Networking or Selling Yourself

By: Jean-Luc Tahou, MBA, CFP

We have all heard how important networking is for one’s career or business. It is a lifeline as it helps you uncover opportunities, meet potential clients, business partners or additional sources of referral. It also helps business owners establish a presence within their communities.

Networking done right consists in building a web of connections that one can tap into when necessary.
It can open doors and lead to the right people. It is also important because it allows you to put your products/services on the map. After all, what good is it to have the best product if nobody knows about it? Effective networking makes people want to do business with you, help you or even be associated with you. It is not so much about who you know anymore, but who knows you. Therefore, having a mastery of the networking process is necessary.

Unfortunately, a lot of people take it too far. We have all met him/her. The one that cannot stop talking about him/herself as soon as the introduction is made: How good they are, how many awards they have won, which celebrities they work with, etc. They are so busy self-promoting that they do not even try to ask you what it is that you do. When meeting one such overzealous self-promoter, I couldn’t help but wonder what type of business relationship we could build. Wouldn’t they focus on being the center of attention? A couple of minutes into the exchange, I was already plotting my escape towards the nearest exit.

Such individuals tend to forget the cardinal rule of networking: it is an exchange. Granted, it is important to clearly outline what you do to other people, but it is even more important to find out what they do. In doing so, you can figure out how you can make an overture towards them first, which will make them even more likely to scratch your back: start by giving them a great piece of advice, introducing them to someone they could work with or suggesting potential sources of referral. The idea is to make them feel good about what you have to offer and what they can do for you. Trust me, building up goodwill with people always serves you well over the long-run.

In closing, I want to share a quote summarizing this posting:

“Networking is about building relationships first, and if you’re authentic, the promotion is a natural evolution. Relationships of any kind are like a teeter-totter. If one person keeps all the weight on their side, it’s not very much fun for anyone.”–Sonya Shelton, Executive coach

Add a comment April 20, 2010

Against all Odds

By: Kristin Ballard

It’s always been difficult being a college student in any culture, but being one in this economy has made the processes even more complicated. Our changes nationally have not only harmed us as a country, but they have affected us globally as well. Budget cuts have not only been affecting us in our job market it has taken a dramatic turn for the worst in our school system especially in our university and community colleges. By not having enough money in our universities and community colleges it raises fees for every student. This situation not only affects grades it affects our class sizes that have dropped dramatically in size.  These cuts and changes are starting to affect our educations so much that many students that I spoke with told me how their GPA’s are hanging in the balance.

For many of my peers that come from other countries it has become even harder for them to complete their education in a shorter amount of time since the cutbacks have decreased the classes and it takes longer for them to get their degree. Many have had to return home because their money or the time on their visa has run out. Other students have begun to take online classes to try to make up for the classes that they need. Also many students have decided to take credit/no credit in their which is a catch 22 because if you don’t pass the class it won’t affect their GPA but if they do pass it will only count as a C. So think about it, if all their grades are a C how would that look on their transcripts if they plan to transfer? Or, who really wants to receive a C when they know their work produced a better grade?

Even though both things help with time management they both can cause lots of stress for anyone. With all the fees rising it tends to cut into time management. Now trying to find a job or trying to keep the one you already have it can sometimes become overwhelming and some days as it seems if can never be done. So many students now have to take semesters off to save enough money to come back to school in the summer and winter terms. But yet in still these things have been taken away from them because of the economy. Now even summer schools have been cute as well as the major cuts backs in the winter term classes

So let’s get rid of these excuses that I can’t go to school because I may not have the money, you don’t have the time, you can’t get the class you want. There are still grants, scholarships, time management, online courses, or the option you may not want to take; credit/no credit. Even with these changes, if you are disciplined, you can be more focused on your work, your job, and even have fun in your social life. But if don’t know where you are going in life you may have to take a little time off to reevaluate your goals. Let’s make lemons into lemonade and show the world that even though things are hard we can still make it even if all the odds seem to be against us.

Add a comment April 12, 2010

Pleasing the Inner You

By: Lana Leazer

Recently, I had a shock or upset in my life. I was in a bad accident two weeks ago and it really threw me into literally another dimension. After totaling my beautiful car, I was wrecked and sad. Yes, it was just a car but I had put so much attachment around my vehicle. To me, my car represented who I was, what I had accomplished, and how I should be perceived. Now, looking back at this it seems utterly ridiculous. A car doesn’t define you, but my EGO was so in love with that car and my car fed my EGO. My EGO had been thru this before with loss of a job after the recession, but once again, my SPIRIT is what pulled me out of the rut. It was in getting in touch with my SPIRIT and knowing all was already done that worries, stress and fear were put at ease. After the letting go of the car, I felt guilt, discouragement, loss and pain. My sadness from my EGO was manifesting more negative thoughts, it was at this point that I consoled with my boyfriend. He reminded me to go back to myself and to go within and do what makes me happy. What makes me happy is discovering new towns, places and things. I love taking drives up and down the coasts, which brings me to San Juan Capistrano.

San Juan Capistrano is known as the most romantic cities out of all of Orange County. I had never thought of this city as that. I guess it is romantic, but to me it’s more easing, fulfilling and enriching to my soul. When I turned 35, I drove down to this town as a gift to myself for self-reflection and love. In San Juan, they have the beautiful Mission, which is really enlightening. This is the seventh Mission out of a chain of twenty-one. While walking the grounds of the Mission, I felt a sense of calmness, peace and harmony. They have several museums, gardens, structures of original Great Stone Church and the Bell Wall. This is a wonderful place to reflect, meditate, to be grateful and to ponder life’s amazing journeys. To find out directions, entry fee and events, go to www.missionsjc.com.

One of my other favorite loves is Food! I especially love cheese and chocolate and could live off these two types for the rest of my life. Wouldn’t you know, in this quaint town they have a place catering to just my taste buds called “Simply Fondue.” Simply Fondue is located in the heart of San Juan Capistrano, just across the street from the Mission and footsteps away from the train station. Their delectable bites of one-of-a-kind chocolates include Bananas Foster Fondue, Reese Peanut Butter Fondue, Chocolate Grand Marnier and White Chocolate Amaretto. For the cheese lovers, they have the following fondues: Traditional Swiss Chalet, Spicy Pepper Jack and Mediterranean. For extended menu choices, visit www.simplyfondueorangecounty.com. I sampled their Shrimp Tempura, Chicken Satay and stuffed pastry with mushrooms and cheese, truly satisfying and delicious!

After my revisit of San Juan Capistrano, my inner me was content and centered again.  It is the combination of being surrounded in a lovely place, discovering moments in history and a warm meal that makes me have positive enthusiasm and contemplations. I’m instantly brought to use   all five senses and astounded by life’s beauty, creativity and tiny miracles. Yes, I may have lost something materialistically, however, I gained internally, the sound mind and inner sanctuary of all is well, fine and that this too shall pass.

Add a comment April 12, 2010