Business Networking for Cool People - 4 simple steps

Ok, maybe the title really wants to be Networking for Dummies. Why? Because if I can do it successfully, anybody can do it successfully!

Let's try a little experiment, when you envision what Networking looks like for you, what do you feel in your gut about that? Anyone? Well, I used to get a stomach ache when people would talk to me about networking for my business growth. Not because I didn't like to talk to people, oh tout à fait contraire my friend, I really enjoy people and talking with people. And I didn't like feeling that I was just going to people for leads. That was my uncomfortableness with networking. Well, I came up with a plan for networking that feeds my soul and business at the same time. How?

By contributing to others first.

It is really simple, networking with other really cool people that I like, Nancy Juetten comes to mind as she is the coolest DIY Publicity chic I know! She is a wealth of information for the average joe or sally to become their own publicity guru. And, she shares the wealth of generosity by talking about you in her very well read blog. By connecting with Nancy I have learned how to get the word out through multiple venues about the work that I do or the places that I am speaking. She is a true champion for others success and you can read more about how she does that by going to her blog, she has posted an event that we are both speaking at together in March there for all to see. If I wasn't out networking, I wouldn't have met Nancy Juetten and that would have been a real bummer.

When I was looking at creative ways to network by first contributing, I of course went to Biznik.com to take a look at their upcoming events and to see where I could plug in. Well, what I discovered there was a rich and flourishing network of other people who really want to give into the success of others. There are many people I met through Biznik that have really contributed to my networking success. And, I encourage all of you to get to know the Team at Cat's Eye Marketing, Bob and Judy Dunn. They are a wonderful husband and wife team that are gifted in marketing with ease and comfort. They have worked with me on projects with copy writing (Judy is a Master) and a model for successful blogging (Bob's niche) but mostly they have been a resource of just good people.

I have met great people and built excellent contacts as a result to focusing on successful and creative networking. There are powerful people you can meet in networking with cool people, with just few steps required.

Step 1: Shift your Perspective - networking isn't about how many cards you can collect, it is about the quality relationships you can build. Put yourself in places to meet people that are interested in your success as much as their own. Biznik is a great place to start, events are free and you will meet some really cool people, join today it doesn't cost anything.

Step 2: Change Your Approach - networking is about paying it forward. It's not longer about giving leads at every turn or be penalized. Statistics show that the best leads come from the 2nd and 3rd tier of relationship. It's not me, it's who I know and who they know that counts. So that means - approach it as you would building a friendship. Give and then receive

Step 3: Be Consistent - networking is best done on a continuum not in batches and spurts. Set a schedule of events and groups to participate in, make your self seen consistently and people begin to know you are there for the long run, not the short term. That builds trust and people want to refer others they trust.

Step 4: Let Your Light Shine - networking is often nerve racking for some people, if you show up nervous then that shows on your face and may put people off. When we come forward with generosity on our hearts and allow our truest personality shine through, we build those valuable relationships quickly. So relax and be part of the group, step away from the wall.

So there you have it. 4 simple steps to expanding your community and networking with really cool people. For more on networking, join me as I host a table at the NW Women's Show Total Networking Party. You will learn to network from leading experts in Sales, Marketing and Networking Techniques. You will be in the company of women eager to learn, mingle, and connect.

What will you do today for tomorrow's success?

4-Steps to Cultviate a Single Idea that May Change the World

Last week brought to a close a project that had been on my books for many months. That was the Puget Sound Coaches Association, coaching conference. Coaching: Creating Conscious Choice and Change. It was an exceptional event with extraordinary outcomes.

While in the midst of preparing for the event in Seattle, Washington, I learned of a fascinating story from one of our corporate sponsors, IRC Print and Design. The owner of the company, Trisha Ferguson and her team have a history in the world of flight that has forever changed the lives people around the world. IRC prints the seat pocket safety cards that are on most major Airlines, including the US Airways Airbus A320 that ditched in the Hudson River on January 17, 2009.

These little cards, (that most of us likely would 'reluctantly' admit that we don't read them on every flight,) are being attributed as one of the key indicators of success for the US Airways crew getting all passengers off that plane. These cards, a little annoyance to many in the pre-flight getty-up, were a single idea by one man who saw a need and filled it. A single thought that turned into not just a thriving business but a life saving tool used around the world.

What I noticed as I watched the faces around the room as that story was shared at the coaches conference was a bit of a pause and then the light bulb effect. You know the one, the type that when we allow it to land in our heart or center of being it takes root and the potential from that point in is limitless. It's when eyes and minds begin to wander, "what single idea do I have that when detonated, can change the world."

The conference on February 5, 2009 in Seattle was much of that type of effect for people. There were nuggets of information and idea sharing that were seeds planted and some took root in the minds and action plans of coaches from around the world. There was an extraordinary energy in the air with all the ideas a flutter, with people prophesying what could be that next world changing thought.

Many of you may have had a similar experience recently. One where you heard an idea and your creativity and heart just took over and from it something marvelous was birthed. Well, if that new ‘thing’ were to detonate, what might the outcome be? Consider these 4-steps to nurturing that new idea into something world changing.

Step 1: Write it down and make it plain. Often we have great ideas that are wrapped in our heads and we never make them plain on paper. When we do that, we open up our creativity with our visual effects of seeing it in black and white.

Step 2: Identify the pieces to the puzzle. What are the components of this new idea that when they come together you will have your Monet on paper. Create your vision with pictures and words to create a feeling that is palpable.

Step 3: Gather your panel of experts. Often we work in silo’s of isolation that can hinder our creativity. Bring together your own executive panel or panel of experts to support you, encourage you, brainstorm and create with you what you want to manifest with your new idea.

Step 4: Affirm that you have what it takes to turn this single idea into something extraordinary. Dr. Albert Bandura study behavior and found that ‘our mind will not let us see what we do not believe we can achieve.’ When we affirm what we are moving toward, we become acition-oriented with our approach. Affirm what you see and be ready to make it so!

What one idea do you have that may change the world?

I invite you to share your success and thoughts with us. A robust conversation always benefits the exploration.