Don’t Forget. You are Networking Every Place You Go
Recently I was on the way to Ft. Lewis-McCord here in Washington State to do a training on “Face-to-Face Networking”. It was nearing time for lunch. Since the rest of the day was tightly scheduled, I knew if I did not eat lunch now it wasn’t going to happen.
I pulled into a Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant for I knew I needed protein to keep my energy up. Since time was getting short, I decided to order the food to go. While waiting for my order, I noticed a woman sitting by herself. I went up to her and said, “I’m not clear which is the right turnoff for Ft. Lewis-McCord. Would you happen to know?”
She said, “Not only do I know, I worked there for 20 years.” She then went on to graciously explain exactly what I needed to do to approach the main gate. My food was ready, so I picked up the bag and then decided to say to the woman “May I join you?” With a big smile, she said, “Of course.”
It turned out that she had lived in Vancouver, Washington, my hometown, for many years. We knew many of the same people. Before long, we were discussing my book “Face-To-Face Networking It’s All About Communication”. She went on to talk about what she believed one needs to do to build strong relationships. It was a wonderful conversation in every sense.
Time was flying by and I needed to leave in order to get to my first appointment on time. Before I left, I went to the car, got a copy of my book, and handed it to her. She smiled broadly and promised me that she would read it and let me know her thoughts. We exchanged contact cards and I was on my way.
About a week later, I picked up her card and gave her a call. The smile in her voice was delightful. She said, “I had been wondering how you did–that was a powerful group you were presenting to that day.” I happily told her that not only had they appreciated my training, the Commander Sergeant Major had given a very special military coin that said “Presented By Commanding General and Command Sergeant Major For Excellence.”
There was a silence at the other end and then she said, “You have to be kidding. How totally wonderful! Kathy, congratulations.”
We went on talking about the book and how many things she is learning. She had not finished the book, yet, she was finding it a terrific guideline for the basics of networking.
She is planning on coming to Vancouver soon. We’re going to meet for coffee and continue our conversation when she is here.
Notice that it was a question that started the conversation. Do not be afraid to ask questions. Keep alert, for you never know whom you will meet or what you will learn as you live your life.
Presenting in Portland/Vancouver Area : “Face-to-Face Networking in the Digital Age” on March 6th–9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. and March 8th – 1:00 -3:00 p.m. $25 and includes a copy of my book “Face-to-Face Networking It’s All About Communication” ($15.95 value)
Call me at (360) 695-4313 for details.
Be Kind to One Another
My emotional range contained a number of peaks and valleys this week.
One morning I woke up to the news that my Uncle had passed on. He was the last of 12 children on my mother’s side of the family. He was my youngest daughter’s Godfather, so it doesn’t take much to understand that he ranked pretty high up on my favorite people scale.
Whitney Houston
The next day, the death of Whitney Houston. I own eight movies. I now realize that two of them are movies with Whitney in them–Bodyguard and Waiting to Exhale I’ve watched them both repeatedly for I believe that Whitney’s characters in these movies portrayed life as I see it as a woman.
Friday night I watched the movie “Dad” with Jack Lemon and Ted Danson. This movie tells the story of how a son comes home to take care of his aging father while his mother is in the hospital recovering from a heart attack. My sister had warned me that it would remind of our own father. Boy was she right. The father said, “I was not a boss, I was a worker.” Immediately, tears welled up in my eyes. My Dad worked 12-hour days in a plastic factory, then came home, and took care of our small truck farm—he was a worker.
Glenn Campbell (Video of the Tribute)
Finally, one evening there was a segment on television about Glen Campbell and his battle with Alzheimer’s. It showed how the family concluded that they had to reveal his illness to the world because of the mistakes their father was making on stage while performing.
Sunday night at the Grammy Awards, Campbell sang “Rhinestone Cowboy” to the adoring crowd. He did an outstanding job. I cannot imagine what that meant to him and his family to have the Grammy Awards celebrate his life in such a special way.
Finally, two close friends had major surgery this week. I am happy to report that they are both doing great.
As I write this I am, once again, reminded that it is not about how much money you have – it’s about the little things we do in life that truly make a difference. Be kind to each other.
