Building Your Networking Skills
8 Quick Tips
Networking events can seem very intimidating, but they can be a resource that will help propel your career to new heights. It is always important to go into a networking event with enthusiasm and a set goal in mind. Use these ideas to help make your next networking experience a successful one.
1. Network online - According to recent research by The Institute For Corporate Productivity, 64% of business professionals network online. In today's Web 2.0 environment, you cannot afford to ignore this networking opportunity and potential leads you could generate via social networking sites.
2. Start with LinkedIn.com, the leading business networking - Membership is free, and you can pro-actively search for and connect with customers and prospects. Also, Linkedin.com users can post questions to the "Answers" section on the site. Make an effort to answer questions relevant to your area of expertise. Not only will you add value to your connections, but you will also get additional exposure and attract prospective customers who will seek you out!
3. Arrive early - Treat the event like an important appointment. By arriving early, you get comfortable in a more intimate setting with the other early arrivals. It can be intimidating to walk into a room filled with people, so go early and let the room fill up around you.
4. Show confidence - Speak confidently, decisively, and with authority. If you are confident in your conversations and support your ideas with evidence, people will take notice and respect that you know what you are talking about and that you mean business.
5. Circulate - Don't just talk to the people that you know. Get out there and go network!
6. Meet with VIPs or speakers - If there are VIPs or speakers at the event, prepare ahead of time. Do some research on the individual(s) so that you are informed when you talk with them. Compliment them on their speech or talk to them about how the topic of their speech or their field relates to what you do.
7. Stay late - When you stay late, the smaller crowd also gives you the opportunity to circulate in a more intimate setting. It also provides you with an opportunity to connect with the event's coordinator. Thank him or her for hosting the event. The event coordinator can give you some additional insight about who attended the event and who might be at the next event. It's never too early to prepare for the next event.
8. Have a robust profile on the networking site - Put in as much relevant information as you can that demonstrates the value you bring to your customers. Put in all the keywords you think prospective customers may use to search for a service provider in your field. Remember, on a social networking site, you want to make it easy for people to find you!
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Friday, January 23, 2009
Being More Productive
It's time to take inventory - what gets your time and energy? Answering phone calls, responding to emails - what? Through the skill of awareness you can start concentrating on what is productive for you! Over the next week jot down your time robbers, the incidences, events, and people that consistently steal your valuable production time. You may have little or no control over some of your time robbers, but if you are like the rest of us - many of the interruptions can be better managed.
Many of you are familiar with the 80 - 20 rule,simply put, the 80/20 rule states that the relationship between input and output is rarely, if ever, balanced. When applied to work, it means that approximately 20 percent of your efforts produce 80 percent of the results. Learning to recognize and then focus on that 20 percent is the key to making the most effective use of your time.
Here are two quick tips to develop 80/20 thinking:
Take a good look at the people around you. Twenty percent of your colleagues and staff probably give you 80 percent of the support and satisfaction you need. They are your true advocates. Take good care of them. Likewise, you can probably name several friends and family members who would be there for you under any circumstances. Try not to put them on the back burner.
Examine your work. Ask yourself, "What do I really want to do with my life and my time? What 20 percent of my work should I be focusing on?"
80 percent or 20 percent?
Here are some signs that will help you to recognize whether you're spending your time as you should:
You're in your 80 percent if the following statements ring true:
You're working on tasks other people want you to, but you have no investment in them.
You're frequently working on tasks labeled "urgent."
You're spending time on tasks you are not usually good at doing.
Activities are taking a lot longer than you expected.
You find yourself complaining all the time.
You're in your 20 percent if:
You're engaged in activities that advance your overall purpose in life (assuming you know what that is — and you should!).
You're doing things you have always wanted to do or that make you feel good about yourself.
You're working on tasks you don't like, but you're doing them knowing they relate to the bigger picture.
You're hiring people to do the tasks you are not good at or don't like doing.
You're smiling.
