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Click here for an interesting read from Patricia Handschiegel in The Huffington Post.

Warmly,
Wendy at Pound Dog Copywriting

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Hi there,

I’ve been attending a lot of business network functions lately, am a member of 4 major networking organizations, and still feel like a novice. It’s amazing what I pick up each time I go to something.

Now is a great time to put all these great teachings into practice as there are lots of seasonal networking gatherings with good cheer, good food and good wine. Chamber mixers, holiday extravaganzas, parties…. all offer fabulous opportunities to gain more exposure and network till you drop.

So here are some great ways i’ve learnt over the years to maximize the benefit of this fun time:

1. Make sure you have plenty of biz cards easily accessible (you don’t want to have to go frantically digging around in your handbag or pocket…

2. Have an easy place to put the cards you receive. A special pocket in your bag, or pouch. And make sure you have a pen to write notes on the cards so when you follow up (and of course you will won’t you!) you can remember important details.

3. Be interested in others. What do they do? What do they love? What functions have they been to lately? What are they looking for? how can you help? The age old saying ‘givers gain’ goes a very long way. People love to talk about themselves. Give them that chance and they’ll love you for it. Put your networking hat on and see if you can help connect them with what they need. Be of service. The rewards may not come back to you immediately, nor from that particular person, but rest assured the universe is friendly and somewhere down the track good will come to you. Initially it’s just that good feeling that comes when you know you’ve helped someone out…. then there’s more.

4. If they ask about you (and they will if you’ve given them time to talk about themselves) then now that you know more about them you can taylor your response around what makes them tick. It makes for a far more fun and productive ‘elevator speech’ - which it isn’t really anyway. It’s a conversation - with questions, with food and drink in hand perhaps, and with noise going on around you… so have fun with it!

5. Which brings me to the next point - have fun! You’ve probably heard the phrase ‘work the room’ and it feels rather self serving. How about this phrase ‘play the field’ - and by field I mean the energetics of the space. Every party/gathering has a ‘feel’ and ‘atmosphere’. Step into that space holding the intention to meet whoever you need to meet for the highest good for all. Don’t get fixated on who you need to meet and what you need to say… just flow with the space. Allow yourself to be guided. It’s amazing what happens when you let go of the need for certain results. Trust the process and magic can happen.

6. If you have a name tag make sure it’s not dangling around your belly or crotch or cleavage! I blows me away how many people do that. Do you really want people staring there? Best place is up near your right shoulder. It’s easy for people to see and not embarrass them or you in the process.

7. A good firm handshake is great. Not a knuckle crusher, but not a weak offering of flaccid fingers. Be intentional, allow the web between your thumb and forefinger to meet theirs. It feels solid. You’ll know the difference. It means you’re here, your present, you’re grounded.

8. Offer a door or raffle prize. it will give you great exposure, and usually the funds go for a good cause which is always a good thing. It’s also just nice to share your work with people that otherwise not have access to it.

9. Arrive on time (lots of good networking to be had) and if you’re a serious networker you’ll make sure you’re one of the last to leave because mingling time is network time…. lots of good conversations to be had.

10. If you’re really out to network and gain exposure, and not just there for entertainment, then set yourself a target of a certain number of new people you’d like to meet. If you’ve been lassooed by someone and it’s becoming a strain… there are some tricks: The restroom visit; or the ‘You must meet so and so..’ tip where you hook them with another person (genuinely for their benefit) and then move on…’I'm going to get some more food - back soon’… etc. I’m sure you have some creative ones of your own!

There are plenty more tips…. many of which dear Wendy covered so fabulously in her posting. Thank you!!!

Happy networking!

