Atlanta Journal Constitution article:  Networking is critical to one’s success.  In good times and bad, it’s the ties that bind.  www.Google.com -  Check out networking associations and organizations – there are tens of thousands available!  Tired of the same ‘ole networking chatter?  Wish you could be somewhere else?  Is anyone listening to what you have to say?  Does anyone care?

With 29+ years of networking experiences to draw from, it’s obvious to me that for most individuals networking is either ‘tell and sell’ or ‘hit and run’!  The race to the finish line seems to be about who can engage in small talk faster and collect the most business cards.  Recognizing that females differ in the way they network, The Joy of Connecting was created to provide a platform for professional women to meet, to socialize, to build relationships AND foster business without the harried/impersonal format that’s most familiar at mixed gender events.  Women love to connect with one another and do so naturally.  Just recently I received several testimonial/endorsement letters from JOC participants and thought – why not let you hear about The Joy of Connecting from women who value their experience and were open to sharing their thoughts with others?

Testimonials:

Bonnie, as a first timer at a JOC event, I immediately felt at home and welcomed. Every single female in the room was open, positive, and encouraging! It was a safe place to be yourself and share with other likeminded women. The evening was organized, well ran, and respected everyone’s time! Yasmeen Lord, Designer – By Yaz – Atlanta, GA

I had to share a few words to describe my first Joy of Connecting event: welcoming, relaxed, educational, positive, and productive. We first enjoyed a delicious meal and got acquainted simply as individual women, without performing pitches or “commercials.” Then we followed a structured format to share information about our products or services with the group in a natural way which reflected our genuine personality and sincerity. At the program’s conclusion we freely mixed and mingled to ask questions, try free samples, and follow up on interest. A few sales were made on the spot. A special treat is the inclusion of artists who sometimes share their talents, such as a wonderful song or fabulous fashion piece. The room was brimming with mutual support, encouragement and reciprocity. There’s no doubt in my mind that each one of us left feeling very “connected” to other participants and were eager to attend the next JOC. Joanna Boyce, Ardyss, Int’l – Licensee for Lawrenceville, GA

I always immediately know it when I’ve connected with positive people.  An entrepreneur since 2005, last night’s Joy of Connecting business networking forum was the best meeting of its kind that I have ever attended! From the extraordinary ambiance to the fantastic food ~ this room filled with empowered women was delightful in manifold ways. The strength, support and resourcefulness shared promises to yield great benefits to my business and my life. So as I take another whiff of Kathey M’s “Good Soap” ~ I am reminded of the joys of connecting! Thanks Bonnie ~ you rock! Val McLeod, Chief Facilitator – Conversations with V (Savannah, GA)

My experience of attending The Joy of Connecting event in February 2012 has impacted my business tremendously. The diversity and versatility of every leading lady in attendance was truly rewarding in every aspect of business growth. I have attended countless seminars over the years and have to admit that JOC is one of the most effective and powerful of them all. The beautiful angel and founder of JOC, Ms. Bonnie Ross-Parker is like a magnet of energy and compassion in connecting women business owners. I am proud to be a lifetime member of JOC and will continue to support and encourage every new or veteran business owner to attend. I promise every woman will leave there on a natural high of success…like I did. Thank you Ms. Bonnie for embracing me with your gracious and elegant spirit. I am definitely a certified JOC supporter! Pebbles, Owner of  Closet Talk Consignment Lounge Smyrna, GA

 

Here’s a listing of networking events for August. Pick your location and enJOY!

Saturday, August 6
	Details	Smyrna, GA	hosted by Phyllis Wallace
Monday, August 8
	Details	Jacksonville, FL	hosted by Vera M. Holmes & Sharon M. DeBouse
Tuesday, August 9
	Details	Atlanta, GA	hosted by Dr. Linda H Katz
	Details	Kennesaw, GA	hosted by Carol Runyans
	Details	West Bloomfield, MI	hosted by Gina Nuhn
Wednesday, August 10
	Details	Marietta, GA	hosted by Robin Appelbaum
	Details	Northville, MI	hosted by Karen Thomas
Friday, August 12
	Details	Lawton, OK	hosted by Dee Gauthier
Saturday, August 13
	Details	Acworth, GA	hosted by Linda Barbour
Tuesday, August 16
	Details	Cumming, GA	hosted by Annette Walden Mason and Phyllys Ransom
	Details	Fayetteville, GA	hosted by Nancy Ploener & Myrtice Smith
	Details	Flossmoor, IL	hosted by Shalondra Guyton
	Details	Macon, GA	hosted by Lisa Kaczmarek
Wednesday, August 17
	Details	Douglasville, GA	hosted by Felicia Bryant
	Details	Muskego, WI	hosted by Beth Schmitt
Thursday, August 18
	Details	Atlanta, GA	hosted by Rosemary Willingham
	Details	Grayson, GA	hosted by DeNita McGuinn & Janice Maynard
Friday, August 19
	Details	Roswell, GA	hosted by Elizabeth Miller
Saturday, August 20
	Details	Smyrna, GA	hosted by Bonnie Ross-Parker

