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Urban Admin's Statement of Purpose: 
Urban Admin builds strong partnerships, helping clients grow their businesses, free their time to pursue their many passions, and move them from "to do" to "it's done!"
 
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Your Handy Grammar Tip:
 
Whom does this belong to? Who should I talk to? When should I use "whom" vs. "who?"   That one trips up a lot of us.

In plain language, here's a great way to easily remember the rule:
s/he = who 
her/him = whom 

Examples: Who/Whom ate the last cookie? She ate the last cookie. Therefore, "who" is correct.

Who/Whom should I select? Should I select him? Therefore, "whom" is correct. 

Hopefully this will clear up some of your confusion. Keep looking for grammar tips in subsequent newsletters!

 
Your Completely Useless Trivia Fact: (a.k.a "Fascinating Dinner Party Conversation")

The average person laughs 13 times a day. Are you laughing enough? No? Maybe this link will help.

Helping You Grow Your Business - 

November 2014

 
     


Hi! I hope you had an enjoyable fall season. Here in Minnesota we had a beautiful fall. The leaves were a multitude of fantastic colors and the air was crisp and cool. Now we already have snow and we're pulling out our winter clothing. But we love it!


Here's a question for you. How many times this week did you hear or see the word "networking?" Not enough? Too many? "You have to network to grow your business." "I got most of my clients through networking!" "Networking is easy."

Excuse me? Easy? If it was so easy, then we would not feel this collective dread as we park our cars before entering a networking event. I used to be one of those people that would prefer to have my limbs pulled off rather than network. But networking is one of the most interactive ways to growing our businesses.  And don't get discouraged! I recently had the privilege of attending a seminar by Kim Duke, Founder of www.salesdivas.com. She said it takes up to 27 touches (yes, 27!) before a potential client/customer will purchase from you. 

A few years ago I met an amazing woman that would change the way I looked at networking. Her name is Teresa Thomas, and she's a local networking legend. I was recently honored to interview her, and I'd like to share that interview with you.
 
 
 
 
Please meet Teresa Thomas, Director of Women in Networking (Men, you can use her ideas as well!)

How did you become an expert networker?
Even though one of my strengths is as a connector, I'm naturally shy. But I've acquired tips and tools that I've put into practice along the way. I share what I've learned to help others to be more confident and effective in their networking. I've read lots of books and articles and attended many seminars on networking. Much of what I've learned has been through observing people who are great networkers and figuring out how they make it look so easy.

What tips and tricks can you give us so that we can be confident in our networking?
There are so many tips but they don't need to be overwhelming. I wrote the networking guidebook in order to share many of the tips, tools, and templates I use myself. The guidebook is interactive because I don't believe there is a one-size fits all technique. I believe that networking is best when it fits your personality, profession and preferences. If I had to chose one tip, I'd suggest to be fully present when you are meeting someone. If you can really listen to the people you meet, you'll be better at a wide range of networking skills including remembering names, being more relevant in your introductions and the information you share, and you'll also be more memorable!

At networking events, how can we be sure we meet as many people as we can?
I prefer to have quality in connections vs quantity but I understand what you are asking. You likely want to have the chance to meet several people so having good intro and exit strategies helps. I share several tips in the guidebook and my presentations. To meet the most people, I suggest arriving early when doors open for an event. Or seek out Speed Networking events which are a great way to meet lots of people (with the bonus that you'll get more comfortable in your introduction by introducing yourself to so many people).

How can we ask for a lead, resource, or follow-up meeting or phone call without seeming pushy?
First of all, think of how you can be helpful to them. The better resource you are for people, the more intrigued they will be to help you in return. Strive for making win/win connections in which you both benefit from having connected. When asking for a follow up meeting, it's respectful to provide options so they can choose what works best for them. For example, "I'd like to talk with you further about X. Would you prefer a 20-minute phone call or to meet for coffee? Does Y date and time work for you?"

You can learn more about Teresa and Women in Networking (WIN) by clicking on these links:

To purchase Teresa's new networking guidebook, "Win/Win Connections:  How to Tap into the Power of Win/Win Networking," click here.  It has a lot of practical tips, interactive checklists, templates, and, journal pages.  My copy is already dog-eared.  I highly recommend it!