I’ve been attending local networking events as long as I’ve run my content marketing agency (so, 13 years). I’m aware that trying to sell yourself isn’t the general concept behind networking, that it’s better to build relationships over time rather than “machine gunning” your business card to everyone in the room. Believe me, I’ve seen […]

Start networking before you need it so you avoid getting in a desperate situation. Have a solid plan and be clear on what value you can provide to others. Forget your personal agenda and focus on building the right relationships. Never dismiss anyone as unimportant. Connect people who can help each other.

When you are an entrepreneur, there is always something to do when it comes to starting and running a business. As chief cook and bottle washer, the challenge is to prioritize how you spend your hours in a workday. For the new year, my goal is to be better at prioritizing my time. Below are […]

Nix the typical networking conversation starters and advance your arsenal of “getting to know you” questions. Test out one of these networking icebreakers at your next event! How’d you hear about this event? Do you know anyone else here? Where are you from originally? What was your first job? Have you stayed in the same […]

It Helps Find Opportunities Find out about the people you are with and see how you can help them.  You never know where it might lead. It’s Expected Today, everyone is expected to meet new people and understand the market.  It’s expected that you will network as part of your role. It Benefits Your Career […]

Why is it we click with some people and not others? What if we could actually click with everyone we meet? What would it take? Try these simple steps to instantly connect with anyone–and to build stronger relationships with the people who are already in your life: Take a genuine interest. Everyone–everyone–has something unique to […]

Ending a conversation at a networking event could be as hard as starting it in the first place. Have you ever been stuck with a weird person who keeps on talking about himself or had an awkward moment when you want to ask for a card but not sure how? These are my top tips […]

We all sneak a peak at text messages or emails to pass the time in boring meetings. And yet, we’d also probably all admit that we find it irritating when others do the same. But a new study from researchers at Howard University and the University of Southern California finds big differences in who’s bothered […]

The ability to influence others through words or behavior is an incredibly valuable tool in your relationship toolbox. After all, building a business is more than creating a new product — it’s about building relationships. “Opportunities are tied to people and people like to work with others that share common interests that they can trust,” […]

As a busy entrepreneur, the time, money, and energy you put into your business is a precious investment. As a result, it’s important that you get a payoff from your business commensurate with your investment. As a strategic business coach, one area that I’ve noticed most entrepreneurs fail to strategically plan for is networking. Consequently, […]