What's Your Expectation? Part Deux

The overwhelming and positive response to my blog yesterday has been heart-warming (thanks for reading!). Answers to your FAQs:

1. Yes, I really did get married (8/8/08).
2. The name of the company that sent the cool wine gift is:
   Select Wines LLC (914-835-6235/www.selectwinesllc.com).
   NOTE: Just spoke to Chris, one of the owners, and he is offering an additional 5% off any purchase of $100 or more. Put HONOREE in the comments section if you order online or just mention my name. Happy ordering and salut!
3. While you're here, send me back a quick note telling me the coolest and most creative gift you've ever received. I'll compile a list for a future blog.
   

To Your Success! ~Coach H.

Networking Know-How #2: Pre-Event Preparation

The one crucial must-have for any networking event is business cards. In fact, its a great idea to have at least a dozen cards on you at any time.

Always keep them in a case until you’re ready to use them - making your case a conversation piece is even better. You want to avoid giving out a card that's bent, unclean or (horror!) has been written on. Visit the Executive Gift Shop for a nice assortment of cases. A nice business card case makes a lovely gift as well, especially for someone who has just joined a new company or been promoted.

At any event or in any situation, put your cards in one pocket and the cards you receive in another. You will avoid "card confusion" and the appearance of being disorganized and unprofessional.

If you don't have your business card, especially when someone asks for it, it simply lowers your credibility in the eyes of the person asking. Because I'm a giver, here's what you say when you're fresh out: "I've been more popular today than I anticipated. May I have your card and I will send you one of mine?" You will save face (mostly) and have the opportunity to impress your new contact with a follow-up note (handwritten, of course).

Super-Saver-Strategy: Put an extra box of cards in your car, just in case. I have a box in my home office, at my office and in my car. That way, when I run out, I have a few ways to replenish.

Excepted from Work the Room, my popular seminar for companies and organization who want the networking edge in business. Is someone on your staff among the 95% of people who say they are shy and avoid networking at all costs? This seminar will change the way you feel about networking - and network in the future - in just 90 minutes. Email me for more information: honoree{at}coachhonoree{dot}com.

Networking Know-How #1: Pre-Event Preparation

Before attending any event: open house, mixer, or party, there are a few must do's:

• Give yourself these three descriptor words: Poised, Polished, Professional. You are judged instantaneously on your perceived income level, education and level of competence (think Blink! by Malcolm Gladwell). Remember the old axiom: Your never get a second chance to make a first impression. If you make a bad one, it will take many perfect meetings to overcome it!
• Decide who you want to meet or see again. Left to chance, you may or may not "get lucky" and make a powerful connection that will result in revenue. Know who you want to meet in advance and seek them out.
• Decide your purpose for attending the event. Being intentional in your actions - in advance - will eliminate networking for the sake of checking off boxes and help you to reach your goals ... sooner.
• Speaking of goals ... give yourself one or two to achieve at the event. You may want to meet 10 new people and collect business cards, deepen a current relationship, or create new ones. Get clear to create clear results.
• Craft a clear, concise, brief introduction. Try this: state your name, your company, who you serve and how you serve them. Here's mine: Honoree, Honoree Enterprises, I work with business owner-service providers to help them create and execute a strategic plan, while managing the day-to-day challenges of their businesses in the areas of new business development, stress, cash flow, employee management and time maximization. (Now you know my target market and perhaps someone came to mind. The same will happen for you and you may walk away with a new client and/or several potential clients.)

Next time, we'll continue with the one key item you must take with you. For $1 million in cash, be the first to tell me what it is and how to use it effectively.

Excepted with permission from Work the Room, my popular seminar for anyone who wants the networking edge in business. Are you or your staff among the 95% of people who say they are shy and avoid networking at all costs? This seminar will change the way you feel about networking in just 90 minutes. Email my COO Joan Richardson for more information: Joan{@}coachhonoree{dot}com.