Monday, 31 December 2012
Saturday, 29 December 2012
Friday, 28 December 2012
Thursday, 27 December 2012
Wednesday, 26 December 2012
Monday, 24 December 2012
Saturday, 22 December 2012
Friday, 21 December 2012
Wednesday, 19 December 2012
Monday, 17 December 2012
Saturday, 15 December 2012
Friday, 14 December 2012
Wednesday, 12 December 2012
Monday, 10 December 2012
Sunday, 9 December 2012
Saturday, 8 December 2012
Networking Tips 3 - Be Prepared
Know what you want from an event. Again this sounds like an obvious one but many people turn up at an event and don't really have any expectations of what they want to achieve by attending.
You're spending your precious time and resources on being there, so it makes sense to get the most from it.
This doesn't mean pressing your business card firmly into the hands of everyone you meet.
It doesn't mean giving a sales pitch to as many people as possible.
It doesn't mean speaking to every single person in the room - you'll be lucky if you speak to half a dozen new people at any one event.
If you really want to maximise the number of people you talk to, then go along to a Speed Networking Event. Here you're more likely to meet everyone who's in the room and at least find out a little about all of them.
Decide what you want before you get there.
Plan to meet a certain number of new people.Plan to reconnect with people you know.Plan to meet one or two key contacts if you know who's going.If you're sent a list of attendees - make a note of who you want to talk to before you get there. Perhaps there are people you recognise or people you'd like to talk to.
To get the most out of your networking, spend a little time preparing for your meetings:
Get yourself a name badge. Sometimes networking events will provide you with name badges which gives you one less thing to remember. A simple one you can slot your business card into is useful, as long as the name on your card is easily readable. People are impressed with a smart name badge rather than a hand-scrawled sticky label or none at all.
Take plenty of business cards. Yes, I know that's obvious but people still turn up at events with no business cards or run out because they don't have enough.
Have a notebook and pen with you. You'll probably want to take notes of who you meet, useful information, opportunities for sharing contacts. Write it in your notebook or on the back of their business card.
Think about what you're going to say. Not only to the standard question ?... and what do you do?? but also to generate conversation with the people you meet. Practise saying what you do in a clear, concise way. One or two sentences is fine.
Get there on time. There's nothing worse than arriving late when people are already in full flow. It's good to arrive early and then you can easily introduce yourself to both the meeting organisers and to the first few people who are likely to be there early. You'll have a head start on the others.
Carry a business card with you at all times. You never know where or when you'll have an opportunity to offer help or your services. It doesn't always happen in organised events.
Where's the most unusual place you've been networking?
Clare Evans is the author of a time management book. She is a personal and business coach and enables individuals and business owners to get more out of their day and make better use of their time.
How good is your Time Management - find out in my FREE Time Audit and get free articles, information, tips and resources when you register for her free newsletter http://www.clareevans.co.uk/
Thursday, 6 December 2012
Wednesday, 5 December 2012
Networking: It's Not What You Know, It's Who You Know
It's not what you know, it's who you know.
You've heard that before, I am sure.
I was asked recently on a job forum for my opinion on various job search apps - to which I responded in bewilderment, "Those exist?"
Even if you don't consider yourself a people person, your odds are always better of advancing through the application process if you have a chance to meet your prospective employer in person. If you are looking for work, I suggest applying for jobs in the follow ways, listed in order from best-to-worst:
In personBy phoneThrough email / faxComplete online applicationEverything else...This article is about focusing on #1 and #2 - in person and by phone. I have seldom been unemployed for more than a few days at a time. Why? Because it's not what you know, it's who you know. This article is all about networking.
How would it feel if you knew you could stop by in person or simply pick up the phone and have a job ready and waiting for you? You can! It's the power of networking. Why would a recruiter choose to sift through hundreds if not thousands of resumes when he or she could simply pick up the phone and give you a call?
I have prepared 10 simple ways that you can begin networking now - whether you are looking for work or currently employed:
Attend a local Chamber of Commerce meeting. These meetings are free and generally happen in most cities every month or so. Attend a couple of these, mingle, get to know other people in your industry, and make some friends - these can be great long-term contacts!Spend time with some of your co-workers outside of work. You can have outings with work friends that do not have to be exclusively from your place of employment. While in a sales position, I went out with a co-worker who also invited out a few of his friends who work with his previously employer. One of them happened to be a hiring manager. I made friends with all of these people and consequently made some new contacts.
Join a local job search or career advice forum online. Even if you aren't looking for work, you can read posts pertaining to your industry and learn who is hiring. You can also make some local contacts in your industry by making some posts of your own.
Stay in touch with your past references. Don't just call them when you need a reference - call just to say hello! Talk about work. How is their business going? What news have they heard locally in your industry? Who is hiring? Find out.
