July 15, 2012

Six tips to make networking at an event easy and enjoyable

By JaneFrankland | business start ups, Established business, New business, video | 5 Comments

Networking is the key to success in business

I recently attended an event and was inspired by Claire Brummell from Feminine 1st when she spoke about networking. Her presentation reminded me that for some people networking is second nature but for others it’s hard work, tedious and nerve racking. Both parties, however, recognise that networking is the key to success in business. So how can you enjoy it and master it if you’re feeling overwhelmed when attending an event?

1. Look approachable and smile

This is such a simple, basic rule, yet so many people don’t even think to do it. I’m not going to give you a hard time, for if you’re anxious it’s probably the last thing on your mind. However, in order to succeed at networking you need to overcome this and look approachable. No one warms to a scowling, serious face. A smile, on the other hand is incredibly welcoming.

2. Use body language and mirroring

Let’s be honest here, joining a group can be awkward even for the pros. One of the best ways to do this is by quietly approaching the group and standing on the peripherals. I wouldn’t recommend introducing yourself immediately unless asked to. Rather, I would suggest listening attentively and mirroring the group’s body language. What you’ll find is that soon enough the group will open up and invite you in to participate.

3. Use the event facilities as your aid

Coffee and tea areas are a perfect place for striking up conversations, and mundane conversations are usually good to get a dialogue going. Once you’ve struck up a rapport you can then ask more pertinent questions, for example, why are they at the event, what do they hope to get out of it, what do they do etc.?

4. Ask for an introduction

Asking someone else to make an introduction is probably the easiest way to network and I’d thoroughly recommend it. Let someone else do the legwork! Obviously if you’re at a large event then this probably isn’t practical, but for smaller events it is.

5. Ask interesting questions and be interested

Asking interesting questions is one of the fastest ways to build not only your credibility but also rapport. Furthermore, it’s a lot easier than bargaining with an opinion.

Most people love to talk about themselves. If you can get people to discuss their experiences and opinions and listen with genuine interest, giving them your full focus and attention you will build immediate rapport and trust. Be authentic, share your passions and help other people feel good about themselves.

6. Be generous and helpful

It’s incredibly refreshing to have someone offer to make an introduction or connection or share some useful information at an event. Remember, if you do this; follow up, as you’ll be seen as an action taker, dependable and a person of their word.

In the comments below, tell me how you get on with networking and what methods or techniques you use. Let me know what action you'll take as a result of watching this video and reading this post too. I'd love to hear.

Thank you, as always for reading, watching and contributing here. If you found this useful, please share it with your friends!

With love and gratitude,

July 3, 2012

Dealing with a time management objection

By JaneFrankland | business start ups, Established business, Lifestyle, New business, Selling | 7 Comments

Excuses: I'm time frazzled!

Excuses, excuses, excuses – I've heard my fair share of them and I have to say that time is often top of the list. So, how do you deal with this when someone gives it to you as a reason for not doing something? This short blog answers that question. I've written it with the aim of providing you with some useful tips and also to help you see things from the point of view of the time frazzled person that you're dealing with.

Understanding the time management problem

So, firstly, let’s get honest here about not having enough time. Who feels like there are never enough hours in the day to get it all done? I for one often do, and I know that I’m not alone. Most of us regularly feel overwhelmed as we’re increasingly leading hectic lives.

Whilst technology may have become our ally on many levels it’s also made things a lot worse. Being the ‘devil in disguise’ to a certain extent, mobile technology advancements have meant that we’re now expected to be contactable (and in some cases working) all the time, whether we’re in a job, running our own business or just being a parent.

The top reasons why things don’t get done

We procrastinate
We get distracted
We can’t say no
We don’t delegate or outsource
We can’t let go as we’re perfectionists
We take on too many commitments and spread ourselves too thin
We can’t accurately estimate how much time something is going to take
It's not important enough to us

How to reclaim control and deal with the no time objection

So what can you do to help yourself and combat this time management challenge? How can you reclaim control and deal professionally with the ‘I've got no time' objection?

Well, one of the first things you need to be aware of is that this is an excuse. Time is just a statement of priority. We all have 24 hours in the day to get done what we want/need to get done. I for one find this incredibly exciting as it really does put all of us on a level playing field. What this actually means is that what we do with our 24 hours is simply up to us! We have to own this and take responsibility for it!

Like everyone else, we prioritize. We choose to do whatever we want to do with our time. Time is like currency – we trade it – choosing to give something up in order to do something that is more of a priority to us, our business or our family. If something is important to us, we will always make time.

I'm hoping this is all making sense to you by now. The final thing I want to say on this subject is simply to encourage you to be honest with those that you’re speaking to. If they are struggling, or getting stressed be there to help. We all need it sometimes!

In the comments below, tell me how you deal with the ‘I've got no time' excuse. Let me know too how you prioritize your time and overcome your time management challenges. Is there anything that you regularly choose to give up or sacrifice in order to get something done that is more of a priority to you, your business or you family? And, finally let me know what action you'll take as a result of watching this video and reading this post too. I'd love to hear.

Thank you, as always for reading, watching and contributing here. If you found this useful, please share it with your friends!

With love and gratitude,

June 5, 2012

What to consider first before starting a business

By JaneFrankland | business start ups | No Comments

What to consider first when starting a business

I've spent a long time in business and I've seen so many people race into starting a business without even considering the basics. The most important thing you need to think about before anything else when starting out is to ask yourself the following things:

Why are you going into business?
Are you prepared to spend 10x more time, energy and effort than you were in your job?
Do you have a relentless persistence and a burning desire to do this?
What would it mean to you if you didn't do it?
How good are you at dealing with failure and rejection?
Are you competitive and someone who likes to win?
Do you enjoy self development?
What will you sacrifice in order to do this?

Going into business demands from your intelligence an unwavering application. Furthermore, it demands from your emotions courage, patience and growth. It is not for everyone! In all honesty, it's not for the vast majority.

Dispelling a myth

Firstly, not all business owners are rich! So many people go into business for the wrong reasons, e.g. they think that it’s the best way to make money or they are trying to escape from their job. However, if this is you then you're immediately set up for failure. When you go into business you have to believe in it with all your heart. You have to have passion, you have to have stamina AND you have to be able to think out of the box! Take it from me – it’s incredibly tough to run a business and it’s risky! Remember most businesses fail.

Although that sounds a bit bleak, many people start businesses and are successful. Running your own business gives you lots of advantages as you can work it around you and your family. The vital thing in business is that nothing gets in your way of delivering a great service to your clients. People who want to make a difference start some of the best businesses in the world, or they simply see a gap in the market and are driven to fill it. And this could be you!

So when you are considering starting a business think about everything and as my mentor told me ‘don’t chase the paper, chase the dream!' She got it from P Diddy!

In the comments below, tell me how you are getting on with starting your business. Let me know where you are at with it. Is there anything that you struggling with or need help on? And, finally let me know what action you'll take as a result of watching this video and reading this post too. I'd love to hear.

Thank you, as always for reading, watching and contributing here. If you found this useful, please share it with your friends!

With love and gratitude,