Networking Insight

5 Types of Words Not to Use When Talking with Others

When having a conversation with others, it is best to stay positive and neutral most of the time, especially if this is the first time meeting someone. While it is okay to have your own views and sides on issues, you don’t want to come on too strong before someone gets to know you. Below are 5 types of words to not use during conversations.

1. Swears – You don’t want other people to think that you are unprofessional. You want people get to know you before these words may come out.

2. Politics – Talking politics can be a problem, especially if you have opposing views. It is best not to bring this up because you don’t want to get into a potential argument with someone.

3. Religion – Like politics, religion is another touchy subject, especially if you are of a different faith. In addition, some people have biases towards certain religions more than others. You want to focus on synergies when building relationships.

4. Negativity – It can be uncomfortable talking with someone who is negative. Focus more on talking positive so people want to get to know you and enjoy talking with you.

5. Criticism – Make sure not to criticize other people or events when talking with people. You don’t want people to think that you are a complainer. At the same, it is not good talk about people behind their backs because it will most likely get back to them and you.

What other types of words should you not use?

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Take a Step Back and Refresh Your Energy for Building Positive Relationships

Life can be very busy at times. Most of us are moving fast and juggling multiple hats with family and business. Because of this, you may not be managing your relationships properly or in an effective way.

Therefore, it is important from time to time to take a step back to evaluate your relationships and techniques for managing them. By doing so, you will better understand who is in your network and how often you communicate with them.  It is best to do this sort of activity on the weekends when your workload may not be as hectic. You should try to find a time to focus with little outside distractions.

So, how do you evaluate your relationships? First, make sure that your contact database includes all of the people you have met over the past several months. If not, then go through the pile of business cards that you have collected and start inputting this data. Next, make sure that all of you contacts are tagged with categories so you can easily sort each person. Categories could be based on type of job, industry, or person.

After you input new people, go through your entire database and scrub it to remove people who you don’t know or haven’t spoken to in awhile. It is good to do this multiple times each year so your contacts are up to date.

Once your database is current, think about your communication methods. Do you send out regular emails/newsletters, tweets, or blog posts? How often do communicate? How oftent do you meet face to face with people? Evaluate what you are doing and not doing so you can put together a strategy going forward.

After you have a game plan, you should have new found energy to jump start your relationship building. It should be a continually process so this will hopefully motivate you to continue.

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Social Networking Humor

 

9 Reasons to Stay Positive When Talking with Others

When speaking with others, you should try to remain positive. It can be challenging to talk to a negative person. You want to be remembered in a positive way, which will help you to build relationships. Below are 9 reasons why you should be positive when talking with other people.

1. You will be more easily remembered

2. Your positivity will enhance your personal brand

3. You will be able to continue building a relationship

4. Positivity is contagious so you will attract other positive people

5. You will make others at ease

6. You will get more introductions/referrals

7. People will want to be around you

8. You will feel good about yourself

9. You will be a happier person

What other reasons can you think of?

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Business Building Bootcamp

Below is some information about event in which I am able to offer a 70% discount.

Business Building Bootcamp

Host: Sales Results, Inc.

Date: September 14, 2010

Time: 8:30am-12:30pm or 1-5pm

Location: Hilton Garden Inn Chicago O'Hare Airport, 2930 South River Road, Des Plaines, IL

Cost: $59 (normally costs $200 but use discount code "SR59" to get a 70% discount)

For more information and to register, go to Business Bootcamp 

One of the top networkers and business coaches in the Chicagoland area is a co-presenter at an upcoming Business Building Bootcamp on September 14th.  He is not only a dynamic speaker, but has helped thousands of professional service professionals to improve their business development and networking skills. He has generously offered to give a 70% discount to his program to my entire network of friends and business associates. 

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Pay Attention to Your Words

During a discussion with someone at a networking event (or really in any setting), you want to come across as a conversationalist. It is important that others feel comfortable talking with you. Therefore, be careful not to say anything that provides a level of discomfort for the other person.

Certain topics, such as politics and religion, are usually better left alone.  The last thing that you want to do is get into a heated conversation with another person. If this happens, then you will have a much harder time building a relationship with this person. 

At the same time, word may get around about your views and more importantly that you may not be a good conversationalist. In addition, make sure to listen closely to what others say so you don’t accidentally insult someone or say something that you regret. 

Your words are an important component of your brand so treat them with utmost care. You should strive to be a conversationalist with everyone who you talk to in any environment. You never know where a conversation can lead such as a new contact, customer, or partner.

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Social Network Ad spending to Top Over $1 Billion in 2010

According to research released by eMarketer, "U.S. advertisers will spend an estimated $1.7 billion in ads on social networks in 2010, accounting for 6.7 percent of all online ad spending." Spending has grown by 20% this year and is expected to grow by 24% next year. 

Facebook accounts for more than half of this spending, which is quite amazing and it shows just how big Facebook really is with social networking. 

Do you think that Twitter's upcoming suite of advertising products will make a dent in the ad spending? Where else do you see spending taking place in the near future?

To read more, go to Social network ad spending to hit $1.7 billion in 2010.

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New Business Magazine Launches - e'lite

In August, a new business magazine launched called "e'lite", which features 10 contributors on subjects such as social media, legal, brand management, and networking. Also, in this issue is an interview with Olivier Blanchard who is widely known as a brand builder.  I am honored to be one of the first contributors to this magazine. My article is entitled "The Success of Healthy Relationships.'

You can read the August issue at elitemag.

Also, the publisher of this magazine holds a number of social media retreats called "UnGeeked Elite". Go to UnGeeked Elite to find out if one is coming to your city.

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Social Networking Humor Cartoon

 

10 Words that Describe Relationship Building

Building relationships can mean different things to different people. Below are 10 words that describe relationship building for most people.

1. Friendship

2. Partnership

3. Trust

4. Credibility

5. Connection

6. Network

7. Helpful

8. Resource

9. Branding

10. Capital

What other words describe relationship building for you?

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