Sommelier Job: BRAND MANAGER, CHATEAU ST. JEAN/SOUVERAIN - Napa, CA: timetables while managing mult... http://bit.ly/bkT83y #wine !USAjobs
Liz Lynch – The Smart Networking Blogtag:blog.networkingexcellence.com,2008-07-25://272010-09-01T19:21:57ZMovable Type 4.23-enHow to Look for a Job While You're Still Employedtag:blog.networkingexcellence.com,2010://27.46472010-09-01T15:16:24Z2010-09-01T19:21:57Z tweetmeme_url = 'http://blog.networkingexcellence.com/2010/09/how-to-look-for-a-job-while-yo.html'; Hate your job? If you're thinking about leaving and wondering:What should I do first?How can my network help?When should I tell my boss?You'll find the answers to those questions and more in the following interview I...Liz Lynchhttp://www.networkingexcellence.com
tweetmeme_url = 'http://blog.networkingexcellence.com/2010/09/how-to-look-for-a-job-while-yo.html';
Hate your job? If you're thinking about leaving and wondering:
What should I do first?
How can my network help?
When should I tell my boss?
You'll find the answers to those questions and more in the following interview I did on CNN last week on "Stealth Job Hunting."
P.S. I'm working on some follow up topics too, so let me know what questions you have on job search, career and networking. Thanks!
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Advice from the Hearttag:blog.networkingexcellence.com,2010://27.46392010-08-26T19:41:12Z2010-08-26T20:17:16Z As I wrote in my last post, I learned some very powerful lessons from the life-changing experience of caring for my dying father and I wanted to share some of them here. I admit it's an exercise that's equal...Liz Lynchhttp://www.networkingexcellence.com
As I wrote in my last post, I learned some very powerful
lessons from the life-changing experience of caring for my dying father and I
wanted to share some of them here.
I admit it's an exercise that's equal parts (1) grief
therapy, (2) creative tune-up, and (3) compulsive teaching (I'm always looking
for ways to connect the dots through story and example).
But it's also an exercise that comes from the heart. Caring
for my father opened a doorway to my heart and now it wants to be more involved
in everything I do.
Over the past few weeks, as I've been paying more attention
to what my heart has to say, it's telling me that after a long dry spell, it's
time to get back to writing. Even if I still don't feel like it, I know it's
right, so here I am.
I found that listening to my heart is actually a good thing. Like
many entrepreneurs, I spend a lot of time in my head. Thinking about strategy,
planning next steps, tracking my progress, and making adjustments. Do you do
the same thing?
Even though most experts say we make decisions emotionally,
then try to back into the logic, I believe that the inner voice I hear in my
decision-making most of the time still comes from my head. Why do I think so?
Because when I specifically ask my heart for advice, it sounds and feels very
different from what I'm used to.
I did some work a few weeks ago with Randall Krause, a
colleague of mine who runs Hym-la (Himalayan Yoga Meditation Society of Los
Angeles). Over the phone he took me through an amazingly simple but powerful exercise
for directly asking my heart for advice on an issue I was struggling with (or
rather, my head was struggling with).
Within minutes, an answer came to me that I hadn't thought
of, yet felt really good to both my heart AND my head. Confusion gone, ready to
move forward.
When your heart is engaged, you can often get a more
complete picture of what you need to do. It's like getting a second opinion
from someone who can evaluate the situation through another perspective.
What areas in your business are you struggling with right
now? What are you confused and feeling stuck about? What decisions are you
holding back from making?
Take the situation out of your head for a moment and ask
your heart to chime in. It might seem strange to think your heart could have an opinion about your business, but if you're stuck, what's the harm in asking? It's no different really than phoning a friend or
business contact for advice, then listening to what they have to say. And because your heart wants the best for you, you might get some really interesting and relevant answers.
You may have to put yourself in a different environment
(outside in nature, for example) and/or get help from a coach or teacher to connect with your heart. But there isn't any real magic to it except the true willingness to do so. Be patient, be still and wait for the answers to come.
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My Disappearing Act Explainedtag:blog.networkingexcellence.com,2010://27.46362010-08-23T17:53:33Z2010-08-23T22:10:16Z So it's been more than 4 months since my last blog entry and I thought I owed you an explanation. I've gotten several emails from people wanting to know if I was okay. Had I abandoned the Smart Networking...Liz Lynchhttp://www.networkingexcellence.com
So it's been more than 4 months since my last blog entry and
I thought I owed you an explanation. I've gotten several emails from people
wanting to know if I was okay. Had I abandoned the Smart Networking blog? Had I
gone into witness protection? What was going on? Well, here's the story...
Where I've Been
In April my father was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer.
He had never smoked, but according to Uniting Against Lung Cancer, 10-15% of
cases occur in "never smokers." And because no reliable early detection
mechanisms have been developed - unlike mammograms or colonoscopies - the
mortality rate is higher than any other cancer.
With no options except chemotherapy, and with a very small
chance it would reverse the disease anyway, and knowing how excruciating it had
been for my mother who passed away in 1995, my father declined treatment and chose
to live out his remaining time - the doctors said six months -- at home under
hospice care.
It took me a while, but as soon as I could delegate,
fulfill, or put on hold all of my business obligations, I flew to San Francisco
in May to take care of him full-time. I knew there wasn't much I could do
except keep him comfortable, but it was important for me to do SOMETHING.
I am so blessed to have a spouse who fully supported my
decision. While I was away, we spoke every night, texted all the time, and saw
each other every other weekend when he made the cross-country trip to be with
us. The hospice chaplain said I was an angel for my father. Well, my husband
Chris was definitely an angel for me.
I was prepared to be in California for the whole summer,
expecting a slow and steady decline, but nothing I couldn't manage. Before I
left home, I even suggested to one of my Platinum Level coaching clients that
we could meet out there for her one-day intensive session, which appealed to
her since she had never been to San Francisco.
What I wasn't prepared for was my father's rapid deterioration,
and the accompanying physical, emotional and mental toll it would take to be a
primary caregiver in such a dire situation. When he passed away the day after
Father's Day, just two months after the diagnosis, not six, I was too exhausted
and still had too much to do to really grieve.
It wasn't until a week later, when I was back home in Delaware, that all the emotions hit. A piece of music, a thought, an image (like the one on the right of him carrying me as a baby that I found in an old album) would trigger a rush of tears. It was obvious I needed to devote some time to
my own healing.
But I also felt compelled to figure out where I go from
here. I felt forever changed by this experience and it just didn't feel right
emotionally or intellectually to simply jump back in and pick everything up
where I had left it in May. I had discovered gifts I never knew about and I
wanted to re-examine what I had been prioritizing in my life.
For example, some
things I made time for because I had a deadline even though I felt no joy in
doing them. While other things I was more passionate about I tended to push off
or neglect altogether because of lack of time, and lack of urgency (i.e., no
deadline). That's a totally upside down way to live!
Where I'm Going From
Here
So that's why I've been laying low here on the blog and on
my email newsletter these past few months. I did remain active on Facebookas I found it escapist and therapeutic to
interact with my online friends, even for just a few minutes each day.
After thinking through a lot, I've put some goals on paper
for the coming months, and while I haven't figured out everything I want to do or how everything fits,
I feel I've gotten back on the path at a really good spot. One I can feel
totally happy about as I look ahead.
Some things in my business I'll be re-starting, some things
I'll be dropping, some things I'll be changing up, and some new things I'll be
creating.
I learned many lessons both during the experience and in the
aftermath that I am bursting at the seams to share in the hopes of helping those wanting to leap
to the next stage of their business and personal growth find their strength,
their motivation and most of all, their truth.
Stay tuned...
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Market Your Business w/Facebook - Liz Lynch Interviews Dave Kerpen, CEO of theKbuzz (Live Teleseminar)tag:blog.networkingexcellence.com,2010://27.44102010-04-04T18:12:13Z2010-04-04T18:55:27Z tweetmeme_url = 'http://blog.networkingexcellence.com/2010/04/market-your-business-w-facebookhtml.html'; If you think Facebook is just for connecting with family and old high school friends, you're missing out on the incredible impact this community of 300 million loyal users can have on your company. More than...Liz Lynchhttp://www.networkingexcellence.com
tweetmeme_url = 'http://blog.networkingexcellence.com/2010/04/market-your-business-w-facebookhtml.html';
If you think Facebook is just for connecting with family and old high school friends, you're missing out on the incredible impact this community of 300 million loyal users can have on your company. More than any other social media site, Facebook can be an incredibly powerful tool for building your business on a shoestring budget.
Join me in the Smart Networking Inner Circle on Tuesday, April 6th at 1pm Eastern, when I'll be interviewing Dave Kerpen, CEO of theKbuzz, a social media and word of mouth marketing firm. We'll talk about how ANY BUSINESS can create a compelling Facebook presence that builds your brand, engages prospects, partners and customers, and helps you make more money.
You will learn:
The difference between your personal profile, public profile and a group page, and which you should use for your business
What types of content engage your fans and how often you should post
How to build your fan base
The right way to respond to comments -- both positive and negative
How to leverage social ads without losing your shirt
The must-have applications you should utilize on your page
And much, much more!
This teleseminar is FREE for members of my Smart Networking Inner Circle group. Members also have access to the recording as well as the transcript.
Not a member yet? Learn how to get the first month for only $9.95 (new members only, please) and get access to monthly calls with top experts, monthly Q&A calls, recordings and transcripts of the calls, one-on-one laser coaching opportunities and other fabulous members-only benefits.
About Dave Kerpen
Dave Kerpen is one of the leading experts on social media and Facebook marketing. Dave and his work have been featured on CNBC's "On the Money", ABC World News Tonight, the CBS Early Show, The New York Times, and countless blogs. This past year theKbuzz has expanded with new offices in Boston and Chicago, and new clients including Heineken, Neutrogena, Cumberland Farms, Uno Chicago Grill, Verizon, 1800Flowers.com and Stride Rite. Dave now manages the presence of over 150 brands on Facebook and other social media sites.
Dave is proud of theKbuzz's 2008 and 2009 WOMMY Awards from the Word of Mouth Marketing Association (WOMMA) for excellence in Word of Mouth Marketing, but prouder of his two little girls at home -- Charlotte and Kate.
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It's "Success Week" at Smart Networking!tag:blog.networkingexcellence.com,2010://27.43442010-03-09T13:58:10Z2010-03-09T15:21:10ZLiz Lynchhttp://www.networkingexcellence.com
broadcasting my Smart Networking Radio show on a daily basis for the last month.
I've been under the radar testing out the different technologies that I needed to learn to get the show running completely online and synching it up to Ustream so we could have a video simulcast. On the show, I've been answering questions about networking and marketing, sharing advice and interviewing incredible guests (who have all been great sports in this experiment).
I think all the kinks have been worked out just in time for what has coincidentally turned out to be "Success Week" here at Smart Networking!
I'll be interviewing a number of guests who have different approaches to getting through the mental blocks that hold people back from setting big goals and reaching them. Well cover the full spectrum, including EFT (emotional freedom techniques), LOA (law of attraction) and NLP (neuro-linguistic programming).
Here's what on tap for "Success Week." Hope you can join us for one or more of these interviews!
Tuesday, March 9th, 3pm Eastern: On Smart Networking Radio and Smart Networking TV, I'll be interviewing advanced EFT practitioner Loren Fogelman of Oregon-based Mindset for Marketing Success. If something is keeping you from taking the necessary steps to grow your business, then you don't want to miss this show. Loren created the Mindset for Marketing Success System, a series of 7 important steps to create a winning approach to building your practice with confidence. She'll discuss the strategies she uses to help her clients break through their self-imposed glass ceiling and get to the next level of success.
Tuesday, March 9th, 7pm Eastern: In the Smart Networking Inner Circle, I'll be interviewing master coach, speaker and recognized authority on the Law of Attraction Eva Gregory. She's the author of several programs and books including The Feel Good Guide to Prosperity. For two decades now, she has been practicing the Law of Attraction, using the principles to enrich her life and her businesses. She has instructed tens of thousands in person, on the radio and in dozens of teleconference training seminars and workshops on how to deliberately create a life by design using LOA principles.
This is a private call for my Inner Circle group, but membership is just $9.95 for the first month, and you'll get the audio recording and transcripts (not to mention loads of other member benefits, including a 25% discount to my Mastermind event). Join us!
Thursday, March 11th, 3pm Eastern: On Smart Networking Radio and Smart Networking TV, I'll be interviewing international speaker and author Barbara Hofmeister. She's a certified NLP Master Practitioner and Certified Master Peak Performance Coach. She's also a fellow host on BlogTalkRadio. We'll talk about the strategies she uses to help clients live a life of choice -- their choice!
Listen to and learn from these brilliant women and leap to the next level of success! By the way, if you miss any of the radio interviews, you can listen in later using those same links.
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Career Success Tip: How to Answer the "Weakness" Question During a Job Interviewtag:blog.networkingexcellence.com,2010://27.43122010-02-25T14:24:59Z2010-02-28T00:33:24ZLiz Lynchhttp://www.networkingexcellence.com
tweetmeme_url = 'http://blog.networkingexcellence.com/2010/02/career-success-tip-how-to-answ.html';
"Tell Me About Some of Your Areas of Weakness" ....
Oh....that dreaded question; the one we know they ALWAYS ask. Why do we find this question so tough to answer? Many people really trip on on answering this question.
A couple of ideas:
Focus on a weakness that might actually be viewed as a strength, e.g., I tend to work long hours, I tend to be a perfectionist, I tend to push my team really hard to accomplish their goals, etc.
We all have weaknesses. Some could be fatal weaknesses with respect to the job at hand, but many are likely not fatal weaknesses. Choose a non-fatal weakness -- one that's been part of your personal history BUT one that you've also focused SIGNIFICANT TIME and effort on improving. Discuss all the things you've done to improve upon that weakness -- be specific. Talk about how you HAVE improved -- give examples.
I tend to lean toward the second of the two ideas above. The second approach demonstrates that you (1) understand your weaknesses (self knowledge is a desired trait in an employee-to-be) AND (2) have the motivation and self-direction to work hard to either overcome them or significantly mitigate them (another highly desired trait for a potential employee).
Learn to answer this question with CONFIDENCE. It WILL be asked sometime during the interview process. PRACTICE your answer -- ask others for feedback. Be prepared for this question and you'll do a MUCH better job of addressing it.
Andy Robinson (@AndyInNaples) is a leading authority on career success and 15-year career coaching veteran whose passion in business life is "helping people love what they do for a living and achieve incredible career success." Andy is CEO of CRG Leadership Institute and co-host of Career Success Radio Show.