Sign up for “Face-To-Face Networking In the Digital Age” at Kathy’s Store. $25 (includes a copy of her book “Face-To-Face Networking It’s All About Communication” $15.95 value)
March 6, 2012 – Sponsor and at Beacock Music Center 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
March 8, 2012 – Sponsor and at The Grant House 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Pick Up Your Phone and Make a Coffee Date
When is it too late? My answer, never.
You are thinking, “She can’t be serious.” Yes, I am.
For some reason, we have gotten it into our head that if we do not contact someone by at least two weeks after meeting them at a conference, the window to connect has been lost. Let me give you an example why I believe it is never too late.
Years ago, I met a man at a conference. We attended the same session, and then we went out for a cup of coffee to discuss what we had just heard. The conversation was great. When we got up to leave, we exchanged contact cards and vowed to stay in touch.
It didn’t happen. We got busy with our lives. However, I did take the time to put his contact information into my contact management program. (I use Batchbook) My contacts are arranged by state, because when I travel, I often call someone in the area to see if we can meet on my time off.
I have a trip set up for South Carolina. I went through my contact list and this same man’s name popped up. Since I had written a note about our previous interaction, it reminded me of our great interchange. Thanks to LinkedIn, I was able to find his updated profile. I picked up the phone and gave him a call.
Once I explained to him who I was, I could sense he was smiling broadly. Yes, he was happy I called. Yes, he would be delighted to meet for coffee. I told him when I would be in his town and our coffee date is set.
Looking forward to seeing him—it has been seven years since we connected.
Kathy Condon, is an Award-winning Author, Speaker and Trainer on Communication in the Workplace and Face-to-Face Networking
Networking vs. Connecting
An interesting discussion started on LinkedIn when someone suggested that we give up networking and become a connector. Huh?
I had just finished my first cup of coffee. After reading the discussion, I decided that I better get another cup of coffee and see if I could sort out my thought processes to explain the difference.
Here is what I decided.
Networking is the process. Connections are the results.
Networking happens the minute you walk out the door. Well let me rephrase that sentence. IF you are working the social media sites, you are networking online. Networking is interacting with people and learning something about them.
Every person you interact with can become a connection. In order to be a good networker, you must keep information on individuals that you interact with in person or online. This step is the one missed by so many people.
Find a way to organize contact cards you have collected so you can easily enter them into some kind of contact management program. If you find a discussion on a social media site particularly interesting, and you appreciate what a person has said, ask him to connect with you online.
People with a large network are considered powerful for they have the ability to connect people from various disciplines. Just this last week I introduced four professional people to each other. I am predicting not only will they like each other; I believe some great partnership may develop because I connected them.
Keep networking and expand your list of connections. There is no greater joy than receiving notice that two people you connected are now meeting on a regular basis.
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Author Learns the Value of Reviews
As the author of two books, it is surprising to me that I hadn’t figured out the value of written reviews of one’s books. Four months after the publication of my second book: “Face-To-Face Networking It’s All About Communication,” it dawned on me what a review means to an author.
I am an Indie Author (self-published). I use Lightning Source Inc. as my printer. To say that our working relationship has been terrific does not do it justice. Just suffice it to say, I am a fan.
Lightning Source works with Amazon. Immediately after the final edits of my books are completed, the books are posted on Amazon’s site. Admittedly, the first time my reaction was, “Wow. I made it; I’m officially recognized as an author with a book.” Hey, an author needs and deserves a little vanity thought.
As any recognized author will tell you, writing the book was truly the easy part. You know your subject or you wouldn’t have tackled writing a book in the first place. Yes, it takes great discipline and many hours of uninterrupted time.
Marketing is the Next Step
After the book is published, the marketing begins. I’ve heard it over and over again. Even if your book was picked up by a publishing house, you still are the one that has to promote your book, by setting up book signings, television, and radio interviews.
Gone are the days that your garage was full of copies of your book. Now you can order one copy of your book or thousands at a time. The more copies you order the lower your price for book. However, the goal is having the need to order more and more copies.
Asking for Reviews
Fortunately, I started asking people to post reviews of the book on Amazon. A number of them did.I smile when I would open up Amazon and find my book easily under the search “Face-to-Face Networking.”
