Follow The Leader

and unlock the participation of the group!

I’m often asked “how do you engage and win over a group”. From group presentations to board meetings, facilitating or engaging a group can be challenging due to the many personalities and styles involved. Here are 3 great tips to effectively engage!

1. Find the leader

In any group, there is a leader. Even in the absence of true leadership, the person who rises to the surface becomes the “leader”. However, stay away from confusing “title” with leadership. The person who has the title is not always the leader. In fact, there are many who lead only by title (the weakest form of leadership according to John Maxwell!)

Find out WHO the leader is. As John Maxwell writes, it’s the rule of E. F. Hutton, find the person that everyone is listening to. That’s the leader. Engage others within a company to help you find who the “leader” is of their company. Engage volunteers in an organization and find out who they are following. The LEADER will play a critical role in you working a group.

ACTION: Find the leader. Identify 2 organizations or companies you want to make contact with or will be presenting to and find the leader. Even in home based parties, there is a group AND someone in that group is the LEADER. Find the leader.

2. Poll The Group

Before you make ANY presentation, have a feel for who will be in the room (or sitting at the table). Know their style. Remember, some people can make a decision “by gut or on a dime” others enter a “process” that will provide a negative result if the “process” is interrupted. Even “home party” direct sellers, call the guests of the hostess before they meet them. This practice works in all forms of business. Know the group. Get a feel for their style. Get to know if they “favor or have concerns” about what you are presenting (or pitching)!.

ACTION: Find out the names and numbers of everyone in the group. No matter “who” that group is.

3. Smile and Position

I was speaking at a Women’s Conference a couple of weeks ago when a participant shared that a speech coach had told her “not to smile so much. It made her seem not professional and not serious enough.” I disagree. A smile is valuable. Now, a smile and a giggle - that might come across as immature. A smile and a shrug - sends the message that you might be a tad “airy” in the brains department. A smile and a wink - and someone might be asking you for a “happy hour” appointment later.

A smile is very, very powerful. When presenting to a group, position yourself in front of the leader and when you present your idea, smile as big as Dallas and gently nod your head. Now, watch as the “leader” does the same. It gives the message to everyone in the room that “E.F. Hutton” approves….and people are listening!

ACTION: Practice smiling while you speak. Speaking is such a valuable skill however, many people are “so nervous” that they take away from their presentation and also from their “power”. Practice, practice, practice!

If you’re ready to take action, contact www.coachmariaelena.com

To Your Abundance,

Coach Maria Elena a/k/a THE Champion of Connections

Buzz2Bucks: Move Forward

Adelante

ADELANTE is a spanish word which means: to move forward; to move ahead; to go ahead; to get to the front.

What are you doing to move ahead? A CEO in the mastermind group that I facilitate said it best when he said “there are many people who know what to do, it’s the DOING it that is the challenge.”

Here are 3 solid ways to move forward!

1. Take Inventory

Take an inventory of all the things that YOU yourself need to be doing. This isn’t a list of the things you would like to do or the things that you would like to CONTROL - this is the list of things that need your “personal touch”. Get everything out of your head and down on paper. What are the things that you’re actually doing in a day? How about in a week? Overlook nothing. Censor nothing. Be honest with YOURSELF. If you’re in business, think of all the customer service, delivery marketing, sales, promotional, professional development, product development, management activities. Also, log those things that distract your or that never seem to make it off your to do list.

ACTION: Make a list this week of all your activities.

2. Schedule It In

Take the time to schedule it in. Have you ever noticed that the things that you “schedule” are the things you actually do? Think of the lunches, the meetings, the seminars and appointments you make. Now, think of all the things that you think you will do in the “cracks” of time or sometime in the day. Did you do them?

Time blocking is a powerful tool if used correctly. Time block in those things that are most important to you. In Stephen Covey’s book, “7 Habits of Highly Effecitve People” and in the back of his book “The 8th Habit”, he tells the story of “big rocks” and how it is important to schedule the “big rocks” in your day first if that is what’s most important to you. It’s also important to utilize what we’ve learned in “project management”. Create a “mind map” of the activities you would like to accomplish so that you can be sure of all of the steps and pieces in making those activities inevitable.

ACTION: Take a weekly schedule and start time blocking!

3. Identify WHY you want to move forward.

While this is listed last, it is really the first thing that needs to be done. The “how” will always appear if you know the “why”. Why do you want more time? Why do you want to move forward? Why do would you make an extra effort to move ahead?

