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Networking Rx: Diane Darling, Author & Networking Expert (EPS 131)

Posted:Thu, 12 Dec 2019 09:00:31 +0000

Frank Agin, founder and president of AmSpirit Business Connections and host of Networking Rx, gets enlightened on networking by Diane Darling (@DianeDarling), author of The Networking Survival Guide. For a chart on how to work a room, text DIANE to 345345.

http://networkingrx.libsyn.com/diane-darling-guest-interview-eps-131

For more information on AmSpirit Business Connections and its franchise opportunity program, contact Frank Agin at frankagin@amspirit.com or visit http://www.amspirit.com/franchise.php.

The post Networking Rx: Diane Darling, Author & Networking Expert (EPS 131) appeared first on AmSpirit Business Connections.
227) Light Someone’s Candle

Posted:Wed, 11 Dec 2019 20:41:13 +0000

Bob Graham, corporate trainer, speaker and author of the book Breakthrough Communication Skills, points out that a single person with a lit candle can, in mere seconds, be the catalyst for lighting an entire room of candles by simply sharing the light.

Graham’s point is simple: Metaphorically, we all hold a lit candle. Within each of us is a burning inspiration and flames of motivation.

And yet at the same time, we’re all surrounded by a litany of others whose candles are unlit. Their spirits are indifferent, dejected, or bordering on being completely demoralized.

With very little effort, we can use our passion to ignite the spirits of these listless souls. From there, the light will spread to others. And the best part is that sharing this does nothing to diminish the light within us.

So, take a moment today and light someone’s candle. Then watch as that flame fans out to others.

Like what you’ve read? Prefer to hear it as a podcast or daily flash briefing? Subscribe to the Networking Rx Minute podcast here or wherever you get your podcasts.

The post 227) Light Someone’s Candle appeared first on AmSpirit Business Connections.
226) Inroads To Thought Leadership

Posted:Wed, 11 Dec 2019 20:37:34 +0000

Do you like to stand before a group and share insight and knowledge on your industry or profession? Would you be comfortable writing a similar article or piece for a newsletter?

If the answer is “YES,” from time to time remind your network that a good opportunity for you is an introduction to a group or organization that might be interested in a professional program on your expertise.

Chances are, in your area there are groups and organizations that would truly find value in what you have to say. In so doing, you brand yourself as a subject-matter expert as well as grow your network amongst lots of potential clients (and people who know potential clients).

While this sort of activity may not generate immediate business, it will absolutely build a foundation upon which lots of future business can result.

Like what you’ve read? Prefer to hear it as a podcast or daily flash briefing? Subscribe to the Networking Rx Minute podcast here or wherever you get your podcasts.

The post 226) Inroads To Thought Leadership appeared first on AmSpirit Business Connections.
225) Bridge The Gap

Posted:Wed, 11 Dec 2019 20:34:44 +0000

Stop and think! There is likely someone you’d love to be introduced to. Maybe it’s someone in your area. Maybe it’s someone in another region of the country. Maybe it’s someone on LinkedIn. Whatever the case, it’s someone you’d like to meet.

But you don’t know them. And while you’re not shy, it can seem a little … well … awkward reaching out to a complete stranger and suggesting “Hey, let’s get acquainted.”

If this describes you, here is a simple, but effective strategy for becoming connected and avoiding all the potential awkwardness: Consider having another person act as a go–between for you.

Simply find someone in your network who is already connected to the person you’d like to meet and ask them to introduce you. They can do it easily via LinkedIn. They can connect you two via e-mail. Or if it makes sense, they could set up a face to face meeting.

Whatever the case, utilize a mutual connection to bridge the gap.

Like what you’ve read? Prefer to hear it as a podcast or daily flash briefing? Subscribe to the Networking Rx Minute podcast here or wherever you get your podcasts.

The post 225) Bridge The Gap appeared first on AmSpirit Business Connections.
224) Don’t Wing It

Posted:Wed, 11 Dec 2019 20:31:43 +0000

Sure, there are people who can come up with an answer seemingly on the fly and get away with it. And perhaps you were great in high school and college at BS-ing your way through that esoteric class where much of the grade depended upon class participation.

But none of that works in the real world. This is the reality: the people around you are smart. They might not let on that they know when you’re “going off the cuff” but they know. And while it might not be readily apparent, this seemingly innocent maneuver is read as a deception by others. As such, it serves to undermine the integrity you’re working hard to build.

So, endeavor to be as prepared as possible. When asked about something, share what you can. And when there is something about which you’re unclear, don’t wing it. Respect their intelligence and save your integrity. Simply indicate that you don’t know the answer, but you’d be happy to look into it.

Like what you’ve read? Prefer to hear it as a podcast or daily flash briefing? Subscribe to the Networking Rx Minute podcast here or wherever you get your podcasts.

The post 224) Don’t Wing It appeared first on AmSpirit Business Connections.
223) Speak Slowly

Posted:Wed, 11 Dec 2019 20:27:52 +0000

In his book, The 100 Simple Secrets of Successful People, Dr. David Niven shared the results of a 1995 study on speech rate. It concluded that individuals “rate speakers who talk more slowly as being 38 percent more knowledgeable than speakers who talk more quickly.”