One of my favorite sayings is, “Why show up unless you want to be remembered!” I follow this with, “Leave positive, indelible imprints everywhere you go and in everything you do.”   In other words, be remembered for the right reasons.

There are actually two aspects to being memorable – how you dress and how you behave and in many ways they are equally important.  Show up beautifully and professionally dressed with a bad attitude and you’ll be remembered but not for the right reason.  Have a great attitude and show up unkempt and it will be difficult for anyone to get past your appearance.  So, what is the answer to being remembered in favorable light?

How You Dress

I happened to catch a Dolly Parton interview not long ago and she shared rather openly the truth of how she always looks ‘impeccable’.  Dolly goes to bed with makeup (extreme, don’t you agree?) and with a wig by her nightstand.  Should an emergency force a quick exit, she wants to show up exactly the way she wants you to see her!  Well, I’m not suggesting any of us follow her lead, however, I am suggesting that how you show up in the world is exactly how you want others to see you.

For 22+ years I’ve had a signature style – I always wear cowboy boots.  Admittedly, it’s a bit different and always is a bit decisive, however, every day – yes even in warm weather – I wear cowboy boots.  Only exception – on the beach or at L.A. Fitness!  If Barbara Bush always wears her 3 strands of pearls, Larry King wears suspenders and Elton John his unusual glasses, I guess there’s a reason!  They have each created a singular style and it’s both noticeable and expected.  How does this apply to you?  It is not too late to consider ‘creating’ a specific style.  Begin collecting scarves, unusual pins, unique color themes – anything that starts to create a change in your appearance.  Remember what I said earlier?  Why show if you don’t want to be remembered?

I have a friend who always wears a hat in public.  Another who chooses year ‘round to wear combinations of black and gold.  I delivered a workshop on ways to be memorable not long ago and an attendee now collects unusual chunky neckwear.  I met someone who collects giraffe pins of all things.  She started out as a little girl fascinated by giraffes and now it’s become an adult distinction!

Your appearance is the very first thing that creates a response.  Adding vibrant colors to your wardrobe, a consistent accessory or anything that sets you apart is a great way to attract others.  Appearance opens the door to conversation and connection.  Poor appearance is surely a door closer.

Your Behavior

The same is true of your behavior.  Are you kind, generous, neat, punctual and a woman of her word?  Or are you moody, cheap, sloppy and perpetually late?  How you show up is how your life plays out.  How many times have you made excuses for a messy car to a passenger, apologized again for tardiness or split a dining check down the middle to the penny?  How many times have you made commitments and had to change the plans?  How reliable are you?

When it comes to being memorable, appearance AND behavior are the two factors that will either engage or turn off others.  It really doesn’t matter if you think you’ve ‘got it together’.  What matters is do others respond to you the way you want them to?  One could stay, “I expect others to accept me as I am” and I agree with you.  That being said, however, how you choose to represent yourself has a lot to do with self-respect.  When you feel positive, look positive and greet the world with a confident ‘YOU’ your confidence strengthens, your outcomes improve and you leave positive, indelible imprints everywhere you go and in everything you do.  Might this be worth a shift in your thinking and choices?  Only you can decide that for yourself.

Bonnie offers a workshop entitled: The Quick Connection:  Differentiate, Be Memorable and Make a Difference. www.BonnieRossParker.com

Is this helpful? Please let us know in the comments your thoughts on this as well as other ways we can help you with your career and training.

Next Month, in June we will discuss Networking and our Expectations. What are realistic and what … maybe, isn’t so realistic.
We will discuss a Proper way of presenting your business over the 3-minute commercial you are given and how to make the most of it. There are 5 steps I suggest following and 1 of those steps is asking for very Specific Business Contacts/Leads.
For Example: “I am looking for a School Teacher @ Sonny Carter Elementary who is looking for a Part-time Job for the summer time. She would make a great additional for my Wildtree Team here in Macon.”