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Career Success Memo: Do You Have a MEMORABLE Brand? - 8 Things a Powerful Personal Brand Can Do for Youtag:blog.networkingexcellence.com,2010://27.42892010-02-18T23:06:31Z2010-02-21T23:17:51ZLiz Lynchhttp://www.networkingexcellence.com
tweetmeme_url = 'http://blog.networkingexcellence.com/2010/02/career-success-memo-do-you-hav.html';
We're in a whole new world of employment -- one that has continued (and will continue) to evolve and one that is MUCH different from the employment world of our parents and grand-parents. The days of joining a company that you stay at and retire from are LONG GONE and will likely never return again. Job changes occur more and more frequently and career changes are more common than ever before.
We are no longer "Who we work for." Tagging your identity strictly to a company and "co-branding" your work-life with a company name are strategies that have less meaning and are impossible to sustain as a PRIMARY means of your identification. Companies come and go through mergers and dissolution -- even BIG names lose their "wow" factor and brand identity .... think of names like Enron, Arthur Andersen, NationsBank, Eastern Airlines, and countless small and mid-sized businesses.
The better strategy and one that we all must embrace if we're going to enjoy lasting career success is to firmly establish our Personal Brand. We have much more control over our own Personal Brand, and it's the "thing" that stays with us regardless of where we're "physically" employed or who we work for.
Our Personal Brand reminds people "who WE are," it becomes "what WE are known for," and it represents the "market" perception of our value proposition and personal competitive advantage. A highly effective Personal Branding Program is key to continuously communicating our Personal Brand "to the world" and constantly "pinging" our contact network with highly useful content that reminds them of who we are.
So, what are some of the key benefits of a compelling Personal Brand -- i.e., exactly what does it do for us? A compelling Personal Brand is a HUGE BENEFIT -- without question. Consider the following indicators of a Powerful Personal Brand:
Always on the Radar Screen and "The Short List." When an opportunity comes up in your field -- a job opportunity, a new business opportunity, etc., you're on the list that gets called or contacted. Having established yourself as a "thought leader" or expert, and having constantly broadcast that expertise to your network, you remain on their mind when something important comes up.
Frequent Calls for Speaking Opportunities. In situations where an expert is needed to speak on an important topic or in an important role (e.g., keynote speaker), you are often contacted and at least presented with the opportunity.
Frequent Calls from Leading Executive Recruiters in Your Area of Specialty. Leading recruiters in your field KNOW YOU and are very comfortable with presenting you as a candidate for a new job opportunity, or call you frequently to ask you if you know someone how might be a good candidate. This is a great place to be in from a career management standpoint.
Frequent Requests for Interviews and Articles in Trade Publications. The press and and PR professionals reach out on an ongoing basis requesting interviews for articles in your field of expertise. You're frequently asked to submit articles or you proactively submit articles for publishing.
Opportunities Appear "Out of the Blue." A new client "appears out of nowhere," a business deal drops in your lap, you get a call from someone you don't know well with an incredible business opportunity, you're the first one called for an amazing job opportunity, you're asked to speak at a major convention .... the list goes on. Think it can't happen to you .... Why not?
Visibility to Leading Influencers. You're known by leading influencers in your profession and area of specialty. They may not KNOW you, but they KNOW OF YOU because of your proactive and memorable personal branding efforts. People with influence can help you accomplish big things, and are usually willing to do so because YOU have consistently given to THEM in some way -- information you shared, referrals you've made, etc.
Frequent Engagement with Other Thought Leaders. You have frequent conversations with other thought leaders -- some who share your specialty and some who are thought leaders in other related areas. You help CREATE the next direction and are a member of the "R&D Team" for your field of knowledge.
Network Gravity. You have incredible network "gravity." People are drawn to you, opportunities attract themselves to you, you become a magnet for all kinds of good things.
IMPORTANT NOTE: You do NOT have to be a "CELEBRITY" to achieve the above, but you DO have to put conscious thought and EFFORT into the process of developing and communicating a compelling Personal Brand. It's up to you to CREATE THE PERCEPTION in the marketplace of what you WANT to be known for and what you represent.
Personal Branding is a PROCESS, an ongoing process .... and IT WORKS MAGIC for you if you do it with passion and sincerity. MAKE IT HAPPEN .... Start TODAY.
Andy Robinson (@AndyInNaples) is a leading authority on career success and 15-year career coaching veteran whose passion in business life is "helping people love what they do for a living and achieve incredible career success." Andy is CEO of CRG Leadership Institute and co-host of Career Success Radio Show.
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7 Steps to Attracting Money Making Affiliatestag:blog.networkingexcellence.com,2010://27.42642010-02-17T11:16:18Z2010-02-17T00:58:41ZLiz Lynchhttp://www.networkingexcellence.com
tweetmeme_url = 'http://blog.networkingexcellence.com/2010/02/7-steps-to-attracting-money-ma.html';
By Kathleen Gage
[Note: Keynote speaker, business advisor and Internet marketing expert Kathleen Gage is today's Guest Blogger on Smart Networking. She'll be here all day, Wednesday, February 17th to respond to your comments and questions on her post. Join in the fun!]
If you've been around the Internet for any length of time,
you have likely heard you can make money through Joint Venture partnerships and
affiliate programs. You may already be doing so, but not at the level you know
is possible.
Without a doubt, partnering with the right people increases
your market reach, credibility and revenue stream. It's a great way to do
business. Unfortunately, many people attempt to do so without really
understanding how to gain the greatest benefit for all concerned.
There are numerous types of affiliate and joint venture
partner arrangements and relationships. There are those where as an affiliate
you simply search out products and services that you think your market wants or
with very little interaction between the you and the affiliate. Conversely, you
have those who seek out your products and services for their market, but have
very little interaction with you.
There are affiliate programs where no one really knows who
is behind the product, you just know you might be able to make money by selling
it; whatever it may be. Usually a widget of some sort.
Then there is the type of relationship where you do know who
you are dealing with and your reputation resides in the quality of products and
services you bring to your market. This type of relationship is quite appealing
to many entrepreneurs. You do business with the affiliate because you know
them, like them and trust them.
For the purpose of this conversation, we will focus on the
relationships where either you bring an expert's information to your market or
they bring your expertise through products and services to their market.
One of the most important things you must do is determine
how you can make the relationship a win/win/win. Win for you, win for your
affiliate or JV and win for the end user - the customer.
In the context of this discussion, developing affiliate
relationships takes more than simply posting something on your website or blog
where people can click and immediately become and affiliate. Sure, you can
occasionally find great affiliates this way, but to really optimize the
potential there is much more that needs to be done.
Conversely, don't assume that simply because you think what
you have to offer is the greatest thing since sliced bread affiliate marketers
will too. Your job is to search out those affiliates who have a great market
match for your product and/or service. This can take time, effort and money to position
correctly.
Here are some simple guidelines you can follow that are sure
to open many doors for you.
Know
what your market wants when you offer affiliate products.
Understand
the needs of the experts you approach when offering your product/services for
them to take to their market.
Do
your homework when it comes to commission rates. A very simple way to do this
is join forums where other affiliates hang out. Which forums you select depends
on your industry. You can also do research at locations such as ClickBank. As
one of the largest locations to find affiliate products to sell and to post
your own products you want others to sell, you can easily determine what you
need to offer and what to look for when you are selling for someone by spending
time on ClickBank.
Nurture
the relationships with those who are your top performers. Truth be told, only a
small percentage of those who become affiliates actually do much of anything to
sell your products and services. Then there are those who will sell and sell
and sell. Rather than trying to get the low performers to raise their own bar,
do what you can to support your high performers. This could be in the way of
higher than average commission rates (sometimes even 100% commission for some
products), surprise bonuses, a phone call or thank you card that is delivered
by other than email, and special acknowledgements.
Find
out your high performers preferred method of communication. If you know they
are on Twitter a great deal, sending direct messages to them through Twitter is
better than a standard email. If you know they like to talk on the phone, take
the time to occasionally pick up the phone to call them. If they like Facebook,
private message them this way. If they like public recognition, blog, tweet and
post on their Facebook wall to give them praise. You will be amazed at how far
this can take things.
Make
being your affiliate an easy process. Provide the tools they need to promote
your products and services. In other words, give them blog postings, articles,
tweets, samples to give to their market, etc. Develop a private affiliate page
where they can access this information. This can make all the difference in the
world.
Be
a good pay. Don't ever, ever, ever shortchange your affiliates. Pay them when
and how you say you will pay. And pay with gratitude. It's amazing how someone
will be thrilled to get affiliates but when it comes time to pay them, there is
resistance to writing the check or sending their commission to their PayPal
account. Energetically, you are shutting down the flow of future sales if you
do this. Pay with extreme gratitude.
The bottom line is treat your affiliates and joint venture
partners how you want to be treated. With the right partnerships you can build
an extremely viable revenue stream and business a lot faster than if you try to
do it all on your own. In today's world of business collaboration is the way to
go.
About the author Kathleen Gage is an Internet marketing advisor who works with spiritually
aware speakers, authors, coaches and consultants who are ready to turn their
knowledge into money making products and services. Find out how you can learn
from Kathleen on how to build a successful business using the Internet through
her Street Smarts Marketing VIP Club.
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Building a Magic and Magnetic Personal Brandtag:blog.networkingexcellence.com,2010://27.42602010-02-12T16:36:12Z2010-02-12T17:00:50ZLiz Lynchhttp://www.networkingexcellence.com
tweetmeme_url = 'http://blog.networkingexcellence.com/2010/02/building-a-magic-and-magnetic-personal-brand.html';
Why EVERYONE needs to have a strong personal brand -- whether you're an employee or entrepreneur
How focusing your personal brand around your core values lets you put your own unique stamp on what you do AND gives you a clearer vision and sense of purpose
How to take the right actions to support the goals of your brand
How to own the room at a networking event or interview
And much more!
You'll want to listen to EVERY minute of this content-packed interview.
You'll also hear about a great opportunity to work with Cindy on building your own magic brand. If you don't have all the business referrals or job leads that you can handle, then it's time to do something about it.
Check out Cindy's signature program Five Weeks to Building Your Personal Brand which starts next week. It's already VERY attractively priced for the amount of training you'll get, but listeners of Smart Networking Radio can take advantage of a generous $50 discount with a special promo code revealed on the show.
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Career Success Memo: 5 Tips - The Art and Skill of Saying "No" Effectivelytag:blog.networkingexcellence.com,2010://27.42552010-02-11T11:54:28Z2010-02-11T13:36:45ZLiz Lynchhttp://www.networkingexcellence.com
tweetmeme_url = 'http://blog.networkingexcellence.com/2010/02/career-success-memo-5-tips---t.html';
We all get bombarded with requests and demands for our attention and our time. Learning to say NO in a way that is respectful but firm is a KEY SKILL that you can develop to handle those requests that you simply do not have time for or the knowledge to do effectively.
I recently re-read the book, "The Power of a Positive No," written by William Ury. His book offers great advice and tips for how to say "No" with grace and effect.
In his book, William offers the following specific phrases you can use to say NO to the demands of others in a manner that is respectful and that flows naturally and sincerely:
A simple "No" or "No Thanks." Directness has its place, but it can also be expressed gracefully. Adding the work "thanks" to your "No" shows respect and care for the relationship.
A statement that "I Have a Policy." Examples include, "I have a policy to never lend money to friends or family members." ....or "I have a policy to never make significant purchases without first speaking to my wife (or husband, or partner)."
"I Have Plans." (or "I Have Another Commitment"). A great concrete everyday phrase that can affirm your interests as well as you power without spoiling your relationship is "I already have plans," or "I have another event I've committed to that evening."
"Not Now." Maybe another time. Softens the blow of a "No" and leaves the door open to a future request. "Not Now" should only be used in those cases where there does exist a real possibility for addressing the others' needs in the future.
"I Prefer to Decline Rather Than Do a Poor Job." When you decline rather than do a poor job, you are not only affirming your own interests but also paying attention to the relationship. You would BOTH be worse off -- and so would your relationship -- if you say "Yes" and then a job that turns out to be much less than satisfactory.
Know your limits and acknowledge them freely -- spend your time doing what you do well and what is truly best for you. Both you and the other will be better off in the long run.
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Career Success Memo: Want to Accelerate Your Career Success? Then Sharpen Your Listening Skillstag:blog.networkingexcellence.com,2010://27.42232010-02-04T11:01:07Z2010-02-11T13:37:45ZLiz Lynchhttp://www.networkingexcellence.com
tweetmeme_url = 'http://blog.networkingexcellence.com/2010/02/career-success-memo-want-to-ac.html';
Hey, listen up .... Want to really accelerate AND sustain your career success?
Then, you've GOT to be a highly effective listener. As a leader, LISTENING skills are MORE IMPORTANT than your speaking skills .... No question.
Here are 10 ways which can help you become a better listener...
Listen for ideas and central themes. Search for the speaker's central theme or main points instead of getting lost in, or reacting to, the supportive details.
Judge content, not delivery. Focus, to your best ability, on what the speaker is saying and try not to be unduly influenced by their way of saying or delivering the message.
Search for areas of interest. It is extremely easy to tune out from a speaker, so work on sharing his or her enthusiasm. Search for new ideas or insights which might be beneficial to you.
Don't jump to conclusions. It's easy to assume that you know the rest of a sentence or message after hearing the beginning. Avoid prejudging a message, so you can receive and evaluate the whole message.
Take notes. By taking notes you sharpen your reception, understanding, and, of course, retention of the information.
Concentrate and resist distraction. External distractions include non-related things you can see or hear, or which may be impacting your other senses. Internal distractions occur when your mind wanders into unrelated memories or shifts its focus to worries, plans, or anticipations. Stay focused.
Use the fast pace of thought to your advantage. Most people can think three or four times faster than they speak. Don't let your quick mind indulge in all sorts of thoughts unrelated to the conversation. Capitalize on your thinking speed by actively sensing, interpreting, evaluating, and summarizing the messages being received.
Check your emotions. It has been said that the intellect is the slave to emotions. Be sensitive to things that trigger your emotions and increase your efforts to focus on a clear reception and understanding of what is being said.
Exercise your mind. You can turn away and tune out from complicated or difficult subjects, or you can intellectually wrestle with complex information so that you will have a chance to grow and strengthen your own intellect.
Work at listening. Be an active listener. Follow the above suggestions. Ask questions and seek clarification. Actively share in the speaker's efforts to improve your level of understanding, whether or not you think you agree.
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Want to Live a Rich Life? You Need to Get Rid of Your Head Trash Firsttag:blog.networkingexcellence.com,2010://27.42192010-02-02T11:29:18Z2010-02-03T13:20:29Z tweetmeme_url = 'http://blog.networkingexcellence.com/2010/02/want-to-live-a-rich-life-you-need-to-get-rid-of-your-head-trash-first.html'; If you've been following me a while or been on my teleseminars, you've probably heard me mention my good friend Noah St. John on more than one occasion.He wrote a great book last year called "The...Liz Lynchhttp://www.networkingexcellence.com
tweetmeme_url = 'http://blog.networkingexcellence.com/2010/02/want-to-live-a-rich-life-you-need-to-get-rid-of-your-head-trash-first.html';
If you've been following me a while or been on my teleseminars, you've probably heard me mention my good friend Noah St. John on more than one occasion.
