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Read Time: 2:30
A critical piece of information to remember is, when it comes to one’s success, it falls on them. All of it. And while most times that is realized, it is not taken the whole way. In the protection industry (as well as many other industries), much of the focus is on the hard skills. Getting to the range, gym, driving school, dojo and so on. And let’s be clear, skills learned, polished and maintained from these places are wildly important. But realize the chances that someone will have to be first out of the holster or do a j-turn or go “Jason Bourne” on someone are probably less than 1% of the time on detail, at least in the US. Another skill that is focused on, and rightly so, is medical. One may never have to resuscitate a protectee or member of the entourage. However, that doesn’t mean a bandaid will never have to be administered. Or giving someone an ice pack. But it may also mean a protector will have to splint an arm. One never knows. With that said, those skills are critical when that time comes. But what is the occurrence rate on any of that? 1%? 2% of the time on detail? Those numbers might be high. Which brings to our attention the other 98-99% of time on detail. What is a protector doing? Waiting? Sure. But what else COULD they be doing? Advancing, running routes, etc.? Yes. But that’s not happening all the time either. Tony Robbins has an acronym he uses, NET, meaning “No Extra Time”. With what minimal “extra” time we have as protectors, on or OFF detail, couldn’t they be using it constructively? Couldn’t they take 20-30 minutes a WEEK and learn a new skill, read a book on the protectee’s business, etc.? This is especially true for those who don’t have the job they want yet but continuously do the same training over and over. It’s time to add new skills or do SOMETHING different to improve chances and stand above the competition for landing the job they’ve always wanted. If what is being done isn’t working, don’t change the goal, change the approach. Do something different. If that doesn’t work, do something else. If THAT doesn’t work, do something else. Go the whole way! A protector is 100% in charge of their own success. If they are exactly where they want to be, great! They are living the dream. If not, it’s time for something new. It’s up to them. All of it. If you would like to become a client, I'd love to have you! I help solopreneurs, entrepreneurs and job-seekers create more and better opportunities for themselves and their business through Networking and personal/professional development! Message me!
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Read Time: 3:15
So, not everyone loves networking. Big shocker, I know. But why? Why is it some people hate something that can so dramatically affect their life and career? I firmly believe that everything we want in life is buried somewhere in our network. We wouldn’t know that because of our disdain for networking. So it’s possible we are destined to live out our life in our present state and situation. Personally, I think that’s bullshit. For so many, networking is perceived as a chore. Something people “need” to do for a couple of reasons: the boss said so; it’s important for their career; they got talked into it by a friend, etc. Often times these reasons are true, amongst many others. But when it’s demanded of anyone, so many fight against it. Here is how to get around that… REFRAME networking into a practice in helpfulness. What do I mean by reframing? I mean look at the networking event you’re about to begrudgingly attend. Then, stop yourself from thinking about all the smalltalk you’re about to have about the weather, traffic or politics and envision it as your opportunity to help someone. Instead of those thoughts, think about how you have the next two hours to help as many people as you can. Totally take yourself out of the equation. Think of it as you’re not there to sell your stuff or even get a referral. Think of it as the chance to ask a room full of people how you can best assist them. You’ll get to ask a lot of questions and then sit back and allow people to answer. Then you’ll ask follow-up questions and they’ll answer and rinse and repeat. You want to get them talking so you can find out how to best help them. But in that, because as much as networking depends on relationships it also can mean referrals (and is often the aim). So not only will they tell you how to help them but you’ll be able to identify how they might help you! Networking provides so many opportunities personally and professionally. Any success I’ve ever had I owe to networking. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I’ve not worked my way in the meetings, relationships, etc. I didn’t and don’t belong in. But because I went in just looking to help, I was way more well received that had I gone in asking for a bunch of stuff. Which is where most people make the mistake. Not to say we can’t do that eventually but that’s not where we want to start. Folks, that is your work around! Put some distance between what you need and what people can do for you, especially if you’re the type that is averse to networking. This will undoubtedly help. And as you get more comfortable, you’ll already have the listening skills fine-tuned and will be able to do the more proactively. Repeated small steps make big differences in the long run! And remember, networking is a long-term game. No get out there, reframe and have fun! April 29, 2020