A major key to successful communication is active listening.   Hearing and listening are not the same.  Hearing is the physical part of any communication.  Listening is allowing your emotional mind to be receptive.  Listening involves more than simply hearing.  It requires you to get mentally involved with the person and with what is being communicated. To be an effective connector requires you to be an effective listener.  Dale Carnegie said “You can make more friends in two months by becoming really interested in other people than you can in two years by trying to get others interested in you.” 
 
For most individuals feeling listened to and understood is as essential as food and self-preservation.  What better opportunity is there as you are building your business than for you and your colleagues to support one another by being great listeners for each other?  Learning to listen to colleagues and helping one another be more effective will position you with the self-confidence to talk with and listen to potential customers and representatives.

I’ve witnessed situations where someone is introducing a product or service to a potential customer.  I occasionally notice this at the Barnes and Noble bookstore I frequent.  The prospect looks glazed over as the person selling something talks on and on and on about the wonderful products, the wonderful opportunity and how wonderful he or she is doing.  I’m “overhearing” a one way conversation and wondering if the sales person even cares about the prospect, where he or she is coming from or whether there’s even an interest in receiving feedback.  Doing all the talking is a monologue and does nothing in establishing a connection.  If you practice listening to members of your organization, team or sales force and offer solid feedback to one another you can recognize and correct your listening behavior. 

Reciprocity

Of course, listening is only one way you can help one another.  You can offer suggestions, mentor, brainstorm, collaborate, and critique presentations.  Regularly make time to create new ideas and avenues that can help each one of you grow your businesses.  In my experience learning from members of your team about what does and doesn’t work is the most effective way to make adjustments.  If you believe in collaboration and cooperation rather than scarcity and competition there is no limit to future possibilities for each of you. 

You can never learn too much.  Your career will only grow as much as you do, so your commitment to continuously engage in self-improvement is critical.  Professional growth is the cornerstone of all your future success.  In order to grow yourself, you first have to know yourself.  Personal development and growth is a life-long learning process.  To improve your performance it’s essential you engage in learning activity.  Books, seminars, classes and other vehicles provide a wide range of resources which are easily accessible.

Consider small steps in overcoming any fear you have to just opening up a conversation with someone you don’t know.  Create conversations anywhere.  Just start somewhere.  Maybe compliment someone.  Ask someone where they bought their beautiful handbag.    Admire a haircut and ask for the name of the salon and stylist.  We all talk to one another in ladies rooms – it seems so natural.
 
Take the comfort you experience doing that and expand it into the market place.  I talk with women in line at the supermarket, over produce, in postal lines, in elevators.  Of course it’s, “small talk”.  Most women are happy to have someone initiate and only too happy to participate.  You be an initiator.  Just find something, anything, that opens a door. As you begin practicing and becoming comfortable you’ll be amazed at the growth of your self-confidence. 

Work on the Right Things, for YOU 

One of my biggest challenges continues to be managing my time.  Managing multiple tasks is not easy.  I learned early on that if I wanted to be successful I had to also regularly set aside time for myself, my family and community. At the beginning of each week I developed a daily schedule to include all the tasks I wanted to accomplish beyond work. Positive results followed even when life got in the way and it will! Consistent action is key.

Successful business people are doers.  They don’t make excuses.  They are energized. Consistent and productive activity is the key to developing your unshakable belief.  Unwavering belief is necessary for success.  Applaud your daily victories.  In any business, you have to get a certain amount of information out and do a certain amount of follow up every day.  Doing the right things will ensure getting the right results.  Using the time you do have effectively will make a difference.  How you manage that time and how you guide others to manage theirs is one significant step you can take to improve performance.  Don’t believe for one minute being busy is productive.  What is productive is your taking action toward your goals.

Developing your communication skills is another area for improving performance. Individuals who have developed their ability to communicate effectively have a major advantage over their competitors.  Communicating is an art. I’ve mentioned the importance of listening earlier when talking about building your relationships.  Listening and hearing are not the same. Hearing is the physical part of any communication. Listening involves more. Active listening allows your emotional mind to be receptive.  It requires you to get mentally connected with who is talking and with what is being said.  Listening engages both hearing and eye contact. It’s connecting through words, feelings and actions.
 
