengths you have
and what assets you bring to the table in your Ambassador
relationships. For those skills and strengths you don't feel you have,
it's best to simply manage your weaknesses, and to build on your
strengths.

Your spheres of influence and your strengths are just part of your
overall social currency…

For more information about social currency and the new book Power Referrals:
The Ambassador Method for Empowering Others to Promote Your Business
and Do the Selling for You (McGraw-Hill, October 2008), plus FREE ONLINE
TOOLKIT, go to www.sittiginc.com/powerreferrals

Andrea Sittig-Rolf is a sales trainer, public speaker, author, and president of
Sittig Incorporated, a sales training and consulting firm. Her books are available
wherever books are sold. She can be reached at info@sittiginc.com or
206-769-4886. Visit her website at www.sittiginc.com