End of November 2010

Today is the last day of November 2010 and as always, I like to reflect back on the month and think about the happenings and how they affected me.  Some significant happenings were my daughter-in-law losing her father to a sudden illness and he was only 56.  I am glad we got the opportunity to meet him in Argentina last year at this time, he was a lovely man. I also started working in a company with two associates with a focus on creating a stronger culture from the top down.  This is what I was meant to do, help guide leaders to work their purpose and lead people to believe in the purpose and thrive.  I also helped one of my clients get promoted to a newly created position of more responsibility and continued success.  It's been such a pleasure to be on his journey as he embraced being open to getting better at communicating.  I conducted a couple of workshops on communication - one on effective networking and one on trust and collaboration.  Engaging people in conversation is the most effective way for them to embrace change.  You can't talk at people but instead involve them in the discussion.  I also conducted a workshop for Habitat for Humanity Family Support for new homeowners on passing the baton from Habitat to becoming responsible homeowners.  Again engaging the families in the conversations around this.  Great ideas were shared from some of them for the benefit of everyone. Thanksgiving was last week and we enjoyed the day with dear, long time friends.  We all shared things we were grateful for as we also shared our food.  I try to live in the present moment and be aware of the opportunities that show up at any given moment and they do.  You can't get frustrated if something is not going according to your plan as something unexpected can show up that may give you a whole new perspective to look at.  I know tomorrow will be another day into a new month and who knows how it will turn out.  I do know that I will embrace the cooler weather coming so we can open or doors again.

Thanksgiving Week

Everyone is getting ready for the big day of eating, enjoying the company of family and friends and possibly traveling.  Many people will be providing service to others in the form of helping feed the hungry, delivering food to the needy, collecting food, etc.  This is a great time to also reflect on what's good in your life, what you are grateful for and sharing that with others.  If you are doing the cooking, think about the neighbor, business associate or friend who may be alone and invite them over. Think of ways you can express your gratitude to the people in your life by remembering to thank them for something they have done - something as simple as r being in your life. Gratitude creates tremendous energy that comes back at you many times.  How can you incorporate more of recognizing this in your life? In the service of others is one way to spark the attention around the benefits of gratitude.  Have a blessed and safe holiday.

Effective Networking

I am presenting a workshop next week on "Effective Networking".  I  have decided to be mindful of what happens at networking meetings I attend and people I meet with from these groups. Good material will come from these observations as I present. Here is what I observed at a group meeting today:

• Some people are very good at creating opportunities by setting up meetings with referral sources and potential clients.  They share about themselves and they want to know about the other person.
• Some people attend these meetings and are there in appearance only, never meeting with anyone - simply attending the gathering.  I would love to know their purpose for being there, especially if they are married to their phone.
• Some people are very good with follow up and some are not.  This is a pet peeve of mine - you have to follow up for many reasons.  If you promised them something, complete the task and follow through.  Sometimes opportunities won't arise for a few months so you want to maintain the relationship if you see potential.  People appreciate and remember those who follow this step.
• Some people have their own agenda for meeting - it's all about them and they love to talk about themselves.  Step back after the meeting and ask yourself if this is someone who will benefit from a relationship with you and you with them.
• Some people position themselves in the same spot every meeting or they sit with their friends.  How does this benefit opportunity? Simple questions to ask yourself.

If you are networking, be clear before you get where you are going what your intention is and your expectations.  Your elevator speech should be concise and always be open to sharing a little bit more about you or a tidbit they could use, etc. something that would be interesting to the members of the group.  Get creative with this, it will serve you and it mixes things up.