Archive for April, 2010

LinkedIn – how to use it for networking

April 27th, 2010

Check out these two videos about LinkedIn. I did several searches, but I had trouble finding one that I really liked. The whole point with linkedin is to connect professional. For me, the key is to build out your network – and then use your network to grow your business, find a job or find a referral to a local business.

To really use LinkedIn, you need to decide the businesses you want to connect with – job referral, business referral or a person who can help you connect with a job or potential client. The most powerful part of LinkedIn is the “Get Introduction” link. It allows you to use your network to be introduced to other people. Most often you can ask to meet the person, and they’ll usually accept because they get a personal introduction to you from your network. You get the face to face meeting, and the potential job, client or next introduction to your goal.

The key to LinkedIn is to use it. Search out those contacts and then ask to be introduced. If you’d like more information, let me know.

Preschool and Business World – so much alike

April 22nd, 2010

My oldest daughter had a rough day yesterday. Some of the children at preschool were not playing nice. It didn’t help that she was tired (having put her to bed very late the night before). She was in tears most of the day, grumpy and pouty. It wasn’t a good day, and she really didn’t want to go back.

So this morning, I figured she would be wanting to stay home. Boy was I wrong. She was excited to go back to school – all was forgiven. She also slept very well last night.

So how does this relate to the business world. Recently, I have spoken to several individuals who for one reason or another was not happy with a company, an business organization or an individual. Something was said or done that offended them, made them angry or just rubbed them the wrong way. Because of the wrong doing, the person(s) decided to not go back or stop what they had been working on when the offense took place.

It felt a lot like my daughters issue yesterday. However, she bounced back. I wonder why, as adults, we don’t bounce back as easily and that we willing hold the grudge. From my perspective, most people don’t intentionally try to hurt someone (similiar to the playground) it just happended. (Disclaimer: there are bullies out there, and I’m not talking about them ;^)

I know I try to move on. It isn’t always easy, but life is too short to hold a grudge. If we all want to play in the sandbox (or jungle gym, or business world) then we need to play nice.

PS. We should also get a good nights sleep. It makes a world of difference!

We are having a girl!

April 22nd, 2010

Just a quick note. My wife and I found out we are having another girl. We have two daughters already and the third is on the way. Any suggestions for names?

Three tips to acheive your goal

April 21st, 2010

A good friend, Beth Neibert, let me borrow a book, Secrets of the Millionaire Mind by T. Harv Eker. I’ve been slowly reading it, and came across a section I really liked. I thought I would share.

Eker says, “The first time you tried something new, was it comfortable or uncomfortable?” The answer has to be uncomfortable. I think it’s human nature to do anything the first time and not have it comfortable. He talks about expanding your comfort zone. Most people will not grow and develop their skills unless they choose to be uncomfortable or they are forced to be uncomfortable.

Tip 1 – do something uncomfortable. (it helps if you make it your goal)

Tip 2 – Practice it.  The more you do it, the more comfortable you will be. Personally, I still have to do somethings that I’m not comfortable with; however, I recognize the discomfort and do it anyway.

Tip 3 – When you do be comfortable, it is a clear signal to expand again (do something else that is new) or push yourself even further.

Local Referal: Rental equipment

April 20th, 2010

Yesterday, my wife and kids worked to get our garden ready for spring planting. We put some seedling starter kits together, worked on the border of the garden (grass was creeping in) and rented a tiller to break up the dirt. We rented the tiller from GSR Rentals in Duvall, Wa.

I had called on Saturday about reserving the tiller for Monday. The response I got was they only make reservations the first hour they are open and they currently didn’t have any. I had to clarify that I was asking about Monday and they reiterated their policy. He did say however, that he felt they’d have something in the afternoon on Monday.

On Monday, I just went by mid-afternoon and they had a tiller, so I got it for four hours. (Their price is either for four hours or all day). I was almost done with my tilling when a belt went out on the machine. I called up GSR rental and they offered to either replace the tiller and I could have it all night at no charge to finish my project or reduce the initial rental fee. I was almost done with the project and felt like it wouldn’t be worth my time to make another trip, so I opted for the reduction in rental fee.

