Chief Buzz Agent™ and Compelling Connections Coach Maria Elena Duron helps high performing entrepreneurs and executives learn how to manage their personal brand on-line and off-line, leverage their expertise and connections and generate “the talk that yields profits”. To claim your FREE gift, Crafting Your On-Brand Intro Toolkit, visit her site www.buzz2bucks.com . Ask Maria Elena branding & networking questions at www.askmariaelena.com
Part One
Networking events and tradeshows are often organized by companies to do successful marketing of their
products and services to encourage personal promotion of employees as well as gather new clients and sales. Tradeshows are often the ideal platform to polish the business etiquettes and networking skills which can enable one to be successful in conducting tradeshows. With marketing being a vital key to great networking events, the entrepreneurs find creating and managing enterprising booths at tradeshows a good opportunity to exhibit their services towards climbing the career ladders successfully. Let us observe some networking tips which can help churn a successful tradeshow.
• Take out time: Though time is invaluable for each one of us and we all have just 24 hours in a day, it is imperative to take out time and invest it wisely. One has to take out considerable time to chalk out a strategic marketing plan to conduct a successful networking event. Even at the tradeshow, full concentration and ample time has to be spent to enable business propositions. Being half hearted in your attempt to attract business prospects can be disastrous in the long run.
• Make a marketing plan: A tradeshow can be a memorable hit if planned properly and meticulously. One can make the most apt strategic marketing plan which must be executed in alignment with the goals in vision.
• Keeping business goals intact: Though one of the networking tips is to include most of your business goals in the marketing plan of conducting a successful network event, it is vital to focus on one or two goals thoroughly. With complete concentration on an easily attainable goal, business by referral can be conducted.
• Inviting good business clientele: Encouraging sales and developing good networking skills involves a little bit of effort. It is always advantageous to invite your prospective clients to the tradeshow you are organizing. Business etiquette demands, you personally invite donors, trustees, board members and prospective clients to attend your networking event. Asking them for their valuable business input would definitely encourage their presence there. Giving incentives to the clients like surprises awaiting them at the tradeshow would also encourage them to join you and hopefully bring forth a business proposal as well.
Chief Buzz Agent™ and Compelling Connections Coach Maria Elena Duron helps high performing entrepreneurs and executives learn how to manage their personal brand on-line and off-line, leverage their expertise and connections and generate “the talk that yields profits”. To claim your FREE gift, Crafting Your On-Brand Intro Toolkit, visit her site www.buzz2bucks.com . Ask Maria Elena branding & networking questions at www.askmariaelena.com
I caution anyone becoming involved with a chamber to :
I feel strongly that not every chamber is a good fit and yet, a great strategic plan, with the right chamber can be a wonderful marketing tool for you and provide quality opportunities for others to sample your character and competence and for you to do the same.
My only caution is to do this homework upfront. Time passes quickly in any membership organization. And, it’s easy for you to be approached as a luncheon sponsor, or a banner sponsor, or for the membership directory, and many other creative ways for you to spend your money — and yet those networking events, committee meetings and leadership roles slip by virtually unnoticed. Before you know it, your year is up!
Knowing WHO you would like to best connect with is key as well. It’s futile, and way too time consuming, to want to connect with anybody, everybody and somebody! You don’t have time for that.
The MEMBERSHIP SERVICES committee - typically decorate for events and are great at soliciting donations for door prizes. Typical, although not an exclusive list, of membership service members are - sales people, solo-preneurs.
The GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS committee - usually involved with government activities, “hill” visits, and new legislation are typically business owners, upper level managers, district managers. They want to know what is coming and what they can influence that might affect their business.
The CHAMBER AMBASSADORS - while a wonderful committee is an extremely TIME INTENSIVE group with strict guidelines for attendance. Granted, it’s a great place to be known quickly, yet most chambers require that when you’re serving as an ambassador you represent “the chamber” not your business. If you’re shy about selling, the ambassadors will help you meet people by the sheer nature of the group.
The RETENTION AND EXPANSION COMMITTEE - usually has community leaders along with business leaders interested in the growth of industry and jobs in your area. They meet with business owners and boards of directors to find out - whose expanding, whose growing, whose looking.
The EDUCATION COMMITTEE - is usually focused on the quality of life in your community and realizes that education is a key factor for companies and individuals moving to your area. The connect mostly with teachers groups, education leaders, school district officials and school supply vendors.
There are a host of other committees within a chamber but hopefully this gives you some insight on the most common ones.
