Posts
Hi there,
My brother and sister-in-law came into town yesterday. It is always good to get together with family. We spend minutes catching up, yes minutes, we stay in touch with email and phone calls.
Today we all went downtown to our tech museum, to see the da Vinci exhibit. The man was so ahead of his time.
My nieces were interested up to a point and then I heard those words: I'm done from one and I'm bored from the other. We headed into the techie part of the museum and there the girls regained their interest and started to have fun again.
But the count down to Christmas has begun and my oldest niece wanted to know how many hours until Christmas eve started so they could then get ready for Christmas morning. Seeing this time of year through the eyes of small children brings the magic back - I love it! I may not be saying that tomorrow - I haven't finished my shopping, still have two gifts to get and I haven't wrapped a thing! Also I'm on tap to cook three dishes, two for dinner and one for breakfast.
Oh the hustle and bustle, it helps to bring back all the great family memories, especially those that include family members that are no longer with us. No time for sadness, instead I'll keep my spirits happy with those that are here with us still.
Cheers,
Coach Linda B
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Friday, December 19, 2008
I love hearing from old friends
Hi there,
This is the time of year when old friends send out their yearly updates. I love hearing from them. I have one friend, Sandy, that I have known since we were 9 years old - yes that is a long time. And the really cool thing about this friendship is, we haven't lived on the same coast since 1968, can you imagine that. She once told me that I was the only friend she had that she penciled in, because I moved around so much - ha!
When we do get together, and I admit it has been awhile, we pick up right where we left off, just as if we had seen each other the week before. That kind of friendship is rare and really takes dedication to maintain - love you Sandy.
Today I received a holiday card from another old friend that I used to work with over thirteen years ago. She made me tear up when she wrote she missed us working together because we always had so much fun - I agree Carol - I miss you too!
Over the years I have connected with a lot of wonderful people. Wouldn't it be great if I could get all my dear friends together and they would like each other as much as I like each of them - after all they really like me :-) Unfortunately my friends are spread out all over this wonderful country, with only a few of them located in the same general area. Boy what a great party that would be!
If you have a friend or two or more that you haven't been in touch with lately, reach out, even just an email can make a difference (I just got a cute email card from another dear friend - Pamela I loved it and I saved it to share with my nieces!)
Enjoy the weekend - I'm baking cookies! ummm I can smell and taste them already.
Cheers,
Coach Linda B
This is the time of year when old friends send out their yearly updates. I love hearing from them. I have one friend, Sandy, that I have known since we were 9 years old - yes that is a long time. And the really cool thing about this friendship is, we haven't lived on the same coast since 1968, can you imagine that. She once told me that I was the only friend she had that she penciled in, because I moved around so much - ha!
When we do get together, and I admit it has been awhile, we pick up right where we left off, just as if we had seen each other the week before. That kind of friendship is rare and really takes dedication to maintain - love you Sandy.
Today I received a holiday card from another old friend that I used to work with over thirteen years ago. She made me tear up when she wrote she missed us working together because we always had so much fun - I agree Carol - I miss you too!
Over the years I have connected with a lot of wonderful people. Wouldn't it be great if I could get all my dear friends together and they would like each other as much as I like each of them - after all they really like me :-) Unfortunately my friends are spread out all over this wonderful country, with only a few of them located in the same general area. Boy what a great party that would be!
If you have a friend or two or more that you haven't been in touch with lately, reach out, even just an email can make a difference (I just got a cute email card from another dear friend - Pamela I loved it and I saved it to share with my nieces!)
Enjoy the weekend - I'm baking cookies! ummm I can smell and taste them already.
Cheers,
Coach Linda B
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Setting the intention high enough
Hi there,
I just finished up a call with my fellow coaching chapter presidents. We have been working on the planning for our upcoming joint fund raiser event. The space we have will hold 500 people and the initial budget was looking at 160-200 count as the minimum profit threshold. At some point during our discussion our Steering Committee Chair said, "well how about we just plan on filling the house." There was a moment of silence and then we all started in with our yeah, why not, let's do it. The intention was set, now instead of just trying to cover our costs and make a profit we are looking to "fill 500 seats" and make this a memorable event!
Sometimes in our personal life and in business we see the need to reach upward but we are not sure how high. I challenge you to think about this the next time you want to reach out and up - does it feel like a stretch? If not reach higher and if it does consider how much higher you can go!
