August 31st, 2008
Do you ever go for a walk in your neighborhood? If you do, why not take a seat in one of those cool benches you may have on your main street and take note of businesses.
Some of those businesses are ones you might be able to help.
The ones in good repair probably have money in the budget for whatever it is you do. The ones that aren’t as well kept probably really need your help if you’re a marketer or sell ad space or do things that revitalize a business and bring in more clients.
Being observant can help, but the only way you’ll really see what’s going on in your backyard is to sit down or stop walking for a moment and really look at what’s going on around you.
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By Jennifer Gniadecki -- 0 comments
August 29th, 2008
Doing a lot of networking can quickly fill your business card holder with the cards of a lot of people in many different fields. One of the goals at every networking event should be to connect with someone who can provide some value to you in the future. That being said, a business card in your collection, or an email address in your contacts does have a shelf life.
If you know that someone you met while networking will be useful later be sure to stay in contact with them. Not a constant flurry of calls and emails, but a touch here and there so they remember who you are, and why they liked talking to you at the networking function. Don’t be the networker who sends and email a year after talking to someone asking for some free advice or help. You will come off as being rude and demanding. If you know that you are going to want to get something out of an old contact make sure to rekindle the bond and test the state of the relationship before you ask for advice.
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By Jennifer Gniadecki -- 0 comments
August 28th, 2008
Attend enough networking events and you are bound to run across someone who has the fake-it-till-you-make-it philosophy. They talk a big game, use all the right language, and seem to know what they are talking about. They do a good job at figuring out whose business is similar to theirs and make sure they don’t end up in the same conversation as the more experienced person in their field. They know just enough about something most people do not know anything about and they use that to turn you into a prospect.
Although any person starting out in a new business doesn’t want to announce to the room they just started doing what it is they are there representing they do not want to fake it either. Faking it is not only be misleading, but the opportunities for it to backfire abound.
When I first began networking I was doing Internet marketing plans for small local businesses and virtual clients. At one of the first networking events I attended there was someone talking to everyone about this great program where you could promote someone else’s product on the web and when someone buys you get a cut, affiliate marketing. I told her I did similar work, explained by basic ‘Net cred’, and then listened to her fake it for a few minutes while I stood there wondering if she really even understood what she was promoting. Here was the trap she fell into, she faked it thinking that what I did was design and programming, not marketing and networking.
There is only one real way to avoid this pitfall, only talk about the things you know about. Do not try to use networking as a way to promote a new thing you are trying out to see if it works, the relationships you ruin along the way and the bad impressions you leave will never be made up for with quick sales or tons of bad leads.
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By Jennifer Gniadecki -- 0 comments
August 27th, 2008
Many companies have team building events or celebrations where everybody in the company gets together to get away from the office and blow off some steam. From sports game outings, to an afternoon at a local bar/restaurant, to charity events the events your company holds are your chance to bond with members of other departments and parts of your company. Treat every company event like a networking event and you will find that when a person from another department is looking for your department’s expertise you will be the one they turn to.
While the brown-nosers are huddled around the owners and managers trying to strut their stuff make it a point to take the time to get to know one person from each department a little bit better. Find the things you both like and build a bond with that person that goes beyond just being co-workers who only interact a few times a month. Turn that person into the guy you chat to about the new CD being released, or the gal you IM when you hear about a great new movie coming out. Make the connection with your coworkers just like you would at a networking event, and you will find your work days more enjoyable as you build relationships with those you work with.
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By Jennifer Gniadecki -- 0 comments
August 26th, 2008
Even if you don’t want to network directly with Chamber folks (they can be a little stuffy) you can ask them about other events. As long as you’re polite and don’t tell them it’s because they’re stuffy you’ll do fine!
You can also check if there are business listings on your Chamber’s website. Then call a company that sounds like someone you want to network with, call up, and ask where they network.
You may not know what’s going on in your area, but someone does. You just need to find them.
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By Jennifer Gniadecki -- 0 comments
August 25th, 2008
I was meandering around the Internet today looking at how companies talk about each other.
Wow. Did I find some examples of poor blog writing as well as some massive smack-talking!
