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Networking is an important part of any business, and yet so many people fail at it.  Why do they do it?  Why do they take the time from their already busy day to go out and meet new people?  Obviously, in most cases it is to increase their bottom line, by introducing more people to the services and products they offer, etc.  Yet,it is not enough to just attend a meeting, shake a hand and grab a business card.  It is equally important, while you are there, to begin building a relationship – ask questions, be present, and mentally note where a future connection could occur.  Additionally, you need to follow up with that person. Over 90% of businesses DO NOT follow up with prospects after first meeting them. Just imagine how much business is being left on the table…

I challenge you to change this statistic and put a follow up strategy in place.  How can you set yourself apart from the others and show that you are serious about networking?

Some of the things I recommend are:

1. Within 24 hours of meeting someone at an event send a quick email telling them how much you enjoyed your conversation and it was nice to meet them.  This will make you stand out from the crowd already.

2. If you want to further the conversation, ask if they would like to meet for coffee and suggest a couple of times.

3. Use Send Out Cards to then send a greeting card in the mail – it is quick, easy, and convenient to do, and it keeps a log of the cards sent for you – this will definitely impress someone…

4. Stay connected and if you have the opportunity to refer some possible business to them, or send them an article of interest this will further the relationship also.

5. Invite them to an event you think they may enjoy.

Have fun implementing these ideas into your follow-up plan and see how much it “ups your networking net worth”.

My friend Mike has this very cool website called Gratitude Rocks .  He shares amazing photos and thought-provoking quotes with all who subscribe.
Recently it struck me how much Mike’s website aligns with what I do.  I send cards, greeting cards, in the mail – how novel is that in our fast-paced,
throw-away world today?

People love receiving cards.  The cards are a “feel-good” thing to do.  They spread positives into the world.  They make someone’s day.

Cards can be sent for so many different reasons, for example:

• to show appreciation for a gift
• to thank someone for their time
• to share photo memories of special occasions
• to show gratitude for a job well done
• to cheer someone up
• to celebrate occasions, holidays, milestones
• “just because…”

When was the last time you sent a card to a loved one or to someone in your business world who needed to be appreciated?
Often we think about doing it but it’s too inconvenient; we don’t take the time and the moment passes.

Why not give it a try?

You can do it instantly with my program, which of course is in tune with the world we live in – it’s web-based – and still create
a custom card that shows you must have taken time to do so, AND have it delivered the old-fashioned way … in the mail!

NOW THAT ROCKS!!

I am very excited to be  back writing my blog and to  focus on all the things I am passionate about: networking, connecting others, and customer service.  My new website is up and running and I feel extremely energized about all that is going on in my life.

Business networking is the greatest single asset for creating  growth and a sustainable business model in today’s market.  I love building relationships and teaching entrepreneurs how to create their own networks.  I am very grateful for all the amazing people I am meeting as I share my greeting card service on a weekly basis at my regular BNI meeting – who then work on my behalf to expand my prospect and client base. I also “pay it forward” by instructing people how to link with new clients and create opportunities as I connect these prospects with other great people in my network.  One of my favourite things to do is meet new people and learn about them and what they do.  Even as I’m talking to them I am thinking about how I can best support them.
There has never been a better time to start using valuable networking and communication skills to rise above your competition.   I heard this quote from someone I respect and it resonated with me:

” Appreciation wins over self-promotion every time.”

I think it is  a good mantra to remember when networking, and I hope you agree.  Let me know what you think and  please take a look at my new website and let me know how I can be of service to you.   Let’s get connected or reconnected!

It’s my birthday, and it’s the first time I didn’t shout it out to everyone, as I was thinking maybe I shouldn’t celebrate anymore. Perhaps I’m getting too old and such. Then I started to consider the alternatives, and realized that I should indeed be shouting it out and be proud of my age. I still don’t particularly like saying the dreaded number, because I tend to gravitate towards people who are younger than me in years, and don’t always want to be “labelled” as the “oldie” in the group. Of course, that’s all in my head too, so instead I think I’ll focus on how fortunate I am to have my health and be in pretty good shape.

This summer I did several 2 and 3 hour hikes up the local mountains, and ziptrekked at Whistler Mountain — things I probably would have been too “chicken” to do earlier in my life, if the truth be known.

I began to realize that I do, in fact, live in great times and age as a number doesn’t matter anymore, if we take care of ourselves and stay active mentally and physically.

Being at the lead end of the Baby Boomer generation I think I can say that I’m not getting older I’m getting better!
There are so many areas that we Baby Boomers influence . health & wellness, weight loss, anti-aging products, the environment — it’s pretty exciting to be part of this powerful group and influence the economy in such a huge way.

I realize that I can teach those younger than me and be a positive role model in so many ways. I’m excited about the quality products and companies out there that speak to those trends and I can share my preferences in all of them.
Oh, there is one more trend that is hooking all this together for me, and contributes to my thinking and that is social networking. Although this started out as a tool for the young, it is definitely emerging as a business tool for “oldies” like me, who want to stay hip and thrive on learning new things.

So as I reflect on my birthday and consider the alternatives, I think I’m very glad to be celebrating my ??? birthday!