Follow companies in your industry on Twitter & LinkedIn. - You can meet new people who are associated with these companies, learn when they are hiring, and collect other industry-relevant news. You can also tweet and leave comments occasionally to keep your name in front of these companies. Who knows who you may connect with?
Create a profile on LinkedIn & Monster. - Both of these tools keep your name in front of industry contacts, even if you are currently working. A lot of hiring managers (and headhunters) will just go to LinkedIn or Monster to search for potential new-hires instead of going through the hassle of creating a job posting. If you are contacted, made note of by whom and from where!
Do you have a professional designation? - If so, you may be able to join an association for professionals in your field, or attend events hosted by such an association.
Attend career fairs. - This is a great place to find out who is hiring, pick up business cards, and meet others in your industry. You can always meet hiring managers at these events, but you can also meet other job-seekers who may have some good advice for you.
Keep an eye on classified ads in your area. - It's always nice to keep note of hiring trends, who is hiring, etc. This isn't exactly networking, but it can be valuable information when talking to others. "I saw that xx company is hiring. What do you know about them?"
Upgrade your skills by taking a course. -If you upgrade your skills by taking a night class relevant to your industry, you are likely to meet other people in your industry there. These may not be hiring managers, but they are a fresh contact nonetheless.
Statistics say that the average American knows 2000+ people by name or face on a personal basis. I would be inclined to believe it's even more than that. There is no such thing as a wasted contact. Get to know as many people in your industry as possible. You never know when that contact will open a door for you one day down the road, or vice versa.
Brent Jones lives in Toronto, Canada and spent the majority of his professional career in recruiting and sales. He currently offers job-seekers advice through his blog.
He is also the author of the successful report '7 Fatal Mistakes Made by Most Job Applicants.' It is available for free download by clicking here.
Tuesday, 4 December 2012
Your People Skills Are Important!
Your ability to ask good questions and present yourself positively is critical to winning the networking game. These qualities are largely reflections of how developed your people skills are.
If you confidently present yourself with a positive attitude and show that you have good listening skills, the person you meet is more apt to listen to what you have to say.
Remember that each new opportunity to meet someone is a new opportunity to build a new relationship-a relationship that, in time, could lead to greater business and personal growth.
CONTACT FEARS - It's quite often that people are afraid to reach out and network frequently because of what I call contact fears-the fear of making new contacts. If you're going to be successful using the networking process, you must be able to assert yourself positively and often. Rejection is an issue only if your focus is on having someone respond in a particular way. If you are relaying information primarily as a way to mutually share resources, then any response you get will support the flow of the process.
IMPROVING YOUR PEOPLE SKILLS - I have adapted six people skills from Venda Raye-Johnson's book, "Effective Networking," (Los Altos:Crisp Publications Inc. 1990) that are vital in strategic networking to make a better first impression. Although some individuals may seam like born networkers, this usually isn't the case. The main abilities necessary to have excellent people skills can be learned through practice.
• PEOPLE SKILL # 1 - ASSERT YOURSELF POSITIVELY: Know yourself and your product well enough to feel comfortable describing either of them in a crowd. Does your nonverbal communication conflict with what you're saying? Body language can aid communication by providing emphasis and punctuation. Gestures, posture, and facial expression broadcast messages before we speak and continue to do so while we speak.
• PEOPLE SKILL # 2 - ASK GOOD QUESTIONS: Only by asking good, direct, open-ended questions can you get the answers you are seeking. Don't beat around the bush when you are questioning an individual about his or her business needs. People appreciate honesty. Directly ask questions that not only get directly to the point (i.e.,that you want to help that person) but also show the person you are speaking with that you are serious about networking with them and connecting them with others.
• PEOPLE SKILL # 3 - LISTEN WITH YOUR "THIRD EAR": Because listening is such an important part of the networking process and concentrating can be difficult, you should listen at least three times harder. The listening process also requires us to "see" what people are saying. Be sensitive to the feelings of others. Listen with you senses-your eyes and your ears.
• PEOPLE SKILL # 4 - PRESENT YOURSELF ATTRACTIVELY: By ensuring you and your company are presented attractively, those you meet can more easily focus on your message and the relationship-building process rather than superficial issues. When you present yourself attractively, you feel good about yourself and are more confident.
• PEOPLE SKILL # 5- PRESENT YOURSELF AS KNOWLEDGEABLE OR SKILLFUL: there is no substitution for facts, information and knowledge, and if you are considered a resource for these, you will be in greater demand.
• PEOPLE SKILL # 6 - SHOW INTEREST BY EMPOWERING OTHERS: People like people who empower them. An effective networker is able to empower others. Empowering others means displaying a genuine interest and a helpful attitude and meeting the human need to be of value and significance to others. Networkers who empower others are in a powerful position to multiply their efforts, build a stronger networking team, and to lead others.