I don't necessarily agree with the old saying; no pain no gain, but in this case there is truth. The things I have challenged myself to achieve always seem to mean more to me if they were really challenging and I had to work harder. Those things that came easy didn't seem to mean as much to me.
So here is my challenge to you, take a chance and reach out, reach higher.
Cheers,
Coach Linda B
I just finished up a call with my fellow coaching chapter presidents. We have been working on the planning for our upcoming joint fund raiser event. The space we have will hold 500 people and the initial budget was looking at 160-200 count as the minimum profit threshold. At some point during our discussion our Steering Committee Chair said, "well how about we just plan on filling the house." There was a moment of silence and then we all started in with our yeah, why not, let's do it. The intention was set, now instead of just trying to cover our costs and make a profit we are looking to "fill 500 seats" and make this a memorable event!
Sometimes in our personal life and in business we see the need to reach upward but we are not sure how high. I challenge you to think about this the next time you want to reach out and up - does it feel like a stretch? If not reach higher and if it does consider how much higher you can go!
I don't necessarily agree with the old saying; no pain no gain, but in this case there is truth. The things I have challenged myself to achieve always seem to mean more to me if they were really challenging and I had to work harder. Those things that came easy didn't seem to mean as much to me.
So here is my challenge to you, take a chance and reach out, reach higher.
Cheers,
Coach Linda B
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Creating your own community
Hi there,
Hopefully the title caught your attention and that is what brought you here. What do I mean when I say, "Create your own community"?
No I'm not talking about the community you live in or socialize in, what I mean is related to your business. My business community includes representatives from different professions that don't necessarily have anything in common with my business. We do share a common goal however, and that is to create a successful business.
I like having access to different perspectives. What is really cool is how I can then take what I learn and turn it around or repackage it to fit my business. The meetings I have with my "community" are invaluable to me as I grow my business. They also offer a way to become known and referred to new contacts. Which then opens up new opportunities to expand my "community."
For me this is a win-win situation, and you all know that I love win-wins!
So take a moment as this year comes to a close and think about your "community"; is it as vibrant as you want, if not now is the time to invite some new members for a visit.
Cheers,
Coach Linda B
Hopefully the title caught your attention and that is what brought you here. What do I mean when I say, "Create your own community"?
No I'm not talking about the community you live in or socialize in, what I mean is related to your business. My business community includes representatives from different professions that don't necessarily have anything in common with my business. We do share a common goal however, and that is to create a successful business.
I like having access to different perspectives. What is really cool is how I can then take what I learn and turn it around or repackage it to fit my business. The meetings I have with my "community" are invaluable to me as I grow my business. They also offer a way to become known and referred to new contacts. Which then opens up new opportunities to expand my "community."
For me this is a win-win situation, and you all know that I love win-wins!
So take a moment as this year comes to a close and think about your "community"; is it as vibrant as you want, if not now is the time to invite some new members for a visit.
Cheers,
Coach Linda B
Closing out 2008 - part 2
Hi there,
I'm back after a day of technical computer glitches (actually my cable went out and I was left high and dry all day!) Oh well, that's life in a techno world - ha!
This past Saturday I met with my own personal coach - we meet once a month. I was filling her in on how I was "closing out 2008" which she found very interesting. Then she said something that just hit me, "Linda, I love the way you are lingering with all that you have done in 2008 and not just rushing through it."
For me this form of processing the year just seemed to be the right way to assess what I had done. By taking my time to look at what I wanted to do and what I accomplished I set in motion the plan on how to build toward 2009. The "lingering" was my way of figuring out what I did right and duplicate it in the new year.
The end of the year gives us a great opportunity to make changes; personal and professional. So as we move toward the end of the year, what do you want to take with you into 2009? Do you have some bad work habits that are doing you no good, now is the time to break the pattern. Don't just abandon what you are doing, instead decide what you will replace that bad habit with.
Last week I met with a few of the women from one of my networking groups. I offered them the chance to "close out 2008 and prepare for 2009". At the end of our hour together they were so excited to continue that we agreed to meet for 4 weeks to really give 2009 a strong start off!
I encourage you to consider doing the same. Find a coach and pull together some like-minded friends or business associates and create your own group! It will be the best investment you can make in your business.
Let me know how it works for you!
Cheers,
Coach Linda B
I'm back after a day of technical computer glitches (actually my cable went out and I was left high and dry all day!) Oh well, that's life in a techno world - ha!