The “why” is so important. There’s an important statement that I want to leave you with which was shared with me by a dear friend. You can manage what your doing, schedule your activities, get more organized, get more time and get your life back….just make sure that you have a life to get back to.

ACTION: If you want more and have decided to move ahead, check out the Adelante Advantage.

Like Attracts Like….what are you attracting?

Coach Maria Elena a/k/a THE Champion of Connections

Mastermind Moment: The Lost Art of Thank You

“No Thank Yous Than No Thanks!”-Marth “ism”

No Thank Yous - Then No Thanks! It’s AMAZING how many people do not know how to say “thank you.” It’s as if they were never taught, the more you appreciate something the more you’ll get things you can appreciate. It’s the old adage of “What you focus on, you get”. However, 97% of people do not ever craft a “thank you” note or even a “thank you” email. Say NO THANKS to people who can’t SAY THANKS!

In fact, here’s an “interesting story”. There is a lady who markets herself as an “image expert” (she’s not here in the Basin so we’re all safe!). I really like here information and she “appeared” to be quite knowledgeable. So, I went to order a book from her website and NOTHING HAPPENED. I tried, and tried, AND TRIED to buy a book from her website and still NOTHING would happen. Most customers would just “give up” and decide “okay, I want to spend my money with you but you don’t want it because you haven’t been professional enough to take care of your website” BUT (there’s that ‘but’ again), I am a technically challenged person and I like to give the benefit of the doubt, so I thought “may be she doesn’t know.” So, I CALL HER (now remember - I’m the customer!) and let her know that I cannot purchase a book on her website. I explain what I did and lo’ and behold - she sees what I see - NOTHING HAPPENS! She thanks me quickly and gets of the phone to call her web guru (who is someone who needs a “Texas talkin’ to” because he’s SUPPOSED TO BE a professional at what he does too - sounds real professional, right?). The next day, I try to purchase again, and finally I can buy the book that I “worked” so hard for.

I share this story because AFTER ALL THAT - she NEVER once wrote me an email of thanks or a note of thanks or called up to give a “thank you” message…NOTHING and get this - SHE’S the image “expert”. How long would she have gone without business had I not of called? She even mentioned that she had not gotten any orders that week and found that “odd”. No thanks at all - what do you think my “image” is of her now?

Use her huge mistake as a lesson for you….say THANK YOU! It is such a lost art and such a powerful phrase. WE all work so hard to differentiate ourselves from the competition. And, now you can with a simple act of gratitude!

Here are three powerful simple acts:

1. Write a THANK YOU note!

Granted, this can be done via email with lots of cute animation & song. However, a handwritten personal note is the most powerful “thank you.” It shows that you value the person, you value what they did and that you are so genuine in your appreciation that you are willing to expend the time and effort to make a personal gesture. You will stand out in the crowd and be the “purple” cow!

Action Step: Write one thank you note a day. If you don’t do that now, start with a “thank you email”. However, do just get some simple cards and address and stamp one each day. Carry it with you and find that person to appreciate every day. You will then be the true IMAGE EXPERT and that act of appreciation will make a huge difference to you, personally!

2. Pick up the phone and say thank you!

You’re busy, we’re all busy. Pick up the phone and thank the person and explain “why” what they did was so great; how it made a difference in your life and how you value them. Be sincere (people can smell the predatory “fakeness” a mile away!).

Action Step: Call one person each week. Make one moment each week as your make a difference moment! Then ask, how can I help you?

3. Recognize People With Something of Value!

I’m not saying “shower them with gifts” but do remember what you are grateful for and what is important to them. For example, a friend of mine loves the theater. She worked on a really difficult client for me and made all of us look so good. I appreciated her and recognized her to the team (an important, valued recognition) and gifted her two theater tickets. She was thrilled because I remembered that she liked the theater! Like the “image” person I was referring to in the story, a simple thank you might even have been a short email saying thanks and here’s a couple of bucks of your next purchase for saving me from losing further dollars. (however, if the person you need to appreciate has to “tell you” what to do…it totally devalues any appreciation you could possibly muster!)

Action Step: Someone made a difference in your life this month. They made life easier or went out of the way. Recognize it!

Like attracts like…what are you attracting?

Coach Maria Elena a/k/a The Champion of Connections

Social Capital Strategist & Coach, cpcc

Compel Them To Speak Positively On Your Behalf

What are you doing to compel others to speak positively on your behalf? We KNOW that 87% of people make a decision on someone else’s WORD OF MOUTH. We KNOW that WORD OF MOUTH is a beast that can “devour” you or “promote” you.

