Networking Tips #33 It's not all about you

A major 'don't' at a networking meeting is to spend the whole time talking about your own business, what you do and then pushing for business.

No one enjoys being on the receiving end of a 'sales pitch' and it's more likely to put them off wanting to do business with you and make them quickly move on.

Ask more questions.  Find out about the person in front of you - who they are and what they do.  From the answers to your questions, you might find that there is an opportunity for you to work together but don't assume and don't expect it from the first conversation.

After all you don't meet, get engaged, get married, have babies - all on the first date!

It's the same in business - don't ask for their business the moment you meet.  Find out if you're a good fit first.

By all means follow up with more information on their services - but only if it's appropriate or if they've asked for it.  Don't automatically add them to your mailing list or spam them with your marketing messages.

As you'll have read in previous tips, networking is about getting to know people, building a relationship and then having the opportunity to do business.

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Related articles

• Networking Tips #31 Be Selective (clareevans.blogspot.com)
• Networking Tips #32 But I don't know anyone (clareevans.blogspot.com)

Back to school - time saving skills

We spend so much time at our keyboards, reading and capturing information that if you can find a way to reduce that time, not only will you work more efficiently but you'll be able to get more done and spend that time on other things.

Computer skills - Most of us know how to use word-processing and spreadsheet applications but how much do you take for granted. ...

Touch typing ...

Speed reading ...

Mindmaps ...

Read the full article: 'Back to school - time saving skills' in this September's newsletter - here.

Each month's newsletter gives you tips, information and resources to help grow your business and improve your work life balance - direct to your inbox.

You can get the latest issue and a Free Report - "7 Essential Time Tips" by entering your details in the box on the right.

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Your diary and scheduler - paper or electronic?

It's really a case of finding what works for you and there's nothing old school about using a paper based planner.  Using pen and paper can be the best tool, as I find it engages the brain more effectively than just using a screen and keyboard.

Having a bit of techie background - I'm all for having an electronic planner that you can effortlessly sync your phone, laptop, tablet etc. In theory great but when it doesn't work - not so great.

However, I use both.  My phone syncs with my computer but I also use a paper diary - I resorted to this when I had problems with my phone not syncing to my computer.  I prefer to write things down and the more tactile nature of a pen on paper.  Not only is it a lot quicker writing down an appointment than scrolling through the options on a phone but I also use my paper diary for my action list and notes.

Yes you need to keep them both up to date but it only takes a few minutes each week and you can make it part of your daily planning time.

What's your preference?

Related articles

• Workstation: Pen and Paper, Still Practical in the Office - Workstation (nytimes.com)

 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Dealing with the challenges of working from home

There are many challenges of working from home - not only trying to run your own business but also creating a work focused environment.

Here are a few ways to deal with them:

• Structure your day, so you know what needs to be done - you stay focused and motivated throughout the day.

• Take breaks when you need to but don't mix personal and work time too much.

• Avoid feeling guilty that you should be working when you're at home or you should be with the children when you're working - by creating clear boundaries between work and home - not just physically but mentally. 
  

• Boundaries are important for your family, friends and neighbours who may take the opportunity or make assumptions that because you're working from home you're 'available'.

• When you're at home and not working, don't get distracted by the computer in the corner or the draw of email.

• Get out and about- working at home can be isolating - don't spend all your time in just those four walls.  Networking is a great way of getting out and meeting other business owners - exchanging ideas or just getting support.

• A change of scenery can help - spend a day a week working somewhere other than your home.  Co-working areas are popping up everywhere - even your local cafe or hotel can make a welcome change away from your usual distractions.

 If you'd like to create your own work from home structure or to find ways of dealing with your own 'working from home' challenges - get in touch.

Office. redux (Photo credit: Louis Abate)

Related articles

• How to Define a Bulletproof Work-at-Home Mindset (dumblittleman.com)
• Liberating or Isolating - working from home? (clareevans.blogspot.com)

Procrastination: epic time-wasting

Came across this article recently:

Procrastination: Readers' tales of epic time-wasting

I'm sure we can all come up with instances of 'epic-time wasting' and those embarrassing moments we'd rather forget due to our own mis-management of time.

It's certainly a challenge that many of us have faced at one point or another and it's a challenge that many people are struggling with.  The topic of procrastination has certainly formed the basis for many newsletter articles.

You're not alone - once you understand the reasons you procrastinate, the impact it has and what you can do about it, you can start making better sense of your priorities and make better choices with your time.

How big a problem is procrastination in your life?  Find out with a Time Audit.

(Photo credit: Reynante Martinez)