bloglovinBloglovin iconCombined ShapeCreated with Sketch. Fill 1Created with Sketch. Fill 1Created with Sketch. Fill 1Created with Sketch. Fill 1Created with Sketch. Fill 1Created with Sketch. rssRSS iconsoundcloudSoundCloud iconFill 1Created with Sketch. Fill 1Created with Sketch. Fill 1Created with Sketch. Fill 1Created with Sketch.

Tag: networking

3 tips to make your meeting count

Tip #1: If you’re looking to connect meaningfully, place the other before you.

Most successful people are busy people. They’ve carved time out of their day to meet with you. Time is a resource neither party can redeem after you’ve parted ways. Be considerate.

After every meeting, thank each and every person for their contribution and time. A follow up thank you builds rapport and communicates respect, paving the way towards a meaningful connection. Your thank you also provides an opportunity to make sure your intent and needs have been clearly communicated.

Tip #2: People cannot help you if they don’t know how.

“I’m looking for a job” will quickly place you into a forgotten drawer of miscellaneous. However, confidently stating, “I’m looking to support locally owned restaurants with sustainable missions” positions you in a specific category, making your ask an easy recall. Guess who will be first in mind when any kind of opportunity in the health, wellness, hospitality, sustainable industries pops up? Be specific and know what you want. People generally want to see you succeed and will help if they know how.

Tip #3: Jazzy Jane from Toledo is sitting by the cheese dip.

Effective networking and memorable impressions go hand in hand. It’s like learning names. Create a colorful story when you first meet someone, and you’ll have an easier time asking them to pass the salad bowl.

What characteristics separate you from the crowd? Practice telling your unique narrative to a friend. If you aren’t comfortable making your remarkable presence known, chances are high that you won’t during your meeting, either.

15 things that can happen when you meet the right person

  1. You are encouraged to continue your plan.
  2. Your beliefs are questioned, challenged, possibly scrutinized.
  3. New solutions are brainstormed, and different outcomes to existing situations are imagined.
  4. A new approach is considered.
  5. You learn something about yourself and/or the world.
  6. You are prompted to change, grow, create, question.
  7. Unexpected commonalities are uncovered.
  8. Mutual beliefs are shared and exchanged.
  9. An authentic emotional exchange takes place.
  10. Meaningful conversation occurs, and a deep connection is experienced by both individuals.
  11. A deep respect develops.
  12. Your confidence is strengthened.
  13. You are inspired to explore a new path.
  14. Additional introductions manifest as a result of the meeting.
  15. The meeting leaves you with energy — with new ideas, zest for life, passion.

your dream job is on your desk

What if someone told you that you missed the boat? That the golden ticket to a beautiful home, a happy heart, and an adventurous life was in your back pocket?

What would happen if your phone rang and your boss declared you an asset to the company? If the grocery store clerk looked straight into your eyes and called you a visionary?

What if you found out that “perfect moment” you’ve been waiting for already happened?

What if…

It’s time to find out.

I’ve designed a new offering — part seminar, mentoring circle, book club, networking accelerator, an experience like no other — to challenge you to think beyond “what if” and start venturing into this is it. The first session begins after the holiday season, so you can launch your dreams and your life in a whole new way in 2013.

Learn more about the why and the what here.

9 reasons to network (the practice of meeting people)

The term networking sends shivers up my spine. I cringe when I think of networking events where people pass out business cards like Halloween candy and anxiously look around the room to see who’s there. Conversations seem forced, and I end up answering the same routine questions throughout the evening. Network sounds anything but personal, human, warm, or meaningful to me.

So let’s call a spade a spade. Networking is really the practice of meeting people. As with any practice, you get better at it the more you do it. Some people have a natural talent for it; others require a bit more effort.

When I first started organizing dinners, I often faced a common question:

“Why should I attend a dinner with strangers when I barely have time to see my friends / colleagues / spouse / Aunt Betty?”

For those of you who don’t have the luxury of pondering the benefits of human interaction, I’m happy to provide a few reasons why meeting new people is good for you, your business, and your future.