If you'd like more information on this time management principle, I'd suggest The 80/20 Principle: The Secret of Achieving More With Less by Richard Koch (New York: Bantam Doubleday Dell Publishing; 1998). However, you don't need to read the book to begin using the 80/20 rule. Gain more control over your time and your work by taking one small step right now. Simply begin to look for the signs that will tell you whether you're in your 20 percent or your 80 percent. This increased awareness of what's vital to your life and your life's work may be all you really need to start using your time more effectively.
Many of you are familiar with the 80 - 20 rule,simply put, the 80/20 rule states that the relationship between input and output is rarely, if ever, balanced. When applied to work, it means that approximately 20 percent of your efforts produce 80 percent of the results. Learning to recognize and then focus on that 20 percent is the key to making the most effective use of your time.
Here are two quick tips to develop 80/20 thinking:
Take a good look at the people around you. Twenty percent of your colleagues and staff probably give you 80 percent of the support and satisfaction you need. They are your true advocates. Take good care of them. Likewise, you can probably name several friends and family members who would be there for you under any circumstances. Try not to put them on the back burner.
Examine your work. Ask yourself, "What do I really want to do with my life and my time? What 20 percent of my work should I be focusing on?"
80 percent or 20 percent?
Here are some signs that will help you to recognize whether you're spending your time as you should:
You're in your 80 percent if the following statements ring true:
You're working on tasks other people want you to, but you have no investment in them.
You're frequently working on tasks labeled "urgent."
You're spending time on tasks you are not usually good at doing.
Activities are taking a lot longer than you expected.
You find yourself complaining all the time.
You're in your 20 percent if:
You're engaged in activities that advance your overall purpose in life (assuming you know what that is — and you should!).
You're doing things you have always wanted to do or that make you feel good about yourself.
You're working on tasks you don't like, but you're doing them knowing they relate to the bigger picture.
You're hiring people to do the tasks you are not good at or don't like doing.
You're smiling.
If you'd like more information on this time management principle, I'd suggest The 80/20 Principle: The Secret of Achieving More With Less by Richard Koch (New York: Bantam Doubleday Dell Publishing; 1998). However, you don't need to read the book to begin using the 80/20 rule. Gain more control over your time and your work by taking one small step right now. Simply begin to look for the signs that will tell you whether you're in your 20 percent or your 80 percent. This increased awareness of what's vital to your life and your life's work may be all you really need to start using your time more effectively.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Getting the most out of each day
One of the most powerful strategies to implement is to 'live in the moment'. Your true power is here and now. So to prepare for this we need to have an action plan for each day. Start with one thing you are going to accomplish today. I keep a journal of each work day where I record what I need to complete that day and what I actually get done. Tasks that are not completed move to the next day's entry. This helps me to see my accomplishments and nothing gets 'dropped'. Another useful tool is the Outlook calendar, I use it to record all of my meetings, appointments, phone conferences and as a bring forward system. I have found it to be very advantageous to enter a task into the calendar and then be free from having to remember it, I let the technology work for me! By doing this I have freed up so much creative time that allows me to do some real thinking - not remembering. In addition to entering meetings with others, I also use the calendar for meeting with me:) I have decided that I am just as important and in order to honor my commitments to myself I schedule them in just as I would a commitment to you!
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Taking Action!
Here is your challenge. Ten is a good number, so sit down and write out ten goals for yourself, and help your children to do the same. Write these out every day, and practice the habit of committing these to memory and taking action. It has been said that you must do something faithfully for 21 days to make it a habit, so I challenge you to do this for one month, every day, even on weekends. Who knows, you might be surprised where you are in one month!
Monday, January 19, 2009
Effective Goals
When you begin to write your goals you want to carefully check each one to ensure you have included the details necessary to make them S.M.A.R.T. Goals. In order to be effective the goal must have the characteristics outlined in yesterday's post.
Today I would like to share some examples of non-effective and effective goals.
Non-effective:
I am a good mom.
Effective:
I spend at least 15 minutes each day with my children, one on one, listening to them.
Non-effective:
I don’t procrastinate.
Effective
I use my time wisely and productively each day by accomplishing the tasks I set out to do.
Non-effective:
I am getting into great shape.
Effective:
I will lose 7 lbs. by the end of the month by exercising 20 minutes every morning and eating more raw fruits and vegetables.