Gunner Mulloy is the owner. I’ve found their prices to be reasonable and the equipment works just fine. (Yesterday was the first time I had an issue and they resolved it quickly) I appreciate the help they give in lifting the equipment into my truck.

Writing can be hard

April 18th, 2010

I just finished my fourth and final article for the Duvall Chamber of Commerce newsletter. You’d think I write all the time in it, but I don’t. I just suddenly had a lot to say (I guess!) I did two articles yesterday and then I had another two due today. I just spent the last hour and half working on them. – Funny, and now I’m writing a blog article on it.

Some of you may know (or not know) that my background used to be in writing. I became very burnt out and changed careers. Even today, I wasn’t looking forward to writing.

The whole point is that writing – like anything else out there – takes time and diligence. Sometimes you have to do the unpleasant stuff, to open opportunities to do the fun stuff.

So with that said, I think I’ll go play with my daughters now. Have a great weekend!

Local Referal: Great Meeting space, wonderful Art

April 14th, 2010

Several weeks ago, I approached The Laurel Treeto host an event for me. They are a local art gallery that features local artists. The event was for a Duvall Chamber of Commerce activity where we delivery welcome bags to people who move into the area.

It was a fantastic event. They had everything set up the way I needed it. The art, jewelry, and paintings made an excellent decor. We even talked about a few of the pieces on display while we waited for people to show up. I highly recommend The Laurel Tree if you are in need of a meeting space, or are interested in finding a unique gift for a family member or friend.

Here is an Example of one the local artists they feature at The Laurel Tree. In addition, Dan Cautrell just happens to live in my neighborhood.

 

2.5 Tips for Building Relationships

April 13th, 2010

I attended the Woodinville Chamber of Commerce networking meeting last week. The host made the comment about setting a goal of setting one appointment during the event. I thought a lot about this and he was absolutely correct. As we did the speed networking event, I started to look for an opportunity to set an appointment. One came up that was not expected and I jumped at the chance. I’m not sure if it will go anywhere, but we’ll see. In addition, we had some serious discussions about how to build relationships. Here are my 2.5 tips from that discussion.

Tip 1 – Be a regular. People want to see your face. So many times, someone will show up and then never be seen again. You need to attend regularly so people get to see you.

Tip 2 – Don’t go after business at the first meeting. Listen. Talk. Be genuine. Get to know the other person, and let them get to know you. Set up a meeting outside of the networking event to get to know each other better (sounds like dating!).

Tip 2.5 – Have a follow up strategy in place to go after the business. This is one area that I have been developing personally. My follow up strategy isn’t perfect yet, but I’m working on it. The only thing I’m consistent in right now is a Thank you card I send to each new person I meet. It can be better, which is why I’m working on it.

If you have any suggestions, I’d love to hear them!

Local Referal: Yummy food at Pomegranate Bistro

April 8th, 2010
Pomegranate Bistro
The Pomegranate Bistro

Yummy Food! Great atmosphere! Fun place! I recently had the great opportunity to hold two luncheon meetings at the Pomegranate Bistro. I had never been before.

Both times I ate there, I had a great experience. The staff were fantastic and very helpful. I was doing some presentations and they helped me set up just the way I needed, and then went above and beyond what needed to be done during the course of the meal.
The food was great. No complaints on my end. I can see why this is a popular place. I also like the atmosphere. Lisa Dupar (owner) runs a catering company out of the restaurant, and so they have these huge glass windows to see the catering company at work. It was awesome!

A little late – Networking in Duvall

April 8th, 2010

After-Hours Networking “Mixers” this Thursday, April 8th!

Make new business connections and visit with old friends. The purpose of these “Mixers” is providing a fun, relaxed event for “Shameless Self Promotion”.

Dennis Schauls of John L. Scott is providing the venue at the Cottonwood Grove Community by CamWest. See what these new homes have to offer!
 
Stop by between 5pm-7pm this Thursday, April 8th and enjoy a little wine and appetizers. Costs: $10 (proceeds to benefit local community events)

Please RSVP to the Chamber Duvall office @ info@duvallchamberofcommerce.com or call 425-788-9182.
 
Directions from Hwy 203:
Go East on 145th (at Thrive Fitness)
Straight through stop sign
Left on 270th.