Listening is essential in any sales situation.  Not every contact is ready to purchase what you offer, however, a satisfied customer can certainly link you to someone who might be. That’s why it’s valuable to get to know your customers through post cards, notes, and customer care calls.   Take a genuine interest in where they’re coming from.  Just because someone is not interested today doesn’t mean there might not be interested in the future.  By listening for clues to someone’s current situation you might address those issues later on.  For example, age of children, downsizing situations, dissatisfaction at work, facing college finances, etc can all lay the foundation for changes in someone’s circumstances.  Listen.  Listen. Listen.  Make mental notes.  Improving performance includes separating what you’re hearing from what is really being said.  You do this by listening actively.  The more you talk, the less you learn.  The more you listen the more you learn.  I know I talked about listening as an important part of acquiring new customers.  It is equally important in any business community. 

Improve your Presentation
 
How you present your company, its products/service is another key element to your success. Learn everything you can about what you offer.  How well do you know your competition?  Are you clear about what differentiates you and your company, service or products from other similar companies?  Why do you do what you do?  What drives you?  People are interested in your story. People buy from people they trust, that are knowledgeable and who exude confidence.  People will buy from people who appear successful, deliver their message with sincerity, and personalize their experience.  Here’s where your stories can have a major impact.  Your performance will improve as your stories resonate. 

Create conversations.  Act on those conversations where you establish a connection.  The three strategies I focused on for improving performance included managing your time more efficiently, listening actively and improving your presentations.

Let’s face it, the marketplace is crowded.  How you develop as an individual and the value you bring to your career, organization or employment will have major impact on your level of success.  Don’t underestimate the importance of improving your performance if you want to get ahead, build your reputation and open doors to new possibilities!

Is this helpful? Please let us know in the comments your thoughts on this as well as other ways we can help you with your career and training.

NOTE: This article appeared in Womens Ally.

There are some basics to keep in mind when planning to get out there and mingle. Just about anywhere you go is a networking event when you realize it is about getting to know people. You want to look great.  Choose appropriate attire that you feel fabulous in.  Have your business cards in a handy pocket on your person or an outer pocket of your bag, so that you don’t have to take everything out of your bag to find one.  If you have brochures, have a few with you for the people you really connect with. 

Turn off your phone!  Why bother showing up if you are going to talk to someone you already know all evening. Bring good energy; peaceful, warm confidence in yourself.  Listen to uplifting music or a motivational CD on the way to the event, get centered and present your best self. Have a mint. Enough said.

Choose to introduce yourself to someone who attracts you.  Always tune in to your inner knowing and trust it to guide you to the people you want to meet.  Introduce yourself with a warm handshake and an even warmer smile.  Strike up a conversation using open ended questions. Open ended questions cannot be answered with a yes or no. Open ended questions generally start with a how, why, what, when, or where. Listen with genuine interest. Be present. When it’s your turn, be prepared to tell people what you do or what you are looking for in a sentence or two. What you do for people should be clear from your description. If they ask for more information be ready to share. Talk about who you like to do business with, why and what you do for them.  Relay your passion and enthusiasm. Don’t try to sell the person, unless you are given an invitation to do so.  Ask for their card and offer yours when you would like to know more about them, keep in touch or provide them with more information.

Connections take some time and effort.  If you make one great connection at an event, you have done very well indeed. The best attitude to have when attending an event is one of curiosity, authenticity, and service.  You want to get to know people. You want to get to know the people that attract you, the people that you have some synergy with, the people that you can create something with. The best connection is when you find a partner, someone whose energy and passions match yours.  A partnership develops when you realize you can create something together.

I recently met a woman with whom I really clicked. We have a great deal in common, great energy and we bring a slightly different perspective to each other because of where we are in our lives. We are creating a partnership that I see culminating in a conference or retreat that celebrates women as they take on the journey and power of peri and post menopause.  I’m excited.

It actually only takes making one great connection to open all sorts of new doors and possibilities. You’ll know it when you find it.  Meanwhile have fun, bring your best self to every event and remember that what you give will always come back to you full circle.  Below is a quick checklist to review before an event.  Happy networking.

Networking Checklist

• Are you dressed in appropriate attire, an outfit that you feel wonderful in?
• Do you have your business card handy and maybe a few brochures?
• Have you turned off your phone?
• Have you brought good, positive energy, a warm smile and fresh breath?
• Do you have a confident handshake, not crushing and not limp?
• Are you ready to introduce yourself and begin a conversation?
• Do you have a few open ended questions in mind?
• Can you precisely and succinctly tell people what you do with enthusiasm?
• Are you prepared to be genuinely curious about people and take the time to get to know them?
• Are you prepared to be of service, to share yourself generously, and authentically?
• Are you prepared to give what you hope to receive?
• Be sure to follow up within 3 days with any new contacts and build that relationship.

