Networking Insight

Trust Your Gut When Building Relationships

Building relationships can be a process of meeting, building, and maintaining. It takes time but is well worth the effort.  Over time, you will get a good sense of how to effectively and efficiently build relationships.

While on paper, certain relationships will seem like a good fit for your network. However, you should trust your gut and instinct with people.

You will know when a relationship seems off, which generally means it is one-sided and uncomfortable. When your gut tells you this, then it may be time to break that relationship.

Too many people are out there for you to maintain relationships with those who are a bad fit. Be courteous when distancing yourself. Gradually stop connecting these people.

Also, when attending events and meeting people for the first time, your gut will assist you in figuring out which people to follow-up with to get to know. Time is difficult to come by so only reach out to those people who feel right.

Overall, your gut is a good judge of character and will help you when you are unsure about certain relationships. Intuition and instinct are powerful.

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Book Review: Contagious Optimism by David Mezzapelle

Contagious Optimism was written by David Mezzapelle who is the founder of Goliath Technology, which is a data center infrastructure company that supported enterprises worldwide. In addition, he created an innovative internship program that has become a staple for organizations today.  He was inspired to write this book series based on his life's experiences, his own contagious optimism, and the encouragement of his Alma Mater, Fairfield University.

The book is comprised of the following sections:

• Talent
• Goal Analysis
• Turning Envy and Jealousy Into Something Positive
• Relationships
• Businesss and Careers
• Maturing and Staying Young - Health, Fitness, and Relaxation
• Need Help Getting Somewhere?
• You Have Arrived!

What is unique about this book is that each section contains a collection of stories, advice, actions, and insights from business leaders, visionaries, and professionals. Each story is uplifting and motivational.

At the end of each chapter is a summary paragraph about something "contagious", such as "contagious practice", "contagious insight", or "contagious action". These are insight words to remember each story.

While reading this book, you will learn to:

• Develop your talents through practice
• Become successful by turning the word "impossible" on its head
• Meet "The One" by becoming "The One"
• Buidl the brand that makes you you

The author believes that we all can make optimism contagious by sharing our life's adventures. The book will allow you to appreciate and understand the principles that people of all backgrounds live by to lead their lives.

By reading this book, you may come away motivated, empowered, and inspired to lead a more fulfilling life. Open up your mind to learn and re-energize yourself.

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Seven Reasons to Respond to Introductions

As your network grows and your relationships get stronger, you will receive introductions. Make sure that you repond to every introduction even if you are unsure of the value. Below are seven reasons to respond to introductions.

1. Respect - You want to show respect for the introducer because he/she took the time to make the introduction. You were connected to someone new for a reason.

2. Opportunity - You never know what can come out of a new relationship. New opportunities could come your way.

3. Build - It is important that you are consistently building your network. So, the more new people you meet the greater the potential for you to grow your network.

4. Brand - You have a brand to protect so you want others to think that you are approachable. Your personal brand is a critical aspect of business.

5. Credibility - If someone in your network took the time to make an introduction, then he/she thinks highly of you. Make sure to keep your credibility to high standards so acknowledge any introduction.

6. Reciprocity - Building relationships is a two way street. So, any introduction to you may be a result of you making a previous introduction.

7. Fun - It can be a rewarding experience to meet new people. Make it fun to get to know others and see how you can help one another.

What other reasons can you think of?

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“EVERYTHING is Changing” … says one of the Upcoming Greater Chicago Networking Extravaganza Panelists

The online networking panel discussion at the upcoming Greater Chicago Networking Extravaganza will be interesting … and helpful to business people everywhere!

Here’s what panelist Greg Wittstock, founder and CEO of Aquascape the leading innovator in the water gardening business, says in a recent blog:

    “ … But today EVERYTHING has changed. With the convergence of technology and social media, how I and subsequently Aquascape interact with the world has changed. No longer do I need to go on the road to spread the good word of water features at seminars, lunch and learns, and over dinners with clients. Now I can preach their merits for contractors, retailers, and even consumers through our YouTube channel (4 million views and counting.) Today when a customer or a consumer has a question, compliment or complaint, I learn about it almost immediately from Facebook or Twitter. No longer do I need to talk on the phone or even email to respond to an individual when I can respond to them and the masses over social media.

    You know how big and far reaching the implications of being able to communicate in this fashion is for our business AND for yours?!”

Joining him on the panel with more helpful insights for your business and career are Bethany Hartley, director of marketing for Chicago’s Women’s Business Development Center, and Jeff Willinger, director of collaboration, social business and intranets at Rightpoint. Moderator will be Jim Treleaven, Ph.D., a multi-time CEO, an advisor to CEOs and adjunct facility member.

The “Complete Networking Experience” will also feature the merits of face-to-face networking by co-producer and nationally renowned speaker and author Lillian Bjorseth. Co-producer and master connector Jason Jacobsohn will pull together the values and benefits of both kinds of networking

Wednesday, April 30, 2014
5:30 pm – 8:45 pm
The Metropolitan Club, 233 S. Wacker, 67th Floor, Oak Room, Chicago
Cost: $60 pre-registration; $70 at the door
5:30 – 6:30 pm — Open Networking (Complimentary light buffet & cash bar)
6:30 – 8:15 pm — Program
8:15 – 8:45 pm — Open Networking
RSVP – www.greaterchicagonetworking.com

Contact Bjorseth at [email protected] or Jacobsohn at [email protected] if you have questions or would like to sponsor this one-of-a-kind event.

Click here to read the rest of Greg’s blog … and attend the GCNE to hear much more from him!

Greater Chicago Networking Extravaganza - April 30

As a reminder, the Greater Chicago Networking Extravaganza is taking place on April 30, 2014.

The 12th Greater Chicago Networking Extravaganza combines both forms of networking … face-to-face and online … because both are vital to the art and science of relationship building. You’ll get an integrated look at the benefits of both and how and when to pick and choose to achieve your objectives. You’ll hear firsthand from people who do it for a living!

We’ll start with our popular open networking giving you time to visit with our sponsors and other participants. The program begins with a look at face-to-face networking from Lillian Bjorseth, co-host and nationally renowned face-to-face speaker, trainer, coach and author.

Our online panel will feature three experts including Bethany Hartley, director of marketing for Chicago’s Women’s Business Development Center and Mike Dwyer, director of talent acquisition and engagement for viaForensics, and Greg Wittstock, founder and CEO of Aquascape.  Jim Treleaven, Ph.D., a multi-time CEO, an advisor to CEOs and adjunct facility member, will be the professional facilitator. Jason Jacobsohn, co-host and master connecter, will tie it together for you, sharing how both processes are vital to enhancing your image and bottom line success.

Event Details

- Wednesday, April 30, 2014

- 5:30 pm – 8:45 pm

- The Metropolitan Club, 233 S. Wacker, 67th Floor, Oak Room, Chicago

- Sponsors: The Metropolitan Club, Sandler Training, World Ventures, Paychex, Your Signature Resume, Adiz Websites

- For more details and to RSVP, go to www.greaterchicagonetworking.com.