Out and about this time of year? Start your networking with good cheer. The best present you can bring to the party is a pleasing presence. Wear your smile! Bring a happy, healthy dose of positivity. Swirl it around the room. Be sure to sample all the goodies at every event by seeking those that are cheer filled too. You will make some fantastic connections, spread good will and grow your business through the holidays and New Year!

Social media, networking groups, meetups, business mixers…what is the meaning of this life? Whew, if you didn’t post something today you may almost feel out of touch. I suppose it depends on your business model.

Meeting professionals online is not the end goal of networking or the only way to grow your business. However, a great online connection with a follow up and perhaps a phone conversation can equal closed business. Don’t be afraid to use some of the tried and true measures of setting an appointment for a brief call to connect. You may be finding more than common ground.

Don’t be shy when it’s time to say thank you! A hand written note is so appreciated and takes such a short time. There are several marketing avenues out there to generate it from your computer if a trip to the post office if frightening.

As we move into the second half of 2011 I’m going to set more time for face to face meetings and send more “thank you’s.” I can see how it has made those individuals on the receiving end feel and my business is richer for having done so.

It’s that time of year! 

Snow (well at least where I live) cold, (yeah we have plenty of that too) Christmas trees and lights, Santa, Christmas Carols and the Nativity Scene all a glow.  Time to put your feet up and snuggle in…WRONG.  This holiday season is a fantastic time to take advantage of business deals, end of year sales for business services and the fact that people are in a generally good mood and HAPPY to do business with you.

You can place a special offer on your website.  If it is a solid offer and benefits a business buyer offer it as a gift idea.  Perhaps you’re a web designer that has a little slow down…offer a “web-inspection” or” tune up consultation” for a fee.  Offer a blog sample, a posted pdf.file or something that has value.  After all a busy person can’t be all things, master web-designer, marketer, sales and service. ( I know your thinking, that’s exactly what I do)  It’s time…get some help. You may need that gift yourself. 

Every December I take a short time to reevaluate my business plan (early December) for the New Year.  It’s a chance to bounce a few final ideas off trusted colleagues over a mocha, latte or libation.  I in turn field their ideas and offer friendly feedback.  You cannot even believe how valuable that is.  What looked to be a solid and good plan in October may have lost a little lustre or maybe a bunch, so much that even a big sack of Target’s finest Tinsel won’t make it sparkle.  Now I’m not suggesting scrap the plan…but it’s not too late to sharpen your pencil and put your business plan on track for 2011 all shined up and ready to roll.

Hey, now just where did I put those jingle bells…?

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