Now, you know that I’m the first person to jump up in a room and say that negativity never works. But, let’s be honest, now and then everyone says bad things about other companies. Perhaps even people they wish were competitors. If you do this, you have to make sure you’re not committing the same faux pas you are accusing other companies of doing. You need to make sure your righteous indignation is well placed and you aren’t playing “I’m rubber, you’re glue!” Because it will come back and stick right to you.
In this post there is a list of people that the owner of this “company” takes to task for using NAMES for their products! Here are a few tips if you’re going to talk poorly about other websites using jargon:
- Using the term “media agnostic” to describe your company. Agnostic means “a person who denies or doubts the possibility of ultimate knowledge in some area of study.” (dictionary.com) So if no one can have ultimate knowledge, why shouldn’t everyone just do it themselves? Or, you know, wing it completely. Because you are basically admitting you don’t know what works.
- If you were really anti-jargon, I can’t imagine one would call their company “an independent consortium of outstanding experts in branding and marketing execution” because THAT is the ultimate in jargon.
- If you’re a company that claims any expertise in branding, how about having a domain name that’s, you know, your company name. That’s not smoke and mirrors, it’s common sense. People are going to think Tugboat and then type in tugboat…where are you? You’re not on Google, I couldn’t find you. That’s generally why companies choose names that aren’t, you know, nouns.
- Basically, it’s a company that specializes in branding but does not have a defined target market. Jack of all trades, master of none. I’d much rather deal with a company that used jargon and specialized in one or two things than a company that uses jargon, gets negative about others using jargon, and not having a niche focus. Maybe you can’t have a niche if you’re “media agnostic.”
But, you know, it’s okay because they can “step in at any point during the process to add value in a variety of capacities.” Uh huh. Yeah. What you said.
Mostly my problem is a branding company talking smack about other branding companies when their site is pathetic and they don’t even get all the names right. Beyond that, my secondary concern is that if you have a proprietary technology, she’s saying you shouldn’t give it a name because that’s just jargon.
If she believed that so whole-heartedly, why not just name your company your name. If you’re going to make a stand and name other companies, you really need to make sure you are a purist in that philosophy.
A branding company that doesn’t have good branding…really…that’s living in a glass house and throwing boulders. Just sayin’
Maybe this post will give her some much-needed traffic. Because the “what NOT to do” examples are always fun. They help the rest of us learn.
The worst part is, now that she’s thrown down the gauntlet, what happens when she runs into these people at networking events? All the companies she talked about are either Chicago-based or have an office in Chicago (When I say Chicago, I mean Chicagoland, and her company is there too.) Will she casually forget she talked poorly about their companies in public? Will she just brush it off and make the excuse that she needed content for the blog? How will that look if in the group she has to explain herself in there is another person that could have been a potential client. Or will these other companies have reps that just look at her with that, “Oh, poor thing, tried to get traffic on our backs.” look. Man. You would think if she was going to throw stones, they wouldn’t be local stones, but I guess she’s trying to get clients. By being negative.
This is just an example of bad online networking at its finest.
How about your blog? Do you tear people down or do you bring yourself up? Or do you have the best of intentions but accidentally make a snide comment here and there? (I think we all know which category I fall into! LOL – Oh, was that me tripping on my moment of snark?)
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By Jennifer Gniadecki -- 3 comments
August 23rd, 2008
By Chi Chi Okezie
Professionals, entrepreneurs and students alike can benefit greatly from networking as an avenue for business and social success. Learning to network with confidence and purpose are keys to succeeding in all aspects of networking. Individuals should be focused on making great first impressions, being professional, communicating well with others and developing their skills and talents. Although, these are ideal for any networker, individual must guard themselves on how they conduct their conversations and build relationships with their counterparts. Asking the wrong question, can give off the wrong impression which can lead to a terrible domino effect.
Listed below are questions that professionals, students, and entrepreneurs should avoid asking at networking events.
#1 How much money do you make?
Unless you work for the IRS or handle some type of census, avoid this question at all costs. Networking events are designed to encourage professionals to connect through business and social matters. Asking too many personal questions can create tension and bad feelings. While networking professionals should try and respect the privacy and personal lives of their counterparts. If the discussion leads to personal finances and people are willing to share information, then that is ok. Otherwise, find other topics to discuss and engage in meaningful conversations.
