The National Networker (TNNW) Blog

A NOTE FROM THE CHAIRMAN: TNNW Continues to Evolve

2009-07-05T11:43:00.005-04:00

In past issues of The National Networker (TNNW) Newsletter and in our Bulletins (re-named "Updates") we have promised change in the upcoming months and I am here to make good on that promise.

Why change?

Because the face of networking is constantly changing and therefore the needs of our subscribers and members are changing. The demand for unparalleled content in a world where there is a continual barrage of re-posted, re-hashed, and plainly uninteresting information out there is at an all time high - our readers want information that they can use today, material that is thought-provoking and, at times, edgy.

One of those changes happens this week. You have spoken and we have listened.

I have been writing an article since the second issue of TNNW (March, 2005) and I have named it (for my own lack of imagination) Headline. This changes today with my new column entitled Because I Can. Additionally, it will be appearing in the Week 1 issue of every month. For those of my loyal readers/followers, you can expect my usual rantings and ravings about global economics, Relationship Capital theory, religion, politics, Newtonian physics, and the occasional small, furry woodland creature. I hope you enjoy my "first" submission to you under the new name, entitled Why Givers Don't Always Gain and Why the "Law" of Reciprocity is Bullsh!t. Why call it that?

Because I can.

Oh...and I changed my (what Douglas Castle loves to refer to as my "Bar Mitzvah") picture too.

In the next few weeks, expect more writers, more topicality and more interesting stuff. We're changing faster than you can connect with a Nigerian heiress, buy Canadian prescription drugs and become an Internet Millionaire in just 5 easy steps!

As always, I look forward to Networking with you,

Adam

For more about Adam J. Kovitz, please click here.

Hire Adam to speak at your next conference or event by emailing info@thenationalnetworker.com.

Follow Adam on Twitter!

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Posted to THE NATIONAL NETWORKER (TNNW). All rights reserved.

To subscribe for your free TNNW Newsletter, go to http://www.thenationalnetworker.com/ For the complete National Networker (TNNW) Relationship Capital Toolkit and a free continuous RSS feed (available either by traditional RSS or by direct email), go to: http://thenationalnetworkerweblog.blogspot.com/

You are also invited to click our buttons:

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THE REHUMANIZATION OF NETWORKING: Walking On Eggshells

2009-07-05T10:52:00.011-04:00

The Rehumanization of Networking
with Douglas Castle

Yes. I am speaking (and very quietly, so you have to listen very, very closely and carefully) about walking on eggshells. This is a social ritual where we perceive someone as being so valuable to us that we are prepared to compromise virtually everything, including our time, our opinions, our principles. We meet someone with something we'd like (i.e., investment capital, important contacts, personal fame, a wonderful body for our exploration, a great job opportunity), and we put him/her on a pedestal. We are afraid to ask for anything "prematurely," for fear that it will become obvious to this person that we are "after something." So we begin the dance.

We are inoffensive. We laugh at jokes that we don't think are funny. We "suck up". We stop being who we truly are, are try to become the person we thank that our targeted person would want us to be. We turn into Hoke, and the target person becomes Miss Daisy. Worst...we invest an incredible amount of time "romancing" the target person with absolutely no certainty that we will get that special something we are after. We always have the unsettling feeling that that person might lose interest in us, or stop noticing us, or become disenchanted with us, or think that we are too aggressive -- or, when we finally work up the courage to ask something of them --turn us down.

Here are some unsettling facts:

1. Our target person, no matter how seemingly stupid, invariably senses what we are doing;

2. Our target person actually resents our sycophantic, simpering, cloying conduct, but indulges us out of a sense of pity, entertainment, egomania or good manners;

3. Our target person is absolutely waiting for us to ask for something, or to make some request;

4. Our target person has been through this ritual as many times as we have;

5. Our target person has actually made up his or her mind as to whether or not he or she would like to engage us within the first hour of our acquaintance. With every minute after this, we are wasting time.

