Networking Insight

DePaul Men's a Cappella Performs "Facebook Stalker"

Recently, I became aware of the DePaul Men's a Cappella (DMaC) group after seeing them perform some of their songs. Below is a Facebook parody song that was adapted from Penn Masala.

Free Sample of Personal Branding Magazine Issue 12

  The next issue of Personal Branding Magazine will be available on May 1. In the meantime, take advantage of this free sample issue. Below is some information regarding the full issue.

Volume 3, Issue 4 is focused on celebrity spokespeople, and includes interviews with famous individuals, such as Kathy Ireland, a former model turned entrepreneur, and Vanna White, from the TV hit “Wheel of Fortune.”

Celebrities are able to maximize their brand, leverage it, and even endorse products and other companies. In this issue, you will learn how to become the ultimate spokesperson for your own personal brand, and achieve success. You’ll read tips and tricks on how to turn your voice into money!

Features:

• Full paid issue (May 1st):  28 articles total covering the full interviews with the celebrity spokespeople, and much more.

• Sample issue:  10 articles total, including how to the grow, polish and protect your future, how to be an authority by getting personal and blog SEO tips.

• Interviews with:  Kathy Ireland (former Sports Illustrated Supermodel turned billionaire entrepreneur), Vanna White (Wheel of Fortune), Leslie Scott (founder of the board game Jenga), Dan Heath (#1 New York Times bestselling author of Switch), Daymond John (Founder of the Fubu clothing line), Jalen Rose (ESPN commentator), and Harvey Mackay (#1 New York Times bestselling author of Swim With The Sharks).

If you like the sample issue and want to read more, then go to Personal Branding Magazine to purchase a low annual subscription.

it is worth the read. Dan Schawbel, the editor, has put together a great magazine that I have had the privilege of writing for in the past.

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Ease the Awkwardness for “Wallflowers”

For some people, it is uncomfortable to start a conversation with someone who they don’t know. In fact, we can call some of these people “wallflowers” who are the ones who stand alone at the back of a room during a networking event. It is not that they are being unfriendly but rather that they are not comfortable starting conversations. Nothing is wrong with this because we each have our own styles.

In order to make an event more comfortable for “wallflowers”, take the time to introduce yourself to them first. Act as a host and ease them in the room.  Also, introduce to them to other people who you have met at the event. Once they start a conversation with one or two people, this usually opens them up to more conversations. Your efforts will be appreciated and you will have met some new people at the same time.

By helping ease the awkwardness for “wallflowers”, you will be creating a good first impression with these people who could turn out to be valuable contacts in your network. Don’t discount these people because you never who they are and who they know.

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Five Ways to Stand Out in a Room

When you are attending a networking event, it can be challenging to make yourself standout and memorable to others. Below are five ways so stand out:

1. Unique article of clothing – Wear something that catches the eyes of others such as a handkerchief, hat, special nametag, colorful shirt, etc.

2. Big smile – Make people comfortable by giving them a big smile to show that you are approachable.

3. Good listener cues – Pay special attention to each conversation by giving good eye contact and asking good questions.

4. Dress for success – Wear professional and appropriate attire so you look polished and organized.

5. Work the room – Take the time to meet a lot of people so others know you were there.

What others ways will help you stand out?

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Greet Others with a Smile

Good first impressions are critical for you to build relationships with new people. Therefore, when you walk into a room and meet new people, greet them with a smile. By doing so, you are showing them that you are approachable and willing to talk. Making others feel comfortable around you is a good technique to start and carry a conversation.

Smiles are warm and friendly. Why wouldn’t you want to talk to someone who has this demeanor?  With relationship building, you want to have a positive brand and perception with others so take the time to make others feel welcome around you.

Smiles show happiness and confidence, which is an important for others when they want to connect with you. Wouldn’t you rather connect with people who are happy versus individuals who are unhappy and not sure of themselves?  Our preference is to connect with good quality people who can add value to our network.

Of course, you don’t want to fake a smile because it will be noticeable.  Be genuine at all times, otherwise, you will be found out. If this happens, then you will hurt your brand and ability to connect with others. Word will get around.

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Chicago Entrepreneurial Panel Discussion - Leveraging Technology - 4/29

Below are details about an upcoming event in which I will be moderating.

In this panel discussion, hear first hand from a panel of successful entrepreneurs and experts on how to build a more efficient business by leveraging technology. In today's environment, businesses need to be nimble and quick to adopt new technologies in order to grow and keep up with their competition.

The discussion will be interactive and include some of the following topics:

• Cloud Computing
• CRM Systems
• Outsourcing technology
• Security
• Customized software
• Web/mobile applications
• Project management
• Infrastructure Development/Integration

After the discussion, guests will be able to participate in a Q&A session with the panelists. Open networking will take place before and after the panel discussion so you can interact with other entrepreneurs.

