BlogWright.net

Happy ThanksGiving!
It takes but an hour or so to get yourself setup in the Top Social Networks. You can even set up an online group in some of these. See FaceBook and Linkedin. The little time it takes to set up your profiles in these sites can yield ongoing contacts and connections! Especially with those people you may have lost touch with.
In some of these I have not been to for a while but continue to get contacted. If you have a website it is a great way to develop your link connections which of course helps build search engine ranking. And of course will attribute to you accomplishing many objectives, whether that is just building a network, brand awareness, or growing your business. So check out some of these, get involved….heck it’s fun; especially reconnecting with an old friend or colleague that reaches out one day to find you and see what you are up to.
Top 10
Linkedin
FaceBook
MySpace
Digg
Friendster
Plaxo
Stumble Upon
Ryze
Utube
Meetup

Of course there are more, but these will get you started!
You can find all of these on the BlogWright.net side menu,Top Social Networks, further down on the Read Blog page.

Cheers,
Charlie

---

Add this page to your favorite Social Bookmarking websites

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

Warmly,
Wendy at Pound Dog Copywriting

---

Add this page to your favorite Social Bookmarking websites

First, the bad news, and there’s plenty of it: the economy is in even worse shape than previously thought. For starters, America is gripped by a recession made worse by rising unemployment and general angst even with a $800 billion government bailout on the way. Retailers are steeling themselves for a less than stellar “Black Friday”, the famous day-after-Thanksgiving shopping day that traditionally puts businesses into the black to end the year on a financial high note. And with a lame duck president and Congress, no one is expecting miracles anywhere except on 34th Street in New York, when Santa Claus makes his annual visit to Macy’s for the Turkey Day parade.

Here’s the good news: while unemployment rates are rising, that can actually mean more work for independent contractors and small vendors. Employers cut costs by eliminating salaries and benefits, but they still need workers. That’s when more companies typically hire freelancers, although this year, the fees might be slightly lower. Also, retailers are already slashing prices, making it easier to buy more for less. I saw an advertisement for a “buy one, get one free” on laptops, so prices really are falling. And here’s the really good news: even if you didn’t vote for him, Barack Obama is already making smart choices to move us forward. The mere announcement of his intended Treasury Secretary surged Wall Street up by nearly 500 points. Change is coming, so hang tough, count your blessings, and share what you have with those less fortunate.

Happy Thanksgiving from Pound Dog Copywriting!
Wendy

---

Add this page to your favorite Social Bookmarking websites

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!

---

Add this page to your favorite Social Bookmarking websites

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

---

Add this page to your favorite Social Bookmarking websites