Then something happened, the book star ted dropping on the page. Hmmmm. I realized that it appeared that I had to keep the book reviews coming. It was time to take action. I started asking more and more people if they would write a review of the book and post it on Amazon.
Notice I said, “Ask.” That is the key. If you do not ask people to write a review, the chances of them doing so are practically zero. It’s not that they don’t like the book; it is just that we all have busy lives and a book review is just one more thing to add to the “To Do List.”
I reviewed the list of people who had bought my book. I sent emails or called them up and asked them if they would do me the honor of writing a review. I am proud to say, most of the people I called said, “I would be glad to.” In addition, this connection with individuals helped me learn specifically why they liked the book in their own words—not something written for the public to read.
As I write, this blog. My book “Face-To-Face Networking It’s All About Communication” is once again at the top of the page. Smiling for now the entry also shows the book is in the form of an EBook as well.
Help an Author
No matter what book you read, do the author a favor, and take time to write a review. Yes, it one of those “Little Things” to you, but a very big thing for the author.
Have you written a book review lately?
Kathy Condon is an Executive Coach, Award-winning Author, Speaker and Trainer on Communication in the Workplace and Face-to-Face Networking
The Under Utilized Leadership Tool
Online we are seeing articles that stress that employees are waiting to flee their current jobs. When they do not feel appreciated or are given the opportunity to grow, they get restless and look for organizations that provide the culture where they can find both.
Excellent leaders say thank you
As you read this, I am sure, you can remember a time when someone in your life went out of his/her way to thank you for a job well done. I am betting you will never forget that moment.
IF the leader took the time to write down the compliment, it would have been even better. You not only could look at it again and again, you could share it without whomever you desired. In addition, it would be wonderful documentation for your personnel file.
Leaders get busy and they may think someone else probably said something to the team member. Even if a team member did say something, it is not the same as coming from the person at the top.
I urge leaders to consider saying “thank you” more often and in writing if possible. If you don’t think it important. Watch this video, A Lifetime of Favors Repaid. I’m betting you will change your mind.
Kathy Condon is an Executive Coach, Award-winning Author, Speaker and Trainer on Workplace Communication, including Face-to-Face Networking.
Emails Capture our History
Emails Capture History
While looking for ways to save some space on my disk drive, I rediscovered the emails that I had received, and saved, from my sister. She was in Beijing, China for a year teaching English as a second Language (ESL).
Before she got her Skype set up, we were regularly emailing back and forth. Then she got her Skype up and then I had more than my share of Skype issues. Thus, there is an abundance of emails documenting her life and emotions while living this extraordinary life as a teacher there.
I smiled when I read a couple of them. It took a minute to decide it is time, two years later, to forward them to her. She had no idea I had kept them. Imagine her surprise when she goes to her email today to find ALL the emails she wrote to me forwarded to her.
SKYPE stopped the Documentation
I realized how important these emails are to documenting her life. Just like, in the past, we poured over letters we found in our parents belongings once they had passed on.
Then it dawned on me. ALL the conversations we eventually had with each other on Skype are not recorded. There is a big hole in the documentation of her journeys.
Thus, there is a trade-off. Either you get to see the person or you have a documentation of your exact interchange.
Will video turn out to be the documentation method for our emotions and journeys for generations to come?
Kathy Condon is an Executive Coach, Award-Winning Author, Speaker and Trainer on the subject of Communication in the Workplace.
Contact Cards are NOT Advertising
Always carry your contact cards.
As many of my readers know, I have been advocating for years the use of the term “contact cards” instead of business cards. Interestingly, now I don’t explain what a contact card is – seems self-evident to me.
Recent questions:
Should I put my picture on my contact card?
My belief is that the minute one sees a picture on a contact card, he thinks real estate. Certainly, nothing wrong with that association. Real estate agents have created a great brand with this format.
Should I take my contact cards to formal events?
Absolutely. There are many sidebar conversations that take place when you bring a group of people together. You never know with whom you will connect. Many of the people you meet at the event, would be terrific people to call up for a coffee date.
Should I put my social media IDs on it?
It depends. After giving it some thought, I decided to leave social media IDS off my contact cards. I wanted to keep my card very clean looking. My name can be larger and it keeps plenty of white space so people can easily read my email or website address. All my social media information can be found on my website and blog.