Here are the three basics:
Move
Touch
Inspire

1. Move

How do you move someone to speak on your behalf? First, have you “asked”? So many of us would like to sit on our yoga mats and meditate someone to walk in and be our customers. However, that’s not realistic! People are VERY BUSY in their lives. If you remember that we are all “extras in someone else’s play”, you’ll realize how focused they are on “their lives” that they barely, if any, have time to think of yours. So, it is your responsibility to ASK. ASK! ASK! ASK! It’s amazing how beautifully people will respond, if only they are ASKED.

ACTION STEP: Ask someone for one thing a day. Stretch your asking muscle!

2. Touch

How do you touch someone’s life? You focus and value what THEY value. How do you know that? The wisdom is revealed in “listening”. Listen for meaning, passion and care as someone speaks of what is important to them. If there child is struggling to find the basic struggles in MacBeth, and you email some websites where that info can be found or drop off an copy of “Cliff Notes” that you have on the story…you have “touched” someone’s life. The best tips to finding out someone’s touch points, is Dale Carnegie’s How To Win Friends and Influence People book.

ACTION STEP: Call up a client or a friend you know and listen to what’s important to them or ask “how can you help” and then be very quiet. This is NOT the time for “might I suggest” or for “let me invite you”….PLEASE - we are not seeking someone to fix us - we are seeking someone to VALUE us. Listen!!

3. INSPIRE

How do you inspire someone? I am an inspirational speaker so you might be thinking - what does she mean…do what she does? No. Inspiration comes in many shapes and sizes. To inspire someone is to really do something that is GENUINE and to their benefit. For example, when someone helps me on a committee and really does go “above and beyond”, I like to recognize them by sending a THANK YOU note to them (something 97% of the U.S. population DOESN’T do) and then I send a letter to their supervisor PRAISING them. It is a professional letter so that it is suitable to be included into their employee file when they are REVIEWED. I copy them on the letter so they know that I shared my gratitude for their contribution with their employer.

ACTION STEP: Who can you inspire today? Sometimes just a contact from YOU can be inspirational. There is someone that will ONLY hear the message that they NEED to hear from you. Act on your promptings and contact that someone!

To your abundance -

Coach Maria Elena a/k/a THE Champion of Connections

Social Capital Strategist & Coach

Buzz2Bucks: Confident Communication

There are 7 Habits Confident Communicators ALWAYS exude and are mindful of.

1. Internal

The conversation you have with your self is the most important conversation ever! With sales people, I say “the biggest sale you’ll make everyday is to yourself!” This is so true! And, it is the foundation for anything that you do. If you are not pleased with yourself or if you are negative with yourself, it will shine through in all of your actions. Make sure you are pumped, passionate and positive before you connect with other people.

ACTION STEP: Start a gratitude journal - it will change your internal language.

2. External

This is image and your body language. It is all communicating louder and clearer than your words. Whether you’re one on one, working a crowd or a couple of people, your external language is 85% of your communication.

ACTION STEP: Work with a professional coach or a professional team of friends who will be willing to tell you what is hurting your external communication.

3. Music

People hear your music…not your words! It is important to be POSITIVE! However, there are many people who “say” they are positive. The best way to tell if someone is positive, is to listen to their words. If they’re speaking negative words - steer clear.

ACTION STEP: What are the things that keep you in the “happy” frame of mind? Stay focused on those. Like a magnet you attract others with thoughts and strong feelings.

4. Tone

You tone - like your music will give you youth or portray you as immature; it will show you as focused or controlling; it will highlight if you are fun or ditsy. The tone determines the type of person delivering the message.

ACTION STEP: Are you a lyrical talker? Do you speak in monotone? Are you animated? Find out which is your communication style and the predominant tone you exhibit.

5. Words

Yes, words can be powerful words or those weak words such as “I was JUST wondering…” or this is what you “SHOULD” do. I used SHOULD today by accident and it took away from everything I said.

ACTION STEP:  One by one remove those weak words from your vocabulary.  Practice using another word in their place. Practice for at least 21 days - it takes 21 days to change a habit.

6.  Credibility

Do you know your stuff?  Do YOU believe you know your stuff?  Your credibility is not just doing what you say you’ll do - it is also believing in what you know.  Someone I know “says” he’s passionate about what he does and yet when you ask him what he does or what he enjoys about what he does, he hesitates EVERY SINGLE TIME.