This past Saturday I met with my own personal coach - we meet once a month. I was filling her in on how I was "closing out 2008" which she found very interesting. Then she said something that just hit me, "Linda, I love the way you are lingering with all that you have done in 2008 and not just rushing through it."
For me this form of processing the year just seemed to be the right way to assess what I had done. By taking my time to look at what I wanted to do and what I accomplished I set in motion the plan on how to build toward 2009. The "lingering" was my way of figuring out what I did right and duplicate it in the new year.
The end of the year gives us a great opportunity to make changes; personal and professional. So as we move toward the end of the year, what do you want to take with you into 2009? Do you have some bad work habits that are doing you no good, now is the time to break the pattern. Don't just abandon what you are doing, instead decide what you will replace that bad habit with.
Last week I met with a few of the women from one of my networking groups. I offered them the chance to "close out 2008 and prepare for 2009". At the end of our hour together they were so excited to continue that we agreed to meet for 4 weeks to really give 2009 a strong start off!
I encourage you to consider doing the same. Find a coach and pull together some like-minded friends or business associates and create your own group! It will be the best investment you can make in your business.
Let me know how it works for you!
Cheers,
Coach Linda B
Friday, December 12, 2008
Closing out 2008
Hi there,
Wow, it is December 12 already! I have mixed feelings about this; on one hand I am thrilled as I only have to "work" four more days after today - wahoo! But on the other hand, I only have maybe five days to complete my year. I'm actually taking time off and going away with my family this year - a big bonus!
What I need to do is look back at 2008 and evaluate my performance compared to what I set as my goals. To help you out here is how I'm going to do this:
1. List what I wanted to achieve in 2008.
2. Break this list done into two parts; what I was successful at and what I didn't complete.
3. Taking those two lists I am now going to break them down even further. On the things I didn't complete I will get specific on what I didn't do. For those that I did achieve I will look at what I did that made it work.
TAKE YOUR TIME AND BE REALLY HONEST - DON'T TRY TO MAKE THIS READABLE BY SOMEONE ELSE - THIS IS YOUR WORKSHEET
4. Now is the time to re-evaluate what worked and what didn't. If you didn't achieve something and you STILL find value in it, then plan on continuing to work toward the goal in 2009. If you don't remember why you wanted to do something you didn't complete then let it go - delete from memory - open up that space for something else.
These are the starting points to wrap up 2008 - which will help position you to prepare for 2009.
Stay tuned!
Cheers,
Coach Linda B
Wow, it is December 12 already! I have mixed feelings about this; on one hand I am thrilled as I only have to "work" four more days after today - wahoo! But on the other hand, I only have maybe five days to complete my year. I'm actually taking time off and going away with my family this year - a big bonus!
What I need to do is look back at 2008 and evaluate my performance compared to what I set as my goals. To help you out here is how I'm going to do this:
1. List what I wanted to achieve in 2008.
2. Break this list done into two parts; what I was successful at and what I didn't complete.
3. Taking those two lists I am now going to break them down even further. On the things I didn't complete I will get specific on what I didn't do. For those that I did achieve I will look at what I did that made it work.
TAKE YOUR TIME AND BE REALLY HONEST - DON'T TRY TO MAKE THIS READABLE BY SOMEONE ELSE - THIS IS YOUR WORKSHEET
4. Now is the time to re-evaluate what worked and what didn't. If you didn't achieve something and you STILL find value in it, then plan on continuing to work toward the goal in 2009. If you don't remember why you wanted to do something you didn't complete then let it go - delete from memory - open up that space for something else.
These are the starting points to wrap up 2008 - which will help position you to prepare for 2009.
Stay tuned!
Cheers,
Coach Linda B
Thursday, December 11, 2008
I think the holiday spirit just tapped me!
Hi there,
A friend and former client of mine called me the other day. She wanted to know if she could stop by and run a new business presentation by me. I said sure why not. Of course I then looked around my living room and saw the vacuum sitting there (it has been there for a couple weeks now)waiting to be used. I also realized the only holiday decoration I had out was a yarn picture of Santa with the words "I Believe" at the bottom.
We all know that I am a great procrastinator - and yes I waited until this morning at 9:30 (they arrived at 10:30) to run that vacuum and pull out some holiday stuff. Now it looks festive and I'm starting to feel holidayish! I even started my baking. I usually start that the day after Thanksgiving! I created a new cookie, a biscotti like chai flavored creation. And if I do say so myself this one is a winner!