If you are interested in received the SMART Goal Tracker, a very effective tool to help you with the process of setting goals please email me at delder@setthemupforsuccess.com and I will be happy to send it to you!
Enjoy your day:)
Today I would like to share some examples of non-effective and effective goals.
Non-effective:
I am a good mom.
Effective:
I spend at least 15 minutes each day with my children, one on one, listening to them.
Non-effective:
I don’t procrastinate.
Effective
I use my time wisely and productively each day by accomplishing the tasks I set out to do.
Non-effective:
I am getting into great shape.
Effective:
I will lose 7 lbs. by the end of the month by exercising 20 minutes every morning and eating more raw fruits and vegetables.
If you are interested in received the SMART Goal Tracker, a very effective tool to help you with the process of setting goals please email me at delder@setthemupforsuccess.com and I will be happy to send it to you!
Enjoy your day:)
Sunday, January 18, 2009
S.M.A.R.T. Goals
To begin this process, you need to decide on your goals, write them down, commit them to memory, and then determine a plan to achieve them. We use the SMART goal method – you may have encountered this before.
SMART is an acronym:
S pecific
M easurable
A ction
R elevant/Realistic
T ime Specific
So let’s talk about SMART goals. First, they must be specific. This means you must detail exactly what you want. For example, it is not enough to say, “I want to lose weight.” You must state exactly how much weight you want to lose.
Goals must be measurable. In order to determine success, you need to be able to measure your progress so, make sure you can measure where you start and where you end.
All successful goals require action. If you do not change your behavior, you cannot expect different results! So, you must take the proper kind of action, steps that will head you in the direction of success.
Goals also need to be relevant and realistic. A goal of losing 50 lbs. in a week is obviously not very realistic, but on the other hand, you must challenge yourself and ensure you are strecthing your limits in order to feel a sense of accomplishment. Your goals may include various areas of your life: physical, spiritual, emotional, etc., but they should be relevant to you.
And lastly, they must be time specific. You need to set a deadline. This will keep you focused and on target. You may have long-term and short-term goals that you are working at the same time, but always give yourself a date or deadline for the completion of each goal.
Remember these guidelines:
1) State the goal as if you already have it.
2) State the goal in the positive.
3) Use I statements.
Tomorrow we will look at the difference between effective and non-effective goals.
Enjoy your Sunday:)
SMART is an acronym:
S pecific
M easurable
A ction
R elevant/Realistic
T ime Specific
So let’s talk about SMART goals. First, they must be specific. This means you must detail exactly what you want. For example, it is not enough to say, “I want to lose weight.” You must state exactly how much weight you want to lose.
Goals must be measurable. In order to determine success, you need to be able to measure your progress so, make sure you can measure where you start and where you end.
All successful goals require action. If you do not change your behavior, you cannot expect different results! So, you must take the proper kind of action, steps that will head you in the direction of success.
Goals also need to be relevant and realistic. A goal of losing 50 lbs. in a week is obviously not very realistic, but on the other hand, you must challenge yourself and ensure you are strecthing your limits in order to feel a sense of accomplishment. Your goals may include various areas of your life: physical, spiritual, emotional, etc., but they should be relevant to you.
And lastly, they must be time specific. You need to set a deadline. This will keep you focused and on target. You may have long-term and short-term goals that you are working at the same time, but always give yourself a date or deadline for the completion of each goal.
Remember these guidelines:
1) State the goal as if you already have it.
2) State the goal in the positive.
3) Use I statements.
Tomorrow we will look at the difference between effective and non-effective goals.
Enjoy your Sunday:)
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Wishes
Before we continue with any more discussion about goal setting I want you to stop and complete your Wish List. Imagine if you will that Aladdin has just arrived and is standing in front of you with his lamp. You rub it and out pops the Genie. But instead of offering you 3 wishes he asks you to make 101.
In this exercise you will write down your 101 wishes preferably in your journal (we have fantastic journals for sale that include a section for your goals, gratitude journaling and your wish lists, if you are interested please email delder@setthemupforsuccess.com or call 1-866-429-5951 to order your own copy - each book is individually made, no two are the same. This also makes the perfect gift for a friend or loved one.)