Read Time: 6:25 Hello there! Thank you so much for your time and attention! So, this narrative is going to be different than they have been in the past. It’s going to be more of a story instead of a “how to”. And though it’s a 30 year story, I’ll try to keep it as short, yet informative, as possible. I was just remarking to my mom the other day that I have had a pretty easy and blessed life. Sure, I’ve faced some adversity, parents divorced, have lost some friends and family along the way, landed in the hospital with meningitis, hit by a car (which was actually comical on the video footage), suffered some heartbreak and setbacks, etc. But truly feel it’s been nothing extraordinarily difficult. Same can be said for my professional life. Set out to become a bodyguard, and completed that goal at the tender age of 22. However, not understanding, at the time, what it takes to excel, I did not continue to pursue it for someone who would want to remain consistently in the industry as a career. I felt it had come easy and would continue too (naivete at it’s finest). Also, I was not what you would call a patient person. So club security is what I turned to. It was a job that allowed for a steady paycheck and the potential for promotion, which I did a couple times for a couple of employers. Which, I felt good about. But again, not really being patient, that led me to other avenues of work and income. That was about the time Red Carpet VIP came into view. Now, I’m not going to get into my intermittent but enjoyable time with RCVIP. But to make it short, I progressed from making sales calls and hosting to being the director of business development and hosting by the time I left for good.So...progress. But not necessarily what I was looking for. I then followed some other career paths, or if we’re being honest, just jobs. I could never quite figure out where I fit. Now, many know me from the protection industry, which I am insanely happy to be part of as a cheerleader, ambassador, marketer, promoter and protection specialist. Have gotten plenty of work over the last few years based on my ability to network, be likeable and competent at the work. But again, never quite fit in as a full-time employee. Couldn’t figure it out. Which was tough. I find myself in Southern California selling cars, and for someone who is not crazy about sales, it is an awful profession in an even worse industry (personal opinion here. It’s based on what makes me, me. If you love it, that’s awesome and I am stoked for you. VERY bad fit for me). However, definitely could’ve been the leadership (but see more below). But then, I find myself working with a life purpose coach. And to fast forward this, one session in particular we discovered that I had some debilitating self-limiting beliefs. Not even sure I understood what that was before I realized it about myself...and that was the switch! And once I discovered that, and had some time to think on it, the entire 30 years prior began to really make sense. I discovered that I wasn’t actually impatient. Nor did I really dislike sales. Nor did I necessarily not fit in. What was actually happening was I was self-sabotaging my career by refusing to progress because of the challenge that came with growth. I’d blame it on the bosses (though some were more challenging than others) or the system or pay. But with my new perspective, I identified the culprit. Not me. Them. But actually... Not them. Me. And when it came to sales, it’s not that I didn’t like it, it’s that I just didn’t believe in the product or service I was selling. I’d blame it on the price or no one wants it or the bosses. Not me. Them. But actually... Not them. Me. My confidence would come and go. And when it “went” that was a tough hill to climb back up. What I discovered, or better said remembered, in that coaching session was when I was about nine years old, I had someone influential and an authority over me asked me point blank “are you stupid?” (Not a parent or family member, just to be clear) And from that moment on, any challenge that came my way that was beginning to get out of my comfort zone, I simply gave up. The reason (meaning my thought process) for this was... if it was challenging, I didn’t know how to do it. And I couldn’t ask because that was admitting I didn’t know how to do it and if I didn’t know how to do it I must be…(you guessed it)...stupid. And I didn’t want to deal with that. And for the next 30+ years, I did not play to my potential nor did I try as hard as I could have. It is a shocking thing to realize. However, once realized, my coach spent about three minutes on it. It culminated in her asking me this “ARE you stupid?” I said “No” she said “No. You’re not. Moving on…” And that was the end of that. In the past 2 years, I have made more progress in my life as a whole than those 30 years. It’s not to say that I don’t value those years and didn’t learn from them. But the rut I was in has become a thing of the past. Without my coach to guide me in reframing my thinking, that rut MIGHT have lasted the rest of my life. With a small question and the wisdom to discard that mental poison on the spot she showed me the way to a new confidence and a new outlook toward the future. Since