Chief Buzz Agent™ and Compelling Connections Coach Maria Elena Duron helps high performing entrepreneurs and executives learn how to manage their personal brand on-line and off-line, leverage their expertise and connections and generate “the talk that yields profits”. To claim your FREE gift, Crafting Your On-Brand Intro Toolkit, visit her site www.buzz2bucks.com . Ask Maria Elena branding & networking questions at www.askmariaelena.com
Where I live, we are experiencing a labor shortage. In fact, we have the lowest unemployment rate in the
state of Texas. So, how does a small business owner or a high performing executive leading a team survive in this type of environment. Sometimes, it’s time to “think out of the box” as the cliche goes. The box in the area of the country I live in is that ‘face time’ is necessary for someone to be an ‘employee on our team’ and be a significant asset to a business. Yet, with our local labor challenges, those few ‘out of the box’ thinkers and forward movers, are now opening their minds to 1099 contract employees and virtual teams to do those things that REALLY DON’T need face time. Is it time for you to make the list of things that really need physical, face time? Go slow to go fast in your success by taking time to review that.
Here’s part 2 of Virtual Teams…
Don’t Work Harder, Work Smarter!
There’s nothing permanent in this world but change. Sounds cliché but this is true. If you are so used to working really hard and doing things on your own traditional ways, then you have to be ready to embrace the changes that a green team would bring to your work life and to your business. Let’s just admit that we can’t do all the things we need to do on our own. We need other people to help us and that’s what your virtual team is for. Give yourself a break and learn the art of re-delegating your tasks. Aside from people, there are also resources in the internet that could make your job easier. Online banking is a good example. You can send and receive payments with just one click of your mouse. The best thing is banks and online money services maintain a secure website so you don’t have to worry about the security of your account.
Ready, Set, Go!
To have an effective green team, you have to organize them and identify who does what. Get to know the members of your team and check if you have similar working styles. For example, if you are the friendly kind of person and you need someone to answer your phone calls; you need to find someone who is as friendly as you are! Finding someone who can “mirror” you might be a challenge but it definitely has its own benefits. In that way, you can focus more on the bottom line!
No is sometimes a good answer.
Have you ever felt stressed because you have so many things to do yet you only have 24 hours in a day? Great managers know when to say no. You’re saying no not because you don’t want to do the job, but because you have already said yes to other people. Don’t overwhelm yourself with too many commitments. Like what our parents used to say, “Don’t eat what you can’t chew.” And it’s true! Focus on the tasks that need your talent and expertise. Then, re-delegate the mundane tasks to your virtual assistants. You can also utilize the resources available online that would help you set up reminders and schedules like meetingwizard.com. You may also want to try the tools like To Do Planner Pads and Ticker Filing System which are both available in Buzz2Bucks.com
A virtual team needs to be nurtured.
A green team is not only a group of employees working for you. Remember that they are people, too! One of the biggest mistakes that managers make is that they treat their employees like mechanical objects. Sometimes, it’s not only about the money and having a job because they can find their income somewhere else. It is important that you find out what motivates them and why they chose to become a virtual assistant. Giving recognition and rewards also help strengthen your relationship with your team. It’s not only about having the right people but also setting the right environment.
Chief Buzz Agent™ and Compelling Connections Coach Maria Elena Duron helps high performing entrepreneurs and executives learn how to manage their personal brand on-line and off-line, leverage their expertise and connections and generate “the talk that yields profits”. To claim your FREE gift, Crafting Your On-Brand Intro Toolkit, visit her site www.buzz2bucks.com . Ask Maria Elena branding & networking questions at www.askmariaelena.com
Need Help? Get a Green Team.
I have a Green Team. No, they are not green people and definitely not a group of gardeners or environmentalists. A Green Team is better known as a Virtual Team. It’s a group of individuals who work from different places, time zones, and organizational boundaries, bound together by technology. They have complementary skills and tools used to attain a common goal without you worrying about providing them offices and workstations.
“So, why green?” you might ask. Since virtual teams are geographically dispersed, there’s no need for them to commute to do the job. Thus, you are helping the environment by reducing air pollution.
Do you need a virtual team?
There are a lot of things that you need to consider before putting up your own team. Is it because you want more time for other activities? Is it the long commute to work? Or maybe you simply want to maximize the technology available to you. No matter what your reasons are, just like any other project, you’ve got to have a plan. You will need a laptop, a docking station, a fast internet connection, and a mobile phone to be able to manage your business and your virtual team more effectively. Just remember that it’s not sufficient that you have a plan. You have to take action in order for this to work!
Stay tuned for the next post about your “green team”!