He wrote a great book last year called "The Secret Code of Success" in which he describes an amazing technique he developed for helping people get past the mental blocks that keep them stuck. Noah calls this "head trash," and one of his techniques for sweeping away that head trash is called Afformations, and it's so simple, yet so powerful.
I talk about Afformations a lot in my programs and with my coaching clients because it really works. I'm a big fan of Noah's (so is Jack Canfield who wrote the Foreword to the book) and I know you'll be too once you learn more about what he does.
He just released a cool new (short) video and I wanted to pass it along. But be sure to watch it before Thursday, 2/4. Enjoy!
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Communicate with Impact On Stage, One-on-One and Everywhere in Between - LIVE Teleseminar with Diane Diresta, author of Knockout Presentations (Wednesday, February 3rd, 1pm Eastern)tag:blog.networkingexcellence.com,2010://27.42242010-02-02T11:06:42Z2010-02-02T14:41:36Z tweetmeme_url = 'http://blog.networkingexcellence.com/2010/02/communicate-with-impact-on-stage-one-on-one-and-everywhere-in-between---live-teleseminar-with-diane-diresta-author-of-knockout-presentations-wednesday-february-3rd-1pm-eastern.html'; Whether you're presenting to a crowd, giving a sales pitch one-on-one, or leaving a voicemail for a very important prospect, opinions of you are being formed based on how well you communicate. And you may not...Liz Lynchhttp://www.networkingexcellence.com
tweetmeme_url = 'http://blog.networkingexcellence.com/2010/02/communicate-with-impact-on-stage-one-on-one-and-everywhere-in-between---live-teleseminar-with-diane-diresta-author-of-knockout-presentations-wednesday-february-3rd-1pm-eastern.html';
Whether you're presenting to a crowd, giving a sales pitch one-on-one, or leaving a voicemail for a very important prospect, opinions of you are being formed based on how well you communicate. And you may not get a second chance to make a good first impression.
Join me in the Smart Networking Inner Circle on Wednesday, February 3rd at 1pm Eastern, when I'll be interviewing Diane Diresta, author of Knockout Presentations: How to Deliver Your Message with Power, Punch, and Pizzazz. We'll talk about why life is a presentation and how to put your best foot forward every time, everywhere.
You will learn:
Why speaking is the new competitive weapon
The biggest mistakes presenters make and how to avoid them
The critical role listening plays when giving a presentation
How to leave a compelling voice mail
Secrets for communicating effectively across diverse cultures
And much, much more!
This teleseminar is FREE for members of my Smart Networking Inner Circle group. Members also have access to the recording as well as the transcript.
Not a member yet? Learn how to get the first month for only $9.95 (new members only, please) and get access to monthly calls with top experts, monthly Q&A calls, recordings and transcripts of the calls, one-on-one laser coaching opportunities and other fabulous members-only benefits.
About Diane DiResta
Diane DiResta, Founder and CEO of DiResta Communications, Inc. is an international speaker, and consultant to executives, business professionals, and entrepreneurs. As a top Speaking Strategist, she shows clients how to communicate with greater impact and project a more powerful presence. Her clients report bottom line results-getting promoted, increasing their visibility, raising their speaking scores, increasing sales, and getting hired.
She holds a Masters degree from Columbia University and is a certified and licensed Speech Pathologist. Diane began her career in the New York City schools and has trained people across diverse industries ranging in age from four to eighty-four. As a former training specialist for Salomon Brothers, she delivered management training programs and as Assistant Vice President of Drexel Burnham Lambert, she recruited and trained MBAs for the Institutional Sales and Trading Training Program.
Diane has spoken in Africa, the Caribbean, Europe, the Middle East, Russia, and South America. She taught speech and listening courses at Cornell University and NYU, and was a guest lecturer at Fels School of Government, UPenn. She's been featured on CNN, Good Day NY, Bloomberg radio, and quoted in the Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Entrepreneur magazine, Selling Power magazine, Enterprising Women, Fast Company and Investors Business Daily. She's a former facilitator for Women President's Organization, a think tank for women entrepreneurs.
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Secrets to Getting More Referrals - Part 1tag:blog.networkingexcellence.com,2010://27.42212010-02-01T20:50:58Z2010-02-01T22:32:00ZLiz Lynchhttp://www.networkingexcellence.com
tweetmeme_url = 'http://blog.networkingexcellence.com/2010/02/secrets-to-getting-more-referr.html';
Assessing Your "Referability" Factor
Do you need new customers or clients but can't seem to get enough of them? People generally want to make referrals when they can. It feels good to be able to connect those who can help with those who need that help. But, you need to make it as easy as possible for them to do so. We're all busy, faced with too much on our plate and not enough hours in the day, so the more painless you can make it, the greater your chances of getting the referrals you want.
Here are four key questions to ask yourself to test the strength of your "referability."
1) Are contacts able to reach you?
Before LinkedIn, it was easy to lose touch with people as they moved around and changed companies. And despite the fact LinkedIn has over 50 million members, there are still a great number of professionals still not on it.
Last year a friend asked for a recommendation to a commercial banker in New York City for a real estate deal he was putting together. The only one I knew had worked at one bank but had subsequently moved to another. Although he did send out updated contact information, it never made it into my address book. When I couldn't find him on LinkedIn, I couldn't make the referral.
Being easily reachable is a necessary, but by no means sufficient, condition. Your business card in someone's desk drawer or a connection to them via social media is not enough. The next three questionsare even more crucial.
2) Can they describe what you do?
Is your elevator pitch clear? Do your contacts really understand what you do? Not what your title is, but what problems you can help solve? By leading with your title as opposed to your solution, you lose people because they have either no idea, or an inaccurate idea, of what it means. Instead, focus on relaying the benefits of what you do so nothing gets lost in the translation.
3) Do they know whom to tell?
Have you clearly described your target customer? This is where job titles may come in handy. Talk specifically about the kinds of people who are involved in the decision to hire you as well as the kinds of companies. Give examples of both job titles (e.g., "I usually work with the vp of marketing") and company names (e.g., "Consumer technology companies like Dell, Iomega, and HP)
4) Will they?
Once they have all of this information, the big question is will they act on it when they see an opportunity? This comes down to two things. First is their belief in the quality of your work. Because your contacts put their reputations on the line when they make recommendations on your behalf, they have to know that you're the best person for the job. Second is the strength of your relationship. Have you developed enough rapport so they'd want to take the time to help you?
I've said in Smart Networking that you don't need a huge Rolodex if you have aresponsive one. In next week's post we'll talk about more about point #4 and how you can build closer bonds with people you meet right from the start of a relationship so when opportunities come along, they think of you first and make the referral.
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Career Success Tip: LinkedIn - How to Effectively Use LinkedIn's Group Feature to Grow Your Networktag:blog.networkingexcellence.com,2010://27.41902010-01-28T11:54:30Z2010-01-28T15:39:06ZLiz Lynchhttp://www.networkingexcellence.com
tweetmeme_url = 'http://blog.networkingexcellence.com/2010/01/career-success-tip-linkedin--.html';
The "Groups" feature of LinkedIn has continued to grow in popularity and utility. Groups are a powerful tool for expanding the depth and breadth of your LinkedIn network. Many Groups treat members similar to FIRST DEGREE connections -- allowing you to make direct contact with a Group member without a referral or "Inmail".
I am currently an active member in over 30 Groups (LinkedIn allows you to join up to a maximum of 50 Groups). I highly recommend finding AT LEAST 10 Groups to join -- AND becoming ACTIVE in. Activity is key; simply joining gives you some benefits but being active in Group news and discussions is where the real value and leverage is.
Some of the things you can do as a Group member, all of which help you to GIVE VALUE TO YOUR NETWORK and expand your network reach and network quality include:
Share great content and information as "News Items" in Group forums -- blog articles that you find online that would be of interest to Group members and other useful content online - news, events, book referrals, etc.
Cross-post YOUR own blog articles -- ones that YOU write -- to as many relevant Groups as possible. I will very often cross-post my blog articles to five to ten relevant Groups -- significantly increasing exposure of the article and maximizing the number of people who could benefit in some way from the advice and information contained in the article.
Participate -- in a meaningful way -- in Group forum discussions. Make insightful positive-minded comments; add value to conversations; give advice when asked; answer questions.
Utilize the "Jobs" feature of Groups. Search for jobs or post job openings. Groups are an excellent source of "niche" jobs and should be used by anyone actively engaged in a job search.
Connect directly with other Group members. Search for people to connect with -- someone who shares a common interest, a common employer experience, a common educational experience. Groups are an excellent source for expanding your network of direct connections in LinkedIn.
Start your own Group! Create your own "community" and serve as the moderator of Group activity. Moderating and Group "ownership" gives you great exposure and strengthens your "brand" or area(s) of expertise.
Give consideration to the following ideas when searching for Groups to join:
Industry-specific Groups - Examples include Retail Industry Group, Health Care-oriented Groups, Travel Industry Groups, etc.
Trade and Professional Organization Groups -- There are Groups for scores of trade and professional organizations. Join those relevant to you.
Employer Alumni Groups. Many of the Fortune 100+ companies have alumni Groups for their former employers. This is a great way to reconnect with former colleagues.
College/University Groups. Most major colleges and universities of Alumni Organization Groups on LinkedIn. Another excellent means for reconnecting with "long lost" contacts and friends.
Job/Career-Related Groups. There are hundreds of Groups in the job, career development, career management areas. If you're in a job search, you'll definitely want to check these out.
Social Media Groups. There are Groups for Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn where you'll find forums for discussion of tips, techniques and very useful advice relevant to most major social media tools.
Peer-level Executive Groups. Check the various CEO, COO, CIO, CFO, etc. specific groups. A great way to connect with peer-level professionals and sharing useful information.
Functional/Technical Specialty Groups. There are scores and scores of these. Find a Group or Groups relevant to your ares of functional or technical specialty (sales, marketing, accounting, IT, supply chain, etc., etc.)
Personal Interest Groups. An avid cyclist? ...there are Groups. A devoted football team fan? ...there are Groups. A great way to share with people of like-minded interests.
New Business. Find Groups to join where there are members who are highly likely to be a source of business for you -- potential customers, clients, buyers and "influencers." Look for ways to add value to these Groups through discussion and sharing of information.
Begin expanding your Group involvement and participation today. Another GREAT way to tap the power of LinkedIn!
Andy Robinson (@AndyInNaples) is a leading authority on career success and 15-year career coaching veteran whose passion in business life is "helping people love what they do for a living and achieve incredible career success." Andy is CEO of CRG Leadership Institute and co-host of Career Success Radio Show.
Liz Lynch – The Smart Networking Blogtag:blog.networkingexcellence.com,2008-07-25://272010-09-01T19:21:57ZMovable Type 4.23-enHow to Look for a Job While You're Still Employedtag:blog.networkingexcellence.com,2010://27.46472010-09-01T15:16:24Z2010-09-01T19:21:57Z tweetmeme_url = 'http://blog.networkingexcellence.com/2010/09/how-to-look-for-a-job-while-yo.html'; Hate your job? If you're thinking about leaving and wondering:What should I do first?How can my network help?When should I tell my boss?You'll find the answers to those questions and more in the following interview I...Liz Lynchhttp://www.networkingexcellence.com
tweetmeme_url = 'http://blog.networkingexcellence.com/2010/09/how-to-look-for-a-job-while-yo.html';
Hate your job? If you're thinking about leaving and wondering:
What should I do first?
How can my network help?
When should I tell my boss?
You'll find the answers to those questions and more in the following interview I did on CNN last week on "Stealth Job Hunting."
P.S. I'm working on some follow up topics too, so let me know what questions you have on job search, career and networking. Thanks!
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Advice from the Hearttag:blog.networkingexcellence.com,2010://27.46392010-08-26T19:41:12Z2010-08-26T20:17:16Z As I wrote in my last post, I learned some very powerful lessons from the life-changing experience of caring for my dying father and I wanted to share some of them here. I admit it's an exercise that's equal...Liz Lynchhttp://www.networkingexcellence.com
As I wrote in my last post, I learned some very powerful
lessons from the life-changing experience of caring for my dying father and I
wanted to share some of them here.
I admit it's an exercise that's equal parts (1) grief
therapy, (2) creative tune-up, and (3) compulsive teaching (I'm always looking
for ways to connect the dots through story and example).
But it's also an exercise that comes from the heart. Caring
for my father opened a doorway to my heart and now it wants to be more involved
in everything I do.
Over the past few weeks, as I've been paying more attention
to what my heart has to say, it's telling me that after a long dry spell, it's
time to get back to writing. Even if I still don't feel like it, I know it's
right, so here I am.
I found that listening to my heart is actually a good thing. Like
many entrepreneurs, I spend a lot of time in my head. Thinking about strategy,
planning next steps, tracking my progress, and making adjustments. Do you do
the same thing?
Even though most experts say we make decisions emotionally,
then try to back into the logic, I believe that the inner voice I hear in my
decision-making most of the time still comes from my head. Why do I think so?
Because when I specifically ask my heart for advice, it sounds and feels very
different from what I'm used to.
I did some work a few weeks ago with Randall Krause, a
colleague of mine who runs Hym-la (Himalayan Yoga Meditation Society of Los
Angeles). Over the phone he took me through an amazingly simple but powerful exercise
for directly asking my heart for advice on an issue I was struggling with (or
rather, my head was struggling with).
Within minutes, an answer came to me that I hadn't thought
of, yet felt really good to both my heart AND my head. Confusion gone, ready to
move forward.
When your heart is engaged, you can often get a more
complete picture of what you need to do. It's like getting a second opinion
from someone who can evaluate the situation through another perspective.
What areas in your business are you struggling with right
now? What are you confused and feeling stuck about? What decisions are you
holding back from making?
Take the situation out of your head for a moment and ask
your heart to chime in. It might seem strange to think your heart could have an opinion about your business, but if you're stuck, what's the harm in asking? It's no different really than phoning a friend or
business contact for advice, then listening to what they have to say. And because your heart wants the best for you, you might get some really interesting and relevant answers.
You may have to put yourself in a different environment
(outside in nature, for example) and/or get help from a coach or teacher to connect with your heart. But there isn't any real magic to it except the true willingness to do so. Be patient, be still and wait for the answers to come.
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My Disappearing Act Explainedtag:blog.networkingexcellence.com,2010://27.46362010-08-23T17:53:33Z2010-08-23T22:10:16Z So it's been more than 4 months since my last blog entry and I thought I owed you an explanation. I've gotten several emails from people wanting to know if I was okay. Had I abandoned the Smart Networking...Liz Lynchhttp://www.networkingexcellence.com
So it's been more than 4 months since my last blog entry and
I thought I owed you an explanation. I've gotten several emails from people
wanting to know if I was okay. Had I abandoned the Smart Networking blog? Had I
gone into witness protection? What was going on? Well, here's the story...
