7 Ways to Easily Network

By Ja-Naé Duane and www.Ja-Nae.com



People underestimate how easy it is to network, no matter what field
they are in. Along those lines, they also underestimate the importance of networking, even when the business is YOU. I will give you 7 easy ways to make your networking more beneficial to the person to whom it counts the most—YOU.

I. How can you help others?



You might not realize this, but with every individual you speak to, you have an opportunity to network. But let’s face it; mostly everyone is concerned with themselves. Sometimes, we get so caught up in our own needs that we forget that our product needs to benefit the people that are really important to us: our customers. So, why not help them? Listen to what people are saying to you. Get to know them. Try to think of different ways that they might benefit from your expertise. People love to help those they know and trust. By helping others, you are ultimately helping yourself and your business.



I started my monthly newsletter a year and a half ago, just to keep everyone updated on my upcoming gigs. Since then, it has also branched out to focus on free self-promotion ideas and free self-actualizing hints (to see an example, go to www.Ja-Nae.com. But also during this time, I began freely promoting others. By doing so, it keeps me in the forefront of people’s minds when they’re promoting things: looking for a singer, actor, writer, or speaker. So, everyone wins.

II. Tools of the Trade

Tools are imperative for any trade—particularly when you are networking. Take the business card for example. The business card is an easy way to concisely distribute your information. Make sure the card says everything it can about you and what you do—in as few words as possible. State what you do, who you are, and how you can be contacted. Put your logo on the card. This ensures people to associate your name with your brand.



I’ve gone through various types of business cards. The one I have now has generated a lot of buzz about me. Why? It has my picture on it. There is a face to go with the name. Every time I hand a card to someone, they compliment me on what a great card it is. The person then shows their friend. They make the brand association and they also help generate more exposure for me . . . Just by handing out ONE business card!!!!



III. Walk the Walk: The Importance of Image



We are judged all the time. We are judged by our appearance, what we say, and most importantly, what we do. Since that is the case, it would be beneficial for you to think about how you want people to perceive you. Look at your clothes, how you converse with others, and what you do on a daily basis. YOUR business OPPORTUNITIES are everywhere, so everything you do affects your image.



I’ve done many experiments with this concept. I love to wear black yoga pants and a white tee-shirt. It’s my favorite outfit to wear because I find it incredibly comfortable. But I’ve also found that when you’re talking business with someone, they are less likely to take you seriously in that type of garb. So, what did I do? I started to wear things that were considered “business casual.” Now, a pair of jeans and a polo top has replaced my everyday wear. Not only do I receive more positive responses from people, I also feel better about myself. Try the experiment yourself. See what type of responses you get.



IV. Where to Meet People



There are a ton of places where you can meet people, whether they are in your field or potential clients. Teach a seminar or workshop at your local library Commerce, Service Organizations, and Trade Associations. Attend Trade Shows in your field; take people out to lunch. I know that Financial Planners for American Express place fishbowls in restaurants for people to leave their business cards. The Financial Planner then sets a lunch date and invites everyone who has left their card in the fishbowl to come and participate in a lunch seminar. By doing this, The Financial Planner gets his name out, explains his product, and it only cost him the price of everyone’s lunch.



We meet people every day, though we don’t always see an introduction as a business opportunity. When you first meet people, don’t try to sell anything. Get to know them. Ask them questions about their lives. See if there are various angles that could allow you two to work together—at some point. But leave the initial encounter as a “getting to know you.”



V. The Art of Networking



The Art of Networking starts with a simple conversation. Some people have problems starting conversations. Here are just a few examples of how:

• Look to see if they have a book or magazine with them


• Comment on the book or magazine


• Notice their attire. Comment on it

If you’re at a convention or a trade show, focus your conversation on the event.



These people are here for the same reason you are. Some great icebreakers for these types of situations are:

• The sponsor of the event


• The venue (food, location, entertainment)


• The workshops or guest speakers

No matter with whom you are dealing with, there will always be some common interest that can bind you two. The goal is to establish that bond. The bond will allow the other person to open up and begin to trust you, and people only initiate business with those they trust.



VI. Contact Maintenance



Once you’ve established a contact, it is as important to maintain it. It is always imperative to check in with people now and again. By doing so, you’re ultimately informed of the person’s situation and you keep yourself in the forefront of their mind.




People change jobs all the time. Whether you’re sending a press release to an editor or a joint venture letter to a competitor,make sure you know exactly who you are sending the information to. Doing this increases your chances of having information seen by the right people and kept out of the garbage



VII. Care for your Network



Care for your Network. Send emails, phone calls, and newsletters out to everyone. Also, respond to people in a timely fashion. If you’re talking to someone on the phone, don’t be interrupted by an incoming call. If someone buys your product, check in with them. Make sure that they are completely satisfied with the product. If not, find out what is wrong and take immediate steps to remedy
the situation.



