Networking & The Art of Connecting    

by Gary Barnes, Gary Barnes International

Networking for many people means asking, "What can you do for me?" This attitude, process and language often pushes people away instead of connecting them to you.

I would like to introduce you to a networking process I call Triage. In this process you look for an area of pain or discomfort in the person's life that you can help with. There are 3 steps in the Triage Process.

STEP 1:
The first step is what I call Scratching the Record which is getting people people's attention. When I'm at a networking event and a person starts a conversation with me, they normally ask me about my business. The reality is that they are being polite, but may not really listen to what I would have to say at this point. So, I make a very short statement that stimulates a question from them like "I make money sticky."  Their normal response is something like "How do you do that?" or "What is it?"  When someone asks a question like this, now you have their attention.  You will be tempted to tell them more, but don't.

STEP 2:
The second step of the Triage process is Actively Listening.  When the person has asked you a question you can say "I would love to, but first tell me a little about your business."  The key here is to listen intently to what the person is telling you so that you can identify if they have any needs. This is key information so that you will know whether you or someone in your network has a solution for this person.  This is also the step that will tell you what part of you to share with them.

STEP 3:
The third step of the Triage process is Asking Permission to Connect.  This is not just asking for their business card.  Depending on what you uncovered in the second step, you may ask for an appointment, either on the phone or in person, to talk about their needs and possible solutions. You may have also identified that someone in your network could benefit this person. Get permission to give their information to your contact.  The most important thing to remember in this step is to follow through to continue your conversation, connect them to others, or thank them and let them know it was great meeting them.

If you will follow these three simple steps, you will break through the surface generalities of small talk and form meaningful connections that will last a lifetime.

Reclaim Your Resolutions, Get Back on Track            

by Les Jenkins, Easy Goals 

In some ways, New Year's Day seems like it was yesterday, and in others, that date feels like it was ages ago. The truth is that, as of April 16, the New Year was 108 days ago. Whether you've already achieved half of your 2012 goals, or you're remembering for the first time since January that you even had resolutions, it's okay. Today is a new day; the rest of your life begins right now. If you've gotten off track, here's how to get back on.

 

This is a great time to begin setting or achieving goals because it's that time of year. The sun is shining, the birds are chirping and flowers are blooming. That's right, it's springtime. Nature is renewing, refreshing and rebuilding herself. Crisp, gray skies have given way to fragrant, springtime air that holds the promise of energized summertime days. How can you use this time of year to your advantage?

 

It's easy; take a lesson from Mother Nature and allow springtime to be your time of renewal. Get back on track with these three simple steps.

 

First, Decide What You Want. It's hard to move forward if you don't know where you're going. Choose specific goals across each area of your life, be specific about what you want, and don't be afraid to dream big.

 

Next, Prioritize Your Desires. If you have a long list of goals and expect to accomplish them all at once, you'll likely feel so overwhelmed that you'll never take a single step toward even one goal. Are there goals that you could easily accomplish if you just gave them some attention? Maybe you should do those first. Or, is there a goal that would significantly improve your life if you began to make progress on it? Perhaps you should start there.

 

Last, Get Clear On Your Why. Give goals power and strength by taking them one step deeper and examining why you want what you want. For example, you probably want to lose weight not just to see a smaller number on the scale. Is it because you want to live longer to enjoy time with your family, because you want to attract new relationships, or possibly because you want to feel more confidents so you can get a new job? Find your "why" and you are one step closer to achievement.

 

For a complete program that harnesses these principles and so much more, check out EasyGoals. Use the discount code BARNESEASYGOALS and you will be able to subscribe to this service for Free!  This state-of-the-art website walks you through a goal-setting workshop across every area of a balanced life, helps you prioritize your goals and add reasons to each one, gives you a place to store your goals and record your accountability, and uses Mobile Automated Coaching to keep your goals top of mind. Receive emails, text messages and even a motivational movie about your goals. EasyGoals practically guarantees that 108 days from now, you will be on track and achieving more than ever before.