I’m attending a Lake Washington Technical College event this morning. They are holding a fundraising breakfast for the LWTC Foundation.
Should be a good event.
The keynote speaker is Eddie Barbini, Executive Producer of the Discovery Channel’s popular reality show, Dirty Jobs. Mike Rowe, star of the show, will make a special video appearance.
I’m hoping to meet some new people and make some positive contacts.
My wife and I had our third child about a month ago. So for the last couple of months I’ve been out of it. I was at a networking meeting this morning and I was struggling to just function normally.
I think I’m getting back into the rhythm of things.
One thing to consider. When you are at a networking event, think of at least two people you want to get to know better. Invite them to coffee, lunch or a 20 minute meeting to learn more about what you both do. –This moves the business relationship along–.
And, it can be fun…..
Part of my philosophy is, I don’t expect to receive a referral until I’ve given on. So, the big question is, how do I find people I can refer. I’ve been struggling with this question for quite some time.
Over the last two weeks, I’ve given out 10 referrals. It’s been the most I’ve ever done.
I started looking at the way I do business and asking myself, how can I try and get a referral for someone in my normal day to day business. I think I struck a goldmine, and I haven’t yet scratched the surface. For my business, I regularly meet with clients. I sat down and said what questions am I asking and how can I add one more question to generate a referral to a business partner. It’s worked so far.
Take a look at your business. Is there one thing you can do or say to find a potential referral?
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!
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?
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.
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!
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