If you make your living mostly from using the web, I would include the IDs.
Are contact cards going out of style? Now you can just point your smartphone at another one and it will record your information.
There is still a large population out there that doesn’t have a smartphone.
You advocate putting your contact card into your handwritten notes. Isn’t that really just a form of pushing your company?
It is my belief that the contact card should be included in EVERY handwritten note. It doesn’t even occur to me that I am advertising. What I am doing is making easy for another person to get in touch with me.
A colleague received a new position. I sent him a note and congratulated him on the new appointment. He sent an email that said, “I really appreciated the note and thanks for sending me your contact card. Now I have your information at work.”
Read more of Kathy Condon’s advice about contact cards in her book: “Face-to-Face Networking It’s All About Communication” You can find Kathy’s book in hard copy and as an EBook on Amazon.
Small Face-to-Face Gatherings Build Relationships
Build Relationships Face-to-Face
Invite a group of people, serve them tea and desserts and let the discussions begin.
Recently, I had such an experience. I did not host the event. Yet, I was delighted to accept the invitation. I had met the host, Laura Hall, who owns Tea & Tart Catering at a networking event where I was the speaker. She mentioned that our local theater, The Kiggins, was going to be showing the movie, “I AM” and that she wanted to bring a number of us together to discuss it afterwards.
I had seen the movie, “I AM” through Netflix. I was ready to see it again for there was a great deal of information, with scientific proof, illustrating how we are all connected. I have to admit, even the second time around, I still felt like I needed to “start and stop” the movie to capture some of the one-liners.
What was your take-away from the movie?
Many of us were meeting each other for the first time. Thus, our conversations moved in little groups from one topic to another. Laura, remembering the purpose of the get-together, said, “I know we are enjoying talking with each other, but let’s share with each other your take away from the movie.”
Individually, we told the entire group, our “aha” from the movie. What is interesting in a group of 10 people the “ahas” were all different. It was a great reminder how we see the world through our own lenses.
This format provided a great review for all of us for the movie is chuck full of special nuggets that can impact our life. Now if we can only remember them as we go about our day.
As I drove home, I thought about the evening. Tom Shadyac’s story about why he made the movie is interesting in itself. The scientific research and interviews he provided could not help but make one think with a greater vision.
Laura provided a place where we could meet. As a result, we learned, we grew, and we met some wonderful people. Try to tell me face-to-face meetings aren’t important to the building of relationships.
Kathy Condon, Award-winning Author, Executive Coach, Speaker and Trainer on the subject of Communication in the Workplace.
Why do we make our writing so complicated to read?
Keep Book Reviews Simple
Recently I was asked to write a review for a business book. I am not going to state the name of the book here, because I do not want to mention the names of the reviewers. I want to share with you what I discovered about the other reviews.
I read this book with great enthusiasm. There were times when I wasn’t up-to-date on a particular business and their new practices that she talked about. However, overall, the book was easy to understand. She used good corporate examples, shadowed gray boxes to reinforce her points and often bullets.
After finishing the last chapter, I sat down to write my review. When I was satisfied with what I had written, it was time to post my thoughts. I opened up the area where the previous reviews were posted. Frankly, I was very surprised to see ALL the other six recommendations. I started to read them and soon found myself working to figure out what a particular word meant.
Not only was the vocabulary difficult to understand, the paragraphs were huge. Apparently, no one has informed the reviewers that online readers tend not to read beyond 4.5 line paragraphs. Thus, I found myself having to laser focus in order to get the drift of the review.
Admittedly, it did occur to me that, perhaps, I had missed the mark in my review. I even thought about rewriting mine a bit. Then I realize that I was saying the same thing as the other reviewer only using much simpler terms.
Thank goodness, my confidence in my own writing surfaced. Thus, I pasted the copy of my book review into the site, and pressed the publish button. Done.
UPDATE: The man who asked me to do the review sent me an email to let me know how pleased he was with it. Looks like I hit the mark—soooo glad I decided to submit the review the way I wrote it.
Kathy Condon is an Award-winning Author, Speaker and Trainer on the subject of Communication in the Workplace. You can purchase her book “Face-to-Face Networking It’s All About Communication” on Amazon.