You might not be the type of person who loves to socialize, attend big parties, and network whenever the opportunity presents itself. But to be a great connector, you don’t have to. Successful connectors who would be classified as introverts will often enter into a social situation with a plan for those they want to meet and connect with. They aren’t looking to talk to anyone … [Read more...]
Microsoft releases technology for Connecting – How can it impact your business?
Microsoft has just released Outlook Social Connector, an add-in for Outlook that links your emails and contacts to your LinkedIn network. It’s available as a free download for Outlook 2003, Outlook 2007 and Outlook 2010. It allows you to view existing LinkedIn connection profiles, their profile picture, recent updates, and allows you to add new connections without ever leaving … [Read more...]
Are You a Problem Solver or a Problem Blamer?
I fly a decent amount and have had a lot of good and a lot of bad experiences with the airlines. The biggest issue I have with the airlines, especially my carrier of choice, is not that they make mistakes. I don’t expect any business to be perfect. At issue is how they deal with problems. Too often, their first reaction is to put the problem back with me. The protocol seems to … [Read more...]
Focusing on others to improve YOUR business
I’ve often emphasized in my business blog the importance of having a well-prepared “Simple Repeatable Statement of Value” (one that makes you memorable - seen here). It is of equal importance to get others to share their statement of value with you. There are a couple of critical reasons for this: • As humans, our favorite subject to talk about is ourselves (our lives, … [Read more...]
The Biggest Mistake in Marketing
The biggest mistake made in marketing -- and a reason that success can be so elusive -- is failing to clearly explain what you are selling. Specifically, the benefits to your consumer. We’re all looking for the answer to one very specific question: What’s in it for me? Consumers rarely make buying decisions based on a product or service’s features; yet that’s what most … [Read more...]
The Small Business Underdog: How to go head to head with the big dogs of business.
The big corporations of the world seem to have endless resources to force smaller companies into submission. They have in-house marketing teams and hire advertising agencies to create marketing collateral, websites, messaging, advertising, direct mail, and email campaigns. They test and retest, conduct quantitative analysis to measure market share, develop new creative … [Read more...]
What is your connector style (and what does it say about you)?
Today the ability to create effective business relationships and connect with others is becoming more important than ever for success. A businessperson’s ability to establish meaningful relationships fast is essential as our world becomes more connected technologically, but less so physically. Those that are able to create bonds, engage others, and develop impactful business … [Read more...]
What Kind of Brand Do You Have?
If you were to act with conduct that causes extensive negative public relations, would your entire company disintegrate? How closely tied are your individual actions to your company’s brand and well-being? In general, if an individual at a corporation caused trouble, that position in the company would be replaced, the company would manage the bad PR, and everyone would move on. … [Read more...]
4 Tips for Making Your Holiday Parties Profitable!
It’s that time of year again! Time for the annual company or neighborhood holiday party and all the other social events that come with the holiday season. The truth is that these seasonal events are also a great place for networking. And even if you don’t look at them as a ‘networking event,’ you likely will be meeting new people and making an impression in the process. You may … [Read more...]