Do you take your own advice?
Consultants love cliches…
“Think outside the box."
"Get out of your comfort zone.”
Sheesh!
What do those things mean anyways? I catch myself almost giving advice, all the time! But, before I give you an idea about how you can "grow your business, by growing your network," I ask myself, “Do I really do what I’m about to advise someone else to do?”
This is especially when people ask me about networking. It’s definitely NOT my favorite thing to do, when you define it the old fashion way… going to a mixer, bringing your business cards, giving your elevator pitch.
When people ask me “What’s the best Social Network to be posting on for their business. Or if they should blog. Or make a podcast.” My answer stays consistent… only if you actually want to do it, will you actually do it! Sheer will-power may get a few posts up, but in a short period of time your natural tenancies will take over, and you’ll drop it. And that feels bad… To start something, invest your time and money, not get momentum and let it fade away.
What feels good is when you can watch something grow: see the numbers of subscribers increase, track your clicks, watch your fans, followers, friends increase. All this leads to the goal of getting people to know about you and your business. Creating sales. Being hired.
And even more than the digital, notice your comfort in situations that used to feel uncomfortable. Introducing yourself. Showing up somewhere alone. Reaching out to someone new… those are great life skills… great business skills.
So when I think about Networking, the kind of networking I actually LIKE, I think of going to dinner, meeting friends and their friends, making calls and actually TALKING to people!
Enjoy yourself… and you'll find yourself actually showing up consistently.
Green Coatings and Asbestos and Lead Abatement Expert
10 年Hi Jodi - I always try to take my own advice, somehow my gut knows more than my overloaded brain!
Interactive Workshop Facilitator + Leadership Development Coach
10 年Ha, thanks Costa & Jamarie. Yes, I meant business cards. I'm trying to think if I've ever whipped out my credit card at a networking event to hire someone on the spot... nothing comes to mind.
Executive Creative Director // Brand Filmmaker // Marketing Leader
10 年What you wrote is so true Jodi! I go back often to my own blog and client lessons regularly to make sure that I am following my own advice. And..it's correct that we must do what's right for us. One of the keys to discover what works though is to try on what has worked for others and adapt it to what suits us. And..although you may have meant 'business cards' -- credit cards are often necessary to attend networking events..so both apply!!:)