Have a great time!

 

 

Make Every Connection Count

Think of all the contacts you make
Even in one day.
Do you ever take time to acknowledge them in some way?

You simply never know where any one connection will lead
Or the impact of reaching out to someone in need.

Offer compliments, appreciation or a kind and friendly word
Given from a loving heart with no expectation in return.

Isn’t it time in this fast, often impersonal pace
That we share and care about others when face to face?

Imagine the ripple effect of making every connection count
And the difference you can make of which there is no doubt.

So, I ask that you to consider
Leaving positive, indelible footprints while along your way
In everything you do
And everything you say.

Just remember – introduce people you meet
To people they need to know
And people you know to people they need to meet.

You simply never know where any connection will lead
Or the impact of offering even one small deed.

~ Bonnie Ross-Parker

I know, you think it’s 20% of the people do 80% of the work OR maybe you’ve heard or read it under different descriptions. Well, I’ve decided to give 80/20 a new relationship: 80% is showing up and 20% is following up!

Others often comment they see me everywhere! IF someone sees me everywhere, doesn’t that imply they’re there, too? The truth is, I do participate often at events in my area. They may be info seminars, after hours, mixers, regular monthly membership meetings or any other networking opportunity that I believe can produce value. I like to show up. Connecting with friends, colleagues and creating new relationships are reasons to show up. You never know who you will meet and the difference you can make it someone’s life. You never know who you will meet and the difference that person can make it your life. The reality is, if you don’t show up, you’ll never know!

Sometimes, just the thought of changing outfits, getting in late day traffic and being sociable is enough to cause me to think twice about showing up. Would I rather switch into my sweats, engage in a book or watch mindless television after a full day? Sometimes, simply “YES”. Well, what usually happens is I force myself to get up, get out and get going. With few exceptions, it results in my having a great time. I’m seen – I’m engaged – and I undoubtedly create new contacts. When I get in the car, revisit the event, this is the familiar message that fills my head: ‘This is what you would’ve missed had you NOT shown up!’

Showing up is a critical part of building one’s business. How can anyone expect to be ‘top of mind’ if you remain invisible? Sure, there’s social media, email and phone. They are, without question, relevant in today’s crowded and competitive marketplace. However, for me, showing up – creating conversations – being present for possibilities is 80% of the marketing game. What’s the point of showing up if you don’t want to be remembered AND if you don’t follow up with the contacts you meet when something of mutual benefit is possible? One of the most significant strategies you can implement right now is follow up.

Reward is in the follow up. Rarely does anything of monetary value happen between chicken wings, artichoke spread on crackers and wine. The social, networking scene for the most part is a crowded event where conversations are loud, business cards are exchanged (After all, you need a real estate agent, a new insurance agent or financial planner right now, correct?) and the way people think business is conducted. I approach it differently. Who might I meet – the few treasures I can discover among the crowd –I think I can assist or might be genuinely interested in speaking with me and learning about my organization? I don’t push a business card on anyone and only ask someone for their card if I believe there’s something of value for both of us. I request someone’s card when I intend to follow up! Notice, I didn’t say, if.

Don’t get me wrong. Although money may not directly result from a developing relationship, there’s a much better chance for it to happen when a conversation continues, a thank you note is sent, an invitation to a future event is offered or a referral is given. Your ability and commitment to consistently follow up builds your reputation and that’s worth its weight in gold. The respect you create, the relationships you cultivate and the professionalism you deliver will ultimately result in business.

You must show up and follow up if you want to distinguish yourself from your competitors. By doing so, you are strengthening and building your share of business. Don’t believe me. Test it for yourself and let me know. You have the last quarter of 2010 to prove me right or wrong.

How often have you asked someone for a reference? How often has someone else asked you for a recommendation? Being resourceful and top of mind to others who recognize that you have the gift of giving is a valuable asset to have, especially in the business world. Call to mind individuals that are reliable and resourceful. Hopefully, others see you in that same positive light.

So, what are some of the specific ways you can be a “go to” person? What are some of the behaviors you can implement immediately to set you apart and to further enhance your credibility?

1. Consider sending invites to events to individuals with whom you wish to stay connected.
2. Offer to make introductions to people you meet that can benefit from meeting people you know.
3. If you read about something that can be of value to someone, share the information.
4. Maintain a dynamite rolodex of contacts and what they offer. Let others know that when they have a need for a product or service, you’d love to help them connect with the right person. Start now.
5. Being resourceful is a strong quality to have. Individuals you help will often want to help you in return. People love to help others.
6. It’s easy to “cash in on a favor” when you’ve helped someone else.
7. Do the unexpected!