My suggestion: Don't ever prostitute yourself unless 1) you know that the other person wants what YOU have to offer and 2) can pay for it. Otherwise...

Do a flamenco on the eggshells at your soonest moment. Treat your targeted hotshot as you would another Human being. If you want something of that person, ASK. And ask soon. You can spend six months kissing up to someone who thinks that you are the quintessential numbskull, and be rejected in six months. Think of the wasted time. Think of all of those lunch and dinner tabs.

Learn to listen to and to trust your instincts about people. If your connection feels good, it is at least a 60% - 40% proposition that you can ask for something reasonable and get it in relatively short order. If your connection feels bad (when the person to whom you are trying to ingratiate yourself is not even making eye contact with you, and is looking around the room for other persons, or is smiling for the camera, or is obviously preoccupied or distracted) it is a 99% - 1% proposition that he or she has no interest in you, or in accommodating you. This is not to say that you should not use your best efforts (and charm, if you've got any) in order to get your target person's undivided attention for long enough to establish a brief Human-to-Human, one-on-one connection. Persistence pays. Ask Madonna, Stallone, Ted Turner, Donald Trump, Oprah, Bill Gates...

But bear in mind that persistence is very different than just "cozying up" (except possibly in the case of Madonna, who was a legendary innovator when it came to actually combining the two). Sometimes you can ask repeatedly, and the target person eventually relents. Be persistent in asking -- not in merely "getting close to greatness." Expedite the trial and error process by breaking the eggshells.

Don't walk on eggshells. Ask for what you want, and ask early on. Life is far too short and far to uncertain to waste a second of it away from the things that actually work. Ask for what you want. Ask early on. If someone says no, ask again. But understand that the game isn't on until you've actually asked.

Thank you, one and all.

Faithfully,

Douglas Castle

*Follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/douglascastle http://twitter.com/TNNW_BUZZWORKS
*Check me out: http://aboutDouglasCastle.blogspot.com http://www.LinkedIn.com/in/douglascastle
*My Blog: http://aboutDouglasCastle.blogspot.com

For more about Douglas, please click here.

Special thanks to Cooltext (http://www.cooltext.com/) for their excellent graphics and design effects.

TNNW UPDATES! July, 2009, Week #1

2009-07-05T10:07:00.007-04:00

JULY, 2009, Week 1
UPDATE ISSUE 2 (New Format)

***New TNNW Survey: The Zig Ziglar Paradigm...Time for a revision?

Take This Survey!

THE ZIG ZIGLAR PARADIGM - TNNW Survey #89

Tom Ziglar quoting his father's time-honored business philosophy: "You can have everything in life that you want, if you will help enough other people get what they want." - Zig Ziglar

Many of us, myself included, have grown up with Mr. Ziglar's wisdom as mantra. Is this classic paradigm still applicable in this changing society and economy? Do you believe it? Do you employ it as a regular business practice? How might you refine or modify it to make it more applicable? Take the TNNW survey -- it's quick and completely painless. THE NATIONAL NETWORKER would like your views.

Access the survey at http://www.linkedin.com/redirect?url=http%3A%2F%2Ftwitlik%2Ecom%2FDownload89&urlhash=cBYe&_t=disc_detail_link . Get your free subscription to the TNNW Newsletter at http://www.linkedin.com/redirect?url=http%3A%2F%2Ftwitlik%2Ecom%2FOK&urlhash=ml2b&_t=disc_detail_link . We welcome your participation and we truly value your personal and professional input. Thank you for your consideration.

Faithfully,

Douglas Castle

***THE NATIONAL NEWSPICKER to Debut in August!

In one of our many special laboratories deep beneath the surface of one of Saturn's lesser-known moons (Crappitus, a very, very small moon, with a surface area roughly the size of Detroit, very quietly discovered during the Dick Cheney Vice Presidency -- kept secret from the American Public because "it's none of their f---ing business!") which we lease for peanuts (literally), our staff of debunked as disgruntled scientists has been working on, among other things, a SPECIAL BLENDED NEWSFEED. This comprehensive feed (provisionally named "THE NATIONAL NEWSPICKER") be released for our TNNW Subscribers in August.

