We’ve all done it at a meeting or at an event: dominated a conversation. It’s easy to do: someone (or no one) is talking, so you feel you have to fill the air. Well, why don’t you say a few choice words to start the conversation and step back? While you may like hearing yourself […]
Knowing When to Talk and When to Listen Read More »
The other night we were watching an MLB Network special with Bob Costas and Jerry Seinfeld that was an examination and discussion around the “Who’s On First?” comedy routine performed by Abbott and Costello. It is amazing how relevant this routine and the discussion is to networking. From working a room to starting and maintaining
Comedy, Conversation and Networking Read More »
“Hi, I’m here for the networking event.” “Sure. Are you a member of non-member? Non-members are $15.” “Ok. Here’s my credit card.” “Sorry. We only take cash or a check.” This last line was followed by silence. A long silence. In this day and age of Square and PayPal and other mobile POS solutions, they
Lessons from the line at a networking event Read More »
So just why do you recommend someone? Is it because they recommended you? Do they owe you a favor? Do you owe them? Or do you genuinely value their work ethic and skills? Whatever the case, a recommendation really needs to be honest and sincere and be for an ethical reason. Seriously, would you recommend
Writing Recommendations Read More »
Creating the right environment for your peers, colleagues, friends and acquaintances in which to interact can be a tall order. Creating that same environment as a way to recruit new members adds to the challenge. Over the past few years, the Dallas chapter of the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) have created a simple
A Working Formula for a Networking Happy Hour Read More »
How many times do you have to present yourself to your clients and prospects before it really sinks in who you are and what you do? some say three times, others say six times. I had a friend in the PR business tell me one time it nine times (the “novena,” my Catholic friend would
Repetition and Being Recognized Read More »
As networkers, we are always looking for the next thing, that edge that will help us succeed further. This morning I happened upon a story about what successful people do before breakfast and it go me to thinking: Am I using my day to the fullest and best that I can? As it points out
Using Your Time Well Read More »
As we all know, the spoken word has power. Hearing someone’s voice out loud and in person is half of a conversation–what real networking is all about. But when you can’t reach someone in person, we resort to using other tools. You are reading this blog right now as an alternative to being in the
Podcasts as an Outreach Read More »
The other day I had the opportunity to spend time with an elderly relative. The experience was humbling to say the least. But more importantly it taught me a lesson instantly. I had to listen carefully and patiently and formulate clear responses. The experience helped me understand the importance of paying attention to the one
You are an effective networker and you have a personal brand–can you build one without detracting from the other? There are four elements that make up your personal brand within a networking context: Being a listener. How you dress and your outward appearance. What makes you different or your collective differentiators. Making a strong first
Building Your Personal Networking Brand Read More »
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