What you know Vs. Who you know

If you are skilled on comparing data, navigating systems and determining how to incorporate the overall resolution to a problem, it is based on what you know. Connecting with different people who have similar interest in your ideas, thoughts and business can possibly  provide you the referral needed for a position or a new client is built on who you know.

I can tell you this because within the last 10 years out of the last 3 positions I held; 2 out of 3 were given to me based on referrals. The last recent position I left due to relocation for my family was my place of employment for 5 years.  Each one of the references I received was from a friend and past colleague I worked with at a previous company. Not to mention each connection was fully aware of my educational background, my ability to communicate and connect with anyone. I understand the importance of treating people with respect regardless of age, race, gender, mental or physical abilities and which does not determine their levels of achievements.

What you know can be a factor in many of the accomplishments that you obtain with understanding a few points:

1. THE OPENNESS TO LEARN – Becoming a blank canvas will give you the chance to make mistakes and learn in the process. As we all know, some of the most prominent and greatest success stories are from those that took risks and experienced failure.

      2. ADMIT YOUR MISTAKES- I know this can be difficult. I must admit myself that I am a work in progress on this but it will get better. Have faith and believe. It has aided me in the process of getting over my fears and learning more about varies topics.

      3. INCREASE YOUR LEVEL OF EDUCATION – If you wish to pursue a degree or attend a training course but fear the cost of taking out student loans do not stop there. There are plenty of training courses that you can take online for affordable cost and don’t forget to check your local library for online classes that are offered as well. Remember that the more training and skills you pursue the more you will get to achieving new goals and completing tasks needed to have a thriving business. 

      4. CONFIDENT IN YOUR DECISIONS – Once you make a choice to start a project or make an investment than give it your best. How can you make your creation or project better? Anything that you touch can be better if you give your best. Call or email your mentor and request some time to learn more about that particular field. Contribute anytime that you have free to volunteer and volunteer work does not always have to be in person. Utilize your technical skills and put your ideas on paper then present it to your mentor.

Who you know can be a factor in many of the opportunities you receive once you understand a few points:

1. There are certain accomplishments that you were able to make because you’ve had the assistance or help of someone.

2.   BE OPEN FOR CHANGE.

3.   SHOW YOUR APPRECIATION with follow-up emails, cards or small gifts. It will be one of the greatest investments as an entrepreneur or employee representative that you have given.

4. RESPECT YOUR INVESTMENT - When you respect yourself and your brand than you show others that there is no lacking on your end in your business. You are a walking reflection of yourself and the abilities that you possess. Start talking LESS about yourself and your associates will start talking MORE about how amazing you are. Give people a reason to like you, love you and accept those that challenge you. At the beginning most people might not like you at all or even have interest in you and that is okay.

5. SUPPORT THOSE WHO SUPPORT YOU! You will not feel as if you've wasted energy into those that have not even given you a word of encouragement. There will be people in your life that may not necessarily need a service or product that you offer. It does not matter because the process of networking does not always mean that I should always see a self-serving benefit. Show up to an event, refer someone else to them that can help them earn a sale or offer you volunteering. If you feel uncomfortable with supporting them in their journey of successes than what benefit have you gained from your connection with them. You became a walking promotional tool when you discussed their business with someone else that was looking for their services, right? Than show some love, what do you have to lose?

You have to show and prove at the end of the day. That's what makes you so great in your business, position and maintaining your reputation.

Thanks for your continued support and I wish you all the best.

Sincerely,

Mimi

Crossing Tides Part #2 PUSH

Typically, we meet someone and build a relationship just based on a connection. Our thoughts are that it might be a sign or possibly a relationship of value where something can be gained from it. I do believe that business and personal relationships can offer new ideas of interest and increase our desires to accept challenges in our life that we normally wouldn't go after.

A PUSH can be referred to as a form of encouragement to motivate us to see beyond what is visible in our current state of mind.

If your new relationship displays a vision that you never thought was possible than their is no reason that you shouldn't pursue this new discovery and brace yourself for exploring.

"I wake up each day at odds with myself because working a nine to five was never apart of my long-term plans. While walking into the building where my office is located a man stood and he handed me a new opportunity to enter a life of entrepreneurship. Later that week, I decided to attend the seminar being held in the area near by my office. Success stories were shared by veteran entrepreneurs in real estate and my first thought was this is my chance to live a dream that almost died."

"Speaking into a mic every morning and entering the station to prepare for my show is the highlight of my day. Presenting my listeners with the news on the latest entertainment and updates or getting callers to check in with questions based on topics for the day excites me. I love hearing feedback from the fans. Today was different and I felt as if my connection with the public needed to be stronger and more presence was needed. An associate of mine offered me a new opportunity to create a online series and although being on camera is far from my comfort zone this might be the chance to build up my reputation."

"Social gatherings can lack intimacy when your trying to meet people or network. Loud music and tight crowds with dark settings might cause you to doubt the potential reward that might stem from an event. Tonight I attended this affair to promote my new clothing line for dresses for women of all sizes. I thought that the best way to get responses or increase interest in my product would be to wear one of my designs there. After spending an hour passing out business cards and showing pictures of my sample line it lead to the upcoming weeks being very prosperous for me."

Note to self - Keep PUSHING!