There will always be an endless number of people clamoring for business, attention and their share of the marketplace. Developing the proper skills will reap huge rewards over time. No doubt you can make sales and establish lasting relationships without going through the ideas I’ve suggested. Every now and then business will “fall in your lap.”

The reality is that to ensure your long term goals and to foster your sustainability in a competitive arena, it certainly is worth taking time to network differently. One of the most effective ways to be remembered by the individuals you meet through any networking arena is to be resourceful. Look for specific ways to stay connected to specific associates you meet by noting what you can do in the future that will give others a reason to stay connected to you. Go for what you want and remember, people will do business with people they like and with people they trust. In any competitive arena, being recognized as a resourceful business person will undoubtedly differentiate you from others who offer similar products/services. Implement these simple steps and reap substantial rewards for doing so. What have you got to lose? What might you gain? Test the waters. Apply what works for you. Start now.

You possess a wealth of ideas and information that you can gift to others.
by guest Contributor Diana Nichols

(Chapter excerpted from the book, 42 Rules of Effective Connections)
One of the easiest ways to really connect with someone, and make an impression, is to give them a gift that has real value to them.

Notice the last part of the sentence: ”value to them.” Many times we give gifts that mostly have value to us – promotional items with our logo on them, business cards, brochures, etc. Occasionally, we give away free samples or coupons. These are good things, but hardly memorable. And most are seen as self-serving.

The gifts I’m referring to are not tangible things, but rather ideas. You possess a wealth of ideas and information that you can gift to others. You know people, you’ve had many life experiences, you have knowledge about your business. There’s a lot of stuff in your memory banks!

Any marketing guru will tell you that one of your basic tools is a list of tips and techniques that you should share freely. I’ll bet you can lay your hands on one, or ten, such lists right now. This is a great place to start in creating your “gift basket.”

Before you run off to the copy machine to make 1000 copies, let me say that the most effective way to give these away is one at a time, in your one-on-one conversations. (The conversation can be in person, on the phone, or via email.)

Look over the lists of tips. Find a few that are really meaningful, and not as widely known as others. These are the ones you want to use. Memorize and be ready to call them up.

Now, let’s add some more gifts to your repertoire. Looking over your “tips” list, are there any other tidbits that you’ve learned that have been especially helpful?

How about ideas or techniques you use in other areas of your life? Ways you manage your daily life that perhaps not everyone uses. Bet you have a few of those. They don’t have to be your original idea, just things that work for you – or someone you know.

Keep going. . .

You can add all the people you know well enough to be able to recommend them.

Also, make a list (mental or physical) of the helpful books and articles you’ve read lately.

Wow, your basket’s getting bigger! You have a lot of gifts to share.

And the best part is that now you have created the basket, you’ll be on the lookout for new ideas and people to add to it. It will just keep growing!

So what do you do with all these gifts? Look for opportunities to give them away.

When you make a connection, listen carefully to the other person. If you are really paying attention, you will often hear a clear clue as to what you can share that might be valuable to them. If you don’t – ask.

What’s your biggest challenge right now?

What would make you more successful?

How can I help you?

Use your own words, and be sincere. Even if you still can’t find anything really pertinent to give, at the very least you have given them the gift of caring enough to ask!

Just a few words about sharing your personal knowledge and experiences. The value in your experience for someone else is not the “story” about it. The who, where, how, and why are only relevant to you. It’s the in the what that the value lies for them. Just the facts, Ma’am. Share the lesson learned, the result, the essence. Make it short and to the point.

And finally, make sure your gift sounds like a gift – not like advice: Have you ever thought of…? I’ve had success with… Have you read…? Do you know…?

Giving is, after all, the best way to receive!

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With over 30 years of business and entrepreneurial success, Diana brings knowledge, grounded wisdom, enthusiasm, and a wealth of creative resources to everything she does.

As a web and database developer, business and life coach, workshop creator and facilitator, artist and successful entrepreneur, Diana assists her clients in combining creativity, simplicity, practicality and a sense of adventure into a unique experience of success.

Diana Nichols, LCC

www.lavenderthreads.com

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42 Rules of Effective Connections is available at 42 Rules [ http://42rules.com/bonnierossparker/books/], Happy About [ http://www.happyabout.com/42rules/effectiveconnections.php], Amazon [ http://www.amazon.com/42-Rules-Effective-Connections-Successful/dp/1607730464 ] and other fine retailers.