The biggest thing is to be respectful of the other person. Please and thank you can go an extremely long way, and courtesy doesn’t cost anything. Also, be respectful of the person’s time. Everyone is busy, so keep interactions brief and to the point. Though its clique, this statement holds your key to success: Treat others as you wish to be treated. Do that and you’ll go a long way.

Labels: From the President

 

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7 Ways to Improve your Marketing Creatively

By Ja-Naé Duane and www.Ja-Nae.com



There are many ways to be innovative with your marketing, no matter
what field you’re in. In this article, I’m going to show you 7 ways on how to release your inhibitions and begin thinking more creatively. I’m also going to give you some exercises to enhance your creativity.



1) Common Problem and its Solution

A common problem that people have is the inability to think outside
of the box. One of my favorite websites that deals with this is
www.creativethink.com. This site will give you a fresh perspective on old ideas, or even help generate new ones.



Take your marketing strategy and try to examine it objectively. Start by seeing what is working. Is anything working? If so, why does it work? If there are parts that aren’t, then why is that? Answering these questions honestly will help you begin the creative process.



2) Imagine

One of my favorite exercises (which I learned in an acting class) is to imagine that you are an object. In this case, imagine you are your product (which in my case isn’t that hard, because I am my business). Visualization is a helpful tool in recognizing what needs improvement. What are your attributes? What do you need to look better? To work more efficiently? Is there something that just doesn’t feel right? Make a list of these questions and similar ones, and then answer them. By answering these questions, you will begin to identify with your product, which in turn will help you make it more marketable.



3) Idea Time

Writing down ideas is the best way to get started. I recommend that
you try not to focus on the end result. In this way you’ll be more open to whatever stems from your brainstorming.



This is called “free association.” Take a word that has to do with your business; it can be the name of your business, the market you are entering, anything, and put it at the top of a piece of paper. Then without thinking, start writing the words that pop into your mind. No matter how ridiculous they seem to you, write them down. It can be anything. There are no wrong answers to this exercise. This exercise can only be successful if you really write down everything you think of.



Once you’re done, take a look at what you’ve written. Can any of these abstract notions become part of your marketing strategy? Could they become a whole new angle?



4) Simplify

People have a tendency to make things more complicated than they need to be. Look at your current marketing plan: Can it be simplified? I’m a firm believer in the saying “Keep it simple.” Narrowing the focus of your marketing strategy will often yield positive results.



5) Change

Change is inevitable, but it doesn’t have to be a bad thing. Use change to your advantage and help make your marketing plan stronger. How is your demographic changing? Can you move with that change in order to continue to accommodate them? How is society changing? Are there changes that could expand your audience with just a slight tweak of your marketing angle?



6) Resources

There are many places to research marketing. You just have to start thinking outside the box. One of my favorite things to do is flip through the phone book. There is so much to be said for the Yellow Pages. Just open up the book and start exploring the angles. Can you collaborate with any of these businesses? If so, then how? What are their marketing strategies? Who are they marketing to? Examining
other successful businesses, and even fostering relationships with them will help you on your way.



7) Collaborations

This brings me to my next point: Collaboration is your best friend in business. If you are a new business owner or a performer starting out, then you need to try and reach a larger audience. Why not kill two birds with one stone and collaborate with someone who already has a large following? By doing so, you can cut your work in half.




Who will benefit most from your product? This is a good question to keep in mind when looking for collaborations. It’s particularly true if you’re trying to approach a business. Remember that they will have their own interests at heart, so they’ll want to know how you can help them. A friend of mine used to send postcards to bars that said, ìI want to help you sell liquor.î Of course his band got the gig! So instead of thinking of ways for you to benefit from others, start thinking of ways they can benefit from you: you’re
sure to have success.



Where to begin?

No matter what, you have to begin somewhere; otherwise you won’t begin at all. Though it does matter where you start, what is most important is THAT you start. Start small if you’re nervous about getting your feet wet, but once you start, remember; you can never stop. This is your business; this is you. And your life and financial future could be counting on it.

Labels: From the President

 

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Top 5 Reasons Why You’re Not Living Your Dream

Copyright 2005 Leila Johnson



1. “I'm too old to make a change.”
Maybe you’re over 30 and settled in your career. You don’t
even want to think about making a move somewhere else. Besides, at this point in your life, you're supposed to be doing what you want, right?



For some reason we seem to think that we have to “act our age”. But what does that mean? Where is there a definition of what it means to be a certain age? The next time you think you're too old to make a change, think about Colonel Sanders and Wally Amos. Age is truly nothing more than a number.



2. “I need more money.”
You might have dreams of owning your own business. You automatically think about all the money you'll need to do that. Just the thought of it overwhelms you and stops you in your tracks. Using money as a reason not to change is just another excuse. Sure, it does take money to start a business. But who says we have to have all the money at once? Sometimes just the process of planning out our dreams makes what seems impossible, possible.



When you start to visualize your dreams, new opportunities open up for you. You may even find options that don't require that much money.



3. “I'm afraid to make a change.”
You may have made a career move in the past and things didn’t
turn out like you expected. Maybe your boss didn’t treat you well or you weren’t challenged enough. Now you might be afraid to make the same mistake again.