Where I've Been
In April my father was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer.
He had never smoked, but according to Uniting Against Lung Cancer, 10-15% of
cases occur in "never smokers." And because no reliable early detection
mechanisms have been developed - unlike mammograms or colonoscopies - the
mortality rate is higher than any other cancer.
With no options except chemotherapy, and with a very small
chance it would reverse the disease anyway, and knowing how excruciating it had
been for my mother who passed away in 1995, my father declined treatment and chose
to live out his remaining time - the doctors said six months -- at home under
hospice care.
It took me a while, but as soon as I could delegate,
fulfill, or put on hold all of my business obligations, I flew to San Francisco
in May to take care of him full-time. I knew there wasn't much I could do
except keep him comfortable, but it was important for me to do SOMETHING.
I am so blessed to have a spouse who fully supported my
decision. While I was away, we spoke every night, texted all the time, and saw
each other every other weekend when he made the cross-country trip to be with
us. The hospice chaplain said I was an angel for my father. Well, my husband
Chris was definitely an angel for me.
I was prepared to be in California for the whole summer,
expecting a slow and steady decline, but nothing I couldn't manage. Before I
left home, I even suggested to one of my Platinum Level coaching clients that
we could meet out there for her one-day intensive session, which appealed to
her since she had never been to San Francisco.
What I wasn't prepared for was my father's rapid deterioration,
and the accompanying physical, emotional and mental toll it would take to be a
primary caregiver in such a dire situation. When he passed away the day after
Father's Day, just two months after the diagnosis, not six, I was too exhausted
and still had too much to do to really grieve.
It wasn't until a week later, when I was back home in Delaware, that all the emotions hit. A piece of music, a thought, an image (like the one on the right of him carrying me as a baby that I found in an old album) would trigger a rush of tears. It was obvious I needed to devote some time to
my own healing.
But I also felt compelled to figure out where I go from
here. I felt forever changed by this experience and it just didn't feel right
emotionally or intellectually to simply jump back in and pick everything up
where I had left it in May. I had discovered gifts I never knew about and I
wanted to re-examine what I had been prioritizing in my life.
For example, some
things I made time for because I had a deadline even though I felt no joy in
doing them. While other things I was more passionate about I tended to push off
or neglect altogether because of lack of time, and lack of urgency (i.e., no
deadline). That's a totally upside down way to live!
Where I'm Going From
Here
So that's why I've been laying low here on the blog and on
my email newsletter these past few months. I did remain active on Facebookas I found it escapist and therapeutic to
interact with my online friends, even for just a few minutes each day.
After thinking through a lot, I've put some goals on paper
for the coming months, and while I haven't figured out everything I want to do or how everything fits,
I feel I've gotten back on the path at a really good spot. One I can feel
totally happy about as I look ahead.
Some things in my business I'll be re-starting, some things
I'll be dropping, some things I'll be changing up, and some new things I'll be
creating.
I learned many lessons both during the experience and in the
aftermath that I am bursting at the seams to share in the hopes of helping those wanting to leap
to the next stage of their business and personal growth find their strength,
their motivation and most of all, their truth.
Stay tuned...
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Market Your Business w/Facebook - Liz Lynch Interviews Dave Kerpen, CEO of theKbuzz (Live Teleseminar)tag:blog.networkingexcellence.com,2010://27.44102010-04-04T18:12:13Z2010-04-04T18:55:27Z tweetmeme_url = 'http://blog.networkingexcellence.com/2010/04/market-your-business-w-facebookhtml.html'; If you think Facebook is just for connecting with family and old high school friends, you're missing out on the incredible impact this community of 300 million loyal users can have on your company. More than...Liz Lynchhttp://www.networkingexcellence.com
tweetmeme_url = 'http://blog.networkingexcellence.com/2010/04/market-your-business-w-facebookhtml.html';
If you think Facebook is just for connecting with family and old high school friends, you're missing out on the incredible impact this community of 300 million loyal users can have on your company. More than any other social media site, Facebook can be an incredibly powerful tool for building your business on a shoestring budget.
Join me in the Smart Networking Inner Circle on Tuesday, April 6th at 1pm Eastern, when I'll be interviewing Dave Kerpen, CEO of theKbuzz, a social media and word of mouth marketing firm. We'll talk about how ANY BUSINESS can create a compelling Facebook presence that builds your brand, engages prospects, partners and customers, and helps you make more money.
You will learn:
The difference between your personal profile, public profile and a group page, and which you should use for your business
What types of content engage your fans and how often you should post
How to build your fan base
The right way to respond to comments -- both positive and negative
How to leverage social ads without losing your shirt
The must-have applications you should utilize on your page
And much, much more!
This teleseminar is FREE for members of my Smart Networking Inner Circle group. Members also have access to the recording as well as the transcript.
Not a member yet? Learn how to get the first month for only $9.95 (new members only, please) and get access to monthly calls with top experts, monthly Q&A calls, recordings and transcripts of the calls, one-on-one laser coaching opportunities and other fabulous members-only benefits.
About Dave Kerpen
Dave Kerpen is one of the leading experts on social media and Facebook marketing. Dave and his work have been featured on CNBC's "On the Money", ABC World News Tonight, the CBS Early Show, The New York Times, and countless blogs. This past year theKbuzz has expanded with new offices in Boston and Chicago, and new clients including Heineken, Neutrogena, Cumberland Farms, Uno Chicago Grill, Verizon, 1800Flowers.com and Stride Rite. Dave now manages the presence of over 150 brands on Facebook and other social media sites.
Dave is proud of theKbuzz's 2008 and 2009 WOMMY Awards from the Word of Mouth Marketing Association (WOMMA) for excellence in Word of Mouth Marketing, but prouder of his two little girls at home -- Charlotte and Kate.
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It's "Success Week" at Smart Networking!tag:blog.networkingexcellence.com,2010://27.43442010-03-09T13:58:10Z2010-03-09T15:21:10ZLiz Lynchhttp://www.networkingexcellence.com
broadcasting my Smart Networking Radio show on a daily basis for the last month.
I've been under the radar testing out the different technologies that I needed to learn to get the show running completely online and synching it up to Ustream so we could have a video simulcast. On the show, I've been answering questions about networking and marketing, sharing advice and interviewing incredible guests (who have all been great sports in this experiment).
I think all the kinks have been worked out just in time for what has coincidentally turned out to be "Success Week" here at Smart Networking!
I'll be interviewing a number of guests who have different approaches to getting through the mental blocks that hold people back from setting big goals and reaching them. Well cover the full spectrum, including EFT (emotional freedom techniques), LOA (law of attraction) and NLP (neuro-linguistic programming).
Here's what on tap for "Success Week." Hope you can join us for one or more of these interviews!
Tuesday, March 9th, 3pm Eastern: On Smart Networking Radio and Smart Networking TV, I'll be interviewing advanced EFT practitioner Loren Fogelman of Oregon-based Mindset for Marketing Success. If something is keeping you from taking the necessary steps to grow your business, then you don't want to miss this show. Loren created the Mindset for Marketing Success System, a series of 7 important steps to create a winning approach to building your practice with confidence. She'll discuss the strategies she uses to help her clients break through their self-imposed glass ceiling and get to the next level of success.
Tuesday, March 9th, 7pm Eastern: In the Smart Networking Inner Circle, I'll be interviewing master coach, speaker and recognized authority on the Law of Attraction Eva Gregory. She's the author of several programs and books including The Feel Good Guide to Prosperity. For two decades now, she has been practicing the Law of Attraction, using the principles to enrich her life and her businesses. She has instructed tens of thousands in person, on the radio and in dozens of teleconference training seminars and workshops on how to deliberately create a life by design using LOA principles.
This is a private call for my Inner Circle group, but membership is just $9.95 for the first month, and you'll get the audio recording and transcripts (not to mention loads of other member benefits, including a 25% discount to my Mastermind event). Join us!
Thursday, March 11th, 3pm Eastern: On Smart Networking Radio and Smart Networking TV, I'll be interviewing international speaker and author Barbara Hofmeister. She's a certified NLP Master Practitioner and Certified Master Peak Performance Coach. She's also a fellow host on BlogTalkRadio. We'll talk about the strategies she uses to help clients live a life of choice -- their choice!
Listen to and learn from these brilliant women and leap to the next level of success! By the way, if you miss any of the radio interviews, you can listen in later using those same links.
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Career Success Tip: How to Answer the "Weakness" Question During a Job Interviewtag:blog.networkingexcellence.com,2010://27.43122010-02-25T14:24:59Z2010-02-28T00:33:24ZLiz Lynchhttp://www.networkingexcellence.com
tweetmeme_url = 'http://blog.networkingexcellence.com/2010/02/career-success-tip-how-to-answ.html';
"Tell Me About Some of Your Areas of Weakness" ....
Oh....that dreaded question; the one we know they ALWAYS ask. Why do we find this question so tough to answer? Many people really trip on on answering this question.
A couple of ideas:
Focus on a weakness that might actually be viewed as a strength, e.g., I tend to work long hours, I tend to be a perfectionist, I tend to push my team really hard to accomplish their goals, etc.
We all have weaknesses. Some could be fatal weaknesses with respect to the job at hand, but many are likely not fatal weaknesses. Choose a non-fatal weakness -- one that's been part of your personal history BUT one that you've also focused SIGNIFICANT TIME and effort on improving. Discuss all the things you've done to improve upon that weakness -- be specific. Talk about how you HAVE improved -- give examples.
I tend to lean toward the second of the two ideas above. The second approach demonstrates that you (1) understand your weaknesses (self knowledge is a desired trait in an employee-to-be) AND (2) have the motivation and self-direction to work hard to either overcome them or significantly mitigate them (another highly desired trait for a potential employee).
Learn to answer this question with CONFIDENCE. It WILL be asked sometime during the interview process. PRACTICE your answer -- ask others for feedback. Be prepared for this question and you'll do a MUCH better job of addressing it.
Andy Robinson (@AndyInNaples) is a leading authority on career success and 15-year career coaching veteran whose passion in business life is "helping people love what they do for a living and achieve incredible career success." Andy is CEO of CRG Leadership Institute and co-host of Career Success Radio Show.
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Career Success Memo: Do You Have a MEMORABLE Brand? - 8 Things a Powerful Personal Brand Can Do for Youtag:blog.networkingexcellence.com,2010://27.42892010-02-18T23:06:31Z2010-02-21T23:17:51ZLiz Lynchhttp://www.networkingexcellence.com
tweetmeme_url = 'http://blog.networkingexcellence.com/2010/02/career-success-memo-do-you-hav.html';
We're in a whole new world of employment -- one that has continued (and will continue) to evolve and one that is MUCH different from the employment world of our parents and grand-parents. The days of joining a company that you stay at and retire from are LONG GONE and will likely never return again. Job changes occur more and more frequently and career changes are more common than ever before.
We are no longer "Who we work for." Tagging your identity strictly to a company and "co-branding" your work-life with a company name are strategies that have less meaning and are impossible to sustain as a PRIMARY means of your identification. Companies come and go through mergers and dissolution -- even BIG names lose their "wow" factor and brand identity .... think of names like Enron, Arthur Andersen, NationsBank, Eastern Airlines, and countless small and mid-sized businesses.
The better strategy and one that we all must embrace if we're going to enjoy lasting career success is to firmly establish our Personal Brand. We have much more control over our own Personal Brand, and it's the "thing" that stays with us regardless of where we're "physically" employed or who we work for.
Our Personal Brand reminds people "who WE are," it becomes "what WE are known for," and it represents the "market" perception of our value proposition and personal competitive advantage. A highly effective Personal Branding Program is key to continuously communicating our Personal Brand "to the world" and constantly "pinging" our contact network with highly useful content that reminds them of who we are.
So, what are some of the key benefits of a compelling Personal Brand -- i.e., exactly what does it do for us? A compelling Personal Brand is a HUGE BENEFIT -- without question. Consider the following indicators of a Powerful Personal Brand:
Always on the Radar Screen and "The Short List." When an opportunity comes up in your field -- a job opportunity, a new business opportunity, etc., you're on the list that gets called or contacted. Having established yourself as a "thought leader" or expert, and having constantly broadcast that expertise to your network, you remain on their mind when something important comes up.
Frequent Calls for Speaking Opportunities. In situations where an expert is needed to speak on an important topic or in an important role (e.g., keynote speaker), you are often contacted and at least presented with the opportunity.
Frequent Calls from Leading Executive Recruiters in Your Area of Specialty. Leading recruiters in your field KNOW YOU and are very comfortable with presenting you as a candidate for a new job opportunity, or call you frequently to ask you if you know someone how might be a good candidate. This is a great place to be in from a career management standpoint.
Frequent Requests for Interviews and Articles in Trade Publications. The press and and PR professionals reach out on an ongoing basis requesting interviews for articles in your field of expertise. You're frequently asked to submit articles or you proactively submit articles for publishing.
Opportunities Appear "Out of the Blue." A new client "appears out of nowhere," a business deal drops in your lap, you get a call from someone you don't know well with an incredible business opportunity, you're the first one called for an amazing job opportunity, you're asked to speak at a major convention .... the list goes on. Think it can't happen to you .... Why not?
Visibility to Leading Influencers. You're known by leading influencers in your profession and area of specialty. They may not KNOW you, but they KNOW OF YOU because of your proactive and memorable personal branding efforts. People with influence can help you accomplish big things, and are usually willing to do so because YOU have consistently given to THEM in some way -- information you shared, referrals you've made, etc.
Frequent Engagement with Other Thought Leaders. You have frequent conversations with other thought leaders -- some who share your specialty and some who are thought leaders in other related areas. You help CREATE the next direction and are a member of the "R&D Team" for your field of knowledge.
Network Gravity. You have incredible network "gravity." People are drawn to you, opportunities attract themselves to you, you become a magnet for all kinds of good things.
IMPORTANT NOTE: You do NOT have to be a "CELEBRITY" to achieve the above, but you DO have to put conscious thought and EFFORT into the process of developing and communicating a compelling Personal Brand. It's up to you to CREATE THE PERCEPTION in the marketplace of what you WANT to be known for and what you represent.
Personal Branding is a PROCESS, an ongoing process .... and IT WORKS MAGIC for you if you do it with passion and sincerity. MAKE IT HAPPEN .... Start TODAY.
Andy Robinson (@AndyInNaples) is a leading authority on career success and 15-year career coaching veteran whose passion in business life is "helping people love what they do for a living and achieve incredible career success." Andy is CEO of CRG Leadership Institute and co-host of Career Success Radio Show.