And to top it all off I got out the Christmas CD's and started playing them. I do have to admit that I have a couple that I really wonder what I was thinking when I bought them? Perhaps they will go to a donation site after the holidays are over.
So if you're not in the mood yet, get out the CD's and pop some cookies in the oven - the aromas and tunes will help push you along.
Cheers,
Coach Linda B
A friend and former client of mine called me the other day. She wanted to know if she could stop by and run a new business presentation by me. I said sure why not. Of course I then looked around my living room and saw the vacuum sitting there (it has been there for a couple weeks now)waiting to be used. I also realized the only holiday decoration I had out was a yarn picture of Santa with the words "I Believe" at the bottom.
We all know that I am a great procrastinator - and yes I waited until this morning at 9:30 (they arrived at 10:30) to run that vacuum and pull out some holiday stuff. Now it looks festive and I'm starting to feel holidayish! I even started my baking. I usually start that the day after Thanksgiving! I created a new cookie, a biscotti like chai flavored creation. And if I do say so myself this one is a winner!
And to top it all off I got out the Christmas CD's and started playing them. I do have to admit that I have a couple that I really wonder what I was thinking when I bought them? Perhaps they will go to a donation site after the holidays are over.
So if you're not in the mood yet, get out the CD's and pop some cookies in the oven - the aromas and tunes will help push you along.
Cheers,
Coach Linda B
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Looking for the positive!
Hi there,
I'm so tired of reading, hearing, or just being near someone that feels they have to share their fear and dread of the "current economic" situation. I've said it before, I just don't want to get caught in that hamster wheel!
Yes I know that times are tough right now, Yes I know that folks are afraid. Do we have to dig a hole and hide in it? What will that do, except continue the downward trend. Instead let's look back at some folks that went through worse times than what we have now and survived.
"Let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself. "
Franklin D. Roosevelt
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."
Margaret Mead
So, are you going to be part of the problem or are you going to step up and become the solution?
I'm working on being the solution - ready to join me?
Cheers,
Coach Linda B
I'm so tired of reading, hearing, or just being near someone that feels they have to share their fear and dread of the "current economic" situation. I've said it before, I just don't want to get caught in that hamster wheel!
Yes I know that times are tough right now, Yes I know that folks are afraid. Do we have to dig a hole and hide in it? What will that do, except continue the downward trend. Instead let's look back at some folks that went through worse times than what we have now and survived.
"Let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself. "
Franklin D. Roosevelt
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."
Margaret Mead
So, are you going to be part of the problem or are you going to step up and become the solution?
I'm working on being the solution - ready to join me?
Cheers,
Coach Linda B
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
A smile goes a long way!
Hi there,
Today I conducted my own survey, how many people (strangers) will smile back at me when I smile at them?
This was really fun and I encourage you to do your own survey.
I started out on the phone (yes you can smile on the phone). I was trying to make sure my local bank branch had a notary available. When I asked my question I could tell the woman answering me was a little rushed and wasn't smiling, so I made sure I was. The whole tone of the conversation changed and within a moment or two I could sense her calm down and relax. Now, was she smiling - I'm not sure, but I know she wasn't feeling pushed by me.
My next contact was in person - I held the door open for an elderly woman and smiled at her as she went in, she smiled back. The young man inside the door saw my smile and smiled at me as he looked up and then graciously directed me to the notary! Yeah I found her and of course I greeted her with a big smile.
What I found was people want to smile if you give them a chance. When I went to my office supply store (Office Depot is where I like to shop) I spent some time wandering around with a smile planted on my face. One man stopped me and asked if I knew anything about paper brightness - so of course I helped him out. Now would he have stopped me if I walked toward him with a frown or a closed expression on my face, I doubt it.
The great side benefit of walking around with this smile was that I really felt happier, no grumps, no mutterings - I'm going to end my day feeling like it was a great day - all because of a little smile!
Try it, let me know how those around you react.
Cheers,
Coach Linda B
Today I conducted my own survey, how many people (strangers) will smile back at me when I smile at them?
This was really fun and I encourage you to do your own survey.
