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
August 19th, 2008
By Norine Dagliano
Once I recovered from a ten-year marriage that ended - much like being fired when the employer decides you are no longer an asset to the company - I decided I had gone long enough without a steady relationship and I joined a dating service. During the course of a year I had 42 blind dates - and just like a job seeker who racks up plenty of interviews (but few offers), I learned a lot about what it takes to succeed.
Networking is a great way to meet more people and uncover more interview opportunities. Let those in your immediate network know you are in the market for a new relationship and ask them to tell others in their network what you have to offer. Never turn down an opportunity for an interview. Through every interviewing experience you learn more about the market and yourself while you make contacts that lead you to more opportunities.
We are more attracted to people who show an interest in who we are, what we do, and what we need. Instead of talking incessantly about yourself and what you want and need in a relationship, show more interest in the person on the other side of the table and discuss ways you can fulfill his/her needs.
Holding on to anger from previously failed relationships is not an attractive quality. If you were fired/RIFed/replaced, accept it, and move on. Desperation also is not an attractive quality. Sure you want a new relationship, but if you let the other person know that you are willing to do anything and take anything, you appeared damaged and undesirable.
How you dress for the interview reveals a lot about your personality and how you feel about yourself. If you dress "old" and look "old" you will be seen as someone who is too set in their ways. Likewise, if you show up at a five-star restaurant in a t-shirt and jeans you will come across as uncaring or just plain ignorant!
Don’t try to hide what you perceive as potential barriers to securing a long-term relationship. If you are over 40, have kids, or different life goals you hope to attain, don’t try to hide it - once you are in the relationship, these things will reveal themselves. Decide what will be the next step after the initial meeting. If you are not interested in the second interview, say so. Don’t say you will call unless you are going to call.
Pay attention to those subtle clues that this relationship may not be good for you and walk away. Listen to your "gut" and don’t second guess your instincts. Don’t repeat previous mistakes in the hopes of righting previous wrongs.
Know what you are looking for and you will find it more quickly. If you can visualize - in minute detail - what that ideal relationship looks like, you will confidently discard those that do not measure up and recognize the right fit when it comes along.
Unfortunately, it took me longer than it should have to learn these things, but I had only been in one long-term relationship and my dating experiences were pretty limited. I was getting a lot of poor advice from others who also had limited dating experience and there were no "dating coaches" I could turn to for guidance. As a result, it took me 42 blind dates to finally assemble the correct tools and techniques and execute a targeted search that led me to my ideal relationship.
I am happy to report that I just celebrated my 16th anniversary in this relationship, and although life offers no guarantees, I can assure you that we are both committed to making this one last!
ekm Inspirations provides new grads and experienced professionals with career tools, coaching and resources to help in their job search and career management. Visit the website at http://www.ekminspirations.com
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By Jennifer Gniadecki -- 1 comment
August 18th, 2008
It’s the new year, and changing jobs or careers may be one of your resolutions. To paraphrase the old saying, who you know can be just as important as what you know. You may be skilled at some trade and be able to do it well, but jobs may be hard to come by.
In fact, it’s well documented that the want ads in your local newspaper only represent about 15% of available jobs. If you go to an employment agency, that number isn’t much different. Around 80% of positions that become available are never advertised, because they are filled before they need to be. So how do you find those jobs? You find them by building a network.
Networking involves meeting people who work in the career that you want to get into. These are the people who know about the unadvertised positions available with a company. By getting to know them (as they get to know you) and then asking every so often if work is available, your chances of finding a job increase dramatically, for a few reasons.
For one, if you are the only person who knows about a job, and the potential employer knows you are qualified and persistent in asking about it, they may not even bother to advertise it, so you won’t have to compete for the job with other applicants. Also, your chances of getting a response from the company are better since they know you. When jobs are advertised in the paper, many times the employer asks applicants not to call. However, if a boss knows you and is expecting your call, they are more willing to talk to you and discuss employment.
If you are interested in a particular field of work, start meeting people in that field. For example, if you want to get into a job writing for the local newspaper, call or go by their headquarters and
introduce yourself. Ask to take someone who works there out to lunch and get to know them. Find out the best way to get involved in that career and stay in touch with that person. Ask if you may contact them periodically to learn if there is a position open with that company. The better you get to know someone, and the more persistent (not nagging) you are, the more likely they will let you know when something becomes available.
Don’t just pick one business or organization and network with them. Shop around and make contacts with several companies. One place may not have an opening, but the competitor down the street may be looking for someone.
Once you land the job, you know what to do next. Work hard, make a budget and save money, save money and save more money. Good luck!
This content is provided by Dave Ramsey’s MyTotalMoneyMakeover.com. Dave Ramsey is changing the face of America by helping people beat debt and build wealth with his best-selling book, The Total Money Makeover, and nationally syndicated radio show, The Dave Ramsey Show. Check out what Dave says about debt.
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By Jennifer Gniadecki -- 0 comments
August 16th, 2008
If you go out over the weekend, see what’s going on in your town!
This weekend in my town we’re having a Dog Days celebration – a dog parade, dog look alike contest, and all kinds of fun things for kids and adults.
There will be booths – in every one of those booths will be a decision maker. Owner, manager, or someone that knows the person to talk to at every company. Not all of them will be dog-oriented companies, either.
Use summer to meet more business owners. They’re just sitting behind that booth wishing someone would talk to them – be that person!
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By Jennifer Gniadecki -- 0 comments
August 15th, 2008
Are you on LinkedIn?
Go through your list of people and find one you can ask for a recommendation. Even if you already have a recommendation, ask someone else for one. Write the note to them, don’t just send out a generic one. Let the person you’re asking them for a reason.
Also, remember it’s okay to let them know what to focus on.
- “Would you give me a recommendation, please?” is okay.
- “Would you please write a short recommendation that focuses on my integrity? I really appreciate it, and I’m asking you because we worked well together and you know my integrity better than anyone!” Is awesome.
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By Jennifer Gniadecki -- 0 comments
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