Action Step:  Do you believe in you?  That doesn’t come from outside influences like other people or owning a nicer vehicle…that comes from within.   Sit down.  Right now and write down the 25 things you accomplished last year and then the top 10 things you do better than any one else.

7.  Knowledge

Yes, you do need to know your stuff.  From “book knowledge” to “experiential knowledge”, you need to know your information inside and out.  As your learning it, you may know more than anyone else in the room.  That’s a great start however, as a professional it is your duty to continue to learn more.  Did you know that if you read about a subject everyday that in a course of a year it is like you studied with the intensity of a college degree on that certain subject.

ACTION STEP:  These were listed in order of importance.  Begin on the area you need help with first and it will make a world of difference on your communication.

Like a well grounded radio station, you will be heard loud and clear.  Miss any of these aspects and you will communicate with static and be difficult if not impossible to understand.

Like attracts like…what are you attracting?

Coach Maria Elena a/k/a THE Champion of Connections

Social Capital Strategist & Coach

Mastermind Moment: Return Your Phone Calls

“Return Your Phone Calls”

-Brian “ism”

Permian Basin Moments From The Mastermind…

Return Your Phone Calls - 4 Money Making Words Not rocket science however, it is such a true statement! Realtors know it. They know that prospects are calling from their signs and they know that whoever is the first person to answer or return the phone call gets the business. How about you? Remember, you never know WHO someone is; WHO they influence; or WHO they will become. Here are three great tips to return those calls!

1. Set aside a half an hour each day an return the calls. Let the caller know that you are returning several calls at once and if that conversation warrants more time then time can be scheduled. A great way to do this so that you don’t get “caught up” in the conversation of “how ’bout next Tuesday at 10 a.m. - hmmm, not good, how about next Thursday at 2 p.m.?” is to set up a calendar on Yahoo. If you do that, you can place blocked periods of time on their (without any details) and ask your caller to go online to see if they can find a time that’s suitable for them. Only put open times on that calendar when you are available for further phone conversations. If the conversation will cover detailed information, then ask them to send it to you prior to the call.

2. Determine if they are someone YOU personally need to call. Emails are wonderful and can be used to return phone calls at a time and place that is appropriate and easier for you. Email helps stop those “chatty” people or those “high maintenance” people from robbing you of your time. It’s a wonderful tool if used properly. Spend some time up front (believe me this is a GREAT investment) to determine who are your best clients and who are the time robbers. Place them each on lists so that you have it readily available in your notes, planner, etc. Then when they call you can determine if this is an “email or even fax phone call return (yes, you can even fax responses!) or if this is a direct response. You still have responded to their call however, you have still preserved the integrity of your time! In fact, I also separate who has voice mail and I call them early morning to leave voice messages so that we have “connected” in the most effective way possible. There are contacts you have that want to have a “meeting over the phone” about “the meeting”. Stop that instantly by using another form of connection!

3. Hire someone to return phone calls. I LOVE using Virtual Assistants! They can return the phone calls and get to the “heart” of the matter. They are great time savers and can filter through and determine if YOU need to speak directly to that person. Virtual Assistants are independent contractors so you don’t have to be concerned about payroll, applications, paperwork, etc. Plus, they can utilize the list you generated from Tip #2 and work with that in their returning of phone calls. It will also help them to understand who are the most pleasurable and profitable clients to you.

You never know who someone is; who they influence or who they will become so it is important to return those phone calls however, as you can now see, there are creative ways to do that, that do not consume all of your time.

Another TIP is to leave an OUTGOING VOICEMAIL that lets someone know when you will be available to return phone calls. However, do realize that most people DO NOT LISTEN. Or, let me be more specific….your time spenders DO NOT LISTEN. Your WONDERFUL clients will hear the message and respond accordingly. Time spenders don’t even listen when your message says “I’m not checking this phone until August 17th due to travels so please call after then” AND they STILL leave a message “just in case” you might here the message. I had a lady who is the area representative for an organization call me 8 times while I was out of town…when my message said that exact message I just quoted. Her last message she sounded “exasperated” and “frustrated” that we could not connect. Of course, she was an “email response” when I did finally hear the message on the “17th” just like the message said. Those contact who don’t listen and don’t value your time…maybe don’t make good contacts for you at all….but that’s another topic for the blog!

Remember, like attract like….what are you attracting?

To your abundance….