You ask, "So what?" Well:

This one feed will contain all of the breaking news from all of the top sources (worldwide) regarding everything of importance to everyone who employs networking as an integral part of his or her business. You say, "That's me! In fact, that's everyone!" Precisely. All the headline news, stripped down to only the most important, most authoritative and most relevant bits of crucial information.

Imagine this: One source. Twenty minutes of reading. Knowing it all. Being informed. Sounding lethally intelligent. Being more efficient, effective, powerful and valuable. Increase your Relationship Capital (Adam J. Kovitz is the Avatar of Relationship Capital, by the way...).

KNOWLEDGE + APPLICATION = POWER.

Coming in August...THE NATIONAL NEWSPICKER. [We invite our Subscribers and Members to rename this thing. Please]

*** OTHER STUFF

The NATIONAL NETWORKER is the process of dramatic change. We expect to implement these innovations, improvements and upgrades in Beta in the month of August. Of course there will be power outages, downtime and lots of excuses masquerading as explanations (i.e., "the long time to load the site was obviously caused by Global Warming'... and that sort of baloney); but then, all the big guys have that stuff, so these abnormal events will probably add to TNNW's credibility.

1. Our Newsletter will have an updated and upgraded look, increased interactivity with subscribers and richer, more useful content than ever before. It will be easier to find and follow your favorite authors (and to forward their articles). You will also be seeing some exciting new columns from some brand new authors who have honored us by joining us -- authors with unparalleled expertise, experience, writing style and messages of tremendous importance. Authors with whom you will be invited to interact, personally and professionally. Long story short - You got people. You know what else -- the Newsletter will continue to be free.

2. Our special blended Newsfeed (provisionally called the "National Newspicker") will contain the most important top stories and breaking news from a select group of the best media resources available on such subjects as (just to name a few): networking, communications, social media, navigating the New Web, leadership, team-building, growth through joint ventures, global relationship-building, new technologies, sources of capital for smaller and entrepreneurial companies, business plans and presentations, career growth, public relations and publicity, and new contacts and tools which can use. Our TNNW Select Newsfeed will be the only feed that you will need to read every day. You will make it a Favorite. It will also be available as a high-utility gadget. One day in the future, everything will be available as a Google Gadget.

3. Our completely updated and high-utility suite of Member Services will be more readily accessible, more user-friendly and more powerful than ever before. Subscribers will want to graduate to full Membership. Our new Interactive Calendar Of Events will revolutionize the way you promote your brand, services and meetings...in fact, the NATIONAL NETWORKER will dramatically change the way in which people organize their daily schedules and utilize their precious time. You will be impressed and enthralled.

4. We will be offering more partnership, capitalization, mentoring and joint venturing opportunities than ever before. The Networker will be rolling out a bunch of DIRECT CONNECT services where we will bring good people together. We won't be just talk - we will help you (as in "hands-on") to build beneficial relationships. We are not just writing...we are action. What other social media or "connection" service can make that claim? Look forward to cutting-edge proactive.

5. We will make you glad that you joined us and became a part of our growing, interactive international community. And of course, they'll be plenty of buttons...

6. If you haven't already taken TNNW Survey #88 on LEADERSHIP ["What must an effective leader do..."], please take a moment to take it now. It is very quick, and the results promise to be fascinating. Get the survey at http://twitlik.com/Response88 . Note: The deadline for submitting your opinion and thoughts is July 10th, and the results will be published publicly on July 18th. Every noteworthy organization in the world today, whether private sector or public sector, is facing a leadership crisis. We must identify those things that make certain persons leaders, find those people and persuade them to assume the responsibilities of leadership. Weigh in at http://twitlik.com/Response88.

7. Are you part of the ONE PERCENT? Find out: http://twitlik.com/OnePercent

As always, thank you for being a Subscriber, and for reading us. By the way, the re-formatted website will be a snap to navigate. We swear (too often).