1. Variety. The spice of life. By placing yourself in new situations, you’re able to meet different kinds of people, expand your circle, and broaden your knowledge of yourself and the world around you.

2. Business. Networking can yield a higher probability of referral-based business. If your sink is broken, would you rather hire a friend’s friend or a random name out of a search directory? Establishing personal relationships with those who can recommend your services is invaluable.

3. Opportunities. New gigs, client leads, partnerships, mentors, job opportunities. The options available to you are yours for the taking.  Obviously, you’ll want to make sure you strategically choose which routes to pursue based upon your own needs and values; it’s just a matter of saying “Yes, please.”

4. Connections. Let’s be honest: it really is who you know. If a position opens or a consultant is needed, the names that go into the hat are ones that can be vouched for. You don’t need me to tell you how many success stories have started with “I know a guy…”

5. Self-growth and development. It takes guts to put yourself in new situations and strike up conversations. It’s easy to be around the same people and talk about the same things. Be different. You never know what you’ll learn. If you’re willing to put yourself out there, you may find yourself with a group of people who can hold you accountable as you reach your goals.

6. Friends. Companionship, someone to show you new places, tell you about the latest fundraiser. No man is an island. I’m of the belief that our needs change throughout our life span, and different people can answer different needs at different times. For that reason, you can never have too many friends.

7. Communication. Introductions force you to analyze and succinctly communicate who you are and what you do. Meeting strangers can help you polish your image and get clear about what you want and the things you enjoy. Not sure? Notice the types of people you’re drawn to. The conversations you most enjoy can tell you a lot about yourself if you’re willing to look.

8. Encouragement. Most people want you to succeed. Sometimes, it’s easier to present struggles to people who are “less invested” in your world. Add more folks to cheer in your corner. Strangers can yield surprisingly positive results.

9. Excitement. If you’ve been to a really good party, you know. It’s fun, and you want more. If you haven’t found yourself in this kind of situation, look for it.

Practice meeting people when and where you can.

“The more you practice, the more you can, the more you want to, the more you enjoy it, the less it tires you.” —Robert A. Heinlein

“So…what do you do?” or 20 things you can talk about when meeting someone new

A challenge:

The next time you’re at a party or social gathering, abolish “What do you do?” from your vernacular.

You will most likely find out sooner or later what someone does. There are a gazillion things you can talk about without having to ask how an individual pays bills, and the probability that the “9-5” isn’t really what gets that person going is high. Isn’t it more interesting to talk about passion?

Topics you can discuss when meeting someone for the first time:

  1. current events
  2. recent book reads
  3. projects that excite you
  4. favorite places to travel
  5. hobbies
  6. pets
  7. an embarrassing story you can laugh at now
  8. why you’re there
  9. who you are looking to meet
  10. where you’re stuck
  11. sports (whether you play, watch, or remember a hero from childhood)
  12. notable charities
  13. beverage of choice
  14. plans for the holidays / next scheduled vacation
  15. an object in space (a nearby piece of artwork or architecture of the building)
  16. something you’re looking forward to
  17. sincere compliments
  18. the weather (if you must)
  19. recent successes
  20. first memory taking risks

note: On occasion, you will meet an individual who has successfully managed to blend passion and work. Hang around this person, ask them lots of questions, and ask them to introduce you to others.

14 tips to make your next conference worthwhile

  1. Ask if you can help.
  2. Better yet, email in advance and offer your services.
  3. Do your homework. Learn about the speaker, the attendees, the presentation.
  4. Don’t sit next to someone you know.
  5. Ask a question — everyone will know who you are.
  6. Ask only one question. Don’t be THAT guy.
  7. They are business cards, not playing cards. Distribute sparingly.
  8. Take advantage of the breaks. Chat with fellow attendees. Ask why they’re there.
  9. Organize a dinner and pass out invites during lunch.
  10. Hang out by the food table. Eat last.
  11. Don’t hound the speaker. Send an email three days later with something you learned.
  12. Stay an extra night after the conference ends. Set up coffee dates. Plan a sightseeing tour.
  13. Embrace the unexpected. Don’t over-schedule. Impulse and serendipity are good things.
  14. Graciousness and appreciation cannot be overstated.