Short List of Networking DOs and DONTs

The best network is a sustainable network. Developing one involves increasing the number of circles in your network while developing the circles you already have and the people in them. The best way to do both is through value added interactions.

Below are some DOs and DONTs of conducting value added interactions on and offline. Using them as a guide, you can develop your circles and connections to create your own sustainable network!

Online

DON’T add someone to your group without permission

DO post relevant content to groups and pages without trying to sell or promote something

DON’T use text language for ANY of your professional messages, questions, etc

DO offer guidance and feedback in response to questions and inquiries

DON’T spam groups, pages, and walls (even your own) with promotions and content (even if it’s relevant!)

DO interact on holidays and weekends

DON’T conduct 100% of your networking online

DO meet online connections offline

DON’T get too personal, but

DO share your story

Offline

DON’T attend an event uninvited, unregistered, or unannounced

DO host your own networking events

DON’T lead conversations with a pitch

DO combine professionalism with personality

DON’T give out your business card too eagerly

DO convey in person the image you project online

DON’T treat everyone like a prospect

DO keep in touch with people you’ve made a connection with

DON’T gossip (even if parties involved remain anonymous), but

DO share leads, advice, and other appropriate information

What are some DOs and DONTs you’d include?

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360° Networking

As a result of the Professionally Yours 90 Days ofNetworking, this post was born. Enjoy ©
 
360° Networking is a method of networking where the networker makes a point to connect and network with people from various parts of your network. The objective is to stay connected with new and old professional (and social!) circles.

Benefits of 360°Networking

360° Networking widens your reach by diversifying your contact base. This means:

·         More opportunities

·         More visibility, and a

·         More sustainable network

By breaking down your networking as will be described in this post, you can more easily customize your approach to each circle and contact type.

When to Start

The best time to implement a 360° Networking plan is at the beginning of your career. For entrepreneurs, your career starts before incorporation — it begins with the idea. If you know your vision and have your goals set, start networking. The next best time to implement a 360° Networking plan is NOW.  

Where to Begin

Deciding where to begin can be a challenge, whether you have many circles or think you only have a few. Start by compiling a list of people from your different circles. Understand that the names you write down need not all be people you see regularly. After all, part of networking is about meeting new people. Think about people from:

High school, college, local networking groups, your current job, your old job, sports (or other) teams, etc..

 
The above are your different circles. You may have more or less; it all depends on your life choices. Be smart when pulling names; first start with class officers, team captains, management, and other achievers.

Once you have your list of names sort them into close, associate, and rare contacts. A close contact is someone you communicate with on a weekly basis. An associate contact is someone you communicate with a few times a year. A rare contact is someone you communicate with one or fewer times a year.

A sample Excel layout to keep you organized!

Facebook is a powerful tool for finding old connections and covertly catching up with them before deciding whether or not you will move forward in trying to make a connection. The goal when initiating contact is to learn more about what said contact is doing, but more importantly, what they’re working towards. Determine if you share any common goals. Common goals are catalysts for opportunity.

Revisit your list often and keep it updated (with contact info if possible). Your goals for your networking plan will vary depending on your needs and point in your career, but a good standard is to make a minimum of one valuable connection every three months.

One last thing…

Remember that networking is a two way street. If you expect support, be prepared to give it!

What’s your networking approach? Leave us a comment below and share this article!

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Inbox Interview 5: Little Miss Mary, Student and Entrepreneur

Little Miss Mary, a handmade accessories company, is a small Ohio based business founded by rising Siena College freshman, Mary Hartwick, when she was sixteen.

After reading this interview, “impressive” is one word that should come to mind. Enjoy ©

#ShesaBoss: Describe the products you sell?

Mary Hartwick: I design and sell wallets, bags, and earrings. The messenger bags that I make are made out of recycled marching band uniforms. I sell my products at shows that are located around my hometown.

#ShesaBoss: What gave you the idea to start Little Miss Mary and how long have you been in business?

Mary: I have been in business since May 2009. I started my business because I had already started making bags and people had said that they wanted to buy one. I was also diagnosed with a thyroid disease that gave me a new perspective. Once I got better I realized I didn't want to wait to start it, there was no reason to wait.

#ShesaBoss: What's one challenge you've faced since being in business and how'd you overcome it?

Mary: Being able to juggle everything. It was hard going to high school and getting my products ready to sell at shows. I overcame it by setting aside time everyday that was just devoted to my business.

#ShesaBoss: What plans do you have for the future of Little Miss Mary?

Mary: That I don't know. I see it more as a learning tool. I learned a lot about business from it and a lot about customers. I also learned a lot about marketing and how to sell a product to a certain market.