With Great Things to Come,

Adam J. Kovitz and Douglas Castle (who is not quite as important as Adam J. Kovitz)

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Posted to THE NATIONAL NETWORKER (TNNW). All rights reserved.

To subscribe for your free TNNW Newsletter, go to http://www.thenationalnetworker.com/ For the complete National Networker (TNNW) Relationship Capital Toolkit and a free continuous RSS feed (available either by traditional RSS or by direct email), go to: http://thenationalnetworkerweblog.blogspot.com/

You are also invited to click our buttons:

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BEING THERE WHEN IT COUNTS: Will Your Customers and Prospects Next Purchase be From You or a Competitor?

2009-07-04T19:57:00.004-04:00

Being There When it Counts with Rick Itzkowich

On page 63 of his book The Ultimate Sales Machine, Chet Holmes reveals that only three percent of potential buyers in a given market, at any given time are buying now. His research also concludes that an additional seven percent of the market’s population is open to the idea of buying. This means that almost 90% of the people in our target market will be buying at some point in the future. Unless we happen to be in front of them when they are ready to buy, they will buy from someone else.

A few years ago I surveyed a large group of solopreneurs and service professionals and asked what methods they used to systematically stay in touch with their prospects, customers and clients. To my surprise, 87% of the respondents didn’t have a system in place. This one-two punch is one of the main reasons why small business owners and service professionals often struggle with their sales.

One of my favorite examples to illustrate this point is the story of a gentleman I met at a networking event who was selling ink cartridges for printers. It just happened that my printer was running low on ink, and I was ready, right then and there, to buy a replacement cartridge. I was among the three percent. I ordered from him and got great service, quality and price. So far so good.

Three months later I needed to replace my cartridge. However I couldn’t find his business card. He hadn’t stayed in contact with me, and I had no way to order from him. He missed out on that sale – and every sale since from me. That was over five years ago. How many other sales did he lose by not gathering contact information from the people he sold to—and using that data to stay in touch with them?

Unfortunately, this scenario repeats itself every day with thousands of business people. Many of these folks may even be out of business or are barely surviving. And more than likely, they are blaming the economy. Whether you use a monthly email newsletter, send postcard reminders or tips or a daily email text touch to your contacts, I assure you – you will see results.

Simple math tells you that the more frequent you can be top of mind with prospects, customers and clients, the more chances you are to catch them when they move into the three percent of those who are buying now. How often are you giving your customers and prospects the chance to be reminded of the value you bring to them?

This month’s QuoteAction is by Management Guru, Peter Drucker
“The problem in my life and other people's lives is not the absence of knowing what to do, but the absence of doing it.”

Your action for this month is to implement a consistent, easy system to increase the frequency of contact with your prospects, customers and clients.

Enjoy an Extraordinary Month!

Click *here* to find out more about QuoteActions and some of the other innovative products and services offered by THE NATIONAL NETWORKER.

As the creator of the QuoteActions, a unique relationship building system, Rick Itzkowich finds his articles, podcasts and blog messages regarding keeping your brand "top of mind" in high demand. His latest eBook, Social Networking for Business Profits, uses cost-effective follow up strategies. Rick is also the Co-founder and Vice President of Productive Learning & Leisure, a personal development training company for corporations and individuals. Rick can be reached at rick@productivelearning.com.

For more about Rick Itzkowich, please click here.

THE NATIONAL NETWORKER (TNNW):
PRESS OUR BUTTONS & CLICK OUR LINKS...

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Posted to THE NATIONAL NETWORKER (TNNW). All rights reserved.

To subscribe for your free TNNW Newsletter, go to http://www.thenationalnetworker.com/ For the complete National Networker (TNNW) Relationship Capital Toolkit and a free continuous RSS feed (available either by traditional RSS or by direct email), go to: http://thenationalnetworkerweblog.blogspot.com/

You are also invited to click our buttons:

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BECAUSE I CAN: Why Givers Don’t Always Gain and Why the “Law” of Reciprocity is Bullsh!t

2009-07-04T17:03:00.012-04:00

Because I Can with Adam J. Kovitz

“Assumptions are the termites of relationships.”