I started out on the phone (yes you can smile on the phone). I was trying to make sure my local bank branch had a notary available. When I asked my question I could tell the woman answering me was a little rushed and wasn't smiling, so I made sure I was. The whole tone of the conversation changed and within a moment or two I could sense her calm down and relax. Now, was she smiling - I'm not sure, but I know she wasn't feeling pushed by me.
My next contact was in person - I held the door open for an elderly woman and smiled at her as she went in, she smiled back. The young man inside the door saw my smile and smiled at me as he looked up and then graciously directed me to the notary! Yeah I found her and of course I greeted her with a big smile.
What I found was people want to smile if you give them a chance. When I went to my office supply store (Office Depot is where I like to shop) I spent some time wandering around with a smile planted on my face. One man stopped me and asked if I knew anything about paper brightness - so of course I helped him out. Now would he have stopped me if I walked toward him with a frown or a closed expression on my face, I doubt it.
The great side benefit of walking around with this smile was that I really felt happier, no grumps, no mutterings - I'm going to end my day feeling like it was a great day - all because of a little smile!
Try it, let me know how those around you react.
Cheers,
Coach Linda B
Friday, December 5, 2008
Overwhelmed and no focus?
Hi there,
What do you do when you can't seem to do anything? An interesting question that I sometimes find myself asking. So what do you do?
I like to use a process map. I'm sure I've mentioned this before, but for me this is the way to take the overwhelm out of the picture.
Start by listing everything, and I mean everything, you want to get done. The next step is to start categorizing your list. Now here comes the hard part, you have to prioritize the list. Yes this really is the hardest part of the exercise. When you are done setting the priority levels you will realize just what you need to do and what is simply taking up space and time in your life!
How do you prioritize? Start with four levels; One - must do; Two - might get hot, do it soon; Three - can wait until tomorrow ; and Four - do it when I have finished everything else.
Okay, once this is done - get rid of all level four's!!! If there is no rush and you can do it whenever why the heck is it on your list?
This is really key to the "working smarter not harder" premise. You spend your time wisely working on that which moves you forward and brings you satisfaction. Don't waste your time trying to find time to do the little stuff.
I'm starting on a MAJOR re-do on my priorities so that I start off 2009 on the right foot. I'm not wasting my time with the little things anymore.
Are you ready to join me?
Cheers,
Coach Linda B
What do you do when you can't seem to do anything? An interesting question that I sometimes find myself asking. So what do you do?
I like to use a process map. I'm sure I've mentioned this before, but for me this is the way to take the overwhelm out of the picture.
Start by listing everything, and I mean everything, you want to get done. The next step is to start categorizing your list. Now here comes the hard part, you have to prioritize the list. Yes this really is the hardest part of the exercise. When you are done setting the priority levels you will realize just what you need to do and what is simply taking up space and time in your life!
How do you prioritize? Start with four levels; One - must do; Two - might get hot, do it soon; Three - can wait until tomorrow ; and Four - do it when I have finished everything else.
Okay, once this is done - get rid of all level four's!!! If there is no rush and you can do it whenever why the heck is it on your list?
This is really key to the "working smarter not harder" premise. You spend your time wisely working on that which moves you forward and brings you satisfaction. Don't waste your time trying to find time to do the little stuff.
I'm starting on a MAJOR re-do on my priorities so that I start off 2009 on the right foot. I'm not wasting my time with the little things anymore.
Are you ready to join me?
Cheers,
Coach Linda B
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Trust it's a big deal
Hi there,
I don't expect my clients to immediately trust me. I work on inspiring this; I want them to feel comfortable sharing with me, knowing that I will keep what they say safe. Only with a sincere trust in me will my clients be ready to take chances, experience risks that they might otherwise not entertain.
From the other side I look to establish that same feeling of trust in my client. A trust that they will do what they say they will. Sometimes that trust is broken and then begins the slow road to rebuild what has been fractured.
What brought this up was a skill building call I was on Wednesday with many coaches from around the US and Canada. It was interesting hearing what each of us had to say about developing trust with our clients.
Trust can be as fragile as a china tea cup and as sturdy as a cast iron pot. Beautiful!
We ended with the thought, sometimes trust is a foursome; the client in you, the client in them self, you in the client and finally you in yourself. Who knew it could get so crowded.
So here is my question to you; what does it take for you to trust?
Cheers,
Coach Linda B
I don't expect my clients to immediately trust me. I work on inspiring this; I want them to feel comfortable sharing with me, knowing that I will keep what they say safe. Only with a sincere trust in me will my clients be ready to take chances, experience risks that they might otherwise not entertain.
