Paul Gauguin needed to sell his art work.  He was an impoverished artist who was striving to be recognized as a credible, sought after artist.  He engaged Vincent VanGogh’s brother Theo to be his agent.  VanGogh conspired with Gauguin to create original works of art that could be reproduced with ink blocks and sold at coffee shops.  Eureka!  Bring the product to the captive audience.

Isn’t online networking just that – bringing your brand to your targeted audience.  How do you do this?  When conversing on LinkedIn, facebook or Twitter remember that you bring your profile with you when you:
     1. post a tweet, status update or write on your wall
     2.  join groups
     3.  answer questions
     4.  post a question
     5.  connect with others 

 How imperative then to bring your best profile.  Take the time to create a compelling profile of you - your best work of art.

How often do we put on masks when meeting people?  It is a natural inclination when one is not feeling comfortable in a situation or if one is feeling insecure. However it is important to remember that social networking and social media is all about transparency.  Customers are requiring companies to be genuine and approachable.  People are also needing to rise to this level of transparency.  Does this mean compromising your privacy?  Of course not – it means being honest in your endeavors and being approachable on your social networking platforms or in face-to-face networking events.

It is important that you remove any masks or levels of protection  – that you shine through.  Being genuine is very attractive.  You are the only you – this is cause to celebrate.  Please keep masks for Halloween – and everyother time of the year, be YOU!

1.  Write your first name in CAPs.  It is easier to read and a bit more friendly
2.  Write a question on your name tag.  9 out of 10 your new contacts will ask you that question.  For example, “Ask me about two networking tips.”  By putting a question on your name tag you’ve helped your new contact to start the conversation.
3.  Place your name tag above your heart – this is the time to be traditional.  No one wants to hunt around for your name.

I shall protect the identity of this person – but if he cares to show himself then you are in store for an amazing connection.  This infamous networker wrote Bill Clinton on his name tag.  Granted, our famous networker, most likely, doesn’t need an introduction so he played with his name tag .  However,  those new to networking were amazed that he had the same name as our past president- now people – what a fantastic opportunity to go right up to him and say – “Is that really your name?” or “Do you often get upgrades when traveling?”  Have fun when reading nametags!  Use the name tags as a launch for the conversation.  perhaps we can start a movement for creative name tags.

What do you do to get motivated to give it your all?  How do you get yourself pumped up to network?  Do you reflect on the importance of bringing the right attitude to the door?  Have you even considered how your inner feelings reflect outwardly?  Wow this is a list of questions to contemplate.  The good news is that once you master the secret of attitude adjustment, you will see the fruition of this change immediately.

Many networking events take place after work.  You have already put in a long day, dealt with time pressures, daily business issues, financial decisions and monotonous tasks.  This long list can serve to justify the vegetative state which may be compelling you to forego the networking event.  However, you know you have to stay visible at these events to further your business.  So what do you do?  The following bit of advice is, just that advice, based upon trial and error.  I’m not a physician, therapist nor licenced practitioner of any sort. 

To get pumped up try these steps:
1.  Eat something healthy – skip the chocolate which will not give you sustainable energy.  Grab an apple!
2.  Put on your favorite tunes while driving to this event (please select something that will make you feel like dancing – not the time for the slow selections)  
3.  Smile – believe it or not – smiling increases your perception of yourself and most people notice a genuine smile.
4.  Say a few affirmative statements before you enter the doors of the networking events and in you go.

Everyone has favorite ways to get themselves jazzed for that high energy networking event.  Feel free to share.  Meanwhile, I need to crank those tunes, take a bite of my apple before I head into a long meeting.  Just know that I’ll be smiling as I enter the door!

Business cards date back to 17th century France and were slightly smaller than the size of a man’s palm.  They were called visiting cards.  Visiting cards, the “Visite Biletes”, used to be playing card size.  The earliest forms of visiting cards were indeed playing cards. Visitors wrote on the cards their signatures, promissory notes and other messages.

The size of the cards have changed but the purpose of the visiting card or business remains the same.  It is to be certain that you are not forgotten.  Many people try to differentiate themselves by creating a unique unforgettable business cards.  These are fine and good – but truly – the most important reason to be remembered is the tangible connection that is being made.

