Here’s a Quick Way to Learn the Secrets of Effective Networking

When I got out of school and landed my first job, lunch time was an escape from my tiny cubicle, a one hour get out of jail free card to use running around downtown Chicago with my friends from the office.

Burritos, jokes, talking about work. Burgers, jokes, griping about bosses. Sandwiches, jokes at one another’s expense, excitedly talking about our wild plans for the weekend. You get the picture. Maybe this is how your noon hour is spent Monday through Friday.

I wasn’t really satisfied with my work life so I read lots and lots of business books. Most of them promised to shape me into the right-thinking, successful millionaire envy of the workforce in 10 minutes or less. None of them worked…

…So I kept looking for one that would. Online at Amazon.com I spotted a new book with a bright orange cover titled ‘Never Eat Alone’ by Keith Ferrazzi. My curios nature was already running full steam ahead so I skimmed the first few pages and overview. Here’s what I came away with:

What distinguishes highly successful people from everyone else is the way they use the power of relationships—so that everyone wins.

Don’t keep score: It’s never simply about getting what you want. It’s about getting what you want and making sure that the people who are important to you get what they want, too.

“Ping” constantly: The Ins and Outs of reaching out to those in your circle of contacts all the time—not just when you need something.

Never eat alone: The dynamics of status are the same whether you’re working at a corporation or attending a society event— “invisibility” is a fate worse than failure.

Remember to meet people! It’s really, really, really important. And it’s fun.

Here are a few ideas I think you should check out:

• Join the local chapter of your school’s alumni association (Spartans go here).

• Join Linked In.

• Offer to take people with more business experience than you out for lunch, pepper them with a few questions about themselves, then be quiet and take some good mental notes (and follow up with a hand written thank you).

There are so many ways to meet new people every single day. So go ahead and talk to strangers.

P.S. Think of 10 people you know who haven’t heard from you in awhile. Good, now shoot them a quick email getting back in touch and invite at least one out for lunch this week.

P.S.S. Read a few chapters or pick up your own copy of Never Eat Alone.

Interview like an A-Lister

Will Ferrell a.k.a. ‘Anchorman’ Ron Burgundy interviewing Michigan State University head basketball coach Tom Izzo.

Apparently Ron is the previous Dean of MSU’s School of Journalism. You stay classy Spartan Nation!

from www.funnyordie.com posted with vodpod

Get Rid of ‘Title Envy’ Once and For All

Senior Vice President in Charge of Synergy.

Executive Account Manager – Medium/Large Businesses.

Local Media Consultant.

Can you guess which title I held? Trick question. I’ve worked under two of these three examples straight out of college. One provided me sharp business cards and $37,000 per year. The most I got out of those business cards was using them to write my phone number on and hand to women I met at the bar. My company should have been teaching me to develop meaningful business relationships and overcome common fears recent graduates face. Instead, they wasted some money on ink and cardboard.

The cardboard at my next job had a less desirable title. I more than doubled my income in one year! Keep your titles, I’ll take the cash and a more interesting and challenging career any day. So what does this rant mean to you?

Have you ever heard the phrase ‘talk is cheap’? Don’t be fooled by promises of huge paychecks if you know the job isn’t the right fit. I labored 2+ years in a position I found mind-numbing because the small possibility of a giant payday blinded me to the fact I absolutely hated the job! Once I fully grasped that the work was a chore instead of my passion I quit. Walked up to my boss and handed in my employee badge #8455. Smiled the whole train ride home too!

Six weeks later I was hired on to a position with a non-flashy title that challenged, excited and rewarded me very well financially. Do what you love because you think it’s fun, and never fall in love with a title.

P.S. I’ve found that business cards are great as emergency note cards.

P.S.S They’re even better if you use them for their intended purpose — deliver them to friends, prospects, and people whom you have already shown interest in and shared a conversation!