Assuming this and knowing that it is generally better for you to be considered more knowledgeable, here are some suggestions for controlling the pace at which you speak:

First, from time to time, review in your own mind what you generally have to say.

Second, start any conversation or program by building a little rapport with those you’re talking to.

Third, remind yourself that in most situations, you are the expert. Relax. Share what you know best.

Finally, take a couple deep breaths every so often as you talk. This will naturally relax you.

These simple guidelines will make you more effective at speaking slowly and, as a result, will add more value to what you have to say.

Like what you’ve read? Prefer to hear it as a podcast or daily flash briefing? Subscribe to the Networking Rx Minute podcast here or wherever you get your podcasts.

The post 223) Speak Slowly appeared first on AmSpirit Business Connections.
187) Embrace Chaos

Posted:Wed, 11 Dec 2019 18:53:48 +0000

In October 2014, workers within the London Underground staged a walkout. This sent thousands upon thousands of commuters into utter chaos trying to find alternate ways to get to work. Fortunately, the strike only lasted 48 hours and quickly things got back to normal and the chaos subsided.

Interestingly, however, research determined that about five percent of the commuting population did not revert to their pre-strike commuting habits. It seems that the strike had upended their normal routine and, in so doing, they found a better routine.

We humans are creatures of habit, fixated on patterns. And while these patterns create efficiencies in our lives, they also stifle creativity and critical thinking.

Chaos might disrupt the efficiencies we enjoy, but it also forces us to re-examine our lives. It provides us an opportunity to look for new solutions. In inspires us to create and invent. So, while chaos is never fun, the learning opportunities it might create is reason enough for us to embrace it.

Like what you’ve read? Prefer to hear it as a podcast or daily flash briefing? Subscribe to the Networking Rx Minute podcast here or wherever you get your podcasts.

The post 187) Embrace Chaos appeared first on AmSpirit Business Connections.
222) The Value Of Curiosity

Posted:Wed, 11 Dec 2019 18:17:44 +0000

Kay Coughlin, CEO at Facilitator on Fire, shares that there is value to curiosity.

Certain things thrive in a curious world. Things like science, fruitful debate, growth, tolerance, delight in the unknown, and forgiveness.

She also shares that unfortunately other things thrive in a polarized, only-one-right-answer world. Things like insecurity, small mindset, fear of the unknown, extreme politics, hate, bigotry, blame, and shame.

With that, Kay encourages that instead of, “I’m right, you’re wrong,” ask “How could this be different or improved?“

And rather than, “This isn’t what I asked for,” try, “I didn’t expect this, please tell me more.“

Her message is crystal clear: Insecure people can’t tolerate curiosity. So, strive to be secure enough to be curious. This will help you be a better leader. It will help you build a stronger team. It will ensure that your network thrives.

Like what you’ve read? Prefer to hear it as a podcast or daily flash briefing? Subscribe to the Networking Rx Minute podcast here or wherever you get your podcasts.

The post 222) The Value Of Curiosity appeared first on AmSpirit Business Connections.
221) FROG Questioning

Posted:Wed, 11 Dec 2019 18:03:51 +0000

In his book, The Seven Levels of Communication: Go from Relationships to Referrals, author Michael Maher encourages through the edification of his protagonists that to build your network most effectively, you should build a FROG into your conversations.

Yes, FROG. F, R, O, G. It’s an acronym to remind you to focus on the other person and help guide your questioning to encompass four things:

One, F, Family: Inquire about their family situation. Married. Single. Children. Where they’re from.

Two, R, Recreation: Ask questions that serve to get people talking about their interests and passions. Hobbies. Favorite sports and teams. Volunteer endeavors.

Three, O, Occupation: Be sure to get the person talking about their professional life. Not just what they do, but also how they got started in that.

And, finally, G, for Goals: Inquire as to their goals, hopes, dreams and aspirations.

As Maher implies, the first step to being well known is knowing others first.

Like what you’ve read? Prefer to hear it as a podcast or daily flash briefing? Subscribe to the Networking Rx Minute podcast here or wherever you get your podcasts.

The post 221) FROG Questioning appeared first on AmSpirit Business Connections.
220) If You Pledge To, Do So

Posted:Wed, 11 Dec 2019 17:54:54 +0000

As you interact with others, it’s only a matter of time before you make a gratuitous commitment to someone. It’s only a matter of time before you agree to fulfill a request someone has made. It might be to share information. It might be to make an introduction. It might be to arrange a meeting at a later day and time.

Whatever the situation, however you’ve promised to follow through, do so.

Remember, successful networking is about building relationships where others come to know, like and trust you. As such, a key component to the element of trust is being reliable. And inherent in reliability is doing what you say you will.

By not doing so – whether you fail to deliver or simply never were able to – the end result is the same. You impair networking potential by hurting your relationships. So, if you pledge to do something, make sure you do it.

Like what you’ve read? Prefer to hear it as a podcast or daily flash briefing? Subscribe to the Networking Rx Minute podcast here or wherever you get your podcasts.

The post 220) If You Pledge To, Do So appeared first on AmSpirit Business Connections.