Expert Panel:

• George Burciaga – SmartTECHS.net
• Adam Caplan – Model Metrics
• Steven Hamburg - Eclipsecurity
• Eric Nejman - Vitruvian Solutions

Moderator: Jason Jacobsohn - AEGIS Professional Services

Title: Leveraging Technology to Build a More Efficient Business
Date: April 29, 2010
Time: 8:30-10:00 a.m.
Location: 120 N. LaSalle Street, 11th Floor Conference Room, Chicago
Registration: $20 (includes continental breakfast)
Hosts: The Executives Profit and American Chartered Bank
Contact: Andrea at 847-317-9296 or [email protected]

For more information and to register, go to http://businesstech.eventbrite.com

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Perfect Strategy for Building Credibility

In order to be taken seriously, you need to build credibility with others. While it takes time and effort for this to happen, it is well worth it.  Credibility is an important aspect of building good relationships. Without it, you will have a difficult time leveraging your network, which could ultimately help you achieve your goals.

One of the best strategies for building credibility is to start slow and get to know people.  While this may sound simple, it is an easy strategy that works. Find ways to help people through your resources and expertise. In fact, spend time building up your expertise so people see you as a subject matter expert. Be genuine in all of your interactions with people so they see the true you. 

As people get to know who you are, your reputation should make you a credible person. Once this happens, you will be able to build long lasting and trusting relationships.

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Is Your Use of Facebook a Sign of Loneliness?

  According to a nationwide study conducted by a team from Stanford University's School of Medicine, it is estimated that one in eight Americans suffer from at least one sign of problematic Internet use. One sub-category of Internet addiction is Facebook Addiction Disorder.

According to the research firm Nielsen, "the average American spends about four and one-half hours on Facebook each month. However, some people are spending much more precious time on this social networking site -- to the tune of 20 or more hours per week."

According to Lisa Haisha, Founder of the Whispers From Children's Hearts Foundation and Celebrity Therapist:

"What we find, though, is that it's not the computer, per se, that is the source of the addiction. Rather, it's the void inside the sufferer that is crying out through addictive or compulsive behaviors. So the same compulsions that drive the drug, sex, or alcohol addict can do the same to users of social media.

One of the problems with social media sites like Facebook is that people feel they have a reason to be addicted because they claim they're doing business. Some are self-employed professionals looking for clients, some are job seekers trying to network for a new job, and some are corporate employees trying to extend their company's message and brand online. All that is fine, but let's look at reality: For most people, their time on Facebook is escapism disguised as working."

Does this sound like you? Are you a Facebook addict?

To read more, go to Is Your Facebook Addiction a Sign of Loneliness?

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Business Netorker's Expo & Social Media Fair - April 23

The below event is coming up soon in the Chicagoland area. I was just selected as a panelist for the discussion: "Networking Your Way to Success in the Next Decade"

Title: Business Networkers Expo and Social Media Fair

Date: April 23, 2010

Time: 10am-5pm

Location: The Arboretum Club, Buffalo Grove, IL

More information/RSVP, go to www.biznetexpo.com

The Business Networker’s Expo & Social Media Fair is a unique opportunity for Chicago area entrepreneurs, business leaders, and companies to showcase their products and services.  The Expo provides a forum for networking and developing valuable business connections. Attend, become a better networker, improve how you do business.

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The Power of Your Family and Friends

The following article appeared in the April edition of Magazine Soho. In fact, the magazine is now web-based and a neat way to read a magazine. Check out the new edition at Magazine Soho. You can turn the pages by clicking on the corners to simulate a real magazine page opening.

The Power of Your Family and Friends

Though you may not realize it, your family and friends are an excellent source for networking. Don’t be afraid to approach the people closest to you. They are an integral part of your network.

Build Business Relationships
One of the benefits of leveraging your family and friends is to talk to each other about your businesses and how you can help one another. You may end up forming a business partnership, which can be excellent so long as you manage the relationship properly.

At the same time, you may open up your network and make some referrals to each other.  Most referrals should only be made after you have built a relationship with both parties. Your name and credibility are attached to each referral and you want to make sure you’re making a quality connection.

Because you are already close with your personal network, it shouldn’t be too difficult to decide whether you should form a business relationship or make referrals. You already know their personalities and work ethic and you will have a good sense of whether you should proceed professionally with these individuals.

Find Capital
If you’re starting a business and need to raise outside capital, talking to your family and friends is a necessary part of this process. While it may not seem easy for you to talk to these individuals about your financial needs, it’s important for you to talk to them about your business and hopefully get some of them to commit to an investment.

Since your family and friends know you personally, part of their investment decision will be to support your endeavors. Of course, you should hope that they have a favorable perception of you, which is why you shouldn’t burn bridges with anyone in your life.

You never know when you will need to tap into these important relationships. Don’t take these relationships for granted. Make sure to keep in constant contact with these individuals and keep them in the loop of your life. That way, when you approach them for capital, you will already be fresh in their minds.

Find a New Job
Another excellent way to leverage your friends and family is to talk to them when you’re pursuing a new career opportunity. During this process, it can be comforting to talk to those close to you. Don’t be afraid to bounce ideas off them or to ask them for advice.

After all, they should know you well enough to have a general understanding of your career, your interests, and your skills. In addition, ask them for referrals to people they think would be good to talk to about your career.

Rather than asking people to find you jobs, take the time to sit down with them and ask them for guidance. If a connection is formed, then they will extend their help to you. At the same time, your friends and family will keep their eyes open for any opportunities within their own firms.

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