Pink Tonka Trucks

Somebody asked me tonight about how I keep all the networking information straight in my head, so that when someone says that they are interested in trucking, I remember others that also have the same focus. I had to reply truthfully that I really didn't know the answer and probably I'm really not that good at it.

What stood out for me in the example I gave, trucking, is that of the four or five people who have mentioned that they are focusing on the trucking industry, all of them are women. Now, I'm all for women doing any job. I do have to admit that because of the gender involved, it became a memorable, top-of-mind piece of information for me.

What can we learn from that?

If we're unique in some way, we will be top-of-mind.

There are plenty of people who tell me that they're target market is small business owners. I can tell you that they are a blur in my mind. The description is way too general for me to remember. They are blah.

How do you remember who to connect with whom? What is your system?

Networking Drag Race

Today I met with a student from one of our Certified Networker classes. He is a financial planner -- one who has retired from a successful career in corporate America. This is a tough transition.

His confusion was with the lack of excitement on the part of an attorney that he offered to "be a resource" to. He said, I just don't understand why he doesn't want to have me be part of his team. I'm not selling anything to him."

I asked him the level of relationship he had with said lawyer. The answer was "very early stages of relationship."

I sat back and said, "Well, let me get this straight. Someone is going to risk his reputation with his clients with someone he doesn't even know?"

I have to give credit to my student. The light bulb went on. Even though in the strict sense of the word, he was not selling, he realized that he really was. And because he hadn't done any credibility building, there was no trust factor to enable the attorney to say yes.

Additionally, the attorney had no idea what my student would do for him in return, except take profits from his client. My student was rushing the relationship. Seth Godin talked about this in a post about political campaigns and access to email. He says, "Political campaigns extinguish plenty of goodwill because they instantly move from 0 to 60 miles per hour."

Have you been "rushed?" How did you feel about the person who was doing the rushing?

Outta Here Networking

This post was originally scheduled for Friday of this past week. My friend Lynda Goodremont needed to be acknowledged on that day. Instead you are seeing this post now.

Last Thursday was a networking delicious day.

As I mentioned in Thursday's post, I arranged to meet Aaron Stykemain at the open house that Ohio Rehabilitation Services Commission had in Toledo. My contact, Annie Hawley, is a very smart young business woman. She is in the right business, because she truly knows how to help people.

She introduced me to her boss, Bob Wegman. I in turn intro'd him to Aaron, explaining to Bob that Aaron was thinking about starting a wheelchair repair business and didn't know if it would be a viable business.

Bob engaged with Aaron immediately. He mentioned several people that he would introduce Aaron to next week, gave him several other ideas of types of people to talk to and generally put himself out to be of assistance. When Aaron and I walked into another room, Aaron stopped in awe and said, "That was amazing."

Yeah, when people think about others first, just like Bob did, it stops people in their tracks.

Bob, thank you for being such an alright guy Thursday. You made my day.

Who has made your day recently?

A Friend Moves On

I am sad.

Lynda is gone.

Let me tell you about my friend, Lynda Goodremont.

She made everyone feel special. She made me feel brilliant and wonderful when I was around her.

That was a reflection coming away from Lynda.

Goodbye, Lynda.

Wheelchair Repair

Yesterday was a great day!

The WEN morning meeting was fun -- no one has won the money yet from the 50/50 raffle and it is up to almost $1500. It is now down to one in five chances for drawing the queen of hearts, but she certainly does remain elusive.

What was really great about the morning was that I clicked with so many people in being able to help them in some way. That makes my day, when I can further someone along their chosen track. I know it all comes back to me in the future, but that's not what it's about for me.

For instance, guest, Aaron Stykemain, is thinking of starting a business to repair wheelchairs. He repairs his wife's chair now. I have been invited to an open house for Ohio Department of Rehabilitation tomorrow. Aaron is going to meet me there so I can introduce him to the rehab people. I'm sure their clients need repairs on their chairs from time to time. I am so glad that I met Aaron yesterday, so I can make those intros today!
Ya' know life is just good!

Time Robber

My time is the most valuable asset I have -- or at least that's what it feels like.

Today, I had a luncheon appointment. Or I thought I did.

When I make any appointments these days, I always say, "May I have the number where I might reach you in case something happens that I'm not able to keep our appointment?" After I get that number, I enter it right beside the name of the person. I also offer my cell phone number, saying, "Here is my number in the event that your schedule changes so you can let me know."

You know the rest. I left my office at 8:00 this morning and had back to back appointments all morning. Drove across town to the restaurant. No person after five minutes. Called to make sure I was at the right place. Receptionist asked who was calling. I gave my name. She said, "Oh, I am so glad you called, _____ can't make lunch today. What would work for her is next Monday or Tuesday."

I'm not available.

When I got back to my office later today, my lunch appointment had left a message on my office phone at 9 AM this morning. Now, I don't have a secretary. I have a cell phone! That's why I include that number in my office voice mail and also give it out freely.

I know, I know, at least they tried. Yeah, right.

Networking etiquette has many dos and don'ts. Being considerate of my time is a do.

What is a do for you?

Business Card Push

Yesterday, I was involved in a discussion about networking at events. The question that was posed was that if you ask someone for their business card, but they don't ask for yours in return, should you give it to them anyway?

Several said, "No."

A couple said, "Yes."

The yes people's argument was, that you go to networking events to meet people, so if they don't get your card, how are they going to remember you?

Here's my take on that.

If the only way you are going to be remembered is because you gave someone your card, you need to work on your people skills. Networking events can be frustrating because so many people are only out to help themselves. True networkers, don't worry about whether they get their card into a person's hands that they have just met. Instead, they focus on getting to know that person and figuring out how to help them, maybe with an introduction.

If you have the person's card, you can get back to him/her later. Believe me, I will remember you a hundred times over if you call me after an event and ask to meet because I made an impression on you. The little square of cardboard, that you might push my way, does not tell me who you are or why I should connect with you. It does nothing but lay there on my desk.

In fact, because it was pushed my way, might make me run away from you.

How do you weigh in on this topic?