Archive for Networking

How often do you say “no” and mean it?!

March 28, 2013 Networking, Social Media, Work Hours No comments

You have to learn to say “no”. You can’t always take care of everyone else and if you spend more than half your day on the phone, you’ve got to figure out a way to scale back.

Spending more than 4 hours a day on the phone is taking away from other valuable opportunities. It is literally impossible to be focused 100% on more than one task simultaneously and if your multi-tasking while talking on your phone – someone or something is missing your full attention.

How much time do you spend typing and replying to emails each day? How much of that time is spent on essential emails? By essential I mean emails that are directly related to the execution and completion of the job you do. It is estimated that only 10% to 20% of emails that most people get each day require their attention and are essential to their job. Are you distracted by those Facebook email updates?

One way to reduce this email frenzy is to politely request to your email contacts that you are removed from non-essential bulk emails lists. This can also be applied to your personal email.

How to give powerful presentations – Top 10 tips

February 20, 2013 Networking No comments
  • 1. Prepare, prepare, prepare – well prepared presentations will show your confidence when delivered
  • 2. Practice, practice, practice – be confident in your delivery and the success of your presentation will increase ten fold
  • 3. Everyone gets nervous! Remember nerves produce adrenaline which gives you focus
  • 4. Dress appropriately for your audience – remember first impressions are lasting impressions
  • 5. Begin and end your presentation on time – show that you value your audience’s time
  • 6. Don’t use inappropriate humour
  • 7. Vary your speech tones – monotonous speakers will lose their audience within the first 15 minutes
  • 8. Don’t fall into the trap of information overload – stick to your message
  • 9. Use silence effectively to provoke questions from your audience
  • 10. Remember that your audience has come to see you!

If you want to learn more, visit a Brunch Briefing.

Does Networking Really Work?

July 26, 2012 Networking No comments

Starting a new business can sometimes leave you feeling lonely and isolated. You have your head down, trying to market yourself without really having any support from co-workers and fellow professionals.

I have been fortunate enough to have been invited to a number of networking events; from free to those where a subscription is required. As you can visit all networking groups as a visitor, you will soon know if the format is right for you and so my best advice is to try as many different forums as you can.

So, what the benefits?

You can share connections, as well as making new connections, create long lasting business relationships, create opportunities and collaborations that you didn’t even know existed and most importantly of all, enjoy the social aspect. It also allows you to share the good and the bad with individuals who have more than likely gone through the same ups and downs.

So next time you are invited to a networking event – say yes!