Fear can take over and paralyze us. The funny thing is that most of the things we fear generally do not become a reality. When we come up with reasons why we can't make a move, we are just avoiding true happiness.



Basing your future on events that happened in the past is a sure way of stopping yourself from growing. It’s best to learn from the past so that you can move forward.



4. “I don't have time to try to live my dream.” You may be so focused on your daily duties that you don't stop to think about your dreams. They might be buried deep within.



Some of us have spent so much time trying to make a living that
we really don't have a life. We haven't taken the time to learn
what we are passionate about.



Listen to those inner voices. Acknowledge the ideas that keep popping into your head. Make note of what you do in your spare time. Ask yourself if you would do these things even if you weren't getting paid. Or, ask if you would do them as a hobby even if you won the lottery.



5. “I don't think anyone will approve of my dream.”
You’ve been thinking about making a change in your career.
But what will people think of you? Will they believe that you can
be successful? Will they be waiting for you to fail?



We often sabotage ourselves by worrying about what other people
think of us. A family member, co-worker, or friend passes judgment
on our dreams. All of a sudden, that's enough to stop us from moving
forward.



You have the right to do what makes you happy. As long as you are
not hurting anyone, including yourself, go for it. You might upset
some people in the process. But, ultimately, it is your life.




Leila is co-owner of Data-Scribe™ in New Mexico. Their newsletter, the “Micro-Business Gazette,” provides tips and resources to empower small businesses. Leila’s unique approach to professional development is captured in her workshop program and forthcoming book called “Driving to Success: Let Your Spirit Take the Wheel”.

 

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15 Quick Tips for People who Hate to Exercise

By Susie Cortright, www.bestselfhelp.com
and www.momscape.com



We’ve all had days when we don't have the energy to tie our athletic shoes, let alone bounce around in them. But exercise can give a daily blast to your mind, body, and soul.



Here are fifteen quick tips to get you moving:



1. Don't get intimidated by the prospect of a daily exercise regimen. You don't have to run a marathon. You need only get your body moving each day. Once you tone your muscles, you'll naturally find yourself wanting to do more challenging workouts.



2. Reframe the way you think about exercise.
Begin to think of each workout as a gift you give to yourself instead of just another "should," "ought," or "must."



3. Make sure you enjoy your exercise program.
Some people like classes. Some people don't. Choose what's right for you so it becomes something you actually look forward to.



4. Make sure your workout is convenient.
Schedule it for a time of day when you typically feel the most energetic. Have your gym bag packed and ready to go by the door or in the car.



5. Make your workout weather-proof.
If you run or walk outside, get the right workout gear so weather conditions are never an excuse.



6. Make sure you're doing it right.
One reason for wanting to quit exercising is injury or pain. Check with your doctor before you start an exercise program so you know you're safe in the workout you choose. Check in with trainers, too, if you're working on equipment at the gym or trying a new sport.



7. If you're having a low-energy day, tell yourself you have to exercise for only ten minutes. That will get you moving, and once you're in the exercise groove, you'll usually want to finish your workout.



8. Go with friends.
Start a group for walking, running, or training. The camaraderie (and peer pressure) can do wonders for your daily motivation.



9. After a really good workout, write a few notes in your journal about how good you feel. Use it as a reference the next time you don't want to begin.



10. Start with small goals.
If you want to run for 30 minutes, for example, start by walking fast. When you can do that, make a goal to spend those 30 minutes running for one minute, walking for one minute. When you build on these smaller goals, you'll be running in no time. You'll give your confidence a boost, as well.



11. Recognize that some days it will be easier to exercise, and some days you'll have to struggle through the workout. This has to do with a lot of factors, including mood, hormones, the glass of wine you had last night. . . . Take the pressure off by understanding the fluctations. And exercise anyway.



12. Try behavior modification tapes.
Mike Brescia has a good one for exercising here:
This audiotape is not self-hypnotizing or subliminal. You'll hear every message, but these messages are subtle and, for many people, effective.



13. Use a visible reward system.
The effects of exercise are cumulative and long-term, so sometimes it helps to see your results on a daily basis. After each workout, put a big red star on the calendar as a symbol that you completed the day's workout. Take photos of yourself every month in your workout gear so you have a visual record of your results, too.



14. Get to the bottom of your exercise aversion.
For women, if it's the run-of-the-mill gym you can't stand, try
a women-oriented fitness center, such as Curves. This is a fast-growing fitness phenomenon, and many women feel like their workout becomes a 30-minute vacation—like a girls' night out at the exercise
machines.



15. Be gentle with yourself.
Take a day off at least once a week. If you do skip a few workouts, don't beat yourself up, but do get right back in the routine. The fewer consecutive days you skip, the more likely you'll be to make your workout a lasting gift you give to yourself.



Susie Cortright is the founder of two "just for you" websites: Momscape.com and BestSelfHelp.com. Both websites feature free weekly newsletters.

 

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