destination

All I’m looking for …

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All I’m looking for is the same as everyone else Charlie. More business, I’m looking for more interest in what I have to offer.

So what are you doing about that Ben?

OK, I’m online, I’m so social it’s become anti-social! I’m taking pics with my right hand and posting with my left. Likes, retweets, mentions, the lot! I even go networking, just like you, on occasion, when I get the time …

Ever think ‘balance’ Ben?

Anyone in business is fishing to some extent. The look-out for the opportunity that may just influence our business prospects should, as you demonstrate, be a constant part of our psyche. But hold on for a minute, don’t you think you may be overcooking the (anti) social stuff, just a little? Perhaps think about changing your fishing lure, think balance, Ben.

Quality over quantity?

Exactly, let’s cut down on the ambidextrous stuff(!) and concentrate on the quality of the message. After all, if you can help people with differentiation and what makes you different while spending some time on specifics, you may just begin to attract like-minded souls who may be able to help refer your offer.

Make your offer scarce Ben. Be that difference. Encourage your next best customer to come to you.

How do I define my difference?

Just as I said Ben, try and cut down on the blanket media messages. Be selective, focus on the ideal introduction you are looking for. Spend time with face to face networks, encourage dialogue, build the familiarity and the relationships. Ask questions, find your fit. Bring your character to the fore, encourage the trust to create the future opportunity.

We cannot be all to all people Ben.

Embrace the Process

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The trouble with the process?

Here’s the deal … a friend of mine has just found a certain amount of recognition with a rock band he is working with. See Nervus.

I’ve known him a while, since he was a youngster and when catching up recently I was pleasantly surprised to see the confident young fella he’d become. As a kid he wasn’t particularly keen on the company of people, he actually went out of his way to be less than social, preferring the association of just close friends. His bandmates.

Over recent years though, association and experience have contributed to this development. Now here before us is a fellow who has learned much from his fraternity/peers. Being in the company of those close friends and colleagues, being part of ‘a band’ of people with the same goals and following a given process have contributed to his success.

Not that success has been plain sailing … after all, it rarely is for those who become successful. There’s time spent failing, falling out, picking up again. Time developing the trust and intent among colleagues.

Similar can be said for the process of networking for the referral.

Most understand that networking is the process of engagement, developing relationships, trust and partnerships.

For some though, the net just doesn’t work for them.

Many of us in business find that a certain hiatus comes along in most strategic processes until any significant results are seen at all. Success is dependent on such things as product, service, clarity. Persistence. Trust. It depends on the message, the transparency and the “bizability” – the art of being on the spot, familiar to your audience and available for business.

What does it take to be successful at networking?

Understanding the process. The trouble with the process … is that not everyone embraces the process. Ask Nervus.

Your story?

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So, what’s your story?

How do you, stick in the mind?

All around us media often appears full of ‘stuff’ that’s intended ~ just for you ~ right at those ‘peak times,’ perhaps that ‘stuff’ hits you just before you jump in the car and head off to the office? Over the car radio or during lunch break, perhaps the commute home maybe?

Everywhere there are stories to stick in your face so that it’s stuck in your mind.

So, the way I see it being sticky can be useful if we intend to be successful in business life. Business/life. They’re closely aligned, right?

Think about how people remember you. What do they recall of you when next you catch up or more importantly when they meet up with mutual friends at the regular network soirée?

Being a witness to this conversation, would the conversation be something you’d expect? Are you being remembered as being the best that you can be?

The thing is, every interaction we have with someone leaves an impression and it’s sometimes a lasting one. So for me (I know this is also true for many of my close friends,) it’s important that MY STORY is a faithful representation of what others expect of me each time we meet up.

Why? Think of YOU as your own mini media outlet.

‘What?’ I hear you say.

Just hang on a minute, bear with me for a second …

It’s true. What kind of sticky are you? What stories do you conjure, what memories evoked, how do people see you in their life? It’s simply the same as that current ‘hot branded’ company vying for your time and attention even before you’ve ordered the best-ever morning coffee and … the cake!

Showing kindness on a regular basis is important. Agreed.?

Love? That’s a no-brainer for me also, but in today’s ‘circus’ of life … if we are to really embrace the power of relationships, affinity and trust let’s leave the right messages out there.  Better still, let’s ensure our closest allies have every chance of passing on the definitive message of how YOU and your story should be remembered.