the discovery, I have become a coach, become licensed to sell life insurance, started and operate a networking group, written a networking 101 course, started writing articles (some by request) for LinkedIn and others, posted more videos and remained active on social media, left a job that was allowing to choke the life out of me, walked into a manager spot then helped to promote a manager to replace me at another job, found the love of my life (and moved to Ohio for her and US!), trained to be a federal contract security officer and poured my story out onto another LinkedIn article so others might understand what is possible to do once they’ve dug deep to really understand themselves. BUT MAINLY, IT HAS TO BE UNDERSTOOD THAT YOU DID NOT, NOR I, PUT THOSE SELF-LIMITING THOUGHTS IN OUR HEADS. SOMEONE ELSE, UNINTENTIONALLY OR NOT, DID THAT. YOU ARE MORE THAN THEY SAY YOU ARE. WE DID NOT PUT THEM THERE BUT IT IS NOW OUR CHOICE TO LEAVE THEM THERE. IT IS OUR CHOICE IF WE WANT TO ALLOW SOME OFF THE CUFF COMMENT BY SOMEONE ELSE TO DICTATE THE REST OF OUR LIVES. I HAVE LET GO OF IT. SO CAN YOU! AND WE CAN ALL SUCCEED TOGETHER! Like I said, I’ve had an easy life. And who knows where it could’ve gone without that experience. However, I do feel like I’m exactly where I should be and much more appreciative of the work that’s been done recently. And maybe I never meet Gina...can’t imagine that. THAT is why I became a coach. If you have a similar story or think maybe you are not living to your full potential, I would love to support you in whatever way I can. Please reach out. Read Time: 4:00
Well, that’s not at all what I expected for my first “third” of 2020! How about you? Sheesh! However, the opportunities that COULD have been may far exceed the perils of COVID 19. Now, I realize the tragedies that occurred during this time, as a close friend of mine lost his father. That doesn’t go overlooked. My love and support goes to him and his family, along with all the other families that lost someone during this time. But what I do want to identify is how we have been spending our time during the quarantine. Did we all just move from our beds to our couches for the day? Did we have kids to home-school or keep entertained? Did we pick a project that’s needed doing for the last 6 months? Did we explore a new hobby? Did work on our family relationships? Did we start a new side hustle? Did we look for a new job? Did we work on anything that would lead to self-improvement? Where did the time go? And regardless of what we did, did we find actual value in it for ourselves? And, maybe more importantly, did others find actual value in our actions? How many times have we said to ourselves “If only I had more time then I would…”? Many times the rest of that statement involves spending more time with our children (for those of you that have them) and/or family. Often also it’s exploring a side hustle or investigating a new hobby or reading a book or...etc, etc, and so forth. And these last few (maybe more for some) weeks have offered that time. Now, I’m SURE I don’t know everyone’s situation and what could actually be done in our individual lives. But I did see an (probably once in a lifetime) opportunity to check some things off our lists. This was potentially a time to “turn it on” for whatever our hearts desired. But did we? Did we recognize what was happening and take full advantage of it? Were we fully present with whatever our choice was? Or did we just try to fill time? I listened to a clip of what I assume was a governmental address by New York Governor Andrew Cuomo. Regardless of our politics, his message was clear. While he talked about 4 minute conversations with his now grown children, he remembered the conversations as shallow. “Do you need anything?” and “How can I help?” and “When will I see you again?” were the “lines” that he spoke. But during this quarantine, he talked about how he has noticed his kids now have complex lives with complex issues. He said he got to go deep into a meaningful conversation with what he now feels REALLY matters with his kids. Essentially, this quarantine has brought into view his own weaknesses around what he actually values. Gov. Cuomo then went on to talk about how many cups of coffee with his mother he accepted only to call back and say he was too “busy” to make it. He stated these things wouldn’t happen again. Now, who’s to say any of us will keep to what we said during this time. But, the part that I like is that it has now been put in front of us, like it or not, what we have been taking for granted or what we saw as important may not really be all that important. Sure, employment definitely means keeping food on the table and roofs over our heads and certainly needs to be taken seriously. But have we learned to live to work instead of work to live? I wrestle with this myself so I’m passing no judgement here. This article was all really just food for thought. It’s been something I’ve thought about since the quarantine started. It occurred to me mainly because it’s not something I have taken full advantage of. However, the more I think about it, the more aware I become of what I have and have not done. Which then, sort of, allows me to say to myself that maybe the things I’ve said I want to do or I’ve said are important and said “If only I had more time…”, maybe I really don’t or they