#ShesaBoss: What are your plans for after graduation?
I'm not completely sure about what I want to do, but I'm really interested in working in a company that does international business. I love learning languages, I'm working on an Italian minor and I am pretty fluent in Spanish.

Mary is one example of student entrepreneurship and strategic professional development done right. Her destination may not be final, but the path she is traveling to her future is being paved with passion, ambition, and drive!

If you would like more information on purchasing her products please send inquiries through our contact page.

#ShesaBoss and #theGB blog

The Bottom Line of Style - How Your Professional Image Affects Your Profit

When you’re an entrepreneur (or desiring to be one) you have to set your own path – be your own boss, sometimes without the same amount of guidance that is provided in Corporate America. This same principle applies to not only your business acumen and experiences, but also those relating to the way you present yourself. The public “face” you show the world is not only a reflection on you as an individual, but upon your business as well.

First Impressions

What is the “image” of your industry? If your work and your clients are primarily centered on a conservative industry like law, banking or insurance, you will have a different impression – a different image than someone working with a more creative industry like marketing, advertising or graphics. How you present yourself to current and potential clients can make a big difference in the relationships you cultivate, and whether they will grow or stagnate.

Imagine for a moment you are a parent, dropping off your precious 3 or 4 year old for pre-school. Upon arriving, you notice that the classroom is rather messy, disordered, and seems chaotic. The teacher approaches with a smile – he or she is young and attractive, but their clothing is rumpled and disheveled, and their hair is all over their head. Does this individual and the environment they’re in inspire confidence in you?

A second example – you are starting a business bank account and happen to see the bank president arrive in the parking lot of the bank. He or she steps out of a very expensive luxury car wearing an impeccably tailored suit and sporting expensive accessories. Does that visual impression inspire confidence that they will take care of your money, or just that they have access to money?

The initial impression we make on others is 55% visual – what they see; 38% vocal – the tone, speed and pitch of our voice; and only 7% verbal – what we actually SAY during the initial conversation. We as human beings tend to follow the LOLO theory – we Lock On to what we believe to be true, given the visual and auditory clues we receive – and we Lock Out anything to the contrary. A less-than-favorable first impression will stick with those you meet for quite some time.

Defining Your Image 101

So how do you define a personal and professional image that sets a climate for success and helps you to make positive first impressions? Start with basic information:

1. What is your body type? Realistically – are you evenly proportioned from top to bottom, or do you have areas of your body you’d like to emphasize more and others you’d like to de-emphasize? Knowing where you are starting gives you the opportunity to take charge and decide what will be an area of emphasis.
   
   
2. What are your best colors? While everyone in theory can wear every color, no matter what, the simple fact is that everyone has a color “temperature” and there are specific colors that will flatter you more than others. Wearing a less-flattering color near your face, for instance, can cause shadows and lines to be more prevalent. Knowing your best colors will help you to create that positive first impression.

Impact Killers

Impact killers are things that can negatively affect your first impression and your image at any time. Some of which are:

Starting any sentence with an apology – don’t give up your credibility and authority by apologizing before you’ve even begun a presentation or when disagreeing with someone.

Wimpy handshakes – while you don’t want to squeeze the daylights out of anyone’s hand, a limp handshake does NOTHING to establish your authority and experience.

Being late – NEVER be late for an appointment, or if you are, call to notify the individual you are meeting with.

Closed body language – many people feel sitting with your arms crossed or sitting back in a chair as opposed to sitting forward means that you are resisting or feeling negative about what is being said. Watch the body language!

Maintaining Your Image

When meeting with current and prospective clients, take some time to prepare mentally – often as entrepreneurs, we can be our own worst critics. If you tend to be critical of yourself (aren’t we all at some point?) try to develop a series of affirmations that you can repeat out loud every day and every evening to boost your self-confidence and self-assuredness to a higher, positive level. This is not saying you must be conceited, nor is it conceited to know your worth and your value – but the world will not necessarily reflect positive back to you if you don’t exude it for yourself.

The impression you give when conducting business has multiple components, including:

1.       Credibility – are you an authority on your subject? Do you have the in-depth knowledge to answer questions and provide assurances for your customers?

2.       Likeability – are you a likeable person? Do you have personality elements in common with those you are speaking to, and can they relate to you?

3.       Personal attractiveness – this is not being “model perfect” – but does speak to whether you are intentional about your visual presentation. When someone takes time to present themselves as polished and professional, it’s noticeable. It’s also very clear when someone does not – and often, whether the individual does not KNOW what to do is not considered – a less-than-polished appearance is deemed a negative.

