Networking Insight

Book Review: The Age of Speed by Vince Poscente

The Age of Speed: Learning to Thrive in a More-Faster-Now World was written by Vince Poscente who was driven to live fast after a fortune teller told him while he was a kid that he would die at 40. Vince believed this fortune teller so by age 23, he went skydiving, hang gliding, flew a sailplane, and took up the sport of luge. By age 30, Vince was an Olympic speed skier. Because of all of these experiences, Vince brought speed into the business world and is a well-known speaker who talks about how to accomplish big goals in a short period of time. The book provides a wealth of information about how to thrive into today’s fast paced world.

Book Content
It is important that you get a good understanding of what content is covered in this book so below are the major parts of this book.

The Speed Phenomenon
Evolution
The Big Blur
Four Profiles
Agility
Aerodynamics
Alignment
Harnessing the Power of Speed

Each section has several chapters that describe how speed can be used to your advantage in all situations.  We live in a fast-pasted 24/7 world so it makes sense to harness speed but in a smart way. Vince makes the reader realize that life is only going to get faster so we need to 1) control interruptions, 2) learn when to multi-task and when to focus, and 3) realize that work, home, and leisure are all blurred together.

An interesting fact that is shared in the book is that “Fifty-five percent of workers said they opened incoming emails almost immediately, regardless of how busy they were.” This is an amazing statistic because it shows how easy it is too lose focus.

The Age of Speed: Learning to Thrive in a More-Faster-Now World is well-written and broken up into 35 small chapters, which makes it very easy to read.  Throughout the book, Vince shares several real-world examples to help illustrate his points.

My Take on the Book
The Age of Speed was a refreshing read that is very different from other business books. While we are told to slow down, Vince tells us to speed up as long as we are smart.  At the end of the book, Vince shares 20 tips on how to make the most of your time.  The Age of Speed: Learning to Thrive in a More-Faster-Now World is definitely worth picking up because the subject is very relevant in today’s world. Also, the style of the book made it an enjoyable read.

To read other reviews, go to my Reviews page.

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5 Common Mistakes People Make at Events

Often, we hear from people who we know that they don’t get anything out of networking events. The reason that they feel this way is because they expect instant results. Also, they are probably missing the main reason to network, which is to build long term and mutually beneficial relationships.

Below are five common mistakes that people make at events:

1. Sell, Sell, Sell – Rather than selling themselves, some people are only concerned about making a sale at a networking event.  People don’t attend networking events to buy. They attend to get to know other people.

2. Show Disrespect During Conversations – When you talk to some people, I am sure that you catch their eyes wandering looking for the next person to talk to. Or these people interrupt your during the conversation. When someone shows this kind of respect, you are not inclined to want to build a relationship.

3. Wear Inappropriate Attire – Your personal appearance is an important component of your overall brand. If you wear inappropriate attire or have holes or stains on your clothes, then you are not as serious about making a good impression. When in doubt, always wear professional attire. Check for stains, holes, and wrinkles before you leave your house.

4. Talk about Uncomfortable Subjects – When talking with people, you should always pick neutral topics so you don’t have t choose sides. Never bring up religion or even politics because some people are very adamant about their beliefs. The last thing you want to do is get into an argument. That is not a good way to start a relationship.

5. Don’t Bring Enough Cards – While this one is self-explanatory, it is still worth mentioning. I can’t tell you how many people who I meet at events tell me that they ran out of business cards. It seems kind of silly because they are at a networking event. Make sure that you bring more than you think that you will need. If you carry a business card holder, then make sure that you have more cards in your pocket, purse, or bag because most holders don’t hold enough cards.

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Vote for Me - Liz Lynch's Interview

Recently, I interviewed Liz Lynch, Founder of Center for Networking Excellence in this previous post. She is having a competition for the best virtual interviews. Please vote for me by 11/15 if you like my interview.

Read about the contest and vote for me here: Smart Networking Virtual Interview Series: Vote for Your Favorite Week 1 Blog Interview.

Thanks for your support!

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Meet Will Banter, CEO of Banter Connections

Business cartoonist J.D. Gershbein of Owlish Communications has created a new character, Will Banter, who is a networking guru. It is not every day that I come across a comic strip about networking. J.D. has provided me with several Will Banter cartoons that I will share with you. Below is the first one.

Will Banter
This comic strip is a wacky romp through the world of business networking, emphasizing its “pay-it-forward” component.  Will Banter, the strip’s linchpin, is a Connector Extraordinaire.  He is the C.E.O. and Senior Relationship Architect of Banter Connections.  He is high-energy, thoroughly proactive, and a purveyor of good karma.  He is the guy who really “gets it.”

(click on picture to increase its size)

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Interview: Liz Lynch, Founder, Center for Networking Excellence

Liz Lynch is author of Smart Networking: Attract a Following In Person and Online and a sought-after speaker who brings a practical and insightful perspective to networking that has connected with a global audience. Her printed and audio products have sold on six continents, she’s been invited to speak at conferences and organizations around the world, and her writings have been translated into multiple languages.