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7 Steps to Attracting Money Making Affiliatestag:blog.networkingexcellence.com,2010://27.42642010-02-17T11:16:18Z2010-02-17T00:58:41ZLiz Lynchhttp://www.networkingexcellence.com
tweetmeme_url = 'http://blog.networkingexcellence.com/2010/02/7-steps-to-attracting-money-ma.html';
By Kathleen Gage
[Note: Keynote speaker, business advisor and Internet marketing expert Kathleen Gage is today's Guest Blogger on Smart Networking. She'll be here all day, Wednesday, February 17th to respond to your comments and questions on her post. Join in the fun!]
If you've been around the Internet for any length of time,
you have likely heard you can make money through Joint Venture partnerships and
affiliate programs. You may already be doing so, but not at the level you know
is possible.
Without a doubt, partnering with the right people increases
your market reach, credibility and revenue stream. It's a great way to do
business. Unfortunately, many people attempt to do so without really
understanding how to gain the greatest benefit for all concerned.
There are numerous types of affiliate and joint venture
partner arrangements and relationships. There are those where as an affiliate
you simply search out products and services that you think your market wants or
with very little interaction between the you and the affiliate. Conversely, you
have those who seek out your products and services for their market, but have
very little interaction with you.
There are affiliate programs where no one really knows who
is behind the product, you just know you might be able to make money by selling
it; whatever it may be. Usually a widget of some sort.
Then there is the type of relationship where you do know who
you are dealing with and your reputation resides in the quality of products and
services you bring to your market. This type of relationship is quite appealing
to many entrepreneurs. You do business with the affiliate because you know
them, like them and trust them.
For the purpose of this conversation, we will focus on the
relationships where either you bring an expert's information to your market or
they bring your expertise through products and services to their market.
One of the most important things you must do is determine
how you can make the relationship a win/win/win. Win for you, win for your
affiliate or JV and win for the end user - the customer.
In the context of this discussion, developing affiliate
relationships takes more than simply posting something on your website or blog
where people can click and immediately become and affiliate. Sure, you can
occasionally find great affiliates this way, but to really optimize the
potential there is much more that needs to be done.
Conversely, don't assume that simply because you think what
you have to offer is the greatest thing since sliced bread affiliate marketers
will too. Your job is to search out those affiliates who have a great market
match for your product and/or service. This can take time, effort and money to position
correctly.
Here are some simple guidelines you can follow that are sure
to open many doors for you.
Know
what your market wants when you offer affiliate products.
Understand
the needs of the experts you approach when offering your product/services for
them to take to their market.
Do
your homework when it comes to commission rates. A very simple way to do this
is join forums where other affiliates hang out. Which forums you select depends
on your industry. You can also do research at locations such as ClickBank. As
one of the largest locations to find affiliate products to sell and to post
your own products you want others to sell, you can easily determine what you
need to offer and what to look for when you are selling for someone by spending
time on ClickBank.
Nurture
the relationships with those who are your top performers. Truth be told, only a
small percentage of those who become affiliates actually do much of anything to
sell your products and services. Then there are those who will sell and sell
and sell. Rather than trying to get the low performers to raise their own bar,
do what you can to support your high performers. This could be in the way of
higher than average commission rates (sometimes even 100% commission for some
products), surprise bonuses, a phone call or thank you card that is delivered
by other than email, and special acknowledgements.
Find
out your high performers preferred method of communication. If you know they
are on Twitter a great deal, sending direct messages to them through Twitter is
better than a standard email. If you know they like to talk on the phone, take
the time to occasionally pick up the phone to call them. If they like Facebook,
private message them this way. If they like public recognition, blog, tweet and
post on their Facebook wall to give them praise. You will be amazed at how far
this can take things.
Make
being your affiliate an easy process. Provide the tools they need to promote
your products and services. In other words, give them blog postings, articles,
tweets, samples to give to their market, etc. Develop a private affiliate page
where they can access this information. This can make all the difference in the
world.
Be
a good pay. Don't ever, ever, ever shortchange your affiliates. Pay them when
and how you say you will pay. And pay with gratitude. It's amazing how someone
will be thrilled to get affiliates but when it comes time to pay them, there is
resistance to writing the check or sending their commission to their PayPal
account. Energetically, you are shutting down the flow of future sales if you
do this. Pay with extreme gratitude.
The bottom line is treat your affiliates and joint venture
partners how you want to be treated. With the right partnerships you can build
an extremely viable revenue stream and business a lot faster than if you try to
do it all on your own. In today's world of business collaboration is the way to
go.
About the author Kathleen Gage is an Internet marketing advisor who works with spiritually
aware speakers, authors, coaches and consultants who are ready to turn their
knowledge into money making products and services. Find out how you can learn
from Kathleen on how to build a successful business using the Internet through
her Street Smarts Marketing VIP Club.
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Building a Magic and Magnetic Personal Brandtag:blog.networkingexcellence.com,2010://27.42602010-02-12T16:36:12Z2010-02-12T17:00:50ZLiz Lynchhttp://www.networkingexcellence.com
tweetmeme_url = 'http://blog.networkingexcellence.com/2010/02/building-a-magic-and-magnetic-personal-brand.html';
Why EVERYONE needs to have a strong personal brand -- whether you're an employee or entrepreneur
How focusing your personal brand around your core values lets you put your own unique stamp on what you do AND gives you a clearer vision and sense of purpose
How to take the right actions to support the goals of your brand
How to own the room at a networking event or interview
And much more!
You'll want to listen to EVERY minute of this content-packed interview.
You'll also hear about a great opportunity to work with Cindy on building your own magic brand. If you don't have all the business referrals or job leads that you can handle, then it's time to do something about it.
Check out Cindy's signature program Five Weeks to Building Your Personal Brand which starts next week. It's already VERY attractively priced for the amount of training you'll get, but listeners of Smart Networking Radio can take advantage of a generous $50 discount with a special promo code revealed on the show.
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Career Success Memo: 5 Tips - The Art and Skill of Saying "No" Effectivelytag:blog.networkingexcellence.com,2010://27.42552010-02-11T11:54:28Z2010-02-11T13:36:45ZLiz Lynchhttp://www.networkingexcellence.com
tweetmeme_url = 'http://blog.networkingexcellence.com/2010/02/career-success-memo-5-tips---t.html';
We all get bombarded with requests and demands for our attention and our time. Learning to say NO in a way that is respectful but firm is a KEY SKILL that you can develop to handle those requests that you simply do not have time for or the knowledge to do effectively.
I recently re-read the book, "The Power of a Positive No," written by William Ury. His book offers great advice and tips for how to say "No" with grace and effect.
In his book, William offers the following specific phrases you can use to say NO to the demands of others in a manner that is respectful and that flows naturally and sincerely:
A simple "No" or "No Thanks." Directness has its place, but it can also be expressed gracefully. Adding the work "thanks" to your "No" shows respect and care for the relationship.
A statement that "I Have a Policy." Examples include, "I have a policy to never lend money to friends or family members." ....or "I have a policy to never make significant purchases without first speaking to my wife (or husband, or partner)."
"I Have Plans." (or "I Have Another Commitment"). A great concrete everyday phrase that can affirm your interests as well as you power without spoiling your relationship is "I already have plans," or "I have another event I've committed to that evening."
"Not Now." Maybe another time. Softens the blow of a "No" and leaves the door open to a future request. "Not Now" should only be used in those cases where there does exist a real possibility for addressing the others' needs in the future.
"I Prefer to Decline Rather Than Do a Poor Job." When you decline rather than do a poor job, you are not only affirming your own interests but also paying attention to the relationship. You would BOTH be worse off -- and so would your relationship -- if you say "Yes" and then a job that turns out to be much less than satisfactory.
Know your limits and acknowledge them freely -- spend your time doing what you do well and what is truly best for you. Both you and the other will be better off in the long run.
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Career Success Memo: Want to Accelerate Your Career Success? Then Sharpen Your Listening Skillstag:blog.networkingexcellence.com,2010://27.42232010-02-04T11:01:07Z2010-02-11T13:37:45ZLiz Lynchhttp://www.networkingexcellence.com
tweetmeme_url = 'http://blog.networkingexcellence.com/2010/02/career-success-memo-want-to-ac.html';
Hey, listen up .... Want to really accelerate AND sustain your career success?
Then, you've GOT to be a highly effective listener. As a leader, LISTENING skills are MORE IMPORTANT than your speaking skills .... No question.
Here are 10 ways which can help you become a better listener...
Listen for ideas and central themes. Search for the speaker's central theme or main points instead of getting lost in, or reacting to, the supportive details.
Judge content, not delivery. Focus, to your best ability, on what the speaker is saying and try not to be unduly influenced by their way of saying or delivering the message.
Search for areas of interest. It is extremely easy to tune out from a speaker, so work on sharing his or her enthusiasm. Search for new ideas or insights which might be beneficial to you.
Don't jump to conclusions. It's easy to assume that you know the rest of a sentence or message after hearing the beginning. Avoid prejudging a message, so you can receive and evaluate the whole message.
Take notes. By taking notes you sharpen your reception, understanding, and, of course, retention of the information.
Concentrate and resist distraction. External distractions include non-related things you can see or hear, or which may be impacting your other senses. Internal distractions occur when your mind wanders into unrelated memories or shifts its focus to worries, plans, or anticipations. Stay focused.
Use the fast pace of thought to your advantage. Most people can think three or four times faster than they speak. Don't let your quick mind indulge in all sorts of thoughts unrelated to the conversation. Capitalize on your thinking speed by actively sensing, interpreting, evaluating, and summarizing the messages being received.
Check your emotions. It has been said that the intellect is the slave to emotions. Be sensitive to things that trigger your emotions and increase your efforts to focus on a clear reception and understanding of what is being said.
Exercise your mind. You can turn away and tune out from complicated or difficult subjects, or you can intellectually wrestle with complex information so that you will have a chance to grow and strengthen your own intellect.
Work at listening. Be an active listener. Follow the above suggestions. Ask questions and seek clarification. Actively share in the speaker's efforts to improve your level of understanding, whether or not you think you agree.
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Want to Live a Rich Life? You Need to Get Rid of Your Head Trash Firsttag:blog.networkingexcellence.com,2010://27.42192010-02-02T11:29:18Z2010-02-03T13:20:29Z tweetmeme_url = 'http://blog.networkingexcellence.com/2010/02/want-to-live-a-rich-life-you-need-to-get-rid-of-your-head-trash-first.html'; If you've been following me a while or been on my teleseminars, you've probably heard me mention my good friend Noah St. John on more than one occasion.He wrote a great book last year called "The...Liz Lynchhttp://www.networkingexcellence.com
tweetmeme_url = 'http://blog.networkingexcellence.com/2010/02/want-to-live-a-rich-life-you-need-to-get-rid-of-your-head-trash-first.html';
If you've been following me a while or been on my teleseminars, you've probably heard me mention my good friend Noah St. John on more than one occasion.
He wrote a great book last year called "The Secret Code of Success" in which he describes an amazing technique he developed for helping people get past the mental blocks that keep them stuck. Noah calls this "head trash," and one of his techniques for sweeping away that head trash is called Afformations, and it's so simple, yet so powerful.
I talk about Afformations a lot in my programs and with my coaching clients because it really works. I'm a big fan of Noah's (so is Jack Canfield who wrote the Foreword to the book) and I know you'll be too once you learn more about what he does.
He just released a cool new (short) video and I wanted to pass it along. But be sure to watch it before Thursday, 2/4. Enjoy!
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Communicate with Impact On Stage, One-on-One and Everywhere in Between - LIVE Teleseminar with Diane Diresta, author of Knockout Presentations (Wednesday, February 3rd, 1pm Eastern)tag:blog.networkingexcellence.com,2010://27.42242010-02-02T11:06:42Z2010-02-02T14:41:36Z tweetmeme_url = 'http://blog.networkingexcellence.com/2010/02/communicate-with-impact-on-stage-one-on-one-and-everywhere-in-between---live-teleseminar-with-diane-diresta-author-of-knockout-presentations-wednesday-february-3rd-1pm-eastern.html'; Whether you're presenting to a crowd, giving a sales pitch one-on-one, or leaving a voicemail for a very important prospect, opinions of you are being formed based on how well you communicate. And you may not...Liz Lynchhttp://www.networkingexcellence.com
tweetmeme_url = 'http://blog.networkingexcellence.com/2010/02/communicate-with-impact-on-stage-one-on-one-and-everywhere-in-between---live-teleseminar-with-diane-diresta-author-of-knockout-presentations-wednesday-february-3rd-1pm-eastern.html';
Whether you're presenting to a crowd, giving a sales pitch one-on-one, or leaving a voicemail for a very important prospect, opinions of you are being formed based on how well you communicate. And you may not get a second chance to make a good first impression.
Join me in the Smart Networking Inner Circle on Wednesday, February 3rd at 1pm Eastern, when I'll be interviewing Diane Diresta, author of Knockout Presentations: How to Deliver Your Message with Power, Punch, and Pizzazz. We'll talk about why life is a presentation and how to put your best foot forward every time, everywhere.
You will learn:
Why speaking is the new competitive weapon
The biggest mistakes presenters make and how to avoid them
The critical role listening plays when giving a presentation
How to leave a compelling voice mail
Secrets for communicating effectively across diverse cultures
And much, much more!
This teleseminar is FREE for members of my Smart Networking Inner Circle group. Members also have access to the recording as well as the transcript.
Not a member yet? Learn how to get the first month for only $9.95 (new members only, please) and get access to monthly calls with top experts, monthly Q&A calls, recordings and transcripts of the calls, one-on-one laser coaching opportunities and other fabulous members-only benefits.
About Diane DiResta
Diane DiResta, Founder and CEO of DiResta Communications, Inc. is an international speaker, and consultant to executives, business professionals, and entrepreneurs. As a top Speaking Strategist, she shows clients how to communicate with greater impact and project a more powerful presence. Her clients report bottom line results-getting promoted, increasing their visibility, raising their speaking scores, increasing sales, and getting hired.
She holds a Masters degree from Columbia University and is a certified and licensed Speech Pathologist. Diane began her career in the New York City schools and has trained people across diverse industries ranging in age from four to eighty-four. As a former training specialist for Salomon Brothers, she delivered management training programs and as Assistant Vice President of Drexel Burnham Lambert, she recruited and trained MBAs for the Institutional Sales and Trading Training Program.
Diane has spoken in Africa, the Caribbean, Europe, the Middle East, Russia, and South America. She taught speech and listening courses at Cornell University and NYU, and was a guest lecturer at Fels School of Government, UPenn. She's been featured on CNN, Good Day NY, Bloomberg radio, and quoted in the Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Entrepreneur magazine, Selling Power magazine, Enterprising Women, Fast Company and Investors Business Daily. She's a former facilitator for Women President's Organization, a think tank for women entrepreneurs.
