Making of a Video for YouTube
Video Series on Face-to-Face Networking
As many of my readers know, I have a goal to learn some form of technology each week. This week I decided to take the plunge into the world of recording myself on video.
You can read about the effort I went through to figure out the process on my blog Communication Pro on The Columbian newspaper’s business blog.
For those of you just want to peek at my efforts and my new video series “Face-to-Face Networking in the Digital Age”, here are the links:
Introduction to “Face-to-Face Networking in the Digital Age”
“Contact Cards – A Tool for Networking”
Sign up for my Fan Page “Kathy Condon Connects”. My goal is to help you learn something or make you smile. Be sure to “Like” it so I can stay connected with you.
Are We Beginning to See a Decline in the Use of Facebook?
This morning I woke up to an article in my local newspaper that talked about how younger people are moving away from Facebook. The reasons listed: taking too much time, they feel like they are getting addicted to it, there parents are now using it, and still others are just bored with it.
Then there was this recent survey results:
According to Ad Age, a six-week study of Facebook’s “Fan” pages showed a mere 0.45% of fans engaged in any way beyond clicking “Like.”
I have friend who works with social media on a regular basis. She predicts social media, as we use it today, will not be part of each of our lives within five years—maybe even sooner.
When writing my book “Face-To-Face Networking It’s All About Communication” she advised me not to put any links in the book because that way the book would be evergreen. (Meaning it would not go out-of-date because of links to sites that are no longer active.)
Facebook on Airlines
With that being said, you have to watch this video by Cooper Anderson.
What do you think the future looks like for Facebook?
Attend Kathy’s Seminar “Face-to-Face Networking in the Digital Age” -in Vancouver, Washington.
March 6th – Beacock Music Center 9:30-11:30 a.m.
March 8th – The Grant House 1:00-3:00 p.m.
$25 and includes Kathy’s book “Face-to-Face Networking It’s All About Communication”
Call (360) 695-4313 for reservations.
People have been asking, so here’s the Table of Contents for my book:
CONTENTS
1. Want to Be Remembered? Have a Great Handshake.
- Handshake Etiquette.
- What makes a great handshake?
2. Contact Cards Not Business Cards.
- Why are they called contact cards?
- What do you put on a contact card?
3. Do You Really Need a Nametag?
- Permanent nametags make your life easier.
- Which side should you wear your nametag?
4. How Do You Find a Place to Network?
- Why should you read local publications?
- What criteria works for selecting networking events?
5. Want to Be Remembered? Make Sure You RSVP.
- Why is it important to make a reservation?
- Why do you want to be on mailing lists?
6. You are About to Walk into a Room Full of Strangers. Now what?
- Where do you stand when you enter a room?
- How do you decide whom to approach?
7. You Need to Meet People at This Event…Now What?
- When should you arrive at an event and why?
- Etiquette at the table.
8. How Do You Start and Maintain a Conversation?
- Questions to avoid when starting conversations.
- Questions that work well to start conversations.
9. Contact Cards: The Power of Three
- What is the goal for a one-hour event?
- How do you break away from people?
10. Handwritten Notes Are Very Much Appreciated.
- Why do handwritten notes create such an impact?
- What do you say on a handwritten note?
11. Why is it Important to Manage Information on Your Contacts?
- What do you do with the contact cards you received?
- Why do you need a contact program?
Attend Kathy’s Seminar “Face-to-Face Networking in the Digital Age” on March 6 or 8th. Two different times and two different locations? Call (360) 695-4313 for reservations.
A Beginner’s View of a New Facebook Fan Page
I had heard and read that business people need a Facebook Fan Page. About a year ago, I opened up the area were you are to create a Fan Page. I gave the page a name and there it sat. Nothing added—even worse, I never posted the page so it was not live.
A Goal to Learn Some New Piece of Technology Each Week
I came to the realization that, if I did not stay on top of technology, I could go the way of the dinosaurs and disappear off the map as a professional person. So I set the goal to focus on technology at least once a week.
About a month ago, I decided it was time to tackle learning about a Fan Page. I had clipped numerous articles and parked them on Evernote under the heading “Marketing.” I opened the file, read the articles, and decided to plunge in.
Naming the Page
Interestingly, I cannot remember the first name that I came up with for my Fan Page. All I know, it didn’t work well for me. I went back into the settings and changed the title to “Kathy Condon Connects.” The key is for you to be proud to open it up and share your wisdom.
Suggestion: Come up with a name and work with it a couple of weeks to see if you are comfortable with it. At this point, you are just learning how to add comments and do not have a number of people to confuse if you switch your name.
Posting Comments
My research illustrated that you should not use your Fan Page to sell yourself or your products all the time. This is a place where you post information that might well serve someone well in the development of their career or tools that might help enhance their life.
My Reaction One Month Later
Much to my surprise, I am having a great time using “Kathy Condon Connects” Fan Page. Notice I said, “Using Kathy Condon Connects.” Yes, it is now active. As I go about my week, I am finding great information to share. Often it is a great idea someone else had mentioned in a blog. Sometimes it is the answer to a question that I was asked about communication.
A side benefit: I have links and articles that I found interesting and now they are all in one place.
Please “Like” me at http://www.facebook.com/kathycondonconnects My goal is add helpful and fun information that I believe will help you grow or smile.
Do You Spend Money on Brochures?
If you do, it is time to stop.
More than once, I have listened to entrepreneurs talk about the brochure they are designing to get the word out about their company. When I ask them where they are going to put it, they often reply with some vague answer.
Stop the Madness
Even if people take the brochure you hand them on a coffee date or at a tradeshow, I assure you the chances of it actually being read are slim to none.
Ask yourself, “How many brochures have you sat down to read lately?”
Build a Blog
There are so many applications that you can use to put your information online. You can start a blog with no money. (Did I get your attention now?)
Think about a minimum of two pages:
Bio – About you and your company. (This is really your formally printed brochure)
Blog – Update it with information that will serve your target audience. Once you have a blog, you can start sharing your wisdom. In addition, it makes you much more aware of what is going on around you. I am convinced a blog helps you become better at your profession because you are constantly scanning for information that you can share with your readers.
Finally, make sure you have your blog address on your email signature.
“Face-to-Face Networking in the Digital Age” presented by Kathy Condon
March 6, 2012, 9:30-11:30 a.m. at Beacock Music
March 8, 2012, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. at Grant House
Call (360) 695-4313 or go to Kathy’s Store $25 and includes a copy of Kathy’s latest book on face-to-face networking.
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.
Sign up for Kathy Condon’s Weekly Wisdom — a positive way for you start your week out.
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