Brian Basilico is a nationally recognized author and speaker (and a self professed geek). He’s the founder and president of B2b Interactive Marketing Inc., an award winning marketing consulting and production company in Aurora, Illinois. B2b helps companies and non-profits market their products and services through the effective use of online tools including: websites, blogs, eMail, social networking, Google, S.E.O., YouTube, and more.
Now is a time of reflection. Not only is it a time to look back but look forward. If you are looking back, what things have you learned about yourself and your business over the last year? If you are looking forward, how can you take what you have learned and use that to grow…
I have said it before, “If your want to piss off 50% of your audience, talk about politics or religion.” You may feel or believe you are right, but that does not give you the right to tell others what to believe. Hanukkah, Kwanza, Christmas (or earlier holidays like Ramadan) are just as valid to…
Love them or hate them, you can’t choose your family. Sometimes you have to treat networking the same way. You don’t have to like everyone and everyone does not have to like you. Do your best to get along and function as a unit! Give it your best and do all that you can do…
What are your favorite holiday foods? My wife makes something called Party Beans” which are baked beans topped with bacon. They are legendary. Maybe it’s eggnog, pigs in blankets, cookies, or pecan pie. Food can be as much a part of the holidays as any other tradition. Sharing is caring!
There are times that I wish we lived in a warmer climate… then I see a snowman. There are certain things that make the holidays and winter special. Where ever you are, they are conversation starters. Get out there, experience the season and share it with others. We all live in a winter wonderland (even…
Do men’s or women’s groups make sense in networking? Of course they do. Men can have specific challenges. Women can have specific challenges. Together they face different challenges. Sometimes it makes sense to split up and talk amongst yourselves, and other times it makes sense to come together and embrace common grounds!
The spirit of Santa is everywhere. He sees you when you’re sleeping, he knows when you’re awake. But more importantly… he brings presents to everyone and expects nothing in return. What if we all treated networking the same way? Give unconditionally and expect nothing in return? Make sure you leave out some milk and cookies!
One of the fun things that people do during holiday parties is the White Elephant gift exchanges. This is where you give a gift of value, but can often lead to laughs and conversations. The best thing to can do is embrace the goofy gift and laugh! Sharing pictures only extends the fun to your…
Part of the allure of being in groups all year long is getting to let your business hair down, and have a little fun! You may not be able to make them all… but do your best to get out there and meet people in fun, holiday settings. Give people (and yourself) the opportunity to…
Sometimes I am in the band and sometimes I am in the audience. Either way I appreciate both perspectives. It’s a rare opportunity to wear two sets of shoes… sometimes both at the same time. Perspective is a conditional condition… appreciate both sides!