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Secrets to Getting More Referrals - Part 1tag:blog.networkingexcellence.com,2010://27.42212010-02-01T20:50:58Z2010-02-01T22:32:00ZLiz Lynchhttp://www.networkingexcellence.com
tweetmeme_url = 'http://blog.networkingexcellence.com/2010/02/secrets-to-getting-more-referr.html';
Assessing Your "Referability" Factor
Do you need new customers or clients but can't seem to get enough of them? People generally want to make referrals when they can. It feels good to be able to connect those who can help with those who need that help. But, you need to make it as easy as possible for them to do so. We're all busy, faced with too much on our plate and not enough hours in the day, so the more painless you can make it, the greater your chances of getting the referrals you want.
Here are four key questions to ask yourself to test the strength of your "referability."
1) Are contacts able to reach you?
Before LinkedIn, it was easy to lose touch with people as they moved around and changed companies. And despite the fact LinkedIn has over 50 million members, there are still a great number of professionals still not on it.
Last year a friend asked for a recommendation to a commercial banker in New York City for a real estate deal he was putting together. The only one I knew had worked at one bank but had subsequently moved to another. Although he did send out updated contact information, it never made it into my address book. When I couldn't find him on LinkedIn, I couldn't make the referral.
Being easily reachable is a necessary, but by no means sufficient, condition. Your business card in someone's desk drawer or a connection to them via social media is not enough. The next three questionsare even more crucial.
2) Can they describe what you do?
Is your elevator pitch clear? Do your contacts really understand what you do? Not what your title is, but what problems you can help solve? By leading with your title as opposed to your solution, you lose people because they have either no idea, or an inaccurate idea, of what it means. Instead, focus on relaying the benefits of what you do so nothing gets lost in the translation.
3) Do they know whom to tell?
Have you clearly described your target customer? This is where job titles may come in handy. Talk specifically about the kinds of people who are involved in the decision to hire you as well as the kinds of companies. Give examples of both job titles (e.g., "I usually work with the vp of marketing") and company names (e.g., "Consumer technology companies like Dell, Iomega, and HP)
4) Will they?
Once they have all of this information, the big question is will they act on it when they see an opportunity? This comes down to two things. First is their belief in the quality of your work. Because your contacts put their reputations on the line when they make recommendations on your behalf, they have to know that you're the best person for the job. Second is the strength of your relationship. Have you developed enough rapport so they'd want to take the time to help you?
I've said in Smart Networking that you don't need a huge Rolodex if you have aresponsive one. In next week's post we'll talk about more about point #4 and how you can build closer bonds with people you meet right from the start of a relationship so when opportunities come along, they think of you first and make the referral.
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Career Success Tip: LinkedIn - How to Effectively Use LinkedIn's Group Feature to Grow Your Networktag:blog.networkingexcellence.com,2010://27.41902010-01-28T11:54:30Z2010-01-28T15:39:06ZLiz Lynchhttp://www.networkingexcellence.com
tweetmeme_url = 'http://blog.networkingexcellence.com/2010/01/career-success-tip-linkedin--.html';
The "Groups" feature of LinkedIn has continued to grow in popularity and utility. Groups are a powerful tool for expanding the depth and breadth of your LinkedIn network. Many Groups treat members similar to FIRST DEGREE connections -- allowing you to make direct contact with a Group member without a referral or "Inmail".
I am currently an active member in over 30 Groups (LinkedIn allows you to join up to a maximum of 50 Groups). I highly recommend finding AT LEAST 10 Groups to join -- AND becoming ACTIVE in. Activity is key; simply joining gives you some benefits but being active in Group news and discussions is where the real value and leverage is.
Some of the things you can do as a Group member, all of which help you to GIVE VALUE TO YOUR NETWORK and expand your network reach and network quality include:
Share great content and information as "News Items" in Group forums -- blog articles that you find online that would be of interest to Group members and other useful content online - news, events, book referrals, etc.
Cross-post YOUR own blog articles -- ones that YOU write -- to as many relevant Groups as possible. I will very often cross-post my blog articles to five to ten relevant Groups -- significantly increasing exposure of the article and maximizing the number of people who could benefit in some way from the advice and information contained in the article.
Participate -- in a meaningful way -- in Group forum discussions. Make insightful positive-minded comments; add value to conversations; give advice when asked; answer questions.
Utilize the "Jobs" feature of Groups. Search for jobs or post job openings. Groups are an excellent source of "niche" jobs and should be used by anyone actively engaged in a job search.
Connect directly with other Group members. Search for people to connect with -- someone who shares a common interest, a common employer experience, a common educational experience. Groups are an excellent source for expanding your network of direct connections in LinkedIn.
Start your own Group! Create your own "community" and serve as the moderator of Group activity. Moderating and Group "ownership" gives you great exposure and strengthens your "brand" or area(s) of expertise.
Give consideration to the following ideas when searching for Groups to join:
Industry-specific Groups - Examples include Retail Industry Group, Health Care-oriented Groups, Travel Industry Groups, etc.
Trade and Professional Organization Groups -- There are Groups for scores of trade and professional organizations. Join those relevant to you.
Employer Alumni Groups. Many of the Fortune 100+ companies have alumni Groups for their former employers. This is a great way to reconnect with former colleagues.
College/University Groups. Most major colleges and universities of Alumni Organization Groups on LinkedIn. Another excellent means for reconnecting with "long lost" contacts and friends.
Job/Career-Related Groups. There are hundreds of Groups in the job, career development, career management areas. If you're in a job search, you'll definitely want to check these out.
Social Media Groups. There are Groups for Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn where you'll find forums for discussion of tips, techniques and very useful advice relevant to most major social media tools.
Peer-level Executive Groups. Check the various CEO, COO, CIO, CFO, etc. specific groups. A great way to connect with peer-level professionals and sharing useful information.
Functional/Technical Specialty Groups. There are scores and scores of these. Find a Group or Groups relevant to your ares of functional or technical specialty (sales, marketing, accounting, IT, supply chain, etc., etc.)
Personal Interest Groups. An avid cyclist? ...there are Groups. A devoted football team fan? ...there are Groups. A great way to share with people of like-minded interests.
New Business. Find Groups to join where there are members who are highly likely to be a source of business for you -- potential customers, clients, buyers and "influencers." Look for ways to add value to these Groups through discussion and sharing of information.
Begin expanding your Group involvement and participation today. Another GREAT way to tap the power of LinkedIn!
Andy Robinson (@AndyInNaples) is a leading authority on career success and 15-year career coaching veteran whose passion in business life is "helping people love what they do for a living and achieve incredible career success." Andy is CEO of CRG Leadership Institute and co-host of Career Success Radio Show.
tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-147687632010-09-08T09:29:39.408ZBusiness Networking BlogNRG Business Networking Blog. Help, advice and tips with Business Development.Dave Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06155334749733954739noreply@blogger.comBlogger444125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14768763.post-90337770683683392192010-09-07T08:08:00.001Z2010-09-07T08:08:00.265ZThe quality of your network really mattersThe rise in popularity of social networking websites has seen many people adopt a different approach to building their network. They have followed the idea encouraged by a number of 'experts' that large numbers of followers or connections are all important. Internet Psychologist, Graham Jones, has just written about evidence that demonstrates this approach is wrong. His <a href="http://www.grahamjones.co.uk/blog/internet-psychology/social-networks-fail-to-help-people.html">article about new research from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology</a> into '<a href="http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/short/329/5996/1194">The Spread of Behavior in an Online Social Network</a>' reports on the findings. The research compared how behaviour was spread in two competing networks. It spread much farther and faster in the quality, structured network than in the random one.<br /><br />As Graham writes, "<i>this research confirms that a structured network of close ties is the most beneficial. It is evidence that quality of your network is more important than quantity.</i>" <br /><br />This is more confirmation that success in networking (offline and online) comes down to building a manageable number of relationships amongst people with influence amongst the right audience. Then motivating that network to advocate you.<br /><br />Graham includes some great networking tips in his article:<br /><br />1. Concentrate on truly connecting with people, rather than building numbers. Focus on relationships, rather than popularity rankings.<br /><br />2. Keep in regular touch with your network; don't just add occasional information - make your social network a key part of your daily activity.<br /><br />3. Encourage your network participants to invite their real-life friends to join your specific group; getting people to support each other within your network appears to boost the entire network, the study finds.<br /><br />4. Have structure to your network - rather than making it informal, provide leadership.<br /><br />Good Networking!</p><a href="http://daveclarke.tv/">Dave Clarke</a></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/14768763-9033777068368339219?l=business-networking.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dave Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06155334749733954739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14768763.post-29137391351855362772010-09-02T13:37:00.005Z2010-09-06T16:17:51.448ZWhy does Word of Mouth Marketing work so well?Word of Mouth Marketing is fashionable and perceived to work exceptionally well in today’s world of information overload. But exactly why is it so powerful?<br /><br />Here is the reason. Word of Mouth is all about what someone who is not perceived to have an axe to grind says about someone else’s product or service. We pay more attention to positive (and negative) comments from our friends and associates about all sorts of things than what we see, read or listen to in the media.<br /><br />In today’s world successful marketing is all about speeding up the person’s decision making through the value of a third party’s recommendation. They are valued because:<br /><br />• They are seen as <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">independent</span>;<br />• They have <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">experienced</span> the product or service and are seen as knowledgeable;<br />• Advice they give is seen as <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">relevant</span> because they are thinking of that person.<br /><br />Let me give you a real example which brought this mind. Last week, at one of our networking lunches, one of our members Mark asked me if he should buy a service from another member Jill. It involved quite a lot of money and time so he wanted to be convinced he was making the right decision. “I want to make the right decision and I value your thoughts” is what he said. Knowing what was important to him and having experienced first-hand Jill’s service I was able to talk about her service at the right level and explain what benefit Mark might get.<br /><br />In short I was valued because I had experienced the service, was seen as independent and was offering relevant and pertinent advice.<br /><br />He bought it.<br /><br />The moral of this story is that nothing sells better than a supporter who knows your service well and is motivated to help. At NRG we call them advocates and they are worth their weight in gold!<br /><br />For more information read the <a href="http://www.nrg-networks.com/pdfs/advocacy_model.pdf">NRG Advocacy Model</a>.<p></p>Good Networking!<p></p><a href="http://www.nrg-networks.com/index.php?alias=martindavies">Martin Davies</a><p></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/14768763-2913739135185536277?l=business-networking.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Martin Davieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05217837164179099434noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14768763.post-65128977767628178132010-08-24T13:49:00.001Z2010-08-24T13:53:35.768ZThe same rules apply for online and offline Word of MouthI have written before about <a href="http://business-networking.blogspot.com/search?q=offline+online">online & offline networking needing similar approaches</a>. Recent <a href="http://h30507.www3.hp.com/t5/Data-Central/What-makes-a-tweet-influential-New-HP-Labs-social-media-research/ba-p/81855">HP Labs social media research</a> concludes that successful influence on twitter does not depend on a large number of followers. That for information to propagate in a network, individuals need to forward it to the other members, thus having to actively engage rather than passively read it.<br /><br />This supports the behaviours we identified in our <a href="http://www.nrg-networks.com/index.php?alias=NRGresearch">research into offline networking and how to proactively create positive word of mouth</a>. <br /><br />Success in networking (offline and online) comes down to building a manageable number of relationships amongst people with influence amongst the right audience. Then motivating that network to advocate you.<br /><br />Good Networking!<br /><a href="http://daveclarke.tv/">Dave Clarke</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/14768763-6512897776762817813?l=business-networking.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dave Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06155334749733954739noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14768763.post-70417336388483419462010-08-11T08:08:00.007Z2010-08-23T15:30:15.524Z'Don't dive in' is not an excuse for doing nothingI received a message via Twitter about my recent article, <a href="http://www.nrg-networks.com/nrg-not_network.html">The BIG Mistake That Means Networking Doesn’t Work</a>. The person said she agreed with the article, but thought people may take the advice 'don't dive in' as an excuse for doing nothing.<br /><br />My main point was that people often start networking with no end in mind. Put some thought into what you want and then get out there and join some networks. Find those groups with other business people who operate in similar markets to you. Commit to investing the time to develop relationships and create a network of advocates.<br /><br />Many people miss out by not joining a group or joining much later than they should. If you put a little bit of effort into identifying the right places to network up front then you can join in as soon as you find them. If you attend a group & leave it for a few months before joining you are missing opportunities. <br /><br />One thing is absolutely certain. If you do nothing you will get nothing!<br /><br />Good Networking! <br /><a href="http://daveclarke.tv/">Dave Clarke</a></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/14768763-7041733638848341946?l=business-networking.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dave Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06155334749733954739noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14768763.post-43317978093951043592010-08-02T10:17:00.005Z2010-08-23T16:06:07.775ZSorting out the ChaosI was talking to an NRG member, Phil Cheesman, the other day. Phil was observing that he saw many business people leading fairly chaotic business lives.<br /><br />They never seem to have time to sit back and think strategically about where the're going and how the're going to get there, let alone do anything substantial about it. Instead, they end up conducting a daily series of fire-fighting actions which leads to inefficiency, frustration and stress. In the worst-cases, the stress can manifest itself in tiredness, grumpiness, depression and deteriorating personal relationships. <br /><br />He calls this the "chaotic business syndrome". Typical indicators are: <ul><li>there are too many things you could/should be doing</li><li>you can't see the wood for the trees</li><li>you find it difficult to prioritise tasks effectively</li><li>you are "running hard to stay still"</li><li>you become forgetful and make mistakes</li><li>you're too busy to grow the business </li></ul><p>If that sounds like you, you should consider early actions to escape from the spiral before it's too late. </p><p>The trouble is, when there are more things you could be doing than there are hours in the day to do them, how do you choose which tasks to do and which to drop or delegate when they all look equally important or can only be done by you? Well the obvious answer is to identify the <span style="font-weight: bold;">really</span> important tasks that have to be done by you and then focus on doing them. OK, so how do you do that?</p><p>Phil describes what can be done in his article <a href="https://www.nrg-networks.com/articles.php?act=view&synergy_article_id=63">Sorting out the Chaos</a>. The process is called strategic management.<br /></p>Good Networking!<br /><a href="http://www.nrg-networks.com/index.php?alias=martindavies">Martin Davies</a></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/14768763-4331797809395104359?l=business-networking.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Martin Davieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05217837164179099434noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14768763.post-78545878922281012632010-07-29T08:08:00.005Z2010-08-23T15:46:36.874ZIs there a right time to leave a networking group?This post was inspired when I was asked recently for a quote for a new book from Andy Lopata on when to leave a networking group. <br /><br />There are times when you move on in business and different networking groups become more appropriate. If you are networking as part of an overall plan then you will be able to work out when to move on. My experience is that more people leave for the wrong reasons than the right reasons. Many people leave groups because they never really worked out why they should be there in the first place! <br /><br />Then there are the people who do it for a year and stop because they think it isn’t working. The great shame is that they are usually at the point where their investment is about to reap rewards. They have become known, liked, rated and trusted. Instead of strengthening the relationships they have built they move on to start the whole process again with new people. <br /><br />Most weeks I will be at an event and someone will ask where X or Y is because they have something for them. If I say they have left the group they almost always ask for a recommendation to somebody else even if I offer to pass their message on. <br /><br />Good Networking! <br /><a href="http://daveclarke.tv/">Dave Clarke</a></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/14768763-7854587892228101263?l=business-networking.