Networking 101 - Make Small Promises and Keep Them

The ability to network successfully can be one of the greatest assets in business. It allows some people to find incredible opportunities, while others just watch from the sidelines. Effective networking isn't a result of luck -- it requires hard work and persistence. What does it take to be a super networker? Make small promises and keep them. No matter how small a promise you make -- such as sending an email or returning a phone call -- delivering on that promise reflects on your character. By following through on your word, you start building a reputation for trustworthiness, which is exactly how every great networker wants to be perceived. (Excerpt from Lewis Howes, November 2012.)

Networking 101 - Keep A List

The ability to network successfully can be one of the greatest assets in business. It allows some people to find incredible opportunities, while others just watch from the sidelines. Effective networking isn't a result of luck -- it requires hard work and persistence. What does it take to be a super networker? We will share some tips to make networking work for you. Keep a list. What's your routine after attending a networking event or meal? If your answer is, "I go home," you're probably going to miss out on opportunities. Write down important topics that came up at the event. This habit can help prevent opportunities from falling through the cracks and give you something to reference in conversation the next time you meet. You can also develop a reputation as someone who's on top of things. (excerpt from Lewis Howes/Nov. 2012).

Networking 101 - Share a Memorable Fact

The ability to network successfully can be one of the greatest assets in business. It allows some people to find incredible opportunities, while others just watch from the sidelines. Effective networking isn't a result of luck -- it requires hard work and persistence. What does it take to be a super networker? This month we will discuss the top habits that will make you an effective networker. Share a memorable fact. When someone asks, "What do you do?" don't give a canned elevator speech about your company and career. Mention something personal that defines who you really are. Maybe you have a passion for playing an instrument or an obsession with collecting antiques. These are also "things you do," so make it a point to share them. Such personal details can help lighten the mood and get people talking. (excerpt from Lewis Howes/Nov. 2012)

Networking 101 - Learn Their Story

The ability to network successfully can be one of the greatest assets in business. It allows some people to find incredible opportunities, while others just watch from the sidelines. Effective networking isn't a result of luck -- it requires hard work and persistence. What does it take to be a super networker? This month we will discuss the top habits that will make you an effective networker. Learn their 'story' Ask successful entrepreneurs to tell you how they got where they are. Most people think of this as an exercise in rapport building, but hearing these stories can tell you a lot about a person's approach to business. The more you understand your networking partner's mentality, the better you can add and extract value from your relationship. For example, some entrepreneurs pride themselves on working 16-hour days and doing whatever it takes, while others focus on being strategic and waiting for the right opportunities to open up. These are clues that can not only allow you to see what people value, but also what working with them might be like. (excerpt from Lewis Howes/Nov. 2012)

Networking 101 - Add Value

The ability to network successfully can be one of the greatest assets in business. It allows some people to find incredible opportunities, while others just watch from the sidelines. Effective networking isn't a result of luck -- it requires hard work and persistence. What does it take to be a super networker? This month we will discuss the top habits that will make you an effective networker. Add value. One of the most powerful networking practices is to provide immediate value to a new connection. This means the moment you identify a way to help someone, take action. If, for instance, you know someone in your network who can help a new connection with a problem, drop what you're doing and introduce the two individuals. (excerpt from Lewis Howes, Nov. 2012)

Networking 101 - Insightful Questions

The ability to network successfully can be one of the greatest assets in business. It allows some people to find incredible opportunities, while others just watch from the sidelines. Effective networking isn't a result of luck -- it requires hard work and persistence. What does it take to be a super networker? This month we will discuss the top habits that will make you an effective networker. Ask insightful questions Before attending networking events, get the names of the people who are expected to attend and search social media sites like LinkedIn to figure out which topics they're probably most interested in. For people who are already in your network, don't assume you know everything they're up to. Find out what they're currently working on -- or perhaps struggling with. This attention to detail can go a long way at your next one-on-one lunch or dinner meeting. (excerpt from Lewis Howes, Nov. 2012)

How To Work Effectively with Workaholic Bosses

Many people have bosses that are permanently glued to their desk chairs. These bosses are there when you get to work and there when you leave. So how do you ever go home without looking like a slacker? This is quite a challenge. You defintely should not sneak out and hope to avoid an awkward encounter. You should also avoid "faking it" by throwing your over coat on your chair like you just stepped away but you have really left. That could waste colleague's time if they are looking for you. An employee's first priority should be conveying that you are working hard and that you are good at your job. This requires communicating clearly and frequently about your progress and results. If you deliver what the boss needs consistently, then hours should not be a problem. Even if you do not consistently match your boss's long hours every night, it is important to work late during crises or when a major project deadline is looming. Further, extra hours at night may gain more recognition than extra hours at dawn in an empty office. Also it is important to understand what assumptions you are making about what your boss wants. If he is a morning person, he may just work better in the morning hours and not really expect the same from you. Additionally, generational gaps in the work force (often between bosses and their subordinates) exist and "face time" is certainly a phenomena that baby boomers value as opposed to Gen Y'rs who can work on their phones from anywhere on the globe. Nonetheless, great boss/employee relationships are all about setting expectations and finding what works for you both while still getting all your work done.