Networking – Beyond The Basics

Once you have mastered the basics of Networking, what else can you do? Start to move further out of your comfort zone. Try writing an article for a relevant magazine or the relevant section in your local paper. You are then a published author and you can refer to it in conversation. Mail copies to your contacts. Look for and join a networking group – you’ll be able to practice your Personal Presentation and expand your network further. Make sure your website is current and up to date. New business contacts will ‘check you out’ via the internet. If you are telling your potential customers … Continue reading →

Posted in business networking, relationship building, social networking

Busting Networking’s Biggest Myths

(NAPSI)-Networking, the art of cultivating relationships in the business community, has drawn more attention and dialogue than perhaps any other crucial aspect of conducting business over the last 20 years, and yet is surprisingly not taught in colleges and universities. Moreover, so much “advice” is batted about that it’s often difficult for the average small-business owner or sales professional to determine just how much of what’s been said about networking is fact and how much is myth. But there is good news for the utterly confused. A new book, “Truth or Delusion? Busting Networking’s Biggest Myths” (Nelson Business) by authors Ivan Misner, Ph.D., Mike Macedonio … Continue reading →

Posted in business networking, referrals, relationship building

10 Listening Blocks to Effective Communication

by Susan R. Young I’ve been studying a cutting-edge communication and conflict resolution model called Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. DBT addresses communication and listening skills, mindfulness, rapport and Emotional Intelligence (compassion, empathy and assertive communication). In a book titled Dialectical Behavioral Therapy Skills Workbook, the authors identify 10 ways that people sabotage their effective listening abilities. Do these Listening Blocks sound familiar to you? 1. Mind reading. Assuming you know what the other person feels and thinks without asking. 2. Rehearsing. Planning what you want to say next and missing what’s being said now. 3. Filtering. Listening only to things that are relevant to you and … Continue reading →

Posted in communication, listening