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dave Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06155334749733954739noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14768763.post-44009655944856649172010-07-22T08:08:00.009Z2010-08-23T15:46:59.412ZBe careful not to leave too earlyAfter a really good networking meeting you will often see people still engrossed in conversations. Many of them will have their diaries to hand arranging meetings. It is this follow up activity in between networking meetings that really make the difference. If you are always rushing off right on time you might be missing out.<br /><br />We noticed this happening after our NRG group meetings so we now set aside time in the meetings so everyone can be engaged in this activity. Next time you put a networking meeting in your diary try and leave some space beyond the formal end so you don't have to rush off.<br /><br />Good Networking! <br /><a href="http://daveclarke.tv/">Dave Clarke</a></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/14768763-4400965594485664917?l=business-networking.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dave Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06155334749733954739noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14768763.post-1012037046162640882010-07-13T08:08:00.003Z2010-08-23T15:47:21.613ZThe BIG Mistake That Means Networking Doesn’t WorkAndy Lopata asked me recently to write an article on the mistakes that people make in business networking. This article is now published in Andy's newsletter at <a href="http://www.freshbusinessthinking.com/business_advice.php?AID=6218">Fresh Business Thinking</a>. As I researched the topic with my network and reflected on my experiences I realised there was one BIG mistake. <br /><br />Business people often turn to networking at different times. Start ups will often network like crazy early on and established businesses will often start when traditional routes to market dry up. The thing they very often have in common is the idea that networking is the answer to their problem. This first and BIG mistake that many people make is they dive headlong into the activity of networking with a complete misunderstanding of what networking really is.<br /><br />This activity often involves looking for opportunities to ‘network’ with lots of people. They attend group meetings (once) swapping business cards with everyone they can, broadcasting their message, chasing immediate transactions and moving on. They join online networks, put together a profile and broadcast some more. After a while this doesn’t work and many conclude that networking doesn’t work. <br /><br />Some think they may need to do something differently and they may get some training into how to work the room and how to craft the perfect elevator pitch. They do the rounds again and wait for the avalanche of new clients to contact them by email, phone, twitter, linkedin, facebook et al. Again this doesn’t work and a few more conclude that networking doesn’t work.<br /><br />It doesn’t have to be that way! There are plenty of networking groups out there with experienced business people that will help you avoid the mistakes and make sure networking does work for you and your business. For 10 tips on learning from the mistakes others have made go the to <a href="http://www.nrg-networks.com/nrg-not_network.html">full article on The BIG Mistake That Means Networking Doesn’t Work</a>.<br /><br />Good Networking! <br /><a href="http://daveclarke.tv/">Dave Clarke</a></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/14768763-101203704616264088?l=business-networking.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dave Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06155334749733954739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14768763.post-68707356240519856632010-07-06T10:00:00.002Z2010-08-23T15:47:39.514ZSomething to do with those business cards you collectedI was interrupted last week at a networking group meeting by someone who wanted to commend something to the group. Positive interruptions that enhance your message are always very welcome! He said it had been a really useful exercise to go through all the business cards he had collected over a couple years after reading the NRG <a href="http://bit.ly/NRGpdf">workbook on developing your business networking plan</a>. <br /><br />He had separated these cards into the four categories suggested in the workbook. He uses Outlook to manage his contacts so he then created these categories in Outlook. He entered the details of any new contacts into his Outlook Address Book and then put all his contacts into those categories. This means he can now manage the interactions he has with his network more effectively. He can also see, at a glance, who he needs to focus his networking activity with.<br /><br />The four categories of contacts are your Outer Network, your Resource Network, your Inner Network and your Advocate Network.<br /><br />Your Outer Network is made up of the people that you have met, but have no real connection with. You don't know what you could do for them, but it is useful to have a record of where and when you met. You paths may well cross again and you make that connection.<br /><br />Your Resource Network is made up of the people that you have met and you know them well enough to recognise they have a particular skill or offer a valuable service. You don’t want to spend more time in developing a relationship with them, but they are useful to introduce to other contacts when appropriate. <br /><br />Your Inner Network is made up of the people that you have met, have had some sort of follow up and are building a relationship. They share a similar target market to you and probably provide a service that is complementary to yours. We will call them your Inner Network & it is spending time with these people that starts to make networking really work. One really efficient way of doing this is to ensure you belong to the same networking groups.<br /><br />Your Advocate Network is the small group of people you would go out of your way to find introductions and referrals for. The people you advocate are the people you have already developed a relationship with and you know, like, rate and trust them. It is spending time doing things for these people where you get the highest networking returns.<br /><br />Successful networkers have up to 30 people in their Inner Network & about 6 Advocates. Do you know who these people are for you?<br /><br />Good Networking! <br /><a href="http://daveclarke.tv/">Dave Clarke</a></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/14768763-6870735624051985663?l=business-networking.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dave Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06155334749733954739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14768763.post-87751116259743373822010-06-29T14:16:00.001Z2010-08-23T15:47:57.822ZThe secret to getting results when networking for businessI interviewed Chartered Accountant, Douglas Shanks, last week about generating results from business networking. When talking about referrals Douglas said "<i>The secret to getting referrals is giving referrals so focus on what you can give</i>". <br /><br />That simple sentence contains the essence of a successful approach to building your network. Obviously you will want to benefit from the relationships you build with others and you want them to advocate and refer you when they can. This short podcast explains the importance of advocating others in your network first.<br /><br />Listen here:<br /><div><object classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" codebase="http://fpdownload.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,0,0" width="210" height="25" id="mp3playerlightsmallv3" align="middle"> <param name="allowScriptAccess" value="sameDomain" /><param name="movie" value="http://www.podbean.com/podcast-audio-video-blog-player/mp3playerlightsmallv3.swf?audioPath=http://nrgnetworks.podbean.com/mf/play/4mppc/NRG_Podcast17.mp3&autoStart=no" /><param name="quality" value="high" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#ffffff" /><param name="wmode" value="transparent" /><embed src="http://www.podbean.com/podcast-audio-video-blog-player/mp3playerlightsmallv3.swf?audioPath=http://nrgnetworks.podbean.com/mf/play/4mppc/NRG_Podcast17.mp3&autoStart=no" quality="high" width="210" height="25" name="mp3playerlightsmallv3" align="middle" allowScriptAccess="sameDomain" wmode="transparent" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" /></embed> </object><br /><a style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; padding-left: 41px; color: #2DA274; text-decoration: none; border-bottom: none;" href="http://www.podbean.com">Powered by Podbean.com</a> </div><br />Good Networking! <br /><a href="http://daveclarke.tv/">Dave Clarke</a></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/14768763-8775111625974337382?l=business-networking.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dave Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06155334749733954739noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14768763.post-32806932838489479142010-06-22T12:22:00.001Z2010-08-23T15:48:26.867ZAre you networking or building your networkIn conversation with a couple of people last week I asked if they thought there was a difference between networking and building your network. They answered that when they started formal networking they were recently out of corporate life and they thought networking was all about finding people to do business with directly. This meant they went around attending lots of meetings and finding loads of new people. They did training courses on elevator pitches, talking to strangers and working the room. They didn't generate any business, but they didn't give up. <br /><br />They realised through their experiences that effective networking was not a one touch contact sport but about building a network as the one real asset of a small business or independent professional. It became important to find groups of like minded people to replace the things they took for granted in Corporate Life. They are now building relationships with people they have things in common with by sharing business, support and knowledge.<br /><br />I believe that building the right network for you and your business is vital. If you start with that premise it gives you the real reason for networking and your whole approach changes your focus from you to the people you meet.<br /><br />Good Networking! <br /><a href="http://daveclarke.tv/">Dave Clarke</a></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/14768763-3280693283848947914?l=business-networking.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dave Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06155334749733954739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14768763.post-73579381924705118692010-06-16T08:08:00.005Z2010-08-23T15:48:52.070ZThe missing ingredient in business networkingI spent a day at the start of this week with some colleagues and associates in a regular monthly meeting for the leaders of our NRG Business Groups. The focus of the day is all about how we can help each other build our respective businesses through the collective power of our shared networks. The meeting is facilitated to keep our overall objectives in mind whilst enjoying it and the social element is an essential part of the mix. Our discussions and interactions are primarily about building business, but they are also about supporting each other and sharing ideas, knowledge and best practice.<br /><br />Someone pointed out to me that the overall experience was very similar to many business and networking meetings. There was, however, one big difference. We were focused on an ongoing strategy for helping to build each others business rather than just networking for the sake of it. <br /><br />For many people the missing ingredient in their networking is focus. They have a general idea, but no specific reasons why they are doing it. Without that focus it can be difficult to work out where to network, who to network with, when to do it, what it is really all about and how to go about it.<br /><br />Maybe the title of this post should be the 6 missing ingredients...<br /><br />If you know anyone who could do with some help with how to build their network in a strategic way then please share this free download to help them work on the four key steps to building business through networking - <a href="http://bit.ly/NRGpdf">http://bit.ly/NRGpdf<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_i0iyXIP9jMI/TBoHZ0Fs3_I/AAAAAAAAAIs/xWFyVdsbYIg/s320/NRG-Model.jpg" /></div></a><br />Good Networking! <br /><a href="http://daveclarke.tv/">Dave Clarke</a></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/14768763-7357938192470511869?l=business-networking.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dave Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06155334749733954739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14768763.post-59373444728422720982010-06-08T10:13:00.001Z2010-08-23T15:49:14.104ZDo business networks collaborate or compete?"<i>Avoid the competition</i>" was a comment from Courtney Sperlazza in response to my post entitled <a href="http://business-networking.blogspot.com/2010/05/what-is-right-approach-in-business.html">What is the right approach in business networking?</a> She went on to explain:<br /><br />"<i>I don't mean to avoid your competitors. What I mean is, avoid the concept of competition. You can work collaboratively with anyone. Even if you're in similar industries, there is something the other guy can do that you can't do and vice versa. Some of us call those things opportunities!</i>"<br /><br />One of the first steps we encourage in our <a href="http://www.nrg-networks.com/nrg-advocate-marketing.html">advocacy model to how business networking really works</a> is to clarify your target market. This is not so you can sell to them at networking events. It is so you can work out who else deals with them and so who you should be networking with to create those opportunities for each other. Real networking is a collaborative activity where you get to build a sustainable route to market for the long term. As I have written before it is not the face to face equivalent of cold calling.<br /><br />Imagine my surprise this morning when I received a note that said that someone could not attend a meeting of one of our groups because they were a member of a competing network! <br /><br />Doesn't that miss the point of networks being places to collaborate? <br /><br />The best example for the networks to set is to collaborate with other networks.<br /><br />Good Networking! <br /><a href="http://daveclarke.tv/">Dave Clarke</a></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/14768763-5937344472842272098?l=business-networking.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dave Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06155334749733954739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14768763.post-39925543147590275102010-06-01T12:16:00.002Z2010-08-23T15:49:33.987ZCan you do too much networking?Someone raised the possibility that they may be doing too much networking on the <a href="http://www.4networking.biz/forum/5/">4networking business forum</a> last week. So can you spend too much time networking?<br /><br />There are many people who spend too much time attending networking groups & events because they are not really networking. They are really engaged in the face to face equivalent of cold calling. They attend loads of meetings & broadcast loudly, but don't listen. They meet as many people as they can, but never have any time for others. Their idea of following up is to add you to their database. I could go on, but you know who they are. They don't really engage, share or build long term mutually beneficial business relationships.<br /><br />There are some people who are networking with the best intentions, but don't give themselves enough time for following up. They may need to improve the balance of their networking time and do more one to one interactions between larger meetings.<br /><br />Those people that 'get' <a href="http://business-networking.blogspot.com/2010/05/how-business-networking-really-works.html">how networking really works</a> invest their time in building relationships with other people they have things in common with. They know that it takes time and you have to know, like, rate and trust someone before you will advocate them. They know this time is worth it as one 'Advocate' is worth far more than lots of one off transactions. They attend meetings to strengthen existing relationships and build some new ones. They get to share business, support, knowledge and have fun doing it too. This sort of networking is legitimate and necessary work time stuff and you probably don't have the time to do enough of it.<br /><br />Good Networking! <br /><a href="http://daveclarke.tv/">Dave Clarke</a></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/14768763-3992554314759027510?l=business-networking.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dave Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06155334749733954739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14768763.post-49643495100453181392010-05-25T14:51:00.005Z2010-08-23T15:50:08.223ZHow business networking really worksThere are some people you meet who seem to 'get' networking instinctively. People seem to gravitate to them with a regular stream of opportunities for them and their business. They don't engage in the face to face equivalent of cold calling They spend most of their time with a regular close group of associates and advocates and a lesser amount of time making new contacts. They are active as participants, leaders and advocates of their networking groups. <br /><br />They know that success from networking is about building relationships. Strengthening their existing ones and building appropriate new ones. They know that the best route to people they don't yet know is through an introduction or recommendation from someone they do. <br /><br />It can be tempting to think that networking is about finding places and people you don't know. We can learn that is not from those who are successful through networking. As is often the case it's the counter intuitive approach that works. Network with the people you know to get to the ones you don't. <br /><br />As Andy Lopata posted on Twitter yesterday "networking put simply is working with others to achieve more than we could achieve on our own.<br /><br />Good Networking! <br /><a href="http://daveclarke.tv/">Dave Clarke</a></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/14768763-4964349510045318139?l=business-networking.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dave Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06155334749733954739noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14768763.post-37256953506020664832010-05-20T08:08:00.007Z2010-08-23T15:50:39.853ZWhat is the right approach in business networking?It can be tempting to only 'network' with others who do completely different things to you. People who provide different services or products and those from different professions. In fact some groups only allow for one member from each.<br /><br />In reality it is often those that are more complementary to you that lead to more and quicker opportunities. The similarities mean you get to establish relationships more quickly and it is much easier to find referrals for each other without going out of your way. Even those groups that exclude members in the same line of business recommend joining other more open groups as part of your overall networking strategy.