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Social time, cocktail parties and celebration gatherings bring a relaxed element that allows personal connection to flourish. Pushing away from business agendas and the drive to get things done, takes a back seat during social gatherings. Often these kinds of interactions build warm memories and a deep loyalty. You make the guest list because you are part of the community. Do your part to assure that you are invited back! Here are some sure fire tips to guarantee your place on the “A” list.
• RSVP – Let your hostess know immediately of your plans to attend. This often gives her energetic enthusiasm when most needed. If you have a conflict, let her know ASAP. Just don’t be one of those that pick and choose the best party at the last minute, thinking that all options are open. You could very well have a permanent place on the fence or worse, the “B” guest list.
• Time – Plan to arrive close to the beginning time designated, never one minute early and never more than a few minutes late. It’s fun to watch a party unfold, plus you get the best parking and seats.
• Dress Code – As professionals, our closets are prepared, right? I personally look forward to the warmth and joy of gatherings ~ honor your hostess by looking great, as well as your date. And as my image professional, Colleen Abrie, AICI tells me, attention to grooming details shine in every personal style.
• Gifts – Stock up on fun hostess gifts. Entering with a box of chocolates, a bottle of wine or champagne is noticed and appreciated. Decorative flowering plants are favored over cut flowers these days, especially since interior color codes are so defined.
• Potlucks – In these economic times, this may be a resurging trend, plus it adds variety. If you bring a dish to share, make sure it’s beautifully plattered and ready to serve. There is nothing worse than a guest walking in and handing off the chore of displaying to the hostess, or a staff member. It just seems un-thoughtful.
• Conversation – be charming, be attentive, and be agreeable! Being a self-sufficient guest who mixes and mingles keeps you on the “A” list. Also, be sure to seek your hostess out upon arrival and exiting.
• Eating and Drinking ¬– Moderation is the key. Don’t arrive “starving” ~ eat a salad or snack before going. This will allow you to focus on people first, then the buffet table. Go easy on the alcohol for lots of reasons. Alternating with water adds to that wonderful hydration feeling.
• Know When it’s Time to Leave - Ending times are specifically chosen so the hostess can relax and not be “on” for the guests – it’s best to plan on leaving at the time set. However, if the hostess wants you to stay, she’ll let you know. If appropriate, and you’re one of the last ones, be prepared to kick off your heels, put an apron on and pitch in with the glasses.
• Thank you – Whether it’s a handwritten note, phone, text message or email, just do it. Be sure to include specifics, as generalit

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We’re closing in on the holiday season, and with it, the age-old question for business owners: should we give our loyal clients a gift? Or is it enough that we do our very best, charge a reasonable price, and meet their deadlines?

I’ve given some gifts in the past; usually I send a generic holiday card. This year, it seems almost anti-American to give a big gift when so many people are hurting.

After mulling it over, I think I will give a monetary gift to a favorite charity in my clients’ name. (No, not like George in “Seinfeld” — I’ll pick a REAL charity!). I was considering either a manatee “adoption” or a gift to Second Harvest.

Let me know your holiday plans regarding your clients — maybe there’s a better idea out there we can all use.

Be well, stay safe, and Happy Thanksgiving!

Wendy

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I recently had to turn down a project with a new client because of a sudden shift in schedule and workload from prior commitment. The last thing I wanted to do was to make a promise I couldn’t keep to either the new client or my current clients. So I gracefully bowed out of the project, and the client did find another qualified writer.

As business owners and freelancers, it’s hard for us to turn down work. Besides the obvious benefits of getting paid, we don’t want to get a reputation for being difficult. Playing hard to get may be fine in the dating game, but it’s not a winner in the business world.

However, you also don’t want to get a reputation as someone who can’t meet a deadline. In more than 20 years of freelance writing, the only deadline I ever missed was due to Hurricane Charley in 2006. But let’s face it: I’m not the same person I was when I started in copywriting. I have a family, we homeschool, my husband travels for business, and there are only so many hours in a day. I want to make sure that the quality of my work doesn’t suffer, and that clients are kept waiting for a delay that they didn’t cause.

Sometimes it’s best to say “thanks but no thanks” to a project that you know you can’t successfully complete. While you lose out on an invoice in the short term, you potentially gain a loyal client down the road.

Be well, do your best, and remember to vote!

Wendy

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