What's the Value on the Table?

Why would anyone want to meet with you?  What might you bring to the table?

I have had to face those two questions alot recently as I have been expanding my training business to Cleveland.

Each business person I approach with the request to chat over a cup of coffee, I am sure they are thinking those two questions and sometimes they are saying them right out loud!  It is a little humbling to say the least!

Here's what I think I bring to the table:

1.  I am a good creative listener so that even though I am new to that area, I have already figured out helpful connections to make.  That may be just a natural ability that I have, but I think everyone can do this if they work on it a little bit.

2.  I like hearing the story of each person and many times just being able to tell his or her story makes a person's day.  

3.  I learn from each person.  They may not know that they are teaching me, but it is the little things they do or show me that make my selling just a bit easier.  One gentleman just recently gave me the perfect words to say when a prospect uses the objection that they are already doing training.  When I have received this type of help, I let people know how much they have impacted my life.

4.  I am willing to donate my time to volunteer within the community as much as I can.  While it may not be as much as someone who lives in Cleveland full time, I figure every little bit helps.

5.  I'm good at sharing what I've learned about each person with others that I meet. I help their message to travel farther!

So for those of you breaking in to a new location or a new territory, determine what you offer when you are getting acquainted with your new friends!

I Feel Like I'm Starting School

Today is the first session of Leadership Toledo. Because my son Greg had such a positive experience last year as he went through Leadership Ann Arbor, I decided that I would finally enroll in the program here in my area.

So, I feel like I'm back in first grade with my new lunch box getting ready for the first day of school.

A little apprehension, a little excitement, a little ?????

The dress code for the day is "very casual." Now if that doesn't strike fear in the heart of all women, I don't know what does. Business and very casual is probably the most difficult task to achieve for women, especially when the class picture and individual pictures will be taken today.

Okay, I'll get over it.

I look at this as an opportunity to learn more about my community, meet interesting new people and to also have a good time.

I'll be posting about my experiences.

What have you done lately that felt like the first day of school?