From the other side I look to establish that same feeling of trust in my client. A trust that they will do what they say they will. Sometimes that trust is broken and then begins the slow road to rebuild what has been fractured.
What brought this up was a skill building call I was on Wednesday with many coaches from around the US and Canada. It was interesting hearing what each of us had to say about developing trust with our clients.
Trust can be as fragile as a china tea cup and as sturdy as a cast iron pot. Beautiful!
We ended with the thought, sometimes trust is a foursome; the client in you, the client in them self, you in the client and finally you in yourself. Who knew it could get so crowded.
So here is my question to you; what does it take for you to trust?
Cheers,
Coach Linda B
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
If the story you tell is the life you live...
Hi there,
I find this to be a very interesting thought: If the story you tell is the life you live what happens if you change your story?
When I was younger I used to tell myself that I wasn't college material. I didn't have the dedication, smarts, focus, you name it I had a story about why I couldn't go back to school. It wasn't until I was much older that I realized how much I listened to that story I was telling myself and anyone who would listen. I believed every word of it.
When I returned to school I loved it AND I was a great student. I carried a full load, worked full-time and still was able to keep up a 3.75 GPA. What I did without thinking about it is I changed my story. By doing that I was able to start believing something new and boy did that benefit me big time.
So ask yourself what is the story you are telling yourself and how does it serve you. Is this story holding you back and if so how would you like to change it.
Here is my challenge to you; write your story down and then decide if you are still comfortable with it.
Cheers,
Coach Linda B
I find this to be a very interesting thought: If the story you tell is the life you live what happens if you change your story?
When I was younger I used to tell myself that I wasn't college material. I didn't have the dedication, smarts, focus, you name it I had a story about why I couldn't go back to school. It wasn't until I was much older that I realized how much I listened to that story I was telling myself and anyone who would listen. I believed every word of it.
When I returned to school I loved it AND I was a great student. I carried a full load, worked full-time and still was able to keep up a 3.75 GPA. What I did without thinking about it is I changed my story. By doing that I was able to start believing something new and boy did that benefit me big time.
So ask yourself what is the story you are telling yourself and how does it serve you. Is this story holding you back and if so how would you like to change it.
Here is my challenge to you; write your story down and then decide if you are still comfortable with it.
Cheers,
Coach Linda B
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
NETWORKING IS SO IMPORTANT
Hi there,
I know I've said this before, but listen up; NETWORKING IS VERY IMPORTANT! If you are in business for yourself, there is no reason to go it alone and that is where networking comes in.
Tonight I was invited to attend a networking meeting with a group that I have never met before. As I was signing in a woman walks up to me and says, "don't I know you?" Turns out she had visited another networking group I'm involved with, but this time we had a chance to really get to know what each other does. Here is the important part, I now have a contact that I can refer my clients to that I wouldn't have known about if I didn't attend this meeting. Add to that the seven other people I met that also have companies that offer great referral sources for me to pass on to those I know. My solo company has now increased multi-fold, I can ask for help on topics I know nothing about, but my new experts in their fields can make me shine.
This is not a one-way street - all those I met tonight have the same benefits as me, only I'm the expert they can now call on! How cool is that?
So don't hide away waiting for business to turn around, instead get out there and meet some new people. You can never tell who will be the person to bring you that next great piece of business!
Cheers,
Coach Linda B
I know I've said this before, but listen up; NETWORKING IS VERY IMPORTANT! If you are in business for yourself, there is no reason to go it alone and that is where networking comes in.
Tonight I was invited to attend a networking meeting with a group that I have never met before. As I was signing in a woman walks up to me and says, "don't I know you?" Turns out she had visited another networking group I'm involved with, but this time we had a chance to really get to know what each other does. Here is the important part, I now have a contact that I can refer my clients to that I wouldn't have known about if I didn't attend this meeting. Add to that the seven other people I met that also have companies that offer great referral sources for me to pass on to those I know. My solo company has now increased multi-fold, I can ask for help on topics I know nothing about, but my new experts in their fields can make me shine.
This is not a one-way street - all those I met tonight have the same benefits as me, only I'm the expert they can now call on! How cool is that?
So don't hide away waiting for business to turn around, instead get out there and meet some new people. You can never tell who will be the person to bring you that next great piece of business!
Cheers,
Coach Linda B
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