Chief Buzz Agent™ and Compelling Connections Coach Maria Elena Duron helps high performing entrepreneurs and executives learn how to manage their personal brand on-line and off-line, leverage their expertise and connections and generate “the talk that yields profits”. To claim your FREE gift, Crafting Your On-Brand Intro Toolkit, visit her site www.buzz2bucks.com . Ask Maria Elena branding & networking questions at www.askmariaelena.com
Chief Buzz Agent™ and Compelling Connections Coach Maria Elena Duron helps high performing entrepreneurs and executives learn how to manage their personal brand on-line and off-line, leverage their expertise and connections and generate “the talk that yields profits”. To claim your FREE gift, Crafting Your On-Brand Intro Toolkit, visit her site www.buzz2bucks.com . Ask Maria Elena branding & networking questions at www.askmariaelena.com
In late 2007, CNN reported that the toy aisles were having a “multicultural makeover” as Dora the Explorer led the way as stores filled shelves with dolls that reflected the skin colors and facial features of the boys and girls that played with them.
Multiculturalism, whether we consider it a friend or foe is occurring and will continue to occur at an ever
increasing pace in the future. Organizations will need employees that can ‘globalize themselves’, including speaking another language, understanding different cultures and being able to get along and work alongside someone from a different country with little or no notice.
Do you consider yourself ready? Or, do you need a multicultural makeover? Here are some proactive things you can do:
1. Study the people and the country more than the language. Too often, in attempts to fit in, we work hard in the words of the language yet experience a disconnect in the passion behind the words. It’s more important to study the people and the culture. Even as I coach professionals to speak, the focus always seems to be on the words when that is only 7% of the message. The “rest of the story” lies in the tone and body language. With that body language and passion being the core 93% of communication, doesn’t it make sense to study the people and the culture.
2. It’s more than learning facts. I feel that this point is a reiteration of the first - it’s the passion behind the behavior, the meaning behind the activity. While at Filipino and Hispanic weddings the “money dance” or the “dollar dance” differ slightly in their execution - the meaning is quite the same, to send the newlyweds off with some money for their honeymoon or their new home. The nuances of “pinning the money on the dress” as opposed to placing the money in a basket held by the maid of honor or best man, are slight factual differences that in no way under mind the meaning.
3. Analyze your own cultural behavior. Because it’s been a part of us all of our lives, we rarely spend time really looking at ourselves through the same eyes we view someone new to us. Why do you do what you do - when you meet and greet people? Or, when you serve food? Or, when you accept a business card?
4. Expect differences. There are cultures that cherish and savor the business card pass and consider writing information on a business card to be rude. There are other cultures offended if you don’t share a glass and a toast before sitting and discussing business. Even in the way we “beckon” people in the U.S. with a pointer finger curled it is like “giving someone the finger” in the Philippines?
5. Conflict can be positive. When we inadvertently stumble upon a difference in the form of a conflict sometimes it is just the energy needed to discover and learn about someone else’s culture and meaning. Sometimes conflict can provide that extra incentive.
Steer clear of the assumption that everyone in a minority group is alike. There are different cultures and subcultures within any group - minority or majority. The key is understanding and not placing one group above another nor one school of thought. While Bill Cosby said, “I don’t know the key to success but I know the key to failure is trying to please everyone.” It can also be said there are simple things that can be done to make all people feel welcome.
Chief Buzz Agent™ and Compelling Connections Coach Maria Elena Duron helps high performing entrepreneurs and executives learn how to manage their personal brand on-line and off-line, leverage their expertise and connections and generate “the talk that yields profits”. To claim your FREE gift, Crafting Your On-Brand Intro Toolkit, visit her site www.buzz2bucks.com . Ask Maria Elena branding & networking questions at www.askmariaelena.com
We communicate verbally - through the words we say. We communicate non-verbally, by what we do with our body, our eyes, our voice and our tone. We also communicate, now, in our hyperinteractive world, by email. In fact, email, is basic Web 1.0. And, as we move to Web 2.0, we see traditional email become twitter tweets, wikis and blogs.
Predominately in the world of business, we see email (although the other formats are hot on its heels!) Do you email well and protect the integrity and credibility of your brand? Or, do you do of the email blunders (we’ll cover them on CBS Thursday so you’ll have the full list.)
Here’s what you can DO RIGHT in your EMAIL ETIQUETTE and PROTECT YOUR BRAND!
Be Neat and Professional
Now, you don’t have to be “formal” all the time. In fact, if you are ‘formal’ there’s a geek factor that is read through your email - like a nonverbal broadcast! Yet, INFORMAL does not mean unprofessional. You can still be informal and professional (yes, there really is a business casual - even in email!) So, watch your spelling - leave the slang and ‘text message’ speak for your non-work related email, and keep it neat.
