The Truth Bar

In the workplace - and when dealing with workplace matters - networking is a powerful tool. And the same is true in personal and social situations, where friends and family can provide you with a great support system, both as you make decisions about change in your life and as you carry them out.
Most of us already have a network, but many of us don’t know it, so we don’t use it. All of us can have a network, but most of us don’t do it, so we can’t use it. My recommendation? Build a network of people who can assist you in reaching your goals - and USE IT!

On a plain piece of paper, jot down the letters “A”, “B” and “C” with “A” at the top of the sheet, “B” about one-third of the way down the page, and “C at the two-thirds point. Then write some notes to yourself as you read.
The most powerful tool to use with a network is to “A” — ASK for help. (Write this down.) In fact, that’s what a network is for, and everyone knows it. Even those who network to develop business or to get a promotion know that even these selfish motives are, in their way, requests for help. Conversely, there’s a willingness to help…it’s a two-way street.

As wise men have said so many times, “Knowledge is power.” But, since none of us can have all the knowledge, no one of us can have all the power. However, the more we ask, the more we learn. The more we know, the more powerful we can be.

Of course, knowledge itself isn’t power (that’s only POTENTIAL power). How we use the knowledge makes the power KINETIC - puts it out there where it can command respect, earn us a raise or promotion, get us a job or some other recognition we really want.

Now for the “B” item. Often, change affects a whole group of people. In that situation, using your network means enlisting others who are being affected and sharing information. “B” is for Brainstorm - discuss ideas, opinions, strategies and tactical approaches among yourselves for the benefit of each and all of you. Perhaps you can use the space on your sheet to jot down some brainstorm ideas about who should be in your network, how to reach them, and so forth.

Finally, “C” - COMMUNICATE. TALK ABOUT YOUR IDEAS. There’s no better way of honing them to razor-edged sharpness in your own mind. And talking about Idea number one may spark Idea number 2 - which may come from someone else - and that idea may be even better. Also, when you share, others will share as well, and you’ll all feel supportive and supported.

Is this risky? It may feel that way, but that’s not really accurate. Even your most cherished and secret idea isn’t brand new. Most others don’t want it or care about it, anyway…but they’re often willing to help you realize it, so take the risk.

Look at your paper. Did you write down each of these key ideas? Now flesh out your outline, then get moving. Start your networking today. It’s as easy as “A,” “B,” “C!”

Copyright 2002, 2005 Optimum Performance Associates/Paul McNeese.

Paul McNeese is CEO of Optimum Performance Associates, a consulting firm
specializing in transitional and transformational change for individuals
and institutions through publication. His publishing company,
OPA Publishing, is an advocacy for self-publishing authors of
informational, instructional, inspirational and insightful nonfiction.

Email: pmcneese@opapublishing.com
Websites: http://www.opapublishing.com and http://www.opapresents.com

You have most likely seen mention of Mr. Naveen Jain the CEO and co-founder of Intelius, Inc. the predictive intelligence service company. Well beyond having made the Forbes list “400 Richest in America” in 2000, this prosperous entrepreneur has been bestowed various distinguished awards, foremost the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award, the WSA Industry Achievement Award, and the Albert Einstein Technology Medal. But that is definitely not the end of the story. For Mr. Jain and his family are every bit as enthusiastic about their philanthropic endeavors and will endeavor to help people in need when they can.

Our young generation are certainly mankind’s most treasured resource. Naveen Jain also views young people as constituting the very focus point of his enterprises, and he leverages any occasion available to help them. This is why he is meticulously exploiting every possibility available to offer help if at all feasible. In consequence Naveen Jain, his relatives and those at Intelius, Inc. donate their time and effort to charities such as Hopelink, the Bellevue Boys and Girls Club, and the Vedic Cultural Center. Naturally, they provide ample material aid but most importantly, they commit time and care to those youth who require it the most. He also donates to the Children’s Hospital in an attempt to restore children’s health too. And since Jain is an alumnus of XLRI Jamshedpur and the Indian Institute of Technology, it is no wonder that formal education holds a tremendously significant prerogative in his humanitarian worldview. This also incorporates causes and deserving cause that will range from neighborhood programs to the international. As a result, Intelius and its head are actively aiding voluntary entities and foundations such as the University of Washington, Child Rights and You (CRY) and the Overlake Service League.

Getting foodstuffs to the starving of the planet is another critical goal for Jain and those around him and he undertakes no differentiation as to whether the person in danger is a mere baby or old, or where they are domiciled, be it the biggest city or the loneliest shack. Although Naveen is aware that the mission of locating provisions for all the world’s hungry is a colossal one, he is also cognizant that the unachievable can actually be realized provided that everybody applies themselves towards a unified end. If this business leader obtains his objectives, there will be a definite conclusion to impoverishment and hunger everywhere at some time.

Many people might be of the opinion that as the headman of a spectacularly flourishing company and a dedicated husband and father to boot would leave no scope for volunteering and support. But Naveen takes care to ensure that each one of his humanitarian efforts is given all the aid he can conceivably contribute. This untiringly visionary entrepreneur is most definitely much more than just an ordinary business trailblazer. He is an outstanding individual and an exceptional community patron.

