Networking, whether it's in person or on line, is becoming more and more critical to our success. Whether we engage in networks that provide formal or informal relationships or cooperative or collaborative interactions they are unique and important to us as we move forward in our professional and business lives. The idea behind networks and networking is to be able to help each other out. Because networks are comprised of individuals who may be experts in their field or seasoned professionals or who can act as a resource when we need them, they provide a variety of benefits to us that we cannot find anywhere else.
For example, how many of you are looking for jobs or are looking to change jobs? Networks can provide you with a sounding board for your concerns and issues around your job search. They can help support you by providing you with contacts and resources. They can also provide you with a reality check around possible jobs that you may find interesting but may not be for you in the long term.
If you're looking to grow and develop your skills they can help you stay current with new trends in your field. They can offer professional support and collective problem solving, give you ideas for out of the box thinking so you can create breakthrough marketing initiatives that will propel your business to the next level.
Even with all I've just talked about, don't forget that networks can also provide you with wonderful relationships and friendships. What better way to help reduce your stress and enrich your lives that the relationships you have with others especially when they are willing to share your successes and failures and help you grow stronger from your efforts.
Reference: Performance Excellence Through Partnering, D. Van Tiem & J. Rosenzweig, 2005
Showing posts with label Interpersonal Skills. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Interpersonal Skills. Show all posts
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Monday, April 6, 2009
It's a Bear Economy. Don't Sit Back, Get Bullish About It!
Leaders, managers and business owners, if you're sitting around worrying about the economy, don't! It's not going to turn around today, tomorrow, or a few months from now. You're just plain going to have to live with it for a while. And, like it or not, we're in it until we're not. So rather than spending time fretting, why not get bullish about it and look at ways to improve your own personal outlook and that of your employees and others.
To help you, here are some tips you may want to consider.
Be optimistic. Remember, for every door that closes, another one opens and what you see on the other side could knock your socks off.
Believe it or not, this economic downturn will only hurt for a little while. It will get better, we will rise up from the ashes and for some it may even be a panacea of opportunity if you play your cards right.
Don't bury your head in the sand. Stay in the know, ask the right questions, get input from your people and make them part of the solution.
Be a risk taker. Since almost everyone is afraid to make a move, the effect of doing nothing can be devastating. Don't take stupid risks but test the waters and see if something comes up that could be even better for you.
Work closely with the people that keep you going. Whether it's your employees, clients, or customers, collaborate with them and work on new approaches to getting things done. When the economy comes back up, you'll be ahead of the game.
Reward people often for working hard, being there, and caring about the future of their jobs and the business you're in. It doesn't have to be anything expensive but it does have to be given sincerely and given freely.
Plan strategically for what comes next and include your best people in the activity. It gives them an opportunity to think strategically, to work on short and long range goals, and to see themselves as part of the future of the business going forward.
So I ask you, are you going to be a bear, curled up in your den, hoping you wake up to a brilliant sunny morning, or a bull, ready to take charge and chase down that red cape to new and even better opportunities. Remember, the choice is YOURS!
Reference: Lantz, Gayle, Take the Bull by the Horns
To help you, here are some tips you may want to consider.
Be optimistic. Remember, for every door that closes, another one opens and what you see on the other side could knock your socks off.
Believe it or not, this economic downturn will only hurt for a little while. It will get better, we will rise up from the ashes and for some it may even be a panacea of opportunity if you play your cards right.
Don't bury your head in the sand. Stay in the know, ask the right questions, get input from your people and make them part of the solution.
Be a risk taker. Since almost everyone is afraid to make a move, the effect of doing nothing can be devastating. Don't take stupid risks but test the waters and see if something comes up that could be even better for you.
Work closely with the people that keep you going. Whether it's your employees, clients, or customers, collaborate with them and work on new approaches to getting things done. When the economy comes back up, you'll be ahead of the game.
Reward people often for working hard, being there, and caring about the future of their jobs and the business you're in. It doesn't have to be anything expensive but it does have to be given sincerely and given freely.
Plan strategically for what comes next and include your best people in the activity. It gives them an opportunity to think strategically, to work on short and long range goals, and to see themselves as part of the future of the business going forward.
So I ask you, are you going to be a bear, curled up in your den, hoping you wake up to a brilliant sunny morning, or a bull, ready to take charge and chase down that red cape to new and even better opportunities. Remember, the choice is YOURS!
Reference: Lantz, Gayle, Take the Bull by the Horns
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