Keep Your Messages Short
Be short and to the point in your messages. This is email - not your doctoral thesis! No long stories, or drawn out cute phrases and cliches’, get business done and done quickly. In fact, if your email, or your response, is longer than the width of your monitor - then make some choices if this is really a 2-email communication or is it BETTER TO PICK UP THE PHONE?
STAY AWAY FROM USING ALL CAPITAL LETTERS
I know this seems ’so obvious’ right? Yet, I still find many people who do this and are totally “clueless”. In fact, there’s a local service company that wants desperately to be seen as “professional” and “formal gala type material” and yet their website is written in ALL CAPS.
All capital letters in an email IS LIKE SHOUTING. (Oh, did I just shout?). It’s true - we still see those all capital writings. Look right now at your left hand side and press that “cap lock” button to disengage the ALL CAPS.
Blind Courtesy copying (bcc) and Courtesy copying (cc) everyone
Not everyone needs to see your email. Think this out! If you had to physically call everyone you cc or bcc on an email -would you? Use this as your ‘litmus test’ in whether you should include that “one more email address” to receive this email. Only include those who this email pertains to.
Another great rule of thumb: courtesy copy (cc) anyone your mention in an email so that they will be privy to the conversation. You do not want to get into a “he said; she said” conversation - especially over an email. Understand, once an email is out there - it’s ‘out there’ and documented - forever.
The same tips goes for REPLY ALL. Be very, very cautious and meticulous in reviewing whose on an email list before you REPLY ALL. Once anything is sent out there, it’s near impossible to make it go away quickly. Preserve your brand.
Steer Clear of Sending Private Info
Email is not secure. So, from private gossip, company secrets to your driver’s license number can be accessed if you place in in an email transmission. A good rule of thumb in composing an email is this: If your comfortable with ANYBODY reading it - then send it.
No Forwarding of Chain Letters, Jokes, Virus Warnings and False Info
Recently, a friend of mine sent out an email telling of the terrible behavior of Starbucks in not giving coffee to our troops. Research showed that this email has been circulating for over four years and is just NOT TRUE. Sending information like this is damaging to your brand and speaks volumes of who you are 0- why chance it?
Include Your Contact Information
Isn’t it frustrating when you can an email with a question, you try to reply, and then something happens like the server is busy, you clicked on something you didn’t mean to, or you just hit reply and there was a typo in the return email address and so now the message is “bouncing back” to you. Include your contact info at the end of all your emails - this means your email address, phone number and website. Have you ever tried to call someone to respond in more depth about an email and no phone number is to be found on their email? Who are you frustrated with when that happens?
Leave Colorful Fonts, Loads of Emoticons, and Smiley Faces at Home
There’s nothing wrong with these showing up every now and again but litter your email communication with them and you litter your message - period.
Reply Within 24-28 Hours
Email is sent because someone wants immediate response so what can you do if you’re not at your computer 24/7? Use auto-reply to communicate when you’ll see the email. Sometimes you’re just not technologically accessible. Create some standard responses so that you can shoot those over fast to at least let them know you received it and are either researching it, thinking about it, or are planning to read it and response. Replying within 24-48 hours DOES NOT mean that you’ve formulated your complete response - it is to acknowledge receipt and COMMUNICATE action. When you communicate with someone, there is a perception that you value that connection, and being a person who values others is a strong personal brand attribute.
I had to start with the basics to make sure that we’re all on the same page of good email etiquette practices. If you BLUNDER at your email, you blunder your brand. Protect your brand by practicing good email practices.
People Are The Brand -
Chief Buzz Agent & Connections Coach
“building brands and higher level connections”
A dear friend of mine, Richard Garner, wrote this so masterfully to his team over the holidays that I didn’t want to change a thing. Here’s to having a great 2008!>>>
Sweaters, toys, trips–they are all wonderful presents to give. But there are other gifts called psychological gifts that are the most precious gifts you can give to those you love. As Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “The only gift is a portion of one’s self.” And that is what these twelve gifts are–gifts of you. They cost nothing, but their effects can last a lifetime.
THE GIFT TIME: In our busy world, the phrase “I don’t have time too…” has become a universal complaint. Like a growing plant, any relationship between two people can thrive only if it receives care. While a plant often needs a complicated solution to grow, most human relationships profit from a simple tonic that is called “tincture of time.” A chatty phone call to an unhappy friend, or a half-hour visit to an aunt who lives alone can mean a lot, but cost very little.
THE GIFT OF GOOD EXAMPLE: Most people learn fundamental attitudes and behavior by observing others. Be a good example by handling difficult situations in a mature manner.
