I was inspired during church today while my friends and musicians were performing on stage, artist Julie Vogt painted this picture (starting it upside down and then turning it over to finish) in less than 5 minutes. The talk was about imagination… Just imagine how connecting with so many talented people can change your persepctive?…
Now that the weather is getting nicer, more and more people are getting outside. They are doing yard work, walking their dogs, watching their kids play. Don’t forget that chance encounters with neighbors can be networking events. I am not saying that you should go out and sell every neighbor your products or services, but…
A good quality headshot is an investment, not an expense. Making sure it’s current is also important. When I meet face-to-face with someone for the first time, I normally go to their LinkedIn profile to see a current picture of what they look like. It’s an investment between $50 to $250 that could make the difference…
It’s not always about who you can connect with. Often you can make a bigger impact by inviting someone that other can connect with others to your networking events. As you meet new people, try to find places for them to fit in and think of good connections for others in your networking circles. It…
Networking is a participation sport. The goal (hockey) is to get to know people and get them to know you. You can bank it in off the backboard (basketball) by asking someone you already know to introduce you to someone you don’t. So take a swing (baseball) at getting to know someone new. You never…
I was walking our dog Buddy Guy, when I spotted some recycles. It was a pile of books! If I did not have a dog in one hand and a bag of business in the other I would have gathered them up and brought them home. Knowledge, like a book is meant to be shared,…
But if you try hard enough… you can spell “ME”. One of the best parts of giving of yourself, is what you can learn from others. You can learn humility, how to listen, how to be a stronger and better “U”. Networking is about being part of a bigger picture. You can learn that being…
We all want to stand out, but for the right reasons. Do something unusual like changing up your 30 second elevator speech, wear a unique outfit or article of clothing, or use props when meeting people. Keep it simple, non controversial, and unique. Make sure you explain your method behind the madness. It can be…
Social Media is about – Social First and Media Second. If you know someone has a hobby, or in some cases an obsession, share things you find throughout your day like pictures, links, and the like. They will appreciate it and their friends will chime in. Creating connections is all about people, and being social…
If you want to make a special impression in business… use their name. When we arrived for my wife’s birthday dinner at a fine restaurant, we were promptly seated and handed personalized menus. Needless to say, it made the dinner that more special. So look for opportunities to recognize and personalize, and make that special…