Showing posts with label networking. Show all posts
Showing posts with label networking. Show all posts

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Get Going

Know that feeling at the end of the day...just before the workday ends and knowing that the evening routine is about to begin?

Just when you thought your day was over, it is really just going to start....make or go to dinner, homework with the kids or the latest networking event.  We have so much to juggle that the finish line seems miles away.

How do you get going at the end of the day?  And not simply plodding along, but with renewed and refocused energy?
Here are a few tips:
  1. go for a walk
  2. listen to music and sing really loud all the way home in the car
  3. create goals for the evening - giving you that sense of accomplishment when you are done
  4. make a list of 'have to do' versus 'nice to do' and decide where to start

......and my favourite way - a small piece of really dark chocolate - like 85% Cocoa!
Heck, I feel better, have an energy boost and am refreshed.

Give in....sometimes you just have to do it!

Friday, January 14, 2011

Join a Group - Leaders Need Support Too


Leaders need support.  Where do you find yours?
In the boardroom?  Colleagues?  Networking Groups?
Have you ever thought about group coaching?

Group Coaching is a way to explore coaching with less expense and time commitment but still getting the foundation and understanding of a coaching relationship.

In group coaching, the members of the group have similar goals and share a common agenda.  Together, with the guidance of a coach, they explore their opportunities and challenges, find new ways to reach their goals and support each other along the way by sharing experiences and providing insight to each other.

Click here to learn more about group coaching.

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Easy Steps to Networking

Networking easy? For some, sure, it is as easy as getting out of bed in the morning. For others, not at all, they may as well be asked to walk over hot coals. The challenge of networking is two-fold: making time to do it, and then getting out there. With the following steps, networking can be a great way to start building relationships that could lead to big business. 

Remember - networking is about connect - in a meaningful way.  You aren't out there looking for another coffee-buddy, you are looking for business contacts and business!



1: always have clean business cards with you. Do not hand out cards that have been straggling at the bottom of your briefcase or in the glove compartment of your car all bent and covered in coffee stains. Have cards on you in a carrying case – not very expensive and it looks professional when you take your cards out of it. Remember, the impression you are presenting at this time is how much you care for your marketing material. That could easily translate to how much you care for and prepare for your clients.


2: Listen. Ask questions about the person. Focus attention on them and genuinely listen to the responses. Maintain eye contact and respond to the feedback in the conversation. Ask for a business card and provide one of yours.  Asking a creative question can help you remember the person if you are not good at remembering names.  For example...ask about a pet, or favourite restaurant - it gives you an opening for a future conversation or follow up call.


3: Give yourself reminders. Write a note or two on the business cards you are given. This will provide you with something to say or write in follow up communication and help you remember who the card came from and the business associated with the card and person. A reminder could include passing along this new person’s information to someone who you know could use it if you cannot at the moment.


4: Follow up. Have a system in place for follow up. A database with all relevant information for contacting the business owners and a plan to communicate with them over the next few days by phone or email will get the relationship started. Future follow up on news and events can happen both by phone and email or even newsletter offer to continue to build the relationship.


With the ever-changing and ever-challenging business environment that exists today, we need to capitalize on every opportunity to make a contact and start building a relationship. Relationships develop and build trust, you will then get the sale or client signed up. Networking is the perfect way to do this but it will only work if you work the network – meet, ask questions, follow up, be out there!