Coach Maria Elena a/k/a/ THE Champion of Connections

Social Capital Strategist & Coach, cpcc

11 Different Opinions

All From That First Impression

When people meet you for the first time, they form 11 different opinions about you. (You’re Successful; You’re Not; You’re Capable; You’re Not)

I know, you’re thinking, “there’s Maria hammering ‘image’ again”; and YES, I am! Often I’m asked, “how do you save time”?. Well, you do this by not putting obstacles in you way. If you make a “bad first impression” you then have to connect with this person 56 MORE times to change that first impression…talk about a TIME MANAGEMENT nightmare. So, here’s some fast tips for that first impression that’s worth a second look.

1. Look the part: Whatever part you’re “playing” or “representing”….if you’re going to a “rig” you better not look like you’re a “bank auditor”; if you’re going to a “president’s dinner” you better not look like you’re about to go “chop wood”.
2. Smile: Still the mainstay…people like friendly people!
3. Be positive: Do you know how to know if someone is positive? Listen to their words. They may say “I’m positive” and then you hear how they need “motivation” and you hear the “lag in their conversation”…that’s not a positive person!
4. Brush your teeth, wash your face,etc: People like to talk to “clean” people! If you smell like smoke, have bad breath, have graying or yellow teeth, smell like you just “walked a mile”, they will try to get away as fast as possible AND they will tell others to steer clear!
5. Listen: It goes far! If you talk ALWAYS about you…you sound “self absorbed”; if you are always talking about “your business and the benefits of your business”…you sound like a “sales dog”; if you concentrate on “your troubles”…you come across as a “woe is me” person. People are listening, whether you know it or not…remember the power of the first impression! I had an associate who was complaining at a table about attendance at an event…I guarantee you EVERYONE at the table heard the complaints and moaning…and everyone at that table COMMENTED on it!

And ladies, I have to say this only because it “slaps” so many of you out of professionalism “to other women in business”….stop wearing dark hose and bright shoes; or white hose and dark shoes….it SHOUTS OUT “bad taste!” to the rest of the world. Your shoes need to match your hemline….black hose and red shoes….hmmmm, keep obtacles out of your way….we just don’t have time!

To your Abundance,

Coach Maria Elena a/k/a THE Champion of Connections

Social Capital Strategist & Coach, cpcc

Buzz2Bucks: Understanding Generations

It May Influence Behavior However, Be Cautious of Stereotyping!

A young professional’s club is growing and developing in the Permian Basin and they are at the cutting edge! While I am someone that does not support “broad generational marketing” training, I do understand generational influence and encourage others to become informed however, to keep in mind that in the implementation of this knowledge to remember the “individual”.

Okay, so here’s what the books say: We deal with the following “generations” in the course of our work life…

• Traditionalist (1922-1943): Events they have been exposed to: Great Depression/New Deal/ World War II/Korean War

• Baby Boomers (1944-1964):Events they have been exposed to: Civil Rights/Sexual Revolution/ Cold War/Space Travel/ Assasinations

• Generation X (1965-1979): Fall of Berlin Wall/ Watergate/ Women’s Lib/ Desert Storm/ Energy Crisis

• NetGen (1980 - 1996): School Shootings/ Oklahoma City/ Technology/ Ebay

• Millenials (1997 - now): Enron/ Sept. 11th/ Mp3/ TiVO

I encourage STEERING CLEAR of any sweeping generalizations however, I do understand that perspectives differ due to experiences. For example, I lived in a third world country where the “party line” was NORMAL. As a teenager, I was use to hearing the “clicks” as someone picked up the line wanting to dial out from a house across the street and then asking the question “is someone on the line?”. To my children, it seems like the days of “Green Acres”, however, since I was in a third world country …it really was not that very long ago.

Here are some experiences that may be of interest to you with the different generations:

Traditionalist: Have the experience of spending a long time with one company; staying in one profession; know the days before internet, fax, cellphones and ipods.

Boomers: Have had the workaholic experience; may have experienced their mothers working outside the household; have been known to change jobs four to five times on average (Marston, 2002)

GenXers: Many had “latch key” experiences so learned independence early; have experienced seeing “lay offs”; have had more exposure to “business heros” as opposed to “wartime heros”; studies find that the average GenXer changes job 7-8 times before they are 35 years old (Marston, 2002); more trained in branding themselves; exposure to strong business relationships, mentors, coaches and placing boundaries between their work and personal life.

NetGen: Exposed to the era of customization - can get CNN on their computer and select stories of interest to them; use to burning CD’s; Surfing channels; exposure to media and sports heros; encouraged to find connection between life and meaningful work.

