You Scream Support

     Over the course of seven years, I've witnessed most slack off from their inconsistent sharing of others as well as perfecting their own craft - with that I'm including myself in the mix. If you've put off time from interacting online and have struggled with identifying with your own brand, how can you scream support? From my evaluation, I've found that less than a third of people I know on social media fail to share other's successes, brands and/or products regularly.

Example of inconsistency -

ex: Janet Strong, Jewelry Consultant (this person does not exist as far as I know)

Janet utilizes social media once a week or less and expects - 50 followers a week. How do you expect that? There is something to be said about someone who expects something for nothing, we should refrain from being that person.

I've also learned that everyone will not support your cause, campaign or successes. What does that mean? It's simple, it means that either they don't recognize it as an accomplishment, they feel lack of support from you themselves or they just don't care.

So, here's what you should do:

Focus on sharing more, inviting others into your space and again networking (connecting with others through the exchange of information and connections with the purpose of expansion). What are you doing in exchange to help others? How often do your friends or followers see you supporting others? Does your brand or product interest those that you're seeking attention from?

In a world of business, we expected others to help us and fall guilty into the celebrity social media status. Being honest here, social media has somewhat ruined us with this fake narrative that people like us based on whether they do or don't like our post. I assume that those who fall into the category of true social media celebrities are the ones who are actually getting paid for their talents. My point is to not focus on status, we should focus on our talents and embrace those who can see our vision already. It may take time for some to appreciate your gifts, be willing to share what others have and have respect for them as they learn more about you.

I get it, we all need support and having someone show interest in us is a great feeling but does their interest in you weigh more than YOUR PASSION? I most certainly hope not.

Lastly, remember that those who don't have interest in your brand or product now may be drawn to it later. As entrepreneurs, creators and faces of our own particular brands, we can not take offense so easily to others. If you're complaining or throwing shade on social media who will want to embrace or support you, I've found that to be a turn-off. You can push away, your followers, viewers, listeners, and friends by verbally beating them because their response does not come when you desire it. How unprofessional is that? Do you really want to be seen as an entrepreneur or a social celebrity?

We must spend more time embracing those things that set us apart and not the likes of those who have not begun to know who we are.


Be blessed with today, happy Friday!



Sincerely,



Miriam Dixon-Davis
Creator of Networking Business Solutions

INT. VOL.2 - New Cover Reveal

I'm so pleased to announce that on Sunday, January 28th, I will be revealing the new cover for my book, Intolerable Boundaries, Vol.2. If you're looking for excitement and passion inside of a short-story, then my series is perfect for you.

Take a sneak peek inside of my first book, Intolerable Boundaries, Vol. 1, where you meet Marleena Johnston and Jonis Mitchell. This funny, sexy and smart couple will truly bring a smile to your face as you follow their romantic journey.


Follow social media outlets below to view my new cover of Int.Vol.2!

Twitter: @listener86
Facebook: N.B.S - Networking Business Solutions

Building your network and communication skills

Do you recall your time attending a company meeting, participating in a brainstorming session or sitting in a classroom where people talked over one another constantly?

You would probably be able to hear them clearly, if you talked less and listened more. However, I've noticed that even people who've attended, held executive roles or hosted all three, still may have not mastered effective communication.

Would you believe me if I stated that I experienced all three in each event listed above? I can admit to being one of those people who wanted to get my point across, by strongly voicing my opinions or just listening while quietly disagreeing. Now, I know that it was not the best way of communicating, that took me time to figure out. What I didn't realize at first is that, not having an open-mind, and selfishly dismissing the opinions of others could effect my relationships with some.

The same applies when networking - 

In order to build better networking and communication skills you must be willing to listen to others to the end of the conversation. You may find that at the end of your conversation when meeting some one new that there is a need to connect. You may also realize that you have no need to connect professionally with someone but that they might be a great referral for you or vice versa.

People would probably say that you're faking it, I strongly disagree. The first initial meeting is your opportunity to learn as much as you can about that individual. There may be instances where you have to speak with a person two or three times to see if you are able to help or exchange services. A person can easily assume that you have no interest in their service or business if they never asked. On the flip side if you never ask me about my business or services that I offered and assume that you don't need them then that is a example of broken communication.

Be selective with your connections, make sure that the person who is trying to connect with you can discuss their business and services specifically. You want to have valuable connection, that you can not only use for yourself but pass on to others. If they can't explain their business, then surely they will not be able to.

I hope that you will practice listening more, not making assumptions and asking more about someone and their business in order to build a stronger network.

- Mrs. N.B.S

"Recreating your networking approach"

When I discovered my passion

Some people say that your life really starts after college; others say after building a family and of course it could be at any one of those moments or after.

For me, everything began two years after college. I was single, getting out of relationship that was toxic, living in my second apartment and working a full-time position in higher education. My apartment was a small studio, with a walk-in closet that I loved. It was the best bachelorette pad, I guess that's the best way to refer to it. As a women, I feel that I can speak on the behalf of others when it comes to the phase "never having anything to wear" we tend to look in our closet and have a room full of clothes but it never seems as if there is enough options for us to select from.

 If you're a shoe fanatic than you could agree that the same applies. I dressed up for work everyday but once the weekend came around I didn't really have much to wear. I stopped buying jeans while replacing them with dress pants and starting purchasing blouses in place of t-shirts. Note to self: Keep your t-shirts, they are so useful in the winter and the summer. I planned on going out with my girlfriends one weekend and realized I had no casual shirts. That prompted me to go to Target; while in Target I couldn't make up my mind so I decided to look up online how to make one. After I made my first shirt, I decided to order me a screen printer which wasn't the best but it worked good enough to get the job done. It doesn't sound too appealing, I know.

