by Drew Stevens, Ph.D.

To obtain business in today’s ridiculously busy and competitive world requires being visible so that potential clients see you in action. Business networking is the process of meeting other people and exchanging resources for mutual gain. Business networking forms the basis of business relationships. Small businesses rely heavily upon effective networking practices to win important investors, customers and partners. Your ability to network well is one of the factors that may not only differentiate your business but also ensure its survival.

The problem with networking is that many individuals don’t enjoy it because it takes them from their comfort zone. Most people are more comfortable conversing with those they know and meeting new people is simply an annoyance. 

by Drew Stevens, Ph.D.

The devastating impact of the recession is hopefully nearing an end and as it does changes begin to take precedent. During every recessionary period there are changes in politics, economics, technology and even demographics. Yet many do not often speak of the changes in talent. Yes, with the numerous organizations now needing people to drive new production numbers and those “survivors” seemingly desirous to take a leap there will be many changes in the year 2012. The following are some of these changes to be aware of throughout the remainder of this year:

There are times when you will fight like hell and the solutions and dreams you desire do not go your way. Life is difficult; if it weren’t we would not meet challenges and understand how to cope. However it is not the obstacle that is the issue but the manner in which we handle it.

You have choices and it is the path you take that determines your future. Take Roy for example a former abused child. Roy had three choices growing up a) have children and beat on them, b) use drugs or alcohol to fend off the post traumatic affects of the beating or c) mature into a fine business man and never look back. He took the most plausible road possible.

by Drew Stevens, Ph.D.

With the dawn of a new economy and a new year there are many individuals that continue to suffer and seek work. However there is a reason why some continue to struggle while others fight for positions. The rationale is sales and marketing.

Clearly our business landscape has been altered by numerous factors but those most influential while also uncontrollable are political, economic and technical changes. These systems create reaction by certain organizations and innovation for others. Yet most pressing is that these issues create trends for the coming months and perhaps next few years and small business attempts to emerge from recessionary issues.

By Drew Stevens, Ph.D. 

Have you ever encountered a businessperson that constantly complains yelling about how business is down and the economy, politics, technology and other factors seem to stress them out? Have you experienced selling professionals that blame goals, territory and commissions on everything? 

Confidence

1. Share learning gaps and fears. The only way to establish cross-functional objectives is to immediately get out of the way fears and barriers.

1. Defining Team Ground Rules in addition to individual goals. Explain how each individual adds to the collective goal. It takes hundreds of people to build a data center each with their functional expertise. Explain how each person is a piece of the organizational puzzle for job completion.

1. Tackle issues immediately. Do not allow the cross functional group to harbor on issues this delays data and ruins the collaboration of the team.

1. Implement Accountability. There is a domino effect when people fail milestones. Hold people accountable to achieve the overall mission.

1. Settle disputes quickly. People will harbor issues but the job must be completed. Let issues end as quickly as they begin.

1. Welcome diverse opinions. When members know their opinion counts they are more participative and this allows for more freedom of thought.

1. Conducting Effective Team Meetings is the last method to ensuring your team’s mutual success. Keep all people in the know and communicate barriers and areas of success.

1. Measure progress and celebrate it. Team members need to understand where they are and how they are performing. More importantly people need to be rewarded for meeting team goals.

1. Hire the right people that are concerned with servicing the customer.  There is a major difference in the manner an enthusiastic employee handles clients. Tom had a computer issue as was told by the representative they would remain on the line until the issue was repaired. Tom since purchased 8 computers from the firm.

1. The pen is still mightier than the posting. While the amount of email and texting messages get lost or forgotten. Clients’ love receiving gratuity cards in the mail thanking them for business or congratulating them on a special event. The closer you become with clients they more they trust you and conduct business with you.