aren’t or I’ve had all the time I need. Maybe this time has allowed us to scrub our list. What do we really need or want to spend time and effort on? My hope for you is that you found it or you were able to start to separate what’s what. It takes a very honest conversation with yourself, which is sometimes VERY hard to do. My hope is also that you will have that conversation. After reading this article back to myself, it feels a little somber. But rest assured...it is meant to be reflective and hopefully action inducing! And, if you’ve not gotten to what you thought you should or wanted to, there is STILL time. Not only under quarantine but AFTER it lifts. There will be time to spend on the things we REEEEEALLY want to make time for! We can do it all! We have to find what we value and what others value. If we are in the value delivery business, we not only give to those others, we give to ourselves as well. Hopefully, I’ve broken into the value delivery service with you! I thank you so much for your time and attention!! If you would like to share story or think maybe you are not living to your full potential, I would love to support you in whatever way I can. Please reach out. I would also love it if you left a comment! September 18, 2019
Read Time: 5:55 Greetings! I hope this message finds everyone incredibly well! Thank you for your patience as I am getting resettled and reestablished in Las Vegas! Instead of an instructional style article today, I thought I’d share this success story and how networking can, in fact, work. Some of the names have been changed to protect the innocent… Just kidding. No one is innocent in this story. Just kidding… Or am I? Moving on… In approximately 2005, I was working as a security lead officer at the MGM Grand in the nightclub Studio 54. I had been there just about two years and within that time, a new type of venue was taking off in Vegas. Enter… The ultra lounge. Another venue on the MGM Grand property was “Tabu”, the resident ultra lounge. The ultra lounge was a high end, exclusive venue that had a nightclub vibe. Club lighting and loud music was the setting. It was staffed by model/bartenders, Model/servers, model/security officers, etc. It was a bunch of beautiful people working there. (Coming from someone who has never been a model, I didn’t have high expectations for the people working there. My perception has since changed but I very much followed a stereotype back in those days.) My lieutenant at the hotel at the time had given me latitude to move between Studio 54 and Tabu as a lead to give me more exposure to both the staff and different environments. It worked out really well and I got to know the staff in both places, thus extending my...network. One individual completely surprised me, however. He was a young, what they called, model/beverage runner. His name was Ryan Craig and he had aspirations that were much bigger than the position he was in. Ryan was a recent graduate of UNLV and he was on a mission. I didn’t know what it was at the time but I knew he would do very well. And as time has shown us, he has. One night while I was walking through the ultra lounge, Ryan approached me and asked me if I would help him. I said sure and asked him what he needed. He told me that he would be joining the staff at the new Wynn resort inside the club “Le Bete”. He described his new role as a VIP host and told me he may need to know how to check IDs. Since I was in security he thought I might know how to do that and if I did, would I show him. I was happy to. Fast forward to Ryan moving to Le Bete a few months later and me starting at Red Carpet VIP (I'll get into those details some other time). Red Carpet VIP is a nightlife concierge and hosting company still operating in Las Vegas today. Red Carpet VIP specialized in VIP entry (expedited entry to the clubs) and table/bottle reservations. We developed relationships with the clubs in order to work more closely to provide an excellent experience to our clients and help fill their venues. Due to the location of the club Ryan now worked in (the beautiful Wynn Resort), we had clients that wanted to attend. Well, the life of that club in particular was relatively short-lived for many reasons. However, the club closed and reopened about two months later under the name Tryst. And it dominated. And Ryan was no small part in that success. Over the many years that Tryst was open, and eventually XS, Ryan progressively grew through the company. And as his status grew and became more influential in his role, so did Red Carpet VIP’s at Tryst and other clubs. Ryan was one of the first, if not the first, Club employee that saw how working together with a company like ours could be mutually beneficial. So very much a pioneer in that sense. Fast forward through the years Ryan spent there. He had developed his business acumen and network exponentially. So much so that he became a partner with Drai’s Management Group. After that, Ryan has also opened the Las Vegas TopGolf location and a TruFusion studio (fitness and yoga), became Director of Nightlife at MGM Resorts International, Senior VP of Palms Resort & Casino, amongst other things I’m sure I don’t know about. But one thing I am certain of… Ryan is a sought-after consultant. He has spent an inordinate amount of time networking. There were thousands, if not thousands and thousands, of