You will very probably have seen mention of Mr. Naveen Jain’s name as the co-founder & CEO of Intelius, Inc. the market leaders in background checks, identity theft protection and public records services. Beyond achieving a place on the Forbes 400 Richest in America list 2000, this maverick business leader has won a whole range of reputable awards, foremost the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award, the Albert Einstein Technology Medal, and the WSA Industry Achievement Award. Even so it definitely does not end here. Because Jain and his family are likewise as impassioned about philanthropy and will strive to give aid wherever possible. The present young generation positively constitute the planet’s most treasurable resource. Naveen Jain also regards children as the deserving focal point of his enterprises and he uses every opportunity he gets to support them. This is the main reason why he is so diligently leveraging every opening he can to lend a helping hand whenever it seems practicable. Consequently Naveen Jain, his relatives and his employees at Intelius, Inc. have committed to really push ahead in earnest: they donate their time to charities such as Hopelink, the Overlake Service League, and the Vedic Cultural Center. They will hand out ample monetary aid but most importantly, they pledge their time and energies to the most disadvantaged and vulnerable children. As well as this he supports the Children’s Hospital endeavoring to advance child health.

With Naveen Jain being a graduate of the Indian Institute of Technology and XLRI Jamshedpur, it is hardly surprising that schooling is a crucial pivot point in his humanitarian works. This also encompasses campaigns and charitable organizations that run the gamut from the regional to the international. As a result, Intelius and its head are actively helping voluntary entities and organizations such as the Rotary Club, the Children’s Hospital and TreeHouse.

Getting sustenance to the underdogs of the world is another critical aim to Naveen Jain and those around him and to him, it makes not one jot of difference. Although Naveen is cognizant that the undertaking of obtaining food for all the world’s hungry is an eminently colossal one, he also knows that the unattainable can factually come to be feasible when each and every one of us toils together. If this business leader should really have his way, there will be a decisive end to impoverishment and starvation on this planet at some point.

People might believe that being the boss of a wildly flourishing company as well as being an out-and-out family man would allow him no spare room for charity and helping others. Yet he takes care that all of his charitable endeavors is given all the attention he can feasibly contribute. To wrap it up, this idealistic man is definitely much more than a simple steersman of industry. He is a intensely humanitarian minded person and a genuine community hero.

When I walked into Dallas’s famous Y.O. Ranch Steakhouse, all I wanted to do was to enjoy my New York Strip steak, relax and quietly review my notes for the following day’s speech. Little did I know that a valuable business lesson awaited me at the table.

The only other customer in the bar was a guy sitting in the corner pounding away on his laptop. He didn’t look up when I walked in. The bartender on the other hand noticed my nametag when I arrived and yelled, “Hey Scott! Grab a stool and have a drink!”

I walked over as he flung a coaster down and said, “What’ll you have?”

“Actually,” I said, looking at that man in corner, “I have some work to do. Is it cool if I grab one of those corner tables over there?”

“Sure, sit wherever you want,” he said.

I sat down at the table caddy-corner from Mr. Laptop. He had one of the new Apple G5’s. Nice computer, I thought. Briefly peering over at his screen, I saw that he was working online.

“Excuse me, but do you get high speed access in this bar?” I asked.

“Yeah! I’m set up with a wireless system. And it’s nice because I’d rather work here than in my hotel room.”

“Oh yeah, I know the feeling,” I replied. “That’s why I came here too.”

Pointing down at my nametag, he asked what convention I was attending. I smiled and told him, “Actually I always wear a nametag. It makes people friendlier and more approachable.” He chuckled, as most people often do when I give them my standard answer to this frequently asked question.

“Well Scott, it certainly worked on me! My name is Joachin. It’s nice to meet you.”

Joachin was a tech consultant from Orange County. He also flew in for the day to give a speech to one of his clients. Not surprisingly, we clicked instantly! And for the next hour, Joachin and I had one of those rare stranger conversations that covered just about every topic you could imagine. It was like we were old friends! And both of us seemed to have forgotten all about the work we’d each brought to the restaurant.

God I love it when that happens, I thought.

The more we got to know each other, the more it felt like our conversation could have lasted for hours. But it was getting late, and we both had big days ahead of us. So, after exchanging business cards and agreeing to drop each other a line sometime, Joachin left and returned to his hotel.

Wow! I’m so glad I talked to that guy! I said as I grabbed the notes for my speech. And as I took another bite of my steak, I also thought to myself, now wait a sec - something just happened here…

One of the principles of communication I often discuss in my workshops and books is called “Sitting With The Right Company.” This idea reminds us that every new encounter represents a choice. For instance, we can walk into a meeting, a party or even a restaurant and immediately seek out the easy seat. That seat could mean sitting all by ourselves or perhaps with a group of people we already know.

You’ll notice this will happen a lot at networking functions. Employees from the same company - who work together 8 hours a day, 5 days a week, 50 weeks a year - will always sit together.

Because it’s comfortable.

