Watching the Signs

Have you ever wondered if you are doing all the right "stuff" when it comes to networking.  Perhaps a networking evaluation would help you to decide!

Some questions you might ask are:

1.  How often do I need to attend networking events?
2.  What types of events do I need to attend?
3.  What goals should I have for each event?

4.  What is my follow up procedure for each event?
5.  How much money should I budget for my networking activities?
6.  Is there a different model of networking that works better for me?
7.  How will I measure the results?

These seven questions will give you a great start at figuring out if you are on the networking path to success or if you have found a dead-end.

A Well Taught Lesson

What can I learn from an orange cat?  Many things, especially in the networking world!

You see, last winter, that ferocious winter, all of a sudden an orange tabby appeared on our doorstep.  When I opened the door the first time, he walked right in.  I put him out because my hubby said that he didn't want the cat inside.  Of course, we had the slobbery dog in, but that is a different story.

So the feline stayed out ALL winter.  I guess with all the snow, he must have created an warm little igloo under the front porch, because that seemed to be his home.  I did decide to feed him, figuring that if his tummy was full, he would stay warm.

He stayed around all summer, coming to sit with me when I sat on either of the two porches.  He let me know that he was happy to be around.

Let me make this long story, short!  He is now inside.  Hubby changed his mind.  "Kitty" is the nicest cat I have ever had.  He is very loving, well-behaved and still likes to earn his keep by heading out to catch a mouse or two.

What's this have to do with networking?  Well, think about it.  He stayed around and developed a relationship over the long term.  He won me over pretty early on, but the big challenge was Steve.  That's the same as connecting with someone in the human world and then continuing to connect!  Some networkers think that if they just see a person one time, then the relationship should be profitable.  If it is not they are not willing to put in any extra time.

They could take a lesson from "Kitty."

December Book Report - The 17 Essential Qualities of a Team Player

Don Kardux is helping us to be better at business with his monthly book reports.  Make sure you read to the end to see his challenge.

 

Don begins, "This past April I reported on a book by Patrick Lencioni, which focused on Team Work it was titled ‘The Five Dysfunctions of a Team’.

I’ve used that book in helping a number of the management teams understand the importance of, Trust, Healthy Conflict, Commitment, Accountability and Focusing on Results.’ 

How, about seventeen more areas on which to focus?

Actually, John C. Maxwell adds only fifteen different qualities (he also believes in Commitment and Results) but instead of setting his ideas in the context of a story his format is this:

1.      A few quotations from notable sources.

2.      A short story concerning a famous person relating to the specific quality.

3.      ‘Fleshing it out’ - John adds his thoughts.

4.      Bringing it home – specific methods you could use to implement this quality.

Maxwell is an interesting and pithy writer and his observations are always on the mark.

Here are the seventeen:

1.      Adaptable

2.      Collaborative

3.      Committed

4.      Communicative

5.      Competent

6.      Dependable

7.      Disciplined

8.      Enlarging

9.      Enthusiastic

10.   Intentional

11.  Mission Conscious

12.  Prepared

13.  Relational

14.  Self-Improving

15.  Selfless

16.  Solution Oriented

17.  Tenacious

Can you guess which famous character would be the example for which quality?

·         Quincy Jones

·         Jonas Salk

·         Christopher Reeve

·         King Edward I

·         William S. Harley and Arthur Davidson

·         Mary Hays aka. Molly Pitcher

·         Ronald Reagan

·         John Walsh

Can’t connect the person with the quality?

Guess you will have to read the book.

It’s worth it!"