hours that went unpaid and unnoticed of him meeting people, building relationships, taking care of his clients, asking for referrals, getting and giving referrals, hosting events, giving away gift cards, etc. He is a guy that understands the value of networking and truly lives it. I want to dissect this though just a little bit. I do have a few things to point out… First, here was a young guy who was ambitious but knew enough to ask for help about something he didn’t know much in. The humility this guy had at a young age made him very unique. Second, there was no promise of future assistance to him from me or to me from him in the future. I didn’t know that I’d be working for a hosting company and he didn’t know that the club he just started working at would shut down and re-open up as a monster. This was a relationship only at first. And third, this was a long-term relationship. There were weeks where we might not send him anything but when we did he was quick to be helpful and professional. Both things that stick to his reputation today. In 2005, who knew that our meeting would help both of our companies and careers for over the next 14 years. Don’t misread this. I’m not taking any credit for his success. I am GIVING credit to his success and the role networking played. I continue to wish him all the success and am thankful I can call him a friend. Here’s to the next 14 years. Folks, networking works. It can’t be for right now and it can’t be for self-benefit only. Long game mentality is a must! Here’s to your future success! Please feel free to reach out to me with specific questions or comments. I love talking about this stuff. Also, please share this with three people, in your own NETWORK, you know could use it. July 17, 2019
Read Time: 3:55 Networking in other Circles We do like comfort, don’t we? Often, also, we like routine. I feel that on a very deep level, as I am one of the most guilty of that comfort seeking. But what I can say is that when I stepped out of that comfort zone and started conversations with people I didn’t know that well, or even at all, that’s when things got interesting. This was not originally designed as a series but as I began writing, it quickly turned into that. I want these articles to be short reads that are then actionable and there is just too much to talk about for one article. Today we’re going to talk about a few ideas of “why” to network outside your circle. Let’s get it! Simon Sinek is right. We have to “start with why”. This gives us the reason to stretch and get uncomfortable to grow not only our businesses but ourselves as well. Here are just a few to get you started: Let’s start with business. Having more contacts is almost never a bad thing. While staying in touch with your current network is incredibly important, so is gaining new contacts to add to your network for potential new clients. And when you begin to network outside your circle, you begin to have conversations you’ve never had before. And what do those lead to? It’s really hard to say. It can absolutely lead to a client in those people or from those people. You can also find your new BFF or your new boyfriend/girlfriend or a new golfing partner. It’s happened to me before in all three cases. And they were all good things. Secondly, to stick with the personal side, you may find a new friend that invites you to meet more new people. And when you do, that may lead to another friend or a new boyfriend or girlfriend or a new client. These contacts in your network have a value you can’t even understand until it’s in front of you. There has to be a little faith that meeting new people will lead to new experiences...because they will. This is especially true of those people with way different professional backgrounds, upbringing, nationalities, etc. (Truth be told, if you put someone with an accent in front of me, they’re going to get grilled. I love talking to people from other countries about their impression of this country, the impression of their country, etc. It is not a question of are we better than you or you better than us, it is simply to get a different perspective on how people see it. I love it!) Finally, which is a little of my first and second point, is that a new circle, or members of a new circle, can give you perspective that you’ve never had. That can only be a positive thing. Not saying they’re trying to influence you or you’re trying to influence them. Just saying that conversations outside of your norm, though may make you uncomfortable at first, with some practice, patience and acceptance you will undoubtedly begin to grow. That’s good personally and professionally. Take some time to think about your “whys” and how you could use a new circle of friends and colleagues to benefit both you and them. In my next article, we will talk about how to find that new circle. As for this one though, that’s it! Please feel free to reach out to me with specific questions or comments. I love talking about this stuff. Also, please share this with three people, in your own NETWORK, you know could use it. July 3, 2019
