Collaborating - The Real Art Behind Networking

The Olden Days ...
Once-upon-a-time there was a notion in the business community that it was a good idea to attempt to be all things to all people. Of course since you are here and you are still reading, its likely that you will understand this simple observation.
Specializing... in everything...is what used to be called Generalizing.

Whichever way you cut it, if you are doing 'Everything', you are doing some things better than others. Unfortunately people in business need you to be the best at what you do.

Okay. You may be wondering something like... "So...since I can't be all things to all people, and since we all know that people in business need assistance in a whole lot of areas...Then how do I help my clients get what they need, without moving too far from my area of specialty?"

Quite simply put, you ally yourself with other people who are good at what they do...and have a similar set of values and expectations like you and like your clients.

But It Isn't For Sissies.

Collaborating to compete is not an idea that will appeal to everybody. It takes a certain kind of courage to stand up and articulate in clear and honest terms what you stand for and what you do. And what you don't do. Just as it takes a
certain type of courage to walk away from business that is really not your strength.

And its because of that certain kind of courage that you separate yourself from the pack. It is what makes you a specialist. And if that is you...then you can be proud. In a world where many are more interested in the short-term, limited gain and are unable to see past their own limited field of vision, you have set yourself apart. And that is precisely what business owners need.

Share the courage.

And let's get started.
If you have a service that business owners need
If you are willing to put the client's interests first
If you are open to allowing your clients to learn
about the things they need to improve their business
And you are actively ready to participate in a collaborative marketing process to leverage your opportunities and help your clients achieve their desired outcomes.

Contact me now and see how much better two heads can be, compared to one.

Social Networking - What It Is

Here's a great short video on social networking. If you've ever wondered what it is...or how to explain it to friends, send them over for a look at this.

Facebook - But Which Face?

There are miles of text written each day on the various social networking sites. Large among them, in recent times, is Facebook.

A little more social and a little less 'buttoned-up' than other networks, like LinkedIn, the question arises as to how much of "you" should you reveal in these online situations?

Anyone who has been involved in social networks online for any length of time will probably agree, that to maintain a fictitious character over time is not only going to be hard to do - it is likely to be a waste of time. People bond online, in much the same way that they may do so in a face to face situation. Simply put, the truth, whatever that is, or at least the vibe that we send out into the netosphere, if it is to be consistent over time will give you away, no matter what your intentions.

Spooky, but there you have it.

Trying to second-guess what people might like 'better' than your 'real' self, is a game for mugs.

Get out there. Be who you are when you aren't worried about it, and add something to the social networking fabric. Of course if you have nothing at all to add, you can keep that to yourself too!

LinkedIn and Left Out?

The world, if you believe the mountain of opinion on the internet currently, is about to witness a revolution in the form of social network wars. Facebook, LinkedIn... numerous other bit players whose names are forgettable...who will win?

Never mind the platforms, at the end of the day, the only thing that matters is people. What platform ultimately 'wins' (in the unlikely event that only one is left standing), is merely technology. People are what counts. Without the people, the technology is worthless.

Great networking tools, won't make someone with no social skills, great at networking. Without a genuine liking for the people one networks with, there can be no relationship. Without a relationship, networking is doomed to be nothing more than a name collection hobby. Of course, having a relationship is no guarantee either, that constructive use of the network will happen.

These are extra issues that require a clear understanding of the rules of the engagement, a willingness by all players, and a level of trust to experience and work through issues till the network partners get it right.