Networking Insight

Can Digital Replace Paper Business Cards?

More and more we are hearing about digital business cards that are trying to replace physical cards. Firms like BusinessCard2 allow individuals to exchange information via mobile phones. Therefore, you don't have to worry about losing someone's card.

Personally, I still like giving and receiving physical cards because it is more tangible, and I can take notes on the back of the cards. Also, business cards provide some branding about the person and company. Once I input the contact information and notes into my contact database, then I don't need the card.

Part of face-to-face relationship building is relying on the physical world to connect so business cards are still a nice element that I don't think will ever go away. While I believe that technology can enhance and move the relationship further, business cards are a necessary tool to start a relationship in person.

What do you think?

To read more, go to Digital Business Cards Enhance Online Networking.

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Book Review: You Don't Have to Learn the Hard Way by J.R. Parrish

You Don't Have to Learn the Hard Way: Making It in the Real World: A Guide for Graduates was written by J.R. Parrish who went from starting out his career as a milkman to becoming a multimillionaire.  In 1974, he founded J.R. Parrish, Inc., a commercial real estate company in Silicon Valley.  He was very successful in this venture because he believed in treating people with fairness and respect. Because of his success, he was able to retire in 1999 and now lives on a Hawaiian island and owns a coffee plantation. This book shares his story and how you can become successful too.

The book is broken up into the following chapters:

Chapter 1: Human Relations
Chapter 2: Habits
Chapter 3: Making Your Dreams Come True
Chapter 4: Dating, Marriage, and Parenting
Chapter 5: Career and Finance
Chapter 6: Love and Truth

While the book is targeting teens and recent college graduates, it is very practical for anyone. The author chose this demographic because he believes that you should start out right. He wishes that someone helped him early in his life. Therefore, he has decided to share a lifetime of wisdom and lessons so others don’t make some of the same mistakes.

J.R. positions this book as a guide for anyone who wants to have personal and professional success. Below is some of what he shares:

• Nailing that first big job interview
• Avoiding dangerous relationship mistakes
• Mastering the art of managing your finances
• Circumventing the typical pitfalls of adjusting to the adult world
• Choosing the right mentors

Within each chapter, the author inserts quizzes so readers can self-assess themselves as they are reading the book.  By taking the quizzes, you will get a good understanding about yourself and if you will need to work on improving certain areas of your life.

The author tells his life story throughout the book so you hear firsthand accounts of where he failed, what he learned, and how he succeeded. J.R writes in a very conversational tone so it is an easy and enjoyable read.

If you want to read about a successful entrepreneur and learn about yourself in the process, then You Don't Have to Learn the Hard Way: Making It in the Real World: A Guide for Graduates may be worth a read.

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What Does Networking Mean to You?

Networking can mean different things to different people. We all have our reasons for networking as well as our perceptions about it. We know what does and does not work. We know what we like and dislike. We can have a negative or positive experience.

Below are a series of questions to ask yourself to help you better understand what networking means to you:

1. Do you network so you can find clients?
2. Do you network so you can find friends?
3. Do you think that networking is only about selling your products/services?
4. Do you hate talking to strangers?
5. Do you leverage your existing contacts to meet new people?
6. Do you rarely attend events?
7. Do you dislike helping others?
8. Are you too busy to build relationships with new people?
9. Do you like meeting new people?
10. Do you think that networking is a waste of time?
11. Do you connect people together?
12. Do you enjoy speaking in front of others?
13. Have you branded yourself in your business community?
14. Do you utilize online networking tools?
15. Are you a resource for others?

Please share with me what networking means to you in the comments section.

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9 Ways to Lose Someone in a Conversation

Without a good first impression or conversation with someone, you will have a difficult time building a relationship. Pay attention to how you interact with others. Below are 9 ways that you will most likely lose the interest of someone wanting to talk further with you.

1. Wandering eyes – You take your eyes off of the person you are talking to and look around the room. Not only is this rude, but also it appears that you are looking for the next person to talk to without finishing your existing conversation.

2. Egocentric – You only talk about yourself and don’t let the other person talk. Also, you don’t ask questions about the other person so you are showing that you don’t have an interest.

3. Rude – You are rude during your conversation and make the other person feel bad. Some of your comments and responses are inappropriate to the other person.

4. Negativity – Most of what comes out of your mouth is negative. People don’t want to be around negative people.

5.  No Smiles – You don’t crack a smile during your conversation, which shows that you are too serious and not approachable. People want to feel welcome.

6. Limp handshake – Your shake someone’s hand with a limp shake or dead fish. By not having a firm handshake, it may show that you are not confident and professional. People want to do business with confident people.

7. Dirty teeth – Your teeth show the other person what you just ate. Make sure that you check your mouth and face for food after you eat. Depending on the event, it can sometimes be better to eat before or after so you don’t have to worry about showing leftovers.

8. Unpolished appearance – You look unprofessional with your clothes. Pay attention to stains and holes on your shirts as well as make sure that your shoes are polished. You want to come across as professional at all times.

9. Excess drinking – Pay attention to how much you drink at an event. You don’t want to be slurring your words and saying things that you regret. You want people to know your professional side.

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