Read Time - 3:15 What gets us to do almost anything? The answer: incentives. Those are the reasons we will bear an afternoon with the in-laws or join our boss for dinner at his or her house. There will be something in it for us. We know that networking can literally change our lives. We know there’s value. We’ve seen it work! But sometimes we just can’t bring ourselves to do it. This quick read will give you four incentivizing tools to hold yourself accountable to Network so you can build a referral pipeline, make more sales and generate more revenue. Or, if you’re not looking at it from a business perspective, it will allow you to get out of the house, meet someone new and interesting and potentially grow a friendship/relationship. Either way, your life will be better for it! First, if you are going to a networking event, pre-register. We do not like to have our name on something and then someone know that we didn’t show. That is the first layer incentive. Second, if there is an option to pre-pay, do it! That added accountability that is now financial will hit you in the pocketbook should you not attend. Some may say “it’s only $10. It’s worth it for me not to go.” Be that as it may, a month of paid for yet unattended networking events will cost you $40. That’s at least, what, 3 cups of coffee at Starbucks? You’re pouring coffee down the drain. And that’s blasphemous. ☕️ If you pay, play! Third, and I may receive hate mail because of this, invite a friend. An even stronger incentive than pre-registering and pre-paying is holding your friend and your friend holding you accountable. But what’s great about it is you can get together ahead of time and chat or go together and work the room together. Or go together, go your separate ways and after each conversation, meet back up. You may find that your friend met someone that is useful to you or you are useful to them or your friend can help the person you met. There’s a lot of good that comes from it. And finally, if it’s possible, volunteer to work the event. Many of our introverts and centroverts that are reading this like to have structure at their networking events. Volunteering to do a job while you were there gives that structure. It gives them a reason to initiate conversation. And once that ice is broken, they can always circle back around to pick up where they left off when they are off their shift. Typically, when volunteering at a networking event, volunteers only work half the event so that they can network the other half. This is a great way to get involved, feel useful and get the most out of your time there. There you go! Four easy to deploy tools to hold yourself, and sometimes your friend, accountable to Network. Creating a strategy through incentives for accountability proves useful not only in networking but in every aspect of your life. Please feel free to reach out to me with specific questions or comments. I love talking about this stuff. Also, please share this with three people, in your own NETWORK, you know could use it. June 5, 2019
Read Time - 2:40 It’s a lot simpler than you think! These steps will help you avoid bad ones while having Valuable Conversations! Expect and accept. “But Craig, what do you mean? I don’t wanna have bad conversations especially when I hate networking! Isn’t there a way that I don’t have to expect it or accept it?” No. There isn’t. But that doesn’t mean that you can’t combat it :-) Over the next couple of minutes you’re going to read about a couple key ideas that can keep you relatively free of bad conversations while networking. First, like I said, expect and accept it is going to happen. It could potentially get awkward, the other person could be drunk, they could be having a bad day, etc. You may never know exactly what you’re walking into when you have a conversation with someone new, read here “complete stranger.” The good news is you have choices! You can choose to stand there awkwardly having small talk with someone you really don’t want to talk to you. You can choose to engage with them in a conversation you don’t want to have around politics, religion, education, finances, work, etc. You can then leave early from the event and complain about how networking sucks and it never works and not understand why other people love it. On the flipside (because there is always another perspective, isn’t there?) you can choose to disengage from said conversation. You don’t have to ever stay in a conversation you don’t want to be part of. Not that you need it, but you have my permission to do so. Now, for the skilled networker, you may want to attempt to steer the conversation in a more suitable direction for you, while not totally disregarding what someone else wants to talk about. For those of you that are still learning, to politely decline to talk about that which is making you uncomfortable is totally acceptable. Remember, this is your time to get to know someone and for them to get to know you. You are in control. Remember that. You retain the power for the conversations you want to have. Notice I said “politely decline.” Remember, we want to keep relationships good regardless of what the other person does. I understand it's not always possible but if it’s within our control, and typically it is, we can leave that conversation without destroying the chance of a future relationship. You don’t know what that person may have dealt with that day so a little empathy goes a long way in relationship building. If you do choose to stay in that conversation, be sure to prepare yourself with questions that can easily steer the conversation in a more positive and productive direction. (I wrote an article in