4.       Confidence – do you sound convinced of the truth of your statements? Do you engender trust and appear knowledgeable, relatable and capable?

Bottom Line

Let’s touch on some aspects of your image with relation to “packaging” – your current and potential customers want to know that you will ‘sweat the details’ and not just let things happen. That you are in charge and ready to take charge when needed to assure the results they hired you for.

Be Appropriate  – inappropriate dress, language or personal interactions all call your credibility and professionalism into question and can make a potential client shy away from hiring you.



Maintain Visual Integrity (visual integrity means that you “look the part”) – a polished web site, professionally created proposal and great conversations via the phone or electronic communication can all be ruined if you show up looking rumpled, haphazard or in ill-fitting clothing. Be sure that every aspect of your professional image is in harmony with all the others.

Ensure your Verbal Image is Consistent With Your Visual Image – do you promote eco-friendly solutions, but drive a gas guzzler of a vehicle? Are you a success coach who drives a beat-up and shabby vehicle and wears outdated, threadbare clothing or run-over shoes? Your visual image is conflicting with your verbal image and this can cause a disconnect and lack trust in those you seek to work with.

The Bottom Line of Style incorporates every aspect of your professional image – Visual, Vocal and Verbal – and being intentional about each aspect will ensure your success in whatever business venture you choose.


Dianne M. Daniels, DivaStyle Coach


Dianne motivates her clients and speaking audiences with her dynamic speaking presence, trademark high heels, high energy and high level of immediately applicable personal development information. She is a sought after expert in the image, self-esteem, weight loss and self-confidence areas and writes articles internationally – sharing her experiences and her affirming philosophy that changes hearts, minds and lives. Find out more about Dianne, her business, and her journey at www.howtoloveyourreflection.com!


#ShesaBoss and #theGB blog

Building a Professional Development Plan (Step 3)

Read Building a Professional Development Plan (Step 2)!

Your objective in this final step is to create an action plan that will enhance your strengths, improve your weaknesses, and get your professional profile from step 1 looking more like the job description you created in step 2.

To get started, you will need to research professional development options and opportunities. Your choices should be accessible to you within the next 6 months. Internships and volunteering are very accessible options to gain experience and work on skills; in growing cases, internships and volunteer jobs can even be 100% telecommute. Volunteermatch.org is a great place to start looking for virtual opportunities.

Below is a list of other options you can look into. Letters in the parenthesis represent the four professional development categories of your professional profile (knowledge, skills, experience, connections) that are affected.

Non-inclusive List of Professional Development Options

·         Read and understand a book (Ks)

·         Attend a learning event (KsC)

·         Take an online course (Ks)

·         Have regular meetings with a mentor (Kc)

·         Start a blog (kSEc)

·         Volunteer (SEc)

·         Take courses AT a local college (Ksc)

·         Become a direct sales consultant (KSEC)

·         Research a topic/subject of interest formally or informally (K)

·         Write and contribute articles to online publications (ksEc)

·         Join and participate in networking and professional groups (kC)

·         Intern (kSEc)

·         Plan and follow through on your own small project (ksec)

Take your time and be very selective. You want to make sure you are choosing options that will have a relevant impact on your professional value (your contribution to the growth and success of your business).

Once you feel you have found yourself a variety of options, it’s time to create your action plan. Below are the categories I recommend including in your action plan via a screen clip of how I’ve laid out my plan in Excel.

Click for a better view!

I would suggest your first item be something you can complete within the next 30 days so you don’t get discouraged working on a harder goal; alternate between hard and easy tasks when constructing your plan for the same reason.

Finally, creating your professional development plan in a spreadsheet and keeping it on your desktop makes for easy editing and retrieval.

Tell us your thoughts on our Building a Professional Development Plan series. Did we miss anything you think should be included? Comment below or send us an email!

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Building a Professional Development Plan (Step 2)

Read Building a Professional Development Plan (Step 1)!

Step 2 is…a bit more involved than step 1, but it’s worth having it down on paper then seeing your vision materialize. In this step, you’ll essentially be designing a job description — a job description containing the knowledge, skills, experience, and connections you’ll need to excel at the role you ultimately envision yourself in.

This post will take you through finding the right job ads, dissecting the job description, and tying it all into step 1.

Finding the right job ads

Using the right job ads will set a good base for the rest of your professional development plan, so it’s important to use the ones best suited for your needs. The first thing to consider is where the ad was found. Popular sites are Monster.com and Indeed.com Craigslist is ok for when you’re looking for a job, but for your PDP you may want to stick to the most credible sources. Another great site, especially for alternative and creative roles is TalentZoo.com.

