Time Management and Productivity Blog: January 2011

Networking Tips #2 - Your One Minute - Part 2

Following on from my earlier blog post on your Elevator Speech, here are some additional tips to craft your message and make a good impression.

Try not to talk from a script - while it can stop you fumbling for words, a written page of notes is likely to last longer than a minute and you'll sound like you're - well, reading from a script. Write down a few bullet points on a card as a prompt.

Try different versions and see which sounds best. Adjust the content to your audience. If you regularly attend the same meeting or meet the same people, it helps to keep it fresh and interesting. Think about the benefits you offer and the problems you solve.

Who you do it for? Who are your clients and customers - what type of people are you looking to work with. "Who do you know who ... " Will people understand the type of business you're looking for once they've left the meeting.

What's different about you? What makes you different from all the other people out there who do what you do? Think about the added value that you give to your clients and customers, perhaps you specialise in a particular area or only work with a certain group of people.

Do you have any special offers people might be interested in? Mention this at the end and not as the entire one-minute. It encourages people to get in touch and find out more.

The intention of your one-minute is to leave people thinking "I need some of that" or "I know someone who needs what you do".

Remember: Networking takes time - don't expect instant results.

M.A.D. The Ostrich Factor

"This looks like some good sand in which ...

Image by quinn.anya via FlickrThere's a well known saying that ostriches hide their heads in the sand to avoid predators on the basis that if they can't see it, it can't see them.

We use it to describe someone who is avoiding something unpleasant or something they don't want to face up to. It doesn't mean that the unpleasantness is going to go away - it's still very much there.

Someone made a comment the other day that someone had avoided doing my Time Audit because they were worried about what it might tell them. Now there's avoid technique at it's best.

Isn't it better to admit your short-comings, face up to the reality and be able to do something about it rather than continue in blissful ignorance.

Yes it can be tough admitting that we not perfect. However, once you've acknowledged your shortcomings at least you can start to do something about them.

Change doesn't have to be scary and you won't get anywhere being an ostrich.

Networking Tips #1 - Your One Minute, Elevator Speech

Going to a networking meeting can be scary - especially when you're new in business and new to networking.

Most groups will give you the opportunity to introduce yourself - often known as the elevator speech or one-minute, because that's how long you've got to get your business message across.

When doing your one-minute - here are few tips:

Prepare - know what you're going to say in advance, not in the few panicked moments before you stand up.

Take a deep breath before you start. Speak slowly and clearly - when people are nervous they're likely to speak too fast, and garble or mumble their words.

Stand up (if you're not already) - not only will people be able to see you but your voice will carry further.

Speak up - in a room full of people your voice will be lost if you speak in a normal speaking voice - especially if you're competing with any background noise.

Say who you are! Sounds obvious but I've heard people launch into what their business does without saying who they are or even the name of the business. Repeat your name and business again at the end.

What do you do? Keep It Simple. We don't need to know all the ins and outs and detail. You've only got one minute. Pick up on one or two key elements of your business.

Practice - the more you do the easier it gets.

Look out for more tips on getting the most from your networking online and offline:

M.A.D. Blue, Blue Monday

Today is the day commonly known as Blue Monday.

Around now the credit bills have arrived to remind of us the money we haven't got that we spent over Christmas.

The Causes of The Great Depression / FDR Memor...

Image by Tony the Misfit via Flickr

The stresses and strains of Christmas have resulted in relationship fallouts and even break-ups.

You've probably already given up some of those New Year Resolutions.

You've had your first full week back at work after the Christmas and New Year break and the gloss of the holiday has worn off and it's a long time until the next one.

The days are still short - it's probably dark when you go to work and dark when you get back home.

... And then there's the weather - which just happens to be cold and very wet today (at least here in the UK).

Fear not – there’s a whole new year ahead of you.

The days are already getting longer and it's lighter in the evenings.

Why wait until the summer for a holiday? Arrange a weekend away before then. Plan several holiday’s this year instead of saving up all your holiday for one summer holiday and take short breaks.

Make the most of the daylight and get out into the fresh air when you can – nothing like a little wind and rain to blow the cobwebs away on a brisk walk – even if it’s down to the shops in your lunch break.

Write down three things to be grateful for. You've probably got more than most.

If you want to change something - decide what it is you want and create a way to achieve it

Focus on what you’ve got, not what you haven’t and make the most of the simple things in life.

Download my free Life Balance Wheel for an extra boost of motivation and inspiration.

January Newsletter: How To Achieve Success In 2011

Well, we're full of New Year promise and all the expectation for the year ahead. Of course it's the time of year when some of us are setting New Year Resolutions.

- This year I'm going to get fit ...
- This year I really am going to lose weight ...
- This year I really am going to stop smoking ...
- This year I'm going to take a proper holiday ...
- This year I'm going to ...

Are you the sort of person who always sets New Year Resolutions but has usually given them up by February?

For those of you who need a helping hand here are a few tips...

You can read the rest of the article in this month's newsletter, just register on my website or click here.

Free tips, advice, information and news on how to improve your time management for your business and personal life, direct to your inbox.

Five Big Questions

Another inspirational movie from Box of Crayons

M.A.D. Look Back And Review

Sometimes when we continuously look to the future or strive for something, it's hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel or we forget how far we've come and what we've achieved.

Get into the habit of looking back at the progress you've made.

Image by ecstaticist via FlickrIf you regularly review your goals, it's easier to look back and see just how much you've achieved.

Look back at what you achieved last year.

Look back at where you were 5, 10, 15 years ago - how far have you come? What have you learned in all that time?

How much have you developed physically, mentally, emotionally and financially?

Now look forward to this year and think about what you'd like to achieve. What would you like to do differently? How would you like to change?

Need a helping hand? Take a look at the Life Balance Wheel.

The Eight Irresistible Principles of Fun

I've 'known' Michael Bungay Steiner and Box of Crayons for probably as long as I've been running my own business. I came across this inspirational little film again today and wanted to share it with you.

It's a great reminder - especially at the start of a New Year.

The Eight Irresistible Principles of Fun

M.A.D. How To Achieve Your New Year Resolutions

Write it down. Actually writing down what you want to achieve makes it more real. Get it out of your head and commit it to paper.

Be really specific – include exactly WHAT is it you want and WHEN you aim to achieve it by. Exactly how much weight do you want to lose? How fit is fit? How much money do you want to earn and when? What does your ideal job look like? Open ended, general goals give you a get out clause.

Plan for it. If you want to get fit or lose weight you need to set it as a priority and make time in the week to do it. Exercise first thing in the day – get out for a run/walk or go to the gym before you start work or when you get home. Use your lunch break to get out

Stop wasting time. We all have a tendency to waste time in our day. Even when we feel we don’t have a minute to spare. Look at where you’re spending your time and you’ll find you waste time on email, phone calls, interruptions, tasks that over run, time spent on social networking sites, watching TV. Set a time limit for these task and stick to it. Use the time you save to work on your resolutions.

Tell someone – you’re more likely to do something about it if you know someone else knows about it. They can also hold you accountable and give you a different perspective and a balanced view. They’ll also encourage you along the way.

Kick start your year and those New Year Resolutions with a Time Audit session.

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