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Monthly Archives: July 2013
Technology Affecting Your Networking ?
The rise of the Internet, social media, and mobile telecommunications has allowed us to connect with more people, across greater distance at lightning speed. These are networking tools (modern day invention of the wheel).
Technology, however, has done nothing to change the foundational aspects of networking. That is, despite technology, you still really only associate, refer and do business with those we know, like and trust.
These three fundamental elements of relationship come from within (gut feelings) and technology has done nothing to alter that. In the human species, the notion of know, like and trust has been with us since before recorded time. It is part of our DNA.
What Networking Is Not…
What is the biggest networking mistake going? HINT: Everyone makes it at one time or another. Listen in to find out. What Networking Is Not…
And The Capital Of That Font Is…
The use of capital letters in social media, IMing, and texting should be reserved for times when extreme emotion (i.e., anger) is felt. It has been widely accepted in IMing platforms as a form of yelling, but I have also seen it used for emphasis in the social media.
Using capital letters sparingly in print media adds a more professional touch. Like using underlining in HTML coding, all-caps letters can be a good addition for emphasis, but only if there is no other way to call attention to that text or if it has to be all-caps (i.e., headline or call-to-action, such as “TODAY”). Using larger text in a different color is a good alternative, particularly if used in lowercase. Using a different member of the same font family is also accepted and professional. Sometimes you can mix serif and sans-serif by using one for emphasis and the other for your body text, but this depends on which two fonts are used.
One reason to not use capital letters all the time throughout your print media is the difficulty of readability; simply put, using capital letters can make it more difficult to read what was written. Another reason is the font or typeface itself. If you are using Brush (a calligraphic-type font) in all-caps throughout your print media (let’s say a postcard), the shapes of the letters in this particular typeface make it impossible to clearly read the contents. Keep it simple so your marketing material looks great in print!
Happy designing!
Cheers,
Lisa
Become The Person You Want To Network With
Who is your ideal networking partner? Solid confidence. Endless compassion. Unwavering integrity. Sound good? Here is how you find that person Become The Person You Want To Network With
Do Not Measure ROI
Do not try to measure ROI on networking. True networking is about faith … doing the right things and having faith that those things will come back to you somehow. You have to remember that networking is not an exact science, where A + B = C.
Networking works, but it is completely unpredictable. The benefits will happen, but …
- They may not likely happen HOW you want them to … You go to a networking function, hoping to meet a new client but you end up meeting a great new vendor. Networking worked.
- They may not likely happen WHERE you expect them to … You go to a networking function hoping to meet a new client. Nothing happens. Then you meet one, but at the store as you stop for milk on the way home. Networking worked.
- They may not likely happen WHEN you want them to … You go to a networking function hoping to meet a new client. Nothing happens. But then one, five or even 20 years later someone from that event becomes a client. Networking worked.
Based on this, how you can make a rational ROI calculation on networking, so why bother. Networking works … have faith in that.
Professional Fees Are Stupid!
Yes, you read the title right. AmSpirit Business Connections’ professional fees are stupid. It is simply idiotic to coerce entrepreneurs, sales representatives, and professionals to pony up a dollar or so for seemingly harmless infractions, such as arriving late, not shaking someone’s hand or not silencing an electronic device.
Do you know what is even more idiotic than professional fees? When business people lose hundreds (if not thousands) of dollars in business because they do not have the commitment or presence of mind to consistently conduct themselves in a professional manner.
The bottom line is that no one really cares about the nickels and dimes that a member pays for not shaking the Mystery Geeter’s hand or even the dollars a member might have to pony up for missing a lunch assignment. They, however, care immensely about the message this sends to prospective members and how this adversely affects the professional culture of the Chapter.
The linchpin to successful networking is trust and trust is built by doing the right thing (not just some of the time, but all of the time). If you consistently arrive late to the meeting, you impair the professionalism of the Chapter. If you dismiss the common courtesy of greeting those at the Chapter, the environment becomes that much colder of a place to gather. If you fail to make time to meet with your fellow members outside the Chapter meeting, you hinder the all-important “know, like and trust” within your Chapter.
Yes, professional fees are stupid and no one wants your spare change. They just want you to treat them and the meeting as if it involved a several thousand-dollar deal. This is because, in all likelihood, it does.
GIVING
Giving: The secret to getting more out of life (contacts, money, success) is not working harder or even being smarter. The secret is … well click AmSpirit-Giving to listen for yourself.
Evelyn Frolking and Artiflora Granville Featured On Magazine Cover
Congratulations Evelyn Frolking (From our AmSpirit Granville Chapter) and Artiflora Granville on being featured on the front and back cover of a new lifestyle magazine, Broadway-Thresher. To view the front and back cover of Artiflora, a premier design studio created by Evelyn use the link below:
http://broadwayandthresher.com/
Just Say “NO”
Just Say “NO”
By Frank Agin
The number one thing that every franchise consultant or franchisor wants to hear from a prospective franchisee is … you guessed it … “Yes, I want that franchise opportunity. How do we set this in motion?”
This is no surprise. This is why consultants work tirelessly to connect candidates with the right opportunity. This is why franchisors work so hard to create an air of success within their franchise opportunity. It is all pointing towards the “Y-E-S.”
The number two thing that every franchise consultant and franchisor wants to hear from prospective franchisees is … perhaps surprisingly … “No, thanks!”
No one likes rejection. Consultants and franchisors are no different. Hearing “no” is, after all, never euphoric. Nevertheless, quality business professionals know they will not make every sale, or close every deal. Hearing “no” is not personal, and it is simply part of the process – a cost of doing business.
The last thing that franchise consultants and franchisors want to hear from prospective franchisees is, well, something akin to nothing. “I am thinking about it.” … “I will get back to you.” … “At the tone, please leave a message.”
As much as consultants and franchisors loath “N-O,” it is much, much worse to be left in limbo. At this point, the situation torments consultants and franchisors. They want to take action, but are paralyzed by not knowing what they should do. They don’t know how to best help their client / candidate. They can only ponder, “Has the deal gone dead? Or, is there still a viable prospect with whom you need to be responsive to?”
In essence, there is great value in hearing “NO.” As unpleasant as those two letters can be, that one word provides the broker or franchisor with closure. They can then move on and re-direct energies towards that next potential prospect.
So, if the opportunity is right, please give a hardy “YES,” and good luck to you with whatever you are signing on to.
If you are not sure (for whatever reason), openly communicate your questions or concerns. In short, have the courtesy, respect and professionalism to do your best to address your uncertainty.
If, however, you cannot get beyond the uncertainty or clearly, the opportunity is not for you, just say “No.” No one will take it personally. While that word might create a moment of discomfort, that moment will quickly pass. When it passes, you can be sure that the franchise consultant or franchisor will have nothing but admiration and respect for you.
_________
Frank Agin is the founder and CEO of AmSpirit Business Connections, an inexpensive, part-time franchise opportunity. He is also the author of several professional development books, including Foundational Networking: Building Know, Like & Trust To Create A Lifetime Of Extraordinary Success. Contact him at frankagin@amspirit.com.