Liz is also founder of the Center for Networking Excellence, a company that develops products, programs and seminars to help entrepreneurs and professionals get clients, build their businesses, and accelerate their careers through networking. Her bottom-line approach grew from her experience in corporate America working at some of the top firms in their industries—Goldman Sachs, Disney, Booz Allen & Hamilton, and Time Warner—to hone her strategic, analytical and financial expertise. Liz holds an engineering degree from the University of California, Berkeley and an MBA from Stanford University.

How do you define "business networking?"

It’s about building relationships with people who are willing to support you because they know, like and trust you, and because you’re willing to support them as well.

How did you brand yourself as a "networking authority?"

Quite by accident, actually! In fact, people were giving the “expert” label even before I felt ready for it. Five years ago, I wanted to start speaking and developing products to generate passive revenue to supplement my consulting income. That’s when I wrote my first tips booklet “102 Secrets to Smarter Networking” and started selling it online and during speaking gigs. I got invited to speak about networking, then to write columns for various publications. I also started my own e-newsletter, then eventually my blog.

Last year when I was encouraged to write the book, I realized that I really did know a lot about networking after spending so much time analyzing it from different angles and trying to explain it in different ways so that people could get that “a-ha” moment and finally take action. My brand in this realm has always been about networking smarter, not harder, and I think that’s a unique message that has connected with a lot of entrepreneurs and busy professionals who don’t want to network 24/7 but still want the results.

When did you realize that networking was important for your business success?

While I always sought to build good relationships with everyone I met in my career by being nice to people and doing my job well, I didn’t really “network” when I was in corporate America. I didn’t take people to lunch, or get involved in industry associations.

It wasn’t until I left corporate to start my consulting business and had to get clients, did I realize the importance of networking in helping to keep my pipeline full. Though I started networking with that singular goal of getting clients, eventually I began to embrace networking more holistically, as a way to get exposed to new people and new ideas on a regular basis. It’s actually become more fun because everyone I meet has something valuable to share and through conversation and interaction I can find out what that is.

How have you benefited personally from networking?

Writing Smart Networking made me realize how much my network has done for me, and as I begin the marketing/promotion stage, they’re coming through for me again and it’s so humbling. I’m very grateful. Aside from the tangible examples of getting consulting business and speaking engagements, my network has really given me the gift of feeling that whatever I want to do, whatever goal I have for myself, whatever crazy project I want to take on next, I can do it because I’m not alone. I’ll always have people around to support me, to be a sounding board, to help me get things done. And that is absolutely priceless.

What is one of the lesser-known secrets to effective networking?

Ooh, that’s a great question! Lead with value whenever you need something. Find a way to make helping you as beneficial for the person giving you the help as it is for you. In Smart Networking I talk about considering both intangible and tangible value, and how sometimes the “feel good” aspect of giving help is enough for some people. For other people and for certain requests, on the other hand, you’re going to have to find a concrete way to make it worthwhile for them to help you.

For other interviews, view my Interviews Archive.

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Why Should You Open Up Your Network?

One of the most important aspects of relationship building is sharing your network.  In fact, connecting people is necessary for building quality and long term relationships. The bigger and more diverse that your network is the easier it will be to connect various individuals. (Don’t sacrifice quality for quantity.)

As you get to know people, you will hopefully start becoming a connector. Your mind should connect people who are like-minded, work in complementary industries, or have similar interests. Once this happens, do the connecting. People will appreciate the gesture.

As you connect more people, you will enhance your image very positively. In business circles, you want to be remembered for good actions. As I have said many times, you should find ways to help others first. Once you have this reputation as a giver, people will want to know you.

Focus on opening up your network first and then others will follow. As a result, new business opportunities and friendships will be developed. It is amazing to think about the possibilities.

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10 Relationship Building Techniques Demonstrated During the Presidential Election

Regardless of your political affiliation, we have witnessed history with the Presidential Election. Relationship building was such an important factor to this race. Below are 10 relationship building techniques used during this election.

1.  Leverage social media to connect with your others (i.e. blogs, Twitter, Facebook, etc.)
2.  Host your own parties for your network and friends
3.  Leverage your network to find people to help you with your cause
4.  Be grateful and show your appreciation to people
5.  Your credibility will be questioned if you mislead or lie to people
6.  Greet people with a warm smile and strong handshake
7.  Pay attention to your physical appearance
8.  Conduct yourself in a professional manner at all times
9.  Offer to help others after you know their needs
10. Have fun meeting new people

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Virgin Atlantic Fires Employees for Facebook Usage

Here is another story about social networking users not using their brain too well. Apparently, 13 Virgin Atlantic employees who were part of a Facebook group criticized their employer and customers.

You would think that people would be smarter these days. Guess not!

To read more about this story, go to Virgin sacks the Facebook 13, BA customers stink.

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Linked Adds More Functionality with New Applications

Like Facebook and MySpace, LinkedIn now offers third party applications called "InApps". Unlike other sites, these applications must go through an approval process and need to be "professional" in nature. With these rules, it should be much cleaner than other social networking sites, which have thousands of applications.

The new applications include a trip applications fromTripIt, presentations from SlideShare, Google presentations, blog feeds from WordPress and TypePad, and a Reading List application from Amazon

To read more and to see demonstrations of these applications, to go LinkedIn Means Business With New Application Platform.

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