OK, I can’t resist: it’s holiday season and time to review working a room. I was reminded of this as I spoke at my first holiday mixer of the year, the Dallas Association of Young Lawyers (DAYL) for the second year in a row, this time at Times 10 Cellars in the Lakewood neighborhood. (Shameless […]
Replay: Working a Room Read More »
Over the past month or so I have had projects that have required me to speak on the phone to people. While this may seem a novel thing to do in this age of email, texting, IM’ing, LinkedIn and other social media, when it came to getting an honest direct answer to my questions: It
So, who are you, really? Are you the person you think you are in your own head? Or are you the person people think you are? Or are you the person that you are when you are just being yourself? This past week I heard Kenny Rogers (the singer not the pitcher) on NPR’s Fresh
The Three Yous: Being Who You Really Are Read More »
We all have a tendency to look for our next client by casting a wide net, when in reality we may already know them. Take a look through your current contacts list and evaluate if someone you already know could be your next customer. Seriously, it can happen. In my own experience, I can cite
You Already Know Your Next Client Read More »
Recently a friend asked me to help her prepare a workshop. The workshop was aimed at job seekers and how they can best use networking to help them get the job they want. Every job seeking campaign, as with every marketing and sales campaign relies on these four elements: Strategies. Targeting. Techniques and tools. Practice.
The Job Seekers Toolkit 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 »
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
The most valuable thing you can do in a networking situation is pay attention. Not just to the people you are engaging, but to your surroundings. The short list of things that comprise this concept: Listening and hearing. Speaking carefully and sparingly. Focusing. Being aware of your time without being distracted. Listening and hearing are
Networking can be sliced and diced any number of ways. There is no one way to network or reach out to your prospects, clients and colleagues. However, you can categorize the types or levels of outreach. For example, there are different types of people you want to reach: Direct connections. Influencers. Referral sources. Sources of
Levels of Networking Read More »