N.B.S

Crossing Tides

Lessons on intertwining business & professional relationships

My Best Friend's Business 

"A friend offered me an opportunity to make additional income which I thought would be beneficial to me and my family. I never considered that our friendship would be at risk later. In the beginning process of starting my career I agreed to do some work for her and it continued for a while. Recently, I was unable to fulfill a task that was asked of me due to an uncontrollable situation. I reached out to her to try to apologize but that only made things worse. Our exchange of words lead to a argument and the ending result left us with a ruined friendship."

Your friendship must be strong enough to endure any obstacles. In business, you are responsible for providing a service and people are counting on you to meet their professional expectations. If the business relationship fails, your personal relationship should not suffer. Everyone has their own feelings on the level of drive needed to experience successes. The amount of effort needed should be expressed to your professional associate in order to hold them accountable. The first moment that you offered the opportunity is the moment that you crossed that personal boundary.

My Significant Other's Expectations 

"Right now I'm dating my co-worker and at times it can be testing. I feel like I have to be on pins and needles every time an attractive woman walks in the building. Now having her there is a perk she understands what I deal with because we work together and often can assist me with requested task asked of me by executive management. Seeing each other everyday all day is not healthy and some separation time is needed."

When you select a mate you look for someone that is interested in being your partner, maybe or maybe not. There are perks to working with your lover and there are downers that can break you apart. You must communicate with your partner the importance of space and act on creating space. In order for you to be productive and accomplish your goals within a business or organization you must set standards by acting on them consistently.

My family Over Everything

"I hired my cousin for a position at the factory because we have a great relationship, wrong decision. Recently, my cousin started being late and calling off for days at a time with excuses of being ill. I noticed the other day on Facebook that he attended a party and obviously forgot that I follow him on social media. I'm starting to regret the fact that I hired him and unfortunately I will be firing him do to lack of performance. I know that this is going to affect our relationship."

Having something to pass down to your children or to other family is important.When you own your own business or invest a great amount of time within a company your expectations for those that work for you are usually high. You should communicate with your family member the expectations that you have before you offer the position. Hold them accountable at the beginning so they have no excuses but to go the extra mile or turn down the opportunity.

Crossing Tides Part #1


-N.B.S

Networking on Main Street in St. Charles, Missouri

Today I decided to attend a networking event in Saint Charles, Missouri which is not too far away from where me and my family reside. The event was held at Little Hills Winery on 501 South Main Street where the hosts and hostesses greeted me at the front entrance with warm smiles. 

My first thought was that maybe I was dressed too casual for this event. Before I could think twice about leaving the hostess escorted me up stairs to their Loft. Once I reached the top of the stairs I was greeted by Mrs. Pat Eberhardt, Member of the St. Charles Chapter of Women's Power Networking (WPN) in Missouri and she welcomed me with open arms. 

I had the chance to network with over 10 entrepreneurs and we took turns sharing the professional services that we all offered. In the process of discussing our past, present and future goals it dawned on me why I was able completely eliminated my fears. By building yet again another foundation outside of my comfort zone. This was only the beginning to building new personal and professional relationship with these ladies; by breaking the ice. It really felt great. We exchanged business cards and goodbyes. I was even offered additional contacts for other entrepreneurs that may be in need of social media assistance.

The message of today is focusing on stepping outside of your comfort zone. Express your interest and be clear about the services you provide. Share any contacts or referrals that you might have so that other connectors can benefit from them. You should not be afraid to shake hands, smile and show your appreciation for the open invitation.


After the WPN Cocktails & Contacts event, I was able to walk along the St. Charles Main Street landmark and take pictures of the small shops, restaurants, historical buildings and the winery. (Images Below)

If your interested in becoming a member of the (WPN) Women's Power Networking, St. Charles Chapter review their group on http://www.meetup.com/Coffee-and-Contacts-Kirkwood/members/13413454/ and click join.     


Best Wishes,


N.B.S

Mix Your Network

Considered changing the scope of your business? Took a leap of faith? Uncertain of your next job position? 

It's okay because you JUST took a leap of faith, changed the scope of your business and made certain that you had additional income. Never apologize for the changes that you make just be wise in your next approach. It should be adding value to your life and making you happy. 

Allow yourself the freedom to meet new people and exchange contacts. Be sure to offer your services and inquire on other services of those that share your interest.

Take A Chance Today!

Convert Your Challenges into Successes

       I recall the last 2 years as being challenging and quit rewarding. I had the opportunity to volunteer and support some really amazing events. My work became more intense considering that my attention needed to be focused more towards my students. By accepting that challenge; it prepared me for my new role in conducting seminars. My desire train and teach is growing day by day. I will be hosting the first "Resume and Covet Letter Writing" seminar in 2014. This may sound small to you but for me its a goal accomplished.-That's Huge!                                                                                                                                                        
There is nothing more fulfilling to me than being able to help a group of people. There is no challenge too BIG to overcome. Many people may think less of you or even doubt you but that doesnt claim your success. You are the product and what you provide as a service will show. No convincing is needed. Convert your challenges into successes!                                                                                                              


   Best,
 Mimi D                                                                      

Working Up The Nerve

In the middle of the day I tend to come up with the most random ideas. I think about mountain climbing or moving to an international county. There are so many different emotions and thoughts that we experience daily due to fear or views based on the majority of the world’s opinions. I believe that this handicaps us and keeps us from creating miracles.

Those random thoughts or ideas that we have, just might be the key to our success and possibly a blessing. I choose to focus more on trying and actually completing the things that normally I’m unsure of. The possibilities and benefits are endless and priceless but I must attempt to do them first. 

Sincerely,

Mimi- N.B.S