I’m certain that you know the basics – each business card needs to have the essential contact information so we won’t delve deeply into this.  However here are some business card designs to shy away from (frankly, you will save yourself some money as well). 

1.  Don’t print your business card on black stock.  This might seem like a sleek design but your potential client, customer or contact cannot write notes on your business card.  I like to jot down a note or two on my contact’s business card to jog my memory of how I need to follow up with this contact.

2.  Don’t laminate your business card.  Again – your contact cannot take notes on your card.  Can you image the cost savings if you don’t laminate?  Laminate something that you want preserved.  Business cards are a tool to further your business – don’t hamper yourself by being too slick.

3.  Don’t have too much text on the front and back.  Am I being redundant?  Too much text prevents your contact from writing a quick little note.  I’m certain you can find a balance between too much and too little.  If you are ever in doubt – feel free to contact me for an honest opinion.

Remember, a catchy business card will garner immediate oohs and aahs – but it is essentially you who makes the difference, not your card.  Be more memorable than your business card, follow-up and let your business card act as a tool to further your conversation with your contact.

It is so important to remember why you are at the networking event.  You are there to meet valuable business contacts.  The last thing you need when meeting your next contact is to worry about having nacho breath or broccoli between your teeth.  Seriously consider carefully if munching on the free food is worth it. 

It seems to be wise to go to these face-to-face networking events fed and hydrated.  Just think how awkward it is to shake hands with a plate in your hand.  Don’t you find it tricky to pull out your business card when you have a napkin filled with chips?  Can you possibly write a note on the back of your new contact’s business card when your hand is holding a celery stick? 

Take my advice – don’t complicate your networking experience by throwing obstacles in your way.  The only thing that you should pop into your mouth at networking events is a fresh mint – small enough to finish in a hurry and strong enough to make an impression.

1.  How did you get involved in your line of work?
2.  What does the perfect client, customer or contact look like to you?
3.  How would you want me to describe you  to one of my contacts?
4.  What are your goals within your line of work?
5.  What accomplishment are you most proud of?

Try asking one or more of the above questions and you will find that your brief exchange with your new contact will give you greater insight than skimming the surface with superficial questions.  You are now going right to the meat of the conversation – delving into the heart of what you ultimately need to know – who are you, what do you do, do we need to re-connect after this event?

Here is another little tip – if you don’t memorize the above questions – because you just don’t want to – then write down these questions on the back of your business card.  With a touch of sleight of hand you can glance down at your business card and choose a question!  Really – I think that you will be glad that you did – and when you do this – come back here and write a comment. 

Tips and tricks, networking is about being prepared and why not go to an event prepared with sound questions.  You might surprise yourself at the benefits of asking the right question.

It truly depends upon the kind of person that you are – Are you outgoing, shy. introverted, self-conscious, independent, carefree?  So many elements factor into the simple introduction – Are you feeling on top of your game?  Did you spill coffee on your shirt?  Did you get into an argument with your spouse?  Did you just get promoted?  Did you just receive an award?  The ability to introduce yourself can hinge upon so many factors, yet when someone makes the introduction – the receipent rarely thinks about the intention behind the act.

I used to dream of being an actress – for years I attended drama school, participated in any play available to me and even convinced directors to create a part for an eager child actress.  A couple of valuable lessons I learned from my drama teacher was voice inflection and dropping self-consciousness.  I can say the above sentence “Hi my name is Janice Shokrian,” using 6 different ways – depending upon the emphasis per word.  This is the easy side of an introduction.  Dropping self-consciousness can be harder for some. 

How do you do it?  When I was a child, I listened to a tape called “Good for Us.”  There were so many wonderful testimonials from young adults about overcoming challenges.  Well, one particular teenager was painfully shy.  She was debating whether or not to attend her best friend’s party.  Her mother shared with her that shyness is selfishness.  This teenager was intially offended by her mother’s harsh words – but then she came to realize that when one is shy you are actually unwilling to share your talents and gifts with the world.  This lesson hit home.  Now, no one has ever called me shy, but those shy like feelings crop up in so many of us.  Remember, when making an introduction, you are sharing your name (a route word for name is nature) with the world. 

Hi, my name is Janice Shokrian and I’m happy to make your acquintance!