THE GIFT OF ACCEPTANCE: Many problems between husband and wife or between friends begin when one person tries to change the other to fit preconceived notions. But did you know that people begin to shed bad habits once they are accepted the way they are?
THE GIFT OF SEEING THE BEST IN PEOPLE: When we expect people to respond in a positive way, they usually do. But you must let those you love know that you expect the positive.
THE GIFT OF GIVING UP A BAD HABIT: All of us have habits that annoy those we love. What a great gift it would be if you could give up an unhappy or unhealthy habit. Breaking a bad habit can be a lonely task, but whatever the habit you choose to break, the people who love you will be there when you need help.
THE GIFT OF PRIVACY: Too often we tend to smother those we love with questions and demands on their time. Each of us has a need for companionship and a need for privacy. Relinquish some of your natural curiosity occasionally and give those you love the right to private thoughts and unshared feelings.
THE GIFT OF SELF ESTEEM: It’s hard to resist the temptation to give unwanted or unnecessary advice and help to those we love. Such advice may unwittingly cripple a person’s self esteem. A Chinese proverb proclaims, “There’s nothing more blessed on earth than a mother–but there’s nothing more blessed in Heaven than a mother who knows when to let go of the hand.”
THE GIFT OF SELF DISCLOSURE: Most relationships either grow and expand, or become stale and decline. Self-disclosure–letting someone else discover more about you–can turn a wilting relationship into a flourishing one. It can also help sustain an already healthy friendship or marriage. Bottling up feelings, resentments and hopes is not only unhealthy; it also deprives others of truly knowing who you are.
THE GIFT OF TEACHING: Helping someone you love learn something new is an important investment in their future happiness. Only by learning new skills can we become fully alive. Sharing our talents with others is a good way to show our love.
THE GIFT OF LISTENING: Few of us know how to listen effectively. To often we interrupt or act disinterested when someone else is talking. In an effort to be noticed, we begin to tell our own stories before the other person has finished.
THE GIFT OF FUN: There are people who “wet blanket” the happiness of those around them, while others lead people into finding fun in ordinary events.
THE GIFT OF LETTING OTHERS GIVE: Insecurity causes some people to insist on being the giver rather than the receiver. When we let others give to us, and when we accept their gifts in a gracious manner, we may be giving them one of the most important gifts of all. Remember, the joy you feel in giving is felt by others as well.
I was looking around at the wall in my office and there are some sayings that I feel compelled to share. I hope they touch your life journey in some way.
“You can’t make footprints in the sands of time if you’re sitting on your butt. And who wants to make butt prints in the sands of time?” - Bob Moawad
“Sometimes you just have to take the leap, and build your wings on the way down.” - Kobi Yamada
“Dreams come a size too big so that we can grow into them.” - Josie Bissott
“Our life is a gift from God. What we do with that life is our gift to God.” - Anonymous
“Are you making a living or creating a life?” -Anonymous
And my absolute favorite wall hanging -
“Mommy, you’re the best!”
It answers all the others!
Have the courage to make your dreams and live the best version of you that’s possible. Then, and only then, will you be your authentic brand and be the best for whom you’re meant to connect with!
Maria Elena Duron - The Champion of Connections
Buzz To Bucks Connections | a personal branding agency
“buzz: compelling others to speak positively on your behalf”
Maria Elena Duron
Chief Buzz Agent
Business & Executive Connections Coach
"Turning Social Capital & Relationship Capital To Financial Capital"
My Chatterings:
Question:
Maria Elena,
I have a question I hope you can answer. When sending introduction letters to new customers, is it better to handwrite or type the address on the letter? I have gotten mixed reviews from friends.
thanks!
Odella
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Thanks for stopping by, Odella!
I recommend a hybrid between the two. It’s alright and professional to type out a PERSONALIZED introduction letter yet here are the things you need to do to make it stand out in someone’s mind:
1. Write a handwritten note on the actual letter itself - in the margins or towards the end of the letter. This needs to be done for every letter - so even if you don’t know them you might say something like “I noticed the launch of your new program - good job!”. Make it personal and very much in tuned with them. Remember, you’re not going for MASS QUANTITY you are going for relationship building QUALITY.
2. Cross out the ’staunch business greeting’ (only if you know something about this person or have some sort of connection with them) and put a more personal ‘hello’ - like “Hi Dan! How’s the kids holding up this summer at camp?”.
3. Your “typed” or traditionally printed returned address can be on the front envelope but the address better be handwritten. We are all savvy about mailouts and mail merging and it STANDS OUT becomes VISIBLE AND MEMORABLE when someone takes the time to write out the envelope. It says ‘I’m more than JUST a number.’.
Hope all these help and I really appreciate you reading!
Maria Elena Duron