#2 How do you get paid?
This question is very similar to the above question but also can create a negative impact or vibe to the conversation or networking environment. The question is too direct and harsh, especially if you are meeting someone for the first time. Once again, it is proper etiquette to respect the other person’s privacy and do not appear to be overbearing or unreasonably nosey. If you are interested in asking this type of question, there are ways to format it in a more professional and tasteful manner. For example, you can ask similar but not so offensive questions such as, "Where do you work?", "Who is your employer?", "How long have you been in your profession?", "What is your educational background?", "Do you do work outside of your full time or present job?". These type of questions can allude to how your counterpart makes their income.
#3 What do you do?
This might surprise many readers, but the actual question is not bad or offensive it is just the tone or manner in which it is asked. If you ask the question as though you are un-interested or just trying to push time, then it can really change the mood of the conversation. Some people ask the question as a challenge to compare skills, abilities, backgrounds or status. So it is important to state the question properly and show a genuine interest in your counterpart. Similar and less offensive questions can include, "What is your profession?", "Who is your employer?", "What do you like about your job or career?", "What is your formal training and how does it relate to your work?"
Chi Chi Okezie is owner/producer of SIMPLEnetworking, LLC in Metro-Atlanta, GA. Newly published author of "SIMPLEnetworking: Creating Opportunities… The new form of success!" View excerpts of the book and polish your professional approach: http://www.snseminars.com
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By Jennifer Gniadecki -- 1 comment
August 22nd, 2008
By Lori Feldman
There are 2 kinds of people in the world: Those who like Sunrise and those who’ve never seen a Sunrise.
Group one thrives on networking events–the earlier the better. Why? I’ve been to lots of networking events, and they’re all the same: meet, greet, elevator pitch, business card exchange. He who leaves with the biggest card deck wins. So what’s so special about socializing at daybreak?
Better question: Are networking events worth it? Have introductions you’ve leveraged or sales you’ve made from networking (assuming you’ve made any) worth the gasoline and time drain–regardless of time of day? And if everyone shows up looking for the best watering hole, are there any fish in the pond?
Here’s the interesting thing. After 20+ years of giving networking a chance, I still don’t know that answer.
But here’s what I do know:
- True networkers (the ones you see at every venue) are the most plugged-in, fun people I know. They know E-V-E-R-Y-T-H-I-N-G and everybody.
- They believe in “woo-woo” principles like “pay it forward” and “give to get.” They’re always first to introduce you to someone they know that you don’t. (Face it; if you met a big bore who tried to hard sell you, you’d dodge him like instant coffee, am I right? And wadyaknow, they’re ones who never show up again…sort of the networking equivalent of the Darwin Awards.)
- True networkers are curious. They want to know all about you, what you do, who you know (and not just where you went to high school). I once had an HR consultant advise me that I should only hire people who are curious because they make better, more invested employees. They see things that others don’t because they’re paying attention…they’re listening!
Are networking events worth it?
In my opinion, they have a place in the business promotion mix. We still live in a social society and eyeball-to-eyeball meetings still build relationships better than impersonal emails. Networking alone won’t pay the bills. But absence sends a loud and clear message: You’re not part of the inner circle.
I set high standards for my company’s networking activities. Here are a few:
- It’s in my Marketing Manager Golda Cohen’s job description to go to one networking event each week. Fortunately, Golda loves to schmooze.
- We focus on events that are attended by business owners with employees and “road warrior” sales reps, rather than multi-level marketers. Nothing against MLMs, but they’re not our customers.
- Events must take 2 hours or less, including drive time.
- You must meet and collect cards from at least 10-20 people that you don’t already know. (I’m not sure I could do this, but Golda manages it…ask her if you want to know how.) There is, of course, a follow-up database component to this rule. It’s the answer to, “What do I do with all these business cards I’m collecting?” I’ll cover that answer in my next newsletter.
