Grocery Shopping…
You never know where and when you may run into a networking contact… the gas station, the mall, a restaurant, a grocery store, or walking your dog! Always be ready to network because business people have lives beyond work!
What’s Your Sign?
Is there something that defines your and your business that can be visualized. Jenny Zack from Welcome Home Batavia, finds signs, welcome mats, trinkets and more, and takes pictures of them. Then she shares the photos on her social media (like Facebook). It creates an excellent visual reminder of her brand that connects her services…
B.A.L.D. is Beautiful
I went to an awesome networking event today. It included an activity called B.A.L.D. (Buy A Local Deal). People sold products or services at a discount at either a $25 or $50 price point. It created awareness and generated sales for a bunch of small local businesses. Thanks to Ellen Huxtable of Advantage Business Concepts…
Check In…
If you are at a networking meeting or event, take a quick minute to jump on your cell phone or iPad and Check into the location where you are at. It serves two purposes… 1) Let’s people in your network know you are actively networking. 2) It helps to promote the restaurant or facility (they…
3 Words or Less…
In one of the networking groups I manage, we can have between 30 and 50 people show up. With an hour long meeting… if everyone gave their full 30 second (more like 1 minute) elevator speech, we would have no time for presentations! I ask them “Describe your business in 3 words or less”. Could…
Contact Management
Your Contact Manager is a wealth of information… especially when it’s synced across all your devices. Have a Home Base (like you computer)… then make sure your check them regularly for old , out of date data, and update regularly. That way, when you need the information, you have the correct contact info in the…
Politics & Religion…
You may think your political joke may be an “Ice Breaker”, but it may just be a “Deal Breaker”. Unless you are at a political or religious event, you are, more often than not, going to offend 50% of your audience. No one is telling you to change your passionate views… just be aware that…
Twitter Profile Pic
Did you know that you can now add a profile header picture to Twitter? Here’s the specs – Recommended dimensions of 1252×626 – Maximum file size of 5MB. Here’s a link to learn more. You can still add a background photo and profile picture. It’s just a new creative way to make your twitter profile stand out!…
Herding Cats…
Sometimes networking can feel like herding cats. The harder you chase them… the faster they run away. Treat people more like canines. Acknowledge them (say “Hi”), sniff them (ask questions), let them sniff you (give them a chance to speak), pet them (let them know “How nice it is to meet you”!), then walk away.…
Be the Google…
The more you network… the more people you meet and know. Try your best to be a resource to both. Even if it does nothing to promote you and your business, try to make connections. You never know when someone might just return the favor!