This exercise can be a little tricky, we suggest you take your time and think big! What do you really want, think about all areas of your life and don't be shy - if you can conceive it and believe it, you can acheive it! Let this tool help you with the process. But here is the best part, once you have completed your wish list 10 wishes will come true within 2 weeks. Why? Well, instead of concentrating on what you don’t want, this exercise helps you to focus on what you do want. Anything you want is right there and available for you – you just have to decide that it is what you want in your life. After you have completed your list goal setting is much easier becuase you have just defined, in great detail, what you want. One word of caution, if you waste your wishes on silly items, you only reduce the tremendous effects of this exercise.
In this exercise you will write down your 101 wishes preferably in your journal (we have fantastic journals for sale that include a section for your goals, gratitude journaling and your wish lists, if you are interested please email delder@setthemupforsuccess.com or call 1-866-429-5951 to order your own copy - each book is individually made, no two are the same. This also makes the perfect gift for a friend or loved one.)
This exercise can be a little tricky, we suggest you take your time and think big! What do you really want, think about all areas of your life and don't be shy - if you can conceive it and believe it, you can acheive it! Let this tool help you with the process. But here is the best part, once you have completed your wish list 10 wishes will come true within 2 weeks. Why? Well, instead of concentrating on what you don’t want, this exercise helps you to focus on what you do want. Anything you want is right there and available for you – you just have to decide that it is what you want in your life. After you have completed your list goal setting is much easier becuase you have just defined, in great detail, what you want. One word of caution, if you waste your wishes on silly items, you only reduce the tremendous effects of this exercise.
Friday, January 16, 2009
The path to success
When I was in my 30’s, I had some “revelations.” I realized that there is incredible value in setting goals. On my journey to understand success, I spent quite a bit of time researching successful people, their concepts and strategies. One of the overwhelmingly common characteristics that successful people share is goal setting. Up until this point, I had been aware of goal setting but I had never really done it formally. Sure, I had New Year's resolutions like everyone else, but I had no formal training in the process required to set goals that lead to success.
After studying the works of Napoleon Hill, it became increasingly obvious to me that to accomplish what I want, I need to focus on it, commit it to memory, and act upon it immediately. One of the terms that Hill uses is Definiteness of Purpose. This term requires total commitment to a goal by focusing your daily thoughts on the attainment of your goal. When we turn our mind loose and allow it to work on our clearly articulated 'definateness of purpose', what we need always becomes available. So, determine your definiteness of purpose, focus on it and keep the faith!
After studying the works of Napoleon Hill, it became increasingly obvious to me that to accomplish what I want, I need to focus on it, commit it to memory, and act upon it immediately. One of the terms that Hill uses is Definiteness of Purpose. This term requires total commitment to a goal by focusing your daily thoughts on the attainment of your goal. When we turn our mind loose and allow it to work on our clearly articulated 'definateness of purpose', what we need always becomes available. So, determine your definiteness of purpose, focus on it and keep the faith!
Thursday, January 15, 2009
The power of affirmations
Positive self talk is one of the many tools our children need to be independent, successful, and self-regulated. We need to get them to the place where they are able to stay positive and the discussion they have with themselves is upbeat. We are not always going to be there when they need us to infuse them with a big dose of ‘I think you are wonderful’! I want my daughters to have a self talk 'tape' that is already programmed to feed them the affirmations they need to overcome any obstacles life throws their way. We need to remember Garbage In = Garbage Out! Part of our responsibility is to ensure that the positive self talk tapes for our children are primed and ready to go! One way I do this is to compose a daily affirmation for my daughters and my students. This quick upbeat message is intended to be a deposit of positive self talk. Each morning my kids copy the affirmation in their goal books and it serves to help them stay positive throughout the day.
All affirmations are written in the present as if you already possess what is being described. Develop the ‘I can do it’ attitude! For example:
• I am loveable at any age.
• I am capable of learning anything.
• I have abundant energy.
• I know if I help enough people get what they want, I will always get what I need.
• I am a good friend.
