Networking: A New Approach of Pay It Forward

A couple of years ago, after ten years of tele-commuting, I jumped back to the “real” world and into the new world of networking. It has come along way from the “Chamber of Commerce” events I had been a part of many years ago.

Networking has taken on a new look and new feel.  Networking is more about relationships than about business.  I am finding more and more groups lead by females and embracing home-based businesses, including direct sales and party plan businesses. As I looked at networking events, I took the approach of filling my calendar with every event possible. I attended those that were “free”, the paid groups and those supported by vendors.  I learned a great deal through my own experience — more about that later.  I also looked for advice from the “pros”.

I read information online and looked at several books. I’m at a Networking Event–Now What???: A Guide to Getting the Most Out of Any Networking Event by Sandy Jones-Kaminski was by far the most helpful and comprehensive one I found. It covered a variety of situations and scenarios and outlined the practical steps and uses of networking in today’s society and fast-paced world.

Sandy’s unique approach to “networking better” and “pay it forward” philosophy changed the way I looked at networking.  Networking is not about collecting names and business cards. It is about CONNECTING people with people – not necessarily connecting YOU with people!

The quote “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care” resonates with her philosophy. Network to help others not just yourself! WOW – what a concept!

Her practical tips from choose the events to introducing yourself and following up lay the foundation for successful marketing. Don’t leave an event with 20 business cards – leave the event with quality connections. This changed the way I networked and lead to many successful business and personal connections that changed my life and the lives of others.

If you are looking to build your business or find a new career, I highly recommend reading this book and learning how to use networking events to build your relationships.  Direct Sales/Party Plan businesses are built on relationships.  Exchanging cards at the event is just the first step…after you have chosen the right events to attend.

Love Books? Must-Have App That Can Save You Time & Money!

I love books! I love “e-books” and print books.  You can never have enough books.  But, many times I  purchase a book and never read it. Or, get started and find it isn’t what I need or want at the time. I was just introduced to my new favorite app (website also) called Blinkist.

Photo courtesty of publicdomainpictures.net

Blinkist provides a very cool service — 15 minute or so overviews of books.  Cliff notes for the electronic age! Blinkist provides the summary in both a printed and audible option.  You can even do both — read along!

It is available for computer and as an app – making it very convenient to use.

Convenience is great and Blinkist is upfront noting that the summary does not replace reading the entire book. I completely agree, however, I felt like George in Phenomenon being able to review three books before going to work this morning!

What I am finding Blinkist most useful for is to help me determine which books are a fit for me and my current needs. This morning before work, I was able to listen to three books.  Of the three, The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod, one was on my shelf, not yet read.  It is now at the top of my “To Read” list.  Another on my shelf, borrowed from a friend, is being returned. It just wasn’t a fit for me. And, the third, Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less  by Greg McKeown is on my Amazon wish list for purchasing.

The books are non-fiction and cover a vast array of subjects including business, health and fitness and personal finance. Blinkist boosts a booklist of over 1500 titles. Categories include:

• Entrepreneurship and Small Business
• Personal Growth and Self-Improvement
• Biography and History
• Health and Fitness
• Relationships and Parenting

Blinkist offers a free three-day trial and then an annual subscription service for a very reasonable $79.99. I found this very reasonable when I calculate the number of books I purchase each year…and the number that I never read or regret purchasing.

Also, with the short summaries as audios, I was able to listen to a “book” while walking my dog!

If you haven’t checked out this service, give it try for 3 days – FREE!  Hear the summary of the books sitting on your shelf or wish list, you never know what you might learn!

Spring Reflection: A Challenge to Renew Goals and Bloom!

Here we are wrapping up the first week of Spring. I thought it would be fitting to share my feelings on this time of year.

As a Wisconsin native, I have a real appreciation for the beginning of spring. I grew up loving the flowers peeking through the snow, the first sighting of a robin, and the hints of warmer weather around the corner. I loved the birthing of lambs and calves, the hatching of chicks and prepping of fields for planting. Spring was a sign winter was winding down and brighter, warmer days were just around the corner.robin-snow

Now to me, spring is still the time of rebirth, renewal and new beginnings. It is a time for “cleaning” and organizing. And, looking forward to summer vacation!

With my love of spring, I always thought that it would be more fitting to make New Year’s Resolutions the first day of spring – when we are full of hope and life rather than in the cold, dark days of winter! I think we have clearer heads and a true optimism of what is possible when we see life teeming around us…blooming flowers, budding trees and sunshine.

Spring is nature’s new start. It is a promise of new beginnings. New harvests. New opportunities. Spring is a time to renew the excitement and zest for life that lives inside each of us.

As we move into spring, use this time to stop and enjoy the beauty of nature and of life and all that it holds. I challenge each of you to use spring’s arrival as your cue to renew your life’s goals and bloom in your own way.