Millenials: Exposed to taking things on the go - movie, computers, news, cellphones; exposed to problems with large companies and being burned by loyalty; Exposed to information coming to them every 3 seconds; text message savvy; exposed to the global market; exposed to the problems of the “old ways” of doing things.

As we experience change agents and are relating with people from all generations, it’s important to remember the “rules of engagement” set forth long ago by Dale Carnegie in his famous book, “How To Win Friends and Influence People”. While the topics may change, the underlying rules have stayed the same from generation to generation. People want to be heard and valued and to know that YOU value what THEY value. It’s the platinum rule - do unto others as THEY would have you do unto them. Somebody may of sold you the “golden rule” long ago and even Carnegie knew then what we are knowing now….that was FOOL’S GOLD. Remember, the platinum rule and it will take you far!

To your Abundance,

Coach Maria Elena a/k/a THE Champion of Connections

Social Capital Strategist & Coach, cpcc

Mastermind Moment: Never Work A Day

“Do What You Love And You’ll Never Work A Day In Your Life.”

-Rene “ism”

It’s a week from LABOR DAY - how are you doing? Enjoying what you’re doing? Does it fill you with passion? Is it the most exciting stuff you can think of doing?

If none of these statements ring true, then you are in SERIOUS DANGER of wasting your time. Do you think this is a “dress rehearsal”? This is LIFE.

Here’s some books that could be of help -
You Can’t Steal Second With Your Foot on First! or
Before You Quit Your Job!

Today we remember all of those who lost their lives on September 11th. It is a faithful reminder of just how quickly our time in this reality goes. Because of this, I am on a personal mission that everyone find their personal passion and pursue it. This is quite different tham the “copycats” wanting to be someone their not (I HAVE one of those - I coined the title “Champion of Connections” many moons ago - now someone wants to be “the queen of”…gimme a break - strike out and be your own person!). Be the BEST rendition of YOU that you can be. Find those things that thrill you and do those things! Any person who has every accomplished anything will tell you that the “why” was there - the “how” came later.

Create a life - instead of just making a living!

Like attracts like…what are you attracting?

Coach Maria Elena a/k/a THE Champion of Connections

Social Capital Strategist & Coach, cpcc.

The Business Lunch

Your Professionalism Is Showing!

While we are more casual in West Texas, much business is still done over meals. How you handle that business meal can make you or break you? Are you someone that people would want to see more of or are you that person that someone says “do not invite him/her?” We DINE everywhere….so here’s some tips that will work…everywhere!

I recently shared a breakfast with Robin Jay, the author of “The Art of the Business Lunch”. She is a wealth of fabulous tips that apply here in West Texas and all over the world. Forget those awkward moments, lunging for the check, or things falling out of your purse or wallet. This is how it’s done! Remember, it takes 7 to 15 seconds to make a first impression and another 56 times of contact to “change” that first impression. Restaurants can certainly step up to the plate and make you look good or sour the whole event.

Here’s the TOP 10 in choosing the BEST RESTAURANT that will make you look GREAT! (taken from Robin Jay’s book)

1. Top Notch Service: Look for great waiters/waitresses who won’t interrupt you all the time while you’re working a deal however, can be OBSERVANT enough to see when you need tea, a new fork, a cup of coffee, etc. This is one instance when they need to be SEEN BUT NOT HEARD! The waitperson that is constantly interrupting and barging in with “do ya need anything” is not the person for a business deal place.
2. A Great Menu
3. Private Dining Rooms This is VERY FEW AND FAR BETWEEN in the Basin. If you find some that YOU would recommend, let me know (coach@buzz2bucks.com)
4. Acoustics That Work Make sure that your heard, not overheard.
5. The Right Price
6. Location
7. Accepts Reservations (and knows how to HONOR those)
8. Movers and Shakers Look for a place where people who YOU are “in the know with” hang out. Nothing makes you look better than a group of people “nodding”, “waving” or “saying hi” to show that YOU are well connected.
9. Accepts Credit Cards Give the credit card to the waitperson early and you don’t have to worry about the “awkward” moment of “who gets the check.”
10. Consistency You are seeking consistent service. Planning goes far in this moment. If you will plan ahead and work with a great restaurant and server, then you remove any potential obstacles. If they’re not willling to work with you, then say “NEXT” and find another establishments. There are plenty of restaurants here in the Basin….someone will be HUNGRY for your business. DO business with that one!

Like attracts like….what are you attracting?

Coach Maria Elena a/k/a THE Champion of Connections

Social Capital Strategist & Coach, cpcc