Networking Insight

Keep Your Word or Else…

How many times do you talk to people who say they will do something and never do? I bet this happens a lot with you. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if sometimes you are the one who doesn’t come through.

Let’s face it, we are all overwhelmed and over committed these days. Therefore, it is understandable why some people don’t follow through. However, this is not an appropriate way to conduct yourself. When you say that you will do something, you need to follow through. How do you expect people to trust you?

You should be trying to build sustainable relationships but if you are known for not fulfilling your promises, then you will have a very difficult time growing your network. Your reputation is all that you have so don’t blow it.

A very easy way to hurt your credibility is at networking events. You will meet a lot of people and in order to move some relationships forward, you may commit to helping in some way. If you mention that you will do something during your first conversation, then make sure that you follow up and follow through.  Take notes on the back of business cards so you know what your obligation is, otherwise, you may forget. Expect that the other person will remember what you said that you would do. 

If you come through every time, then you will stand out and build a good reputation.  Be consistent and good things will come.

If you like this blog post, then subscribe via email or RSS feed.

Five Ways to Dress for Success

Your appearance is a crucial component to your first impression with people. At the same time, it is part of your personal brand so make sure that you dress the part. In most professional situations, you should look professional. Obviously, there are exceptions. Below are five ways to dress for success.

1. Wear a suit or professional top - You usually cannot over dress so wearing a suit or professional top is a good choice. If you don’t know what to wear, then wear professional attire. See my previous post: When All Else Fails, Dress Professionally.

2. Polish your shoes – Your shoes are part of your appearance so make sure that they are clean and shiny. Make it a habit to get your shoes polished every week or two.

3. Check for Stains or Rips in Shirts – Take the time to look at your shirts for any stains or rips. It is more common than you think to have shirts that need repairing or tossing. Don’t leave home or the office with a shirt like this. People will notice.

4. Check Your Face and Hair for Cleanliness – After you eat, look at your face and teeth in a mirror to make sure that you are clean. The same applies for your hair. Make sure that is well mannered after you have been outside.

5. Wear appropriate colors – Pay attention to the colors that you wear. You don’t want to stand out for obnoxious or clashing colors. In business settings, it is better to wear neutral combinations.

If you like this blog post, then subscribe via email or RSS feed.

Book Review: Why Loyalty Matters by Timothy Keiningham and Lerzon Aksoy

Why Loyalty Matters: The Groundbreaking Approach to Rediscovering Happiness, Meaning and Lasting Fulfillment in Your Life and Work was written by Timothy Keiningham and Lerzon Aksoy who are renowned loyalty experts. Tim is a global chief strategy officer at Ipsos Loyalty and Lerzan is an associate professor at Fordham University in New York City. The book is based on the most comprehensive study of loyalty ever conducted.

The book is broken up into the following chapters:
Chapter 1: The Why of Loyalty
Chapter 2: Know Yourself
Chapter 3: Building Loyal Relationships
Chapter 4: The Economics of Loyalty
Chapter 5: Toxic Loyalty
Chapter 6: Faith and Loyalty
Chapter 7: Teaching Loyalty
Chapter 8: A Loyal Society
Chapter 9: Enlightened Loyalty

In the book, the authors combine their groundbreaking research with the leading thinking in philosophy, psychology, economics, and management to provide a general understanding of what loyalty is and isn’t and how to tap into its power to enhance your personal and professional life.

Loyalty is critical for you to build relationships of trust and credibility. So, make an effort to build quality relationships in which loyalty takes place on both sides. Without loyalty in your relationships, your success will be limited.

In fact, loyalty throughout all aspects of your life can have a major impact on your success. The book discusses various scenarios of good and bad loyalty, which are quite interesting.  Many of the points discussed are backed up by research done by Ipsos Loyalty so you know that what is shared is credible.  

The authors examine various scenarios of loyalty such as employment, religion, politics, and society. With each situation, loyalty can have a major impact and influence.  For example, nowadays it is more difficult to find loyalty between employees and employers.   Also, as the authors note, some loyalty can actually be very toxic such as following cults or destructive leaders. 

After reading Why Loyalty Matters: The Groundbreaking Approach to Rediscovering Happiness, Meaning and Lasting Fulfillment in Your Life and Work, you will have a clear understanding of loyalty and be able to better evaluate your own relationships. Don’t take loyalty lightly. It is a very important component of success in networking.

If you like this blog post, then subscribe via email or RSS feed.

Is Social Networking Driving Us Apart?

Are you under the impression that online social networking is taking us away from face to face encounters? I believe that some people are relying on online social networking as their primary way of building relationships. While technology is a great tool, it should not replace face to face interaction.

Technology is great for maintaining relationships that you have built offline. Also, I do believe that you can build new relationships and maintain them online as well. Just make sure that you don't rely on online social as your only means to build relationships.

For another perspective go to Social networking is driving us all apart.

What do you think?

If you like this blog post, then subscribe via email or RSS feed.

Chicago E.Factor Food Entrepreneurship Panel - 9/2

Update: New Venue Listed

E.Factor's next Chicago event takes place on 9/2. See below for details.

Title: Restaurant, Hospitality & Entrepreneurship
Host: E.Factor
Date: September 2, 2009
Time: 6-9pm
Location: 46 E. Superior, Floors 1-3, Chicago
Cost: $10 for basic members and guests, free for business class and first class members

When it comes to food and hospitality, the city of Chicago has much to offer.  Chicago is home to innovative food concepts, services, and successful entrepreneurs who serve this market. Entrepreneurship in the food and hospitality business is something that the Windy City doesn't take for granted.

Keynote Speaker: Matthew Mandeltort, Senior Consultant, Technomic Inc.

Chicago Entrepreneur Panel:
    - Jon Wool, Founder/Owner, Finesse Cuisine
    - Manolis Alpogianis, President and Owner, TAG RESTAURANTS
    - Daphne Mazarakis, Founder, Tula Foods

Panel Moderator: Jody Birnbaum, President, Caterconsult, Inc.

More Information/RSVP: http://www.efactor.com/p/events/id=27