<br /><br />In the UK a couple of days ago the new Government took their places in Parliament. For the first time in 70 years in the UK there is a coalition government. Whether it will be a success remains to be seen, but it would be refreshing to see a new politics. One that sees politicians working together for the good of the country rather than constantly doing each other down. If the two parties had looked to their differences it is very likely that we would be in a different situation now. By focusing on similarities they have made progress and have the potential to really change the way things work. <br /><br />The lesson for us in networking is the many more possibilities that open up with an open and collaborative approach.<br /><br />Are you looking for the common ground with your network?<br /><br />Good Networking!<br /><a href="http://daveclarke.tv/">Dave Clarke</a></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/14768763-3725695350602066483?l=business-networking.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dave Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06155334749733954739noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14768763.post-72098585867683883642010-05-18T08:08:00.006Z2010-08-23T15:51:46.780ZAre you networking with the right people?<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_i0iyXIP9jMI/S_F0l1q7BZI/AAAAAAAAAIg/KmXzFNY8saE/s1600/SethGodinCircles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_i0iyXIP9jMI/S_F0l1q7BZI/AAAAAAAAAIg/KmXzFNY8saE/s200/SethGodinCircles.jpg" width="162" /></a>In '<a href="http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/2010/05/the-circles-no-more-strangers.html">The circles (no more strangers)</a>' Seth Godin writes "It's so tempting to seek out more strangers." He makes the point that trying to reach strangers is expensive and you may very well upset your true fans. He uses an excellent graphic (shown to the right here) to illustrate his point that delighting and overwhelming your true fans is a better strategy than chasing after strangers.<br /><br />Many business people and professionals give in to this temptation and concentrate their marketing efforts on strangers. Building word of mouth from the people they already know can be neglected and their behaviour in networking can be similar. Their networking is all about finding and connecting directly with the people they don't know.<br /><br />The key to successful networking is to take the opposite view. Instead of looking for strangers it is about building strong relationships where you get to know, like, rate and trust each other. Instead of spending time with people you don't know try investing quality time in building the right relationships. I think it is worth repeating what I wrote last week in 'How Networking Really Works. <b>A small number of people you get to know really really well can give you access to all the new people you want to meet.</b><br /><br />Effective networking is about support and sharing knowledge and finding advocates who recommend and refer you. Good networking groups provide the environment for you to strengthen existing relationships & build new ones. It is much easier and more enjoyable to develop your business in an environment like that.<br /><br />Good Networking! <br /><a href="http://daveclarke.tv/">Dave Clarke</a></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/14768763-7209858586768388364?l=business-networking.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dave Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06155334749733954739noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14768763.post-64889111430504180322010-05-13T08:21:00.002Z2010-08-23T15:53:33.589ZHow to identify the key people for your networkIf you know your target market (or markets) precisely you can work out where you need to network. Some people think that this means finding people in the target market to 'network' with. This is not networking, but direct selling. In fact it is often the face to face equivalent of cold calling. <br /><br />The important aspect of this in the networking context is you can then identify the key people for you who have access and influence in your target market. This is important in both finding the networking groups to join and who you should be inviting to join you in your groups.<br /><br />As I wrote yesterday in '<a href="http://business-networking.blogspot.com/2010/05/how-networking-really-works.html">How networking really works</a>' you need to be building relationships with these key people. These people have access to many opportunities for you in your target market so are likely to be operating in the same market as you. They may well provide services that are complementary to yours. <br /><br />Good Networking! <br /><a href="http://daveclarke.tv/">Dave Clarke</a></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/14768763-6488911143050418032?l=business-networking.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dave Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06155334749733954739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14768763.post-4775645647950915762010-05-11T08:08:00.003Z2010-08-23T15:53:56.979ZHow networking really worksI sometimes meet people who run around frantically to as many events as possible. They meet as many different people as they can and deliver their 'elevator pitch' as often as possible. In my book that is not networking. It is the face to face equivalent of cold calling. It is difficult and time consuming. <br /><br />The key to successful networking is building strong relationships where you get to know, like, rate and trust each other. As I have written before: <br /><br />"<i>You don't build profitable business relationships by hardly getting to know lots of different people!</i>"<br /><br />A small number of people you get to know really really well can give you access to all the new people you want to meet. Effective networking is about support and sharing knowledge and finding advocates who recommend and refer you. Good networking groups provide the environment for you to strengthen existing relationships & build new ones. It is much easier and more enjoyable to develop your business in an environment like that. <br /><br />Good Networking!<br /><a href="http://daveclarke.tv/">Dave Clarke</a></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/14768763-477564564795091576?l=business-networking.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dave Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06155334749733954739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14768763.post-54343114106233822562010-05-07T08:08:00.002Z2010-05-20T18:46:31.294ZDid you build your network in the good times?There may be trouble ahead...<br /><br />Internet Psychologist Graham Jones wrote on his <a href="http://www.ecademy.com/node.php?id=149137">Ecademy Blog</a> yesterday about the tough economic times ahead whoever wins the UK General Election. Everyone knows there will be some serious belt tightening whoever wins, but as he says "<i>It's not all doom and gloom. You have your friends... It will be tough in the coming few years, that's true. But if you have friends; if you have trusted contacts; if you have people who like you, then you will survive thanks to their support.</i>"<br /><br />This is when you find out that networking really isn't selling. It is about developing your route to market through trusted relationships, but it's much more than that. It is also about support and building friendships in business. That happens when you get to know, like, rate and trust others and they do the same for you.<br /><br />As Graham said the economic situation we now have to face could well prove that it's never what you know that matters - it's who you know!<br /><br />Good Networking!<br /><a href="http://daveclarke.tv/">Dave Clarke</a><br /><a class="a2a_dd" href="http://www.addtoany.com/share_save"><img alt="Share/Save/Bookmark" border="0" height="16" src="http://static.addtoany.com/buttons/share_save_171_16.png" width="171" /></a><script type="text/javascript">a2a_linkname=document.title;a2a_linkurl=location.href;</script><script src="http://static.addtoany.com/menu/page.js" type="text/javascript"></script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/14768763-5434311410623382256?l=business-networking.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dave Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06155334749733954739noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14768763.post-44042485099679028572010-05-06T08:08:00.002Z2010-05-20T18:46:44.693ZIs this the most important thing in marketing?In a discussion on following up in the <a href="http://www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=133989">NRG-networks Linkedin Group</a> yesterday Helen Dowling of 'Exceptional Thinking' shared that she thought that following up is "<i>the most important marketing technique you can do<b></b></i>". <br /><br />She certainly has a point about the importance of following up. My experience of marketing in general and networking in particular is that following up is the activity that really makes the difference. There is very little point in attending lots of events, delivering your pitch, chatting briefly with many different people and collecting boxes full of business cards you do nothing with. <br /><br />You don't build profitable business relationships by hardly getting to know lots of different people!<br /><br />You build those relationships by finding the real points of connection and then following up with different interactions over time. That includes regular participation in your networking group, follow up emails, follow up phone calls, follow up on Social Networks and most importantly of all, follow up 121 meetings.<br /><br />In other words take the lead and become one of the proactive few. It is after all the first habit of highly effective people.*<br /><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">*Read more on Stephen Covey's 7 habits in my article - <a href="http://www.nrg-networks.com/nrg-7-habits-business-networking.html">Applying the 7 habits to your business networking</a>.</span><br /><br />Good Networking!<br /><a href="http://daveclarke.tv/">Dave Clarke</a><br /><a class="a2a_dd" href="http://www.addtoany.com/share_save"><img alt="Share/Save/Bookmark" border="0" height="16" src="http://static.addtoany.com/buttons/share_save_171_16.png" width="171" /></a><script type="text/javascript">a2a_linkname=document.title;a2a_linkurl=location.href;</script><script src="http://static.addtoany.com/menu/page.js" type="text/javascript"></script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/14768763-4404248509967902857?l=business-networking.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dave Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06155334749733954739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14768763.post-55731791430045915022010-05-04T16:40:00.001Z2010-05-20T18:46:59.585ZWhat comes first in business networking?The first habit of highly effective people is being proactive* according to the best selling book by <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=7+habits+covey&tag=googhydr-21&index=aps&hvadid=3176867643&ref=pd_sl_o2j18psjm_b">by Stephen R. Covey</a>. I was reminded of this when reviewing the video interview in my recent post, '<a href="http://business-networking.blogspot.com/2010/04/just-how-important-is-network-in.html">Just how important is a network in business?</a>'.The last question I was asked in that interview was what key piece of advice I would give to someone new in business.<br /><br />I was pleased to find my answer in line with some great advice from Robert Craven in his article, '<a href="http://robert-craven.blogspot.com/2010/04/shortest-book-on-business.html">The Shortest Book on Business?</a>'. According to Robert success is down to some very simple basics - clarity, focus, confidence and activity. And as he says in regard to activity, <b>"Take Massive Action"</b>.<br /><br />It's great advice for networking your business. You do need to be clear about what you do and who for. Some people, however, spend huge amounts of time and energy on honing their service offerings before undertaking any business development activity. <br /><br />The important thing is not to put off the activity itself. Go out confidently and build your network first and they will help you refine your messages and offerings. <br /><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">*For more go to my article - <a href="http://www.nrg-networks.com/nrg-7-habits-business-networking.html">Applying the 7 habits to your business networking</a>.</span><br /><br />Good Networking!<br /><a href="http://daveclarke.tv/">Dave Clarke</a><br /><a class="a2a_dd" href="http://www.addtoany.com/share_save"><img alt="Share/Save/Bookmark" border="0" height="16" src="http://static.addtoany.com/buttons/share_save_171_16.png" width="171" /></a><script type="text/javascript">a2a_linkname=document.title;a2a_linkurl=location.href;</script><script src="http://static.addtoany.com/menu/page.js" type="text/javascript"></script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/14768763-5573179143004591502?l=business-networking.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dave Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06155334749733954739noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14768763.post-34072892827376027442010-04-30T08:08:00.002Z2010-05-20T18:47:12.775ZJust how important is a network in business?Dave Harries of <a href="http://www.guruview.tv/">GuruView.TV</a> began this interview by asking how important a network is for small and medium sized businesses? He also asked what networks are, if there are different levels of networking and whether offline networking is now more or less important. <br /><br />Finally he asked what key piece of advice I would give to someone new in business. You can watch my answers in this seven minute interview. <br /><br /><object height="255" width="400"><embed src="http://www.bizviewmedia.co.uk/guruview/player/gvplayer.swf?imagePath=http://www.bizviewmedia.co.uk/guruview/gv007-dave-clarke.jpg&videoPath=http://www.bizviewmedia.co.uk/guruview/gv007-dave-clarke_400x225.flv&autoStart=false&volAudio=60&newWidth=400&newHeight=255" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="400" height="255"></embed></object><br /><br />Good Networking!<br /><a href="http://daveclarke.tv/">Dave Clarke</a><br /><a class="a2a_dd" href="http://www.addtoany.com/share_save"><img alt="Share/Save/Bookmark" border="0" height="16" src="http://static.addtoany.com/buttons/share_save_171_16.png" width="171" /></a><script type="text/javascript">a2a_linkname=document.title;a2a_linkurl=location.href;</script><script src="http://static.addtoany.com/menu/page.js" type="text/javascript"></script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/14768763-3407289282737602744?l=business-networking.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dave Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06155334749733954739noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14768763.post-72766951765133828402010-04-29T08:08:00.001Z2010-05-20T18:47:24.595ZAnother big lesson from the General ElectionOn Tuesday this week I spoke at a Marketing Masterclass in Newbury about '<a href="http://www.nrg-networks.com/nrg-advocate-marketing.html">How Business Networking Really Works</a>'. Two of the other speakers, <a href="http://www.morganpr.co.uk/nigelmorgan">Nigel Morgan</a> and <a href="http://twitter.com/IrunNewbury">Karen Chapple</a> presented about the growing importance of Social Media. Karen shared the news that Google now has a <a href="http://www.google.com/support/websearch/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=165228">Social Tab</a> on its default search page in the US.<br /><br />We had a big lesson in the UK yesterday on the power of Social Media. I wrote yesterday in '<a href="http://business-networking.blogspot.com/2010/04/another-lesson-from-general-election.html">Another Lesson from the General Election</a>' about the off camera remarks from Gordon Brown that were picked up on microphone.<br /><br />The speed at which this spread across the world should leave you in no doubt about the power of Social Media. It was a little ironic that Andy Lopata wrote about '<a href="http://networkingandreferrals.blogspot.com/2010/04/whatever-happened-to-social-media.html">Whatever happened to the Social Media Election</a>' yesterday morning where he included this rather prescient comment:<br /><br />"<i>Don't underestimate the power of a politician's gaffe during the closing days of the election to have a much bigger impact than ever before. Thanks to social media any slip up can be both shared globally and repeated ad nauseam irrespective of how many people witness it in person. The news media pick the stories up and run with them as people share them on Twitter, Facebook and Youtube.</i>"<br /><br />If you are still wondering about whether Social Media is right for you and your business you should heed what Nigel and Karen said on Tuesday "<i>If you do not have a Social Media presence you need to do something about that right now...</i>"<br /><br />Good Networking!<br /><a href="http://daveclarke.tv/">Dave Clarke</a><br /><a class="a2a_dd" href="http://www.addtoany.com/share_save"><img alt="Share/Save/Bookmark" border="0" height="16" src="http://static.addtoany.com/buttons/share_save_171_16.png" width="171" /></a><script type="text/javascript">a2a_linkname=document.title;a2a_linkurl=location.href;</script><script src="http://static.addtoany.com/menu/page.js" type="text/javascript"></script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/14768763-7276695176513382840?l=business-networking.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dave Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06155334749733954739noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14768763.post-78773470777814931112010-04-28T13:34:00.001Z2010-05-20T18:47:35.362ZAnother Lesson from the General ElectionI was asked a question via <a href="http://twitter.com/DaveClarke">Twitter</a> yesterday about my advice for someone attending her first networking event. I suggested that she smile and wrote:<br /><br />"<i>Enjoy the meeting, introduce who you are, what you do, who for & how you look forward to getting to know the others.</i>"<br /><br />The main thing is to be genuine and authentic. That is how you will build relationships with others as they get to know, like, rate and trust you. This brings me on to the latest networking lesson from the General Election. Everyone makes mistakes, but it is rare for such a gaffe as this one from Gordon Brown to be caught on camera. You can see the <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/election_2010/8649012.stm">video at the BBC website</a>. Gordon Brown is filmed saying one thing to a woman on camera and then something completely different off camera. <br /><br />The lesson for networking is not to tell people what it is that you think they want to hear. Be yourself and be genuinely interested in the people you speak to. <br /><br />Good Networking!<br /><a href="http://daveclarke.tv/">Dave Clarke</a><br /><a class="a2a_dd" href="http://www.addtoany.com/share_save"><img alt="Share/Save/Bookmark" border="0" height="16" src="http://static.addtoany.com/buttons/share_save_171_16.png" width="171" /></a><script type="text/javascript">a2a_linkname=document.title;a2a_linkurl=location.href;</script><script src="http://static.addtoany.com/menu/page.js" type="text/javascript"></script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/14768763-7877347077781493111?l=business-networking.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Dave Clarkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06155334749733954739noreply@blogger.com0