Other things to keep in mind are: the industry (is it an industry you see yourself in), type of company (is it a startup, nonprofit, small business, etc), and your attraction to the overall role described (how similar is it to the role you envision yourself in). You want to match all these things as closely as possible to your interests and ideals.

Dissecting the job description

Don’t just read the job description, understand it. Review it line by line and determine the non-negotiables. Non-negotiables are the minimum requirements needed to qualify for the job. When determining the non-negotiables, make note of placement and repetition. The closer to the top a requirement is placed, the higher its priority. The more important a requirement, the more times it is repeated — this holds true when analyzing a description in isolation or analyzing a group of descriptions.

While dissecting and analyzing the job descriptions, you will be sorting the information into the four categories from step 1 (knowledge, skills, experience, and connections). The following chart highlights what to look out for to identify each category.

Click for a better view!

Tying it into step 1

Once you’ve completed the job description, you’ll need to compare it to the profile you created in step 1. What you are looking for is your primary areas of improvement. Your primary areas of improvement are your weaknesses from step 1 that are non-negotiables in your job description. Also, make note of items in your job description that do not appear at all (as a strength or weakness) on your professional state profile from step 1.

To finish this step, you’ll be setting goals, both short term (6-12months) and long term (3-5years). Make sure all your goals are Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time bound.

In the final step that will be published next week, you’ll be creating an action plan to improve your weaknesses and enhance your strengths.

OAN: Keeping Up…

If you’ve been keeping up with this series, give us your feedback. How are you following along so far? Have you benefited thus far?

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Building a Professional Development Plan (Step 1)

Read the Building a Professional Development Plan introduction post!

In step 1, you’ll be identifying what professional knowledge, skills, experience, and connections add to or subtract from your professional value. Strengths add to your value, weaknesses subtract from it.

What is professional value? Professional value is what differentiates you from other professionals. It is an objective perception. It may sound like an oxymoron because perception in itself is subjective, but the same strengths and weaknesses that made you seem invaluable can make you seem less than the standard depending on the situation and the people involved. However, this assessment is for yourself and your business, so as you go through brainstorming and creating your lists, think about the needs of your business. How valuable are you to your own business?

To get an idea of your professional value, you will be listing your strengths and weaknesses for each of these professional categories: knowledge, skills, experience, and connections. You will then assess yourself based on your lists. Let’s call this assessment your professional profile and each category a section.

NOTE: As you go through each section in your profile, think in terms of business management, leadership, as well as industry and profession specific topics.

The rest of this post has descriptions and examples to help you better understand each section and get your thoughts flowing.  

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Knowledge

Knowledge is information and skills acquired through experience or education, but knowledge does not assume understanding. With that in mind, knowledge is a strength if you have and understand it. Knowledge can also be a strength if you have more information on a particular subject than the average person in the related field. Additionally, possessing knowledge that is rare or not easily accessible can also be a strength. To determine if something in this category is a weakness, you have to think about what you don’t know. Consider this proverb: “She who knows what she does not know is wise. She he who knows not what she does not know is a fool.”

Skills

Skills are something you can put into practice; you can also measure the results you produce. If you can effectively and confidently teach and demonstrate a skill, it is a strength. It is also a strength if you produce results that are consistently above the standard. A weak skill is something you have trouble putting into practice.

Experience

Experience comes in many forms. When you are putting your list together, don’t forget things like volunteer jobs and small projects including ones for friends, family, and school. Experience is a strength if it was a unique or uncommon experience or if you have 5+ years of firsthand experience in a particular area. If an experience negatively impacts your credentials, it is a weakness. Refer to your completed knowledge and skills lists if you have trouble brainstorming for this section; think about what experiences had a significant impact on acquiring or improving your skills and knowledge.

Connections

This section is all about the people in your network, the people that should be in your network, and your level of influence within your network. If you have significant influence over a particular network or influence over someone who does, that connection is a strength. If you have a bad/negative reputation within a network, that is a weakness. If you do not belong to common and easily accessible networks that are in line with your goals and professional persona, that is also a weakness.

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How'd you do?

Your completed profile will serve as your starting point for your professional development, so it is important that you are thorough and honest. If you don’t have many strengths, it could be an indication that you lack focus or direction in your career. Many weaknesses can indicate that your approach may need adjustment.

In step 2, you will be completing a similar exercise and thinking about your goals. Goals should be SMART so a good plan can be made to achieve them. Think about that while you wait to see what’s in store for the next step.

#ShesaBoss and #theGB