- Only attend events with or sponsored by Big Mouths (refer to a-c above). My 3 favorite big mouths in St. Louis are: Karen Hoffman, Darlene Willman and Joe High. You’d kill for a peek into one of their databases. Each of these curious, generous big mouths (I say that with admiration) has a big networking event coming up. You should go. You must see professional networking in action. It’s inspiring.
If you’re curious, believe in “give to get” and want a networking buddy, invite me along. Just make sure the thing starts after 9am.
Lori Feldman is The Database Diva, http://www.TheDatabaseDiva.com. She helps business owners and sales professionals squeeze every drop of profits from customers they already have using proven database marketing principles. She is a recipient of the prestigious Direct Marketer of the Year Award from the Direct Marketing Assn. of St. Louis. Lori is a nationally recognized speaker on database marketing, mailing lists, CRM and drip marketing.
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By Jennifer Gniadecki -- 0 comments
August 21st, 2008
By Joe Wilcox
Networking is hugely important in the development of a new career, it’s not what you know - its who! Networking entails creating and maintaining a network of contacts, friends and acquaintances with who you can exchange both information and resources. Building these relationships with other people could get your next career break!
Looking at it from a employers perspective, employing someone who comes recommended is a lot less risk than someone who turns up in response to an advert. This is part of the reason many companies give bonuses for staff introducing someone to the company. That person is also more likely to have experience and skills in all the right areas!
Networking will also help you in the actual job you are doing as well as finding a new one. Networking is now an asked for skill from major employers.
So how do you go about expanding this network?
Most important is to talk to everyone you can about any possible career move you want to make, it’ll not only give you great advice on where to head and what to do, but will also put you at the front of your contacts mind when they see an opportunity.
Attend every function and networking opportunity that you can, many companies and professional organisations organise events for this very purpose. The more people you speak to the better.
Don’t expect instant pay-offs from this approach, leads may be few and far between - but they are much more likely to be suited to you when they arrive!
More at http://www.OneStepAheadCV.com
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By Jennifer Gniadecki -- 0 comments
August 20th, 2008
By Chi Chi Okezie
One of the keys to having a successful networking experience at events and meetings is to arrive on time. Although, it would be ideal to arrive early, arriving on time gives networkers a chance to take advantage of unique networking opportunities and meet people before the big crowd rush. But as a business professional, do you find yourself always running late to networking events and meetings? Do you always enter the room after the speaker or presentation is done? Do you find yourself standing up at the back of the room and never meeting the right people? Do you feel like events are not as beneficial as they could be?
If you answered yes to most of these questions, then time is a factor and critical issue that is affecting your networking endeavors. Learning to have better time management skills and being properly organized for networking events can improve your networking results greatly. Listed below are helpful tips that professionals, entrepreneurs and students can use to get the most of their networking experiences.
State of Mind
Before you attend another networking event, take some time to develop your ideas and mental capacity for the future event. Whether it is meditating, brainstorming or visualizing a successful event, take some quality to focus on the event. Decide what you want to accomplish from attending the event. Focus on the type of people you would like to meet and how that will impact your business, business relations or social status. Develop positive thoughts towards networking and achievable goals in your networking pursuits.
Networking Buddy
It could be possible that you may need some accountability or extra help in your networking endeavors. Professionals that battle with networking obstacles should consider a having a networking buddy or networking mentor. This is someone whom they can attend events with who are associated with their company, industry, profession or social sphere of influence. It is a motivating piece that can get you on track and improve your networking progress. Keeping connected with a networking buddy can also improve your networking outcomes and allow you to set higher goals and objectives for your networking endeavors.
Proper Preparation
In order to stay focused and prepared for networking events, this may involve professionals taking time to properly prepare. We encourage individuals to be conscious of the time, location and date of their networking events. Call or email ahead of time to confirm practical and useful information about networking events and ask to be updated on last minute changes. Also be aware of construction, traffic delays, increment weather and other issues that may cause you to be late for events and meetings.
Chi Chi Okezie is owner/producer of SIMPLEnetworking, LLC in Metro-Atlanta, GA. Newly published author of "SIMPLEnetworking: Creating Opportunities … The new form of success!" View excerpts of the book and polish your professional approach: http://www.snseminars.com
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By Jennifer Gniadecki -- 0 comments
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