Monday, 3 December 2012
Want to Grow Your Business? Use Your Rolodex!
Want to grow your network? Have you ever considered the advice of people you already do business with? If you hadn't, then you are really missing out on the benefits of knowing a person who already has a network.
We don't go to social events or networking events for the food or the fun. We go to create a bigger and better network so that we can get more referrals. By accessing this group of professionals you are creating a super rolodex that in turn is actually an encyclopedia of networks.
Let me tell you a story of a friend who was looking for some advice which let to much more than what she bargained for. She was the owner of a small service oriented firm, that wanted to move to another state that had a better business environment than the one she was currently in. Like many of us know, working with the government in getting permits and the right paperwork takes... Well, FOREVER! Her plans to move just didn't seem to fall in her time schedule.
She decided to ask her CPA for some advice on how to make things go faster. She explained her situation to her CPA, who in turn knew the right people to get the job done for her.
Seems like the end of a fairy tail story where she lived happily ever after. I wish it were so, but the story continues; The owner of the small services firm, was able to make four new business clients from reaching out to her CPA for advice. All of this happened because she took the first step in reaching out to someone she knew. Taking the first step led to more than a fairy tale ending, it led to a bigger and better Rolodex.
Before you go and start asking all your business contacts for their Rolodex, here are a few tips to help you prepare so that you do not look like the business relationship hassling for more business.
1. It's better to give than to receive. It's simple, people respond to respect with respect. Most people can judge you in the first 3 seconds of your encounter with them. Make sure you build your social repertoire before you start asking for things in return.
2. Ask and you shall receive. This doesn't mean to ask your baker on how to fix your cars engine. Know which client is able to respond to your question, because if you don't your going to end up with someone staring at you with a glazed look like, shouldn't you be asking this question to some else?
3.Do not try and do a change-up. Remember you already built your reputation up, don't go and lose it by playing it sneaky. This will only offend your client and make them feel less confident in your ability to help them. Being straightforward is your best option; ALL THE TIME!
4.Politcally Correct. As simple as this sounds, to many times I hear of stories of where things turned from nice to awkwardness. Try your best to avoid these conversations at all cost, the discomfort and damage this will do will only hurt that relationship.
5.Nothing is Free. Keep this motto in mind when asking for advice. If you seek advice on something you would usually get charged for, this would be just as bad as breaking rule number 4.
Even though many of us don't really use a Rolodex anymore, it is the symbol that it represents. A powerful Rolodex not only helps you expand your business, but It also makes your business that much better. It's not what you know, it's whom you know, and if you build your Rolodex that way, nothing will be impossible.
Reuel Media - We are a full-service Branding agency dedicated to the belief that amid the aggressively pushed mass media marketing messaging exists the secret to successful Brand management through web, video, and marketing techniques. http://www.reuelmedia.com/
Saturday, 1 December 2012
Video Production Business Tips: Improve Your Connection With Video Production Customers
I don't really promote free video production work to non-profit organizations if there is no effect on the marketing aspect of your business. If you don't know if you will agree to work with these people on a pro bono basis, here are some questions you can ask yourself.
1. Are some of my best video clients part of this non-profit organization?
If your clients are part of this organization, this is the best way to enhance your connections with them especially if you make thousands of dollars for their projects. It's a personal way to show them that you have the same principles when it comes to sharing to the community. Just be cautious in committing to too much of these projects because they might get in the way of all your scheduled projects for paying clients.
2. Are my prospective customers associated in this non-profit?
If so, I will give you the same points as what I have mentioned above. If you get to be involved personally with the corporate heads of these prospective customers, it will be easier for you to get business with them in the future. The next time you meet them, you will not have any problems thinking about a topic to start a conversation. You just mention this non-profit event and you're right on track.
3. Will I get free advertisement for my company if I get involved with this free project?
If you will work for this organization for free, it's alright to ask them to do something for you. You can request for your website's link to be put on their site. You can tell the organization to include the video you made (along with your company name) in the email newsletter they will send out. This gives you a better chance of getting leads because people will automatically see a sample of your work. You can also have them mention your name and company during their fund raising events.
To get everything you need from your work, make sure that your video production business is also promoted during the event. It is important that you take advantage of this exposure if you want to make the most out of your free service. Take note that there will be a lot of dominant people involved in this organization. In this case, ask the organizers if they can give you complimentary tickets so you can invite your video production clients and prospects to join you in the event.
Want to find out more about running a successful video production company, then visit Kris Simmons's site to see how he's helping talented and passionate filmmaking professionals make more money in the video production industry.