A particularly good idea is to have your child personalize these affirmations by writing down their biggest self-limiting belief. You’re looking for the negative thoughts that they find themselves repeating over and over in their heads. For example, “I’m not very good at math.” Have them cross this out and write down the exact opposite using an “I” statement. Put it in the present tense. The shift would look like this, “I am great at math!” When the child is tempted to think the “garbage” thoughts, they will learn to repeat the new affirmation by the regular habit of writing it out. Anybody can write an affirmation, keep it short, positive and real to you – good luck!
Remember what Henry Ford said:
“If you think you can, you are right. If you think you can’t, you are also right!”
If you would like to be added to our daily affirmation list please email info@setthemupforsuccess.com and we will be more than happy to get you on our list!
All affirmations are written in the present as if you already possess what is being described. Develop the ‘I can do it’ attitude! For example:
• I am loveable at any age.
• I am capable of learning anything.
• I have abundant energy.
• I know if I help enough people get what they want, I will always get what I need.
• I am a good friend.
A particularly good idea is to have your child personalize these affirmations by writing down their biggest self-limiting belief. You’re looking for the negative thoughts that they find themselves repeating over and over in their heads. For example, “I’m not very good at math.” Have them cross this out and write down the exact opposite using an “I” statement. Put it in the present tense. The shift would look like this, “I am great at math!” When the child is tempted to think the “garbage” thoughts, they will learn to repeat the new affirmation by the regular habit of writing it out. Anybody can write an affirmation, keep it short, positive and real to you – good luck!
Remember what Henry Ford said:
“If you think you can, you are right. If you think you can’t, you are also right!”
If you would like to be added to our daily affirmation list please email info@setthemupforsuccess.com and we will be more than happy to get you on our list!
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
The importance of affirmations
When my children leave to go out into the world, I don't want there to be any really big surprises – at least no bad ones! I want them to look around and say to themselves – “Yep, this is exactly what I was expecting!” I believe that part of our job as parents is to allow our children to experience as many life lessons with us as possible. Let me explain what I mean. There are definite life lessons and the earlier in life you learn these, the less they cost.
Take for example the story of my friend whose son had acquired a great deal of money from birthdays and a summer job. He wanted to spend that money in November on a popular computer game system which, if had he waited, would probably have been updated and possibly under his tree at Christmas. Mom’s idea was to tell him that under no such circumstances could he spend that money so foolishly.
I countered with, “So how would you respond if your boss handed you your pay check and said, ‘And don’t be buying any shoes this weekend. That is not what this money is for’”
She answered, “But I am an adult.”
“And when are you going to let him learn how to be one?” I asked.
She did relent after a very long discussion to spread out her safety net and let him learn this life lesson with her. As I predicted, by February he came to her and shared his disappointment in his decision. Not only was she not the bad guy, he learned a valuable lesson. Allowing him to stub his toe on this decision will possibly prevent a broken leg in the future. His ‘broken leg’ might have looked like a house he could not afford that she would now be expected to make the mortgage payments on, or a car he could not insure. In addition to this, she was not the ‘bad guy’ who would not let him buy what he wanted with his money! Talk about a Win – Win solution!
Take for example the story of my friend whose son had acquired a great deal of money from birthdays and a summer job. He wanted to spend that money in November on a popular computer game system which, if had he waited, would probably have been updated and possibly under his tree at Christmas. Mom’s idea was to tell him that under no such circumstances could he spend that money so foolishly.
I countered with, “So how would you respond if your boss handed you your pay check and said, ‘And don’t be buying any shoes this weekend. That is not what this money is for’”
She answered, “But I am an adult.”
“And when are you going to let him learn how to be one?” I asked.
She did relent after a very long discussion to spread out her safety net and let him learn this life lesson with her. As I predicted, by February he came to her and shared his disappointment in his decision. Not only was she not the bad guy, he learned a valuable lesson. Allowing him to stub his toe on this decision will possibly prevent a broken leg in the future. His ‘broken leg’ might have looked like a house he could not afford that she would now be expected to make the mortgage payments on, or a car he could not insure. In addition to this, she was not the ‘bad guy’ who would not let him buy what he wanted with his money! Talk about a Win – Win solution!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