But sometimes, a temporary sacrifice in comfort is worth the value of the conversation that otherwise would not have existed. Sometimes you’ve just got to throw yourself out there. Sometimes you’ve got to break the silence and step onto the front porch of someone new.

Because you just never know. You never know whom you will meet, what you will learn or how it will reciprocate. Unfortunately, too many people are held captive by this comfort. And it is those people who are missing out on opportunities to enhance the net worth of their social capital. Sure, it’s easier to talk to people we already know. But there’s also something to be said for digging your well before you’re thirsty.

After I paid my check and hopped back into the cab, you couldn’t wipe the smile off my face. The cab driver probably thought I was drunk! But for some reason, the conversation I had with Joachin gave me more energy than the seven dinner rolls I’d just eaten!

And MAN that was beautiful.

Now, will we become life long friends? I doubt it. Business associates? Certainly, that’s a possibility. But…will we either of us regret spending our meal talking and connecting with an exciting new person instead of sitting alone in a corner burying our noses in work?

No way. And in the end…

I was SO glad I didn’t sit at the bar.
I was SO glad I didn’t work on my speech.
And I was SO glad I DID sit with the right company.

© 2005 All Rights Reserved.

Scott Ginsberg is a professional speaker, “The World’s Foremost Expert on Nametags” and the author of HELLO my name is Scott and The Power of Approachability. He helps people MAXIMIZE their approachability and become UNFORGETTABLE communicators - one conversation at a time. For more information contact Front Porch Productions at http://www.hellomynameisscott.com.

Success is all about relationship building. The more people you know and who know you in a favorable way, the better your chances are of succeeding in everything you do. One of the best ways to make contacts and build relationships is to join different business organizations and attend their networking events.

The main objective of networking is to make contacts and build relationships with people who can help you in your career or business. You do this by asking questions, listening carefully to the answers, and be aware of any problems that you can solve at a later date.

To get the most out of a networking event you have to know how to work a room, which is why it’s important to understand that networking events combine business and pleasure. Here are ten ways to get the most out of any networking event:

1. Develop the proper attitude. This a not only a great marketing opportunity, you’re also there to have a good time.

2. Prepare your introduction. Most networking situations give you just a moment to talk about what you do. Clearly say your name and company name, along with a brief statement of what you do. Make it sound fascinating. Rehearse your introduction until it sounds natural, not memorized.

3. Have a ready selection of conversation starters. This is one of the reasons why it is so important for you to continuously educate yourself with industry news and current events. Read the daily newspaper every day, read magazines such as Time, Business Week, Entrepreneur, and Forbes. Read industry trade journals, and watch daily news programs on television. It’s also a good idea to be familiar with the current news about which ever organization is sponsoring the event. Be careful to stay away from politics, religion, and sex.

4. Remember, you are not there to look for sales. You’re there to look for leads, prospects, and for problems you can help solve. Look for people who you can network with, and possibly establish a fusion marketing relationship with. Talk to as many people as you can. Don’t overlook anyone. You never know when someone who doesn’t look like much of a prospect at first turns into a great source of direct business or referrals.

5. Have plenty of business cards, the type that open up into min-brochures. This type of business card is a great conversation starter. You can’t give a brochure out at a networking event, so your business cards are the next best thing.

6. Make eye contact and smile. Give your total attention to the other person when he or she is talking. Practice active listening. Show your interest by asking questions and paraphrasing back to the other person so you understand exactly what he or she is saying.

7. Eat and drink in moderation. If you must drink alcohol, nurse one slowly. Never chew gum or smoke, and go easy on the cologne and perfume.

8. The worst thing you can do at a networking event is offend someone. So use humor with discretion or avoid it all together.

9. Not all networking functions have the attendees wear name badges. If they don’t, when you meet someone for the first time, repeat his or her name back to them. This helps you remember better. If you do forget a person’s name whom you met earlier, don’t fake it or guess, just admit it up front and ask the person again.

10. Follow-up immediately after the event with a hand-written note, email, or a phone call. Your follow-up should have a warm and sincere tone, telling the person how much you enjoyed meeting him or her and mention one or two topics that you talked about.

When you attend a networking event, you have to walk a fine line between working and enjoying yourself. An impressive thing to do while working a room is to have a lot of fun. Having fun is an attribute at a networking event. Other people want to be around and talk to people who are fun.

If you want to get the most out of your next networking event, the key is not to work so hard, instead have some fun. That’s the best way to work a room.

Copyright©2006 by Joe Love and JLM & Associates, Inc. All rights reserved worldwide.

Joe Love draws on his 25 years of experience helping both individuals and companies build their businesses, increase profits, and achieve total success. He is the founder and CEO of JLM & Associates, a consulting and training organization, specializing in personal and business development. Through his seminars and lectures, Joe Love addresses thousands of men and women each year, including the executives and staffs of many of America’s largest corporations, on the subjects of leadership, self-esteem, goals, achievement, and success psychology.

Reach Joe at: joe@jlmandassociates.com

Read more articles and newsletters at: http://www.jlmandassociates.com