the past highlighting three questions you can ask and my one “go to”. “What’s been the highlight of your day?” is typically a great one!) If you are able to get them talking about themselves and remembering good times, a family vacation, a proud moment, etc., you have a much better chance at having that productive conversation you were hoping for. Then you get to leave the event feeling great about the accomplishment you just made and starting a relationship with somebody that you can help and that may be able to help you. Remember, that is the goal. Expect and accept. It’s going to happen. In this short read you now have a couple tools to deploy in making a networking conversation one of value to both you and your new connection! Please feel free to reach out to me with specific questions or comments. I love talking about this stuff. Also, please share this with three people, in your own NETWORK, you know could use it. Read Time: 3:15
So, not everyone loves networking. Big shocker, I know. But why? Why is it some people hate something that can so dramatically affect their life and career? I firmly believe that everything we want in life is buried somewhere in our network. We wouldn’t know that because of our disdain for networking. So it’s possible we are destined to live out our life in our present state and situation. Personally, I think that’s bullshit. For so many, networking is perceived as a chore. Something people “need” to do for a couple of reasons: the boss said so; it’s important for their career; they got talked into it by a friend, etc. Often times these reasons are true, amongst many others. But when it’s demanded of anyone, so many fight against it. Here is how to get around that… REFRAME networking into a practice in helpfulness. What do I mean by reframing? I mean look at the networking event you’re about to begrudgingly attend. Then, stop yourself from thinking about all the smalltalk you’re about to have about the weather, traffic or politics and envision it as your opportunity to help someone. Instead of those thoughts, think about how you have the next two hours to help as many people as you can. Totally take yourself out of the equation. Think of it as you’re not there to sell your stuff or even get a referral. Think of it as the chance to ask a room full of people how you can best assist them. You’ll get to ask a lot of questions and then sit back and allow people to answer. Then you’ll ask follow-up questions and they’ll answer and rinse and repeat. You want to get them talking so you can find out how to best help them. But in that, because as much as networking depends on relationships it also can mean referrals (and is often the aim). So not only will they tell you how to help them but you’ll be able to identify how they might help you! Networking provides so many opportunities personally and professionally. Any success I’ve ever had I owe to networking. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I’ve not worked my way in the meetings, relationships, etc. I didn’t and don’t belong in. But because I went in just looking to help, I was way more well received that had I gone in asking for a bunch of stuff. Which is where most people make the mistake. Not to say we can’t do that eventually but that’s not where we want to start. Folks, that is your work around! Put some distance between what you need and what people can do for you, especially if you’re the type that is averse to networking. This will undoubtedly help. And as you get more comfortable, you’ll already have the listening skills fine-tuned and will be able to do the more proactively. Repeated small steps make big differences in the long run! And remember, networking is a long-term game. No get out there, reframe and have fun! Read Time - 1:30 (it’s a quick one today!)
Focus a little time on these at the end of each day and watch out for big wins! Ask yourself, “What did I learn today?” Were you so busy working hard and putting effort out that you forgot to take something in? Did you learn something at work? At home? From your kids? Imagine learning something new 365 days a year!! Do you think that would have an impact on your career and relationships? I’d put 💰💰 on it! Ask yourself, “What did I do to move the needle today?” What are your goals for work? For your family? For your life? And what did you do today to reach them? Were you enveloped by “busy work” or did you accomplish even the smallest forward progress? Progress = Happiness. Ask Tony Robbins 😉 ❎❎ Ask yourself, “Am I prepared for tomorrow?” Don’t play the victim and say you can’t plan your day. TAKE CONTROL!! Maybe you can’t plan your entire day, but you CAN schedule some of it. And slowly but surely and you take control of those times, more opportunities will come available for your to do more and more. We only have 24 hours in a day and for our own sanity we have to sleep for some of them. However, if you can maximize your time spent day in and day out, imagine how much control you will gain and how that will positively impact your life. ⚡️⚡️⏰⏰ These all seem overly simplistic. But, it takes 5 minutes a day. And if this becomes a habit, you will undoubtedly see positivity and success come into your life!! 🎉🎉🎉 |
AuthorCraig is the owner of Craig McKim Business Development and Coaching. Archives
May 2021
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