By Audrey Burton

Small business owners attend networking events to get clients. Much of the time, it doesn’t work the way they anticipated, and they often give up before really determining why it didn’t work. They move to a different group and are destined to repeat the same mistakes.

First of all, let’s talk about networking basics. In order to get the maximum bang for your networking buck, join a group where your target market gathers and keep showing up. That means to go to every event you can possibly attend over and over so you can build relationships with the other members and they grow to trust you. You are not just looking to get clients directly from the group though; you want them to refer others to you, so that relationship is very important. Also, you need to stick with it for at least several months (depending on the frequency of the meetings), bringing the same consistent message. Continue Reading »

In the 1800’s Walt Whitman was quoted as saying, “Be curious, not judgmental”. Unfortunately, most of us see ourselves as the center of the universe. When we are quick to judge others we are really putting a label on them as it relates to our perception. Based on what we consider appropriate, we find fault with someone else’s hair style, way of dressing, how they conduct themselves, the kind of work they do, and so on. Statements like, “I can’t believe she bought that car.” “Did you notice the way he treated his son?”, or “How could anyone that overweight eat dessert?” are indicators that we are judging another’s behavior. What gives us the right to do that?

This is part of the series “Personally Speaking: Volume 1“ to purchase the entire series click here.

Do these statements sound familiar?

“I meant to call you.”
“I intended to finish the project before the weekend.”
“I’m sorry I forgot your birthday.”
“I had every intention of being on time.”
“I’ve been wanting to take a class, write a book, or volunteer.”

The truth is we are all well- meaning. The reality is even the most sincere intention has no value without action. The world is full of dreamers. It lacks doers. Intentions are a barometer of what is possible. Actions are putting your intentions in motion. Action, not intention, creates results. The expression, “Action speaks louder than words” is familiar to all of us because it’s true. Telling me you’re going to do something and not carrying it out is intention; it is not action. We measure someone’s character not by what they say, but rather by what they do.

This is part of the series “Personally Speaking: Volume 1” to purchase the entire series click here.