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August 29, 2011
August 27, 2011
Why Should You Care About Meeting New People
Some people don’t think that it is necessary to meet new people because they believe that they have large enough network. Also, they may think that they are at a point in their career where they have enough relationships.
While these may sound like good reasons, you should never stop meeting people. No one’s job is secure anymore these days so you never know when a relationship can help you move forward in your career. At the same time, you can help your organization move forward by meeting a new client or partner.
Meeting new people can come in the form of attending events, speaking in public, receiving introductions, or leveraging tools such as LinkedIn. Utilize the methods that work well for you. It is best to use more than one method. You never know where your next best connection will come from.
It is best not to be content on your existing network. Always strive to build and diversify your network. Your network is one of your greatest personal assets in business. It takes time to build and manage. Don’t take it for granted.
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August 25, 2011
Seven Actions to Make People Smile During Conversations
When talking with others, you want them to feel good about the conversation. In fact, making them feel good about themselves is important. Below are seven actions that you can do to make others feel good during your discussion. By doing so, you will have a high probability of developing a relationship.
- Validate what others are saying by using words such as “yes” and “I understand”
- Offer to help connect others to people in your network
- Laugh at jokes or funny comments
- Let others talk about themselves
- Let new people join the conversation and make an introduction
- Ask good questions to show that you have genuine interest
- Smile often to make the other person comfortabl
What else can you think of?
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August 23, 2011
Founder Institute Chicago- Technology Incubator - Early Bird App Dues 8/28
The Founder Institute, a pre-seed tech incubator out of Silicon Valley, is exploring opening up a chapter in Chicago. Right now, they have 17 chapters worldwide. This program is designed to work with entrepreneurs or aspiring entrepreneurs who are working on their business part-time or full-time. Each class is taught in the evening by seasoned tech CEOs/mentors, many of which will come from Silicon Valley.
One of the unique aspects of this program is the Shared Bonus Pool in which everyone has the option to share equity (by virtue of warrants) in each other's businesses from their semester. As a result, it is very team oriented and collaborative environment among peers.
The early bird application process is only available until 8/28. Only a few spots remain. Right now, it won't cost you anything to apply. You can apply at Founder Institute Chicago.
August 20, 2011
August 17, 2011
Nine Ways to Shine at a Networking Event
While attending networking events, you will have the chance to meet many new people as well as re-connect with those already in your network. Without a doubt, you want to come across professional at all times. Your personal brand is at stake every time you set foot in a room of people.
Below are nine ways to shine at a networking event:
- Your personal introduction is well thought out and polished
- You are courteous and engaged at all times
- You give a firm and confident handshake
- You are dressed for success
- Your make others feel comfortable with your tone and smile
- You offer to make introductions to others at the event
- You offer to help others after the event
- You let others know about your subject matter expertise
- You take the time to speak with multiple people
Take control of your image by shining at networking events. It is easy to shine as long as you maintain your professionalism at all times.
Related Post: Nine Ways to Embarrass Yourself at a Networking Event
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August 15, 2011
EFactor Presents: Chi-Town Tech Talk - Less Than 2 Weeks Away!
Below is information about an upcoming entrepreneur event in Chicago that I co-organized and will moderate. It is less than 2 weeks away.
EFactor Presents: Chi-Town Tech Talk
Date: August 23, 2011
Time: 6-9pm
Location: TechNexus, 200 S. Wacker Drive, 15th Floor, Chicago
Host: EFactor
Cost: regular: $15, door: $20
More Information / RSVP: www.efactor.com
With so many tech companies on the rise in recent years, there are still a great number of them upstaging one another, competing for authenticity and marketing innovation. In this EFactor event, we will feature three companies from Chicago that have made waves in the tech industry, across the country.
Speakers:
- Ross Kimbarovsky, CEO of CrowdSPRING
- Igor Fedulov, CEO of Intersog
- Aashish Dalal, CEO of ParkWhiz.com
- Desiree Vargas Wrigley, CEO of GiveForward
Topics discussed include:
- How to create a successful dual-sided market that caters to a variety of customers
- When creating new concepts, how to change user behavior
- How to add value to the current market with new technologies
- How to service customers in a new and more efficient way
- How to raise awareness for your company, new technology or service
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August 13, 2011
August 10, 2011
How Do You Let Others Know About Your Expertise?
Your personal brand is an extremely important component of relationship building. Over time, people will remember you not your company. Relationships are built between people. One of the best ways to be memorable is to brand yourself around a particular subject matter expertise.
Pick a topic that you have passion and skill for and learn all that you can. For most of us, we are already demonstrating this expertise everyday in our jobs. In order to build more relationships, it is necessary to let others outside of your company know about your expertise.
With that said, what techniques can you implement to let others know about your expertise? Below are a few ideas:
- Speak at industry events or associations
- Write blog posts
- Create an e-newsletter
- Frequently use Twitter
- Write guest blog posts or articles for industry publications
- Write a book
- Share your expertise when speaking with others
- Create a personal Website
- Reflect your expertise in your LinkedIn profile
- Receive industry awards or recognitions
- Guest lecture at a university
What other ways do you show your expertise to others?
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