However, I decided to design them online utilizing various printing companies and I sold them for a year. After leaving the position, I started working a new position that took up most of my time. I realized that having my own business was my dream. I don't regret taking that position but I do regret not taking time out to learn how to balance between the two. My whole point to this and that you can do whatever you desire. Although, I made some mistakes during that time period my desire to be a business owner never left. It actually changed from just being a clothing designer to becoming an educational advocate for the community. It became greater than I imagined and even greater than me. You need to know that you are not perfect and that it's okay if you veer off track. Sometimes you have to take the long road so that you can truly see your purpose and live the life that you always thought that you could.

Best,

- From Mrs.N.B.S

Should networking always be fun?

The other day, I sat and networked with an inspiring group of women. We are talking about mothers, wives, daughters, sisters and friends all together, discussing natural hair. You know what happens when you put nothing but sisters in one room, they're clowning, cracking jokes and they are more then willing to share their bad hair day experiences.

To fast-forward towards the end of the meeting, I had a mother tell me right before leaving that she did not like social networking. I paused in my steps, because at that moment I knew why my passion to share and educate others on professional networking was so important. She had no idea that she was already networking and had been doing so for years; within that group of amazing women.

It's important that we understand that social and professional networking is two different things. However, networking is communicating and connecting with a group of individuals with the purpose of furthering your career or enhancing your business. You should never look to network with people if you are not looking to gain knowledge, tools, a position, friendships, clients and etc. That does not mean that it can't be fun, it just means that you must do it with purpose.

There will be moments when you have to attend a conference, an executive meeting, there may be a moment where you're attending an after seven event which is more casual. It can be in passing at an art gallery, a comedy show case or on-set for a movie. My point is that you can connect with people anywhere but you must be excited and always hopeful about it because you never know what may come out of it. Networking will not always be fun but it is always necessary.


Be blessed and inspired on today,


Mrs. N.B.S

The Clique Vs. The Network

On today, I was reminded that often times we have individuals that prefer to be in cliques instead of being a part of a network. Now, I will get more in depth on my thoughts concerning this but here is the difference between the two.

"Clique" - A small group of people, with shared interests or other features in common, who spend time together and do not readily allow others to join them.

Source - Google

The key words here is do not readily. If you plan to have a private, uninviting group that focuses on appearances, comfort-based off on purely who you know and what you know then that is NOT a network.

"Network" - A group or system of interconnected people or things. Interconnected refers to those who are all connected.

Source - Google

The meanings and differences sound pretty accurate to me. I can't speak for you or anyone else but networking sounds much more attractive to me.

- This can be concerning when referring to cliques formed in an office setting or where individuals are motivated to build a professional leadership group. I can speak from my own personal experiences that becoming or being a part of a clique is something that you might want to avoid. If you desire the ability to form a successful networking partnership then you need to be open to meeting new people who have that objective at heart. Being a part of a clique happens often in work environments and that can stir up a lot of tension amongst co-workers, whether it be departmental or interdepartmental. Save your time and energy for producing quality work, building strong relationships, earning the trust of your co-workers and upper management. 

Managers be advised that you create the environment in which your employees will demonstrate professionalism and increase morale. You are the example. What you start will be what you have to finish and will be purely a representation of you.

That doesn't mean that you shouldn't be weary of those that you attach your name and brand too when building your networking circle. You have the advantage, communicate with them so that the relationship can thrive and grow. If someone has already made up their mind about you then they will automatically reject you or any information that you have to offer. Be open to the people that you come into contact with, you never know what type of skills or experience they may have. It's just like they say "Never judge a book by it's cover," you must always be willing to read the story. Ask specific questions and understand that you may not agree with what they have to say but realize that you have started a lane for communication with them. 

You have more influence over a person when your are more receptive to listening to them then rejecting them. I prefer to be the go-to person and not be the person to watch out for, There will be a time where you will need assistance from someone outside of your clique or network. You will not want to be rejected based off of how you treated them or someone that is connected to that particular person. 

There is always more to a person than what we can see or hear, keep that in mind. 

Be Blessed,

Mrs. N.B.S

Personal Vs. Professional Relationships

If you have valuable connections within your network then you need to be in constant communication them. Your network does not have to be large for it to be valuable, often times the best connections are unexpected and small. How do you know that you have a valuable network? It's when you don't have to ask repeatedly for support. 

Negative Outcomes of reaching out to your network:

Hosting an event:

If you are one to host events often and your events play a major role in how you market your business but no one in your network shows, how are they valuable connection?

Selling or offering a product or service:

You suggest or ask for individuals to share your product even it they are not interested. If no one even shares the product or services that you have, then they are not a valuable connection?

Starting a new business or venture:

You request that your connections, give a advice, give suggestions, feedback or referrals. You could ask family or friends and receive little to absolutely no responses at all. Your family and friends are exactly just that. They are not apart of your networking circle.

Keep in mind that each example that I shared does not eliminate those individuals from becoming a valuable connection it just means that they are not a valuable connection at the moment.

As a professional in general, we must be able to understand that a personal relationship and a professional relationship are different. I'm learning that you can have a personal relationship with individuals and it can be merely just that. I've also learned that if you have a professional relationship with the people who you are connected with then there is a certain level of respect given. When you have a personal and professional relationship with people that you are connected with, those people are your most valuable connections. You can accomplish so much with people when you have their respect and their friendship.

Be Blessed,

Mrs. N.B.S