Networking Tips #35 Keep your eyes and ears open

You never know when you might see or hear a piece of information that might prove useful or open up an opportunity for you or someone you know.

This is why it's important to get out there and talk to people and to keep your eyes open.  Not just in a formal business environment but wherever you happen to be.

While I've been out and about:

• I've seen signs for businesses that I know will be useful to someone I know and passed them on.
• I've walked past shops that are just the thing someone I know is looking for.
• I've overheard a snippet of conversation and thought - I know the person that could help them or that would be a useful contact for ...
• I've had a conversation with someone and thought - I know just who you need to talk to.

It's not just about what you can get from your network but how you can help and connect them with other people in your network.

Ear (Photo credit: Menage a Moi)

When two heads are better than one

I had a conversation the other day with a client who had a tricky problem they'd been thinking about for a while but were stuck with what to do or how to move forward.

However, in a few minutes and after asking a few relevant and thought provoking questions, it's possible to clear a way through and find a solution to move forward.

This is something I see happening over and over again. As we become busier and more overloaded with information, it's useful to have support and advice when you're making decisions around your business or your personal life.
 
Read the full article: 'When two heads are better than one' in November's newsletter - here.

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How to manage those last minute deadlines

Do you sometimes feel that your time management would be great – if only it wasn’t for everyone else?

You’re working on improving your own productivity, you’ve changed some of your own bad habits but other people around you are still making demands on your time and it’s not helping.

They still come up with the last minute demands, they’re still piling on the pressure and the workload.

So how can you manage other people’s lack of planning and organisation when you’re now managing your time better?

Be clear about your boundaries – don't allow people to call you when you're not working or expect you to instantly respond to emails.  How often do you get called late at night or at weekends when either there's not a lot you can do or you feel compelled to fix the problem or respond to their needs?

Know when to say no - if you keep saying 'yes', they'll keep doing what they're doing.  However, if you say 'no' and explain your reasons you may be able to stop some of those last minute demands.  Yes, you want to be responsive and offer great service to your clients but you need to draw the line somewhere.

Manage their expectations - get clear from the beginning about what your working hours are, when you're available, lead times, the consequences of last minute deadlines.  Charge a premium for out of hours work or last minute rushes - especially if they're persistent offenders.

An emergency on their part doesn't necessarily constitute an emergency on your part!

Helping your clients and colleagues to work better will help you too.  You could always suggest they get in touch with me.

For more ideas on tackling productivity issues in your business - drop me an email.

Photo credit: Clock by deux-chi, on Flickr