- Henry Winkler

Last month I introduced the concept of “Insani-FREE”, the assumption that many people (I’m sure you’re not one of them) make about the concept of “FREE”, and how this leads to the “death”* of many a business/professional relationship. Nothing sucks more than being the person on the giving end of a relationship who has to deal with a taker who:

Doesn’t understand the value of what you’re offering
Takes without showing appreciation, or
Takes without giving back.

But Adam…what about “Giver’s gain”, “the Golden Rule”, “the Law of Reciprocity”, or even “The Tenth Law of Relationship Capital”?

Shouldn’t we get back everything we give away? In fact, shouldn’t we get back more that what we give?

The answer to the last two questions are unequivocally, “yes”, provided:

You live in a vacuum
You live in Fantasy Land, or
You happen to be really, really lucky.

For the rest of us ordinary folks who have to put up with reality, why do some people give and give of themselves to others and not get back what they feel they rightfully deserve?

To this I answer, “Because we have obviously made some wrong assumptions here”. Let’s take a look at these assumptions more closely and even use the commonly-accepted Laws of the Known Universe – I love using Newtonian Physics - to explain what is really happening here.

Why?

Because I can…

Don’t Be Such a Drag

How often have you dealt with those who cannot appreciate you for who you are and what you do? We have often referred to such people as “drags”, “energy vampires” or in the corporate world we say that they’re not good “team-players”. Have you ever stopped to really think about why we say such things?

Let’s to that now…

The Law of Conservation of Energy is appropriate here. It states that:

Energy can neither be created nor destroyed.

Or put into more formulaic terms:

E_in = E_out

What this means is that if I put energy into a system (a relationship is one such example of a system), I should get the same amount of energy out.

So when we put a lot of energy into a relationship with someone who is a “drag”, “energy vampire” or not a good “team player”, we should get the same amount back out of it…correct?

Yes.

So why is it that it feels like there is less energy there such that we often end up being “disenfranchised”, “disappointed”, “disenchanted” and/or just “dissed”?

Because the energy that comes back to you is, indeed, diminished, leading you to feel that your energy was wasted.

Why?

Because any physical system, be it mechanical, hydrodynamic, thermodynamic, electrical, chemical, financial or even relational all suffer from energy loss in the form of friction, drag, resistance, etc., so our original equation can be rewritten:

E_given = E_taken + E_lost

So when we look at the so-called “Law” of Reciprocity and make the wrongful assumption that we will get back everything we put in to a relationship all the time, we do not take into account “Relational Resistance” – the individual G-d-given free will that the other party in the relationship possesses that will either make magic or lead to disappointment.

I am hoping that by now you are beginning to see that we can analyze organizational/team/network effectiveness much in the same way aeronautical engineers design a new aircraft or the controller/CFO determines the financial stability of a corporation? It doesn’t matter the application – the same formula holds true.

From an aeronautical engineering perspective, E_given relates to the energy value of fuel needed for an aircraft to work according to design specifications, E_taken is the thrust or speed of the aircraft and E_lost is the drag and the weight of the aircraft.

From a financial perspective, E_given can relate to revenue, E_taken is the profit and E_lost is the loss due to expenses.

Resistance is Futile

So if we can perform such analysis on aircraft, finance, hydroelectric dams, plus a myriad of other systems, why don’t we do it with human relational systems?

Simple…resistance.

Resistance to what?

The idea that it can’t be done. I’ve heard arguments that it’s impossible to quantify or valuate the energy people put into such relational systems.

My counter-argument to this is that we can value such things by the means of our own perceptional perspectives – after all, it is said that “perception is reality”. I have outlined such a valuation in my article: Relationship Capital in the Workplace, in which I suggest a simple rating system of -10 to 10.

Similar systems are already being used to rate vendors on eBay, books on Amazon.com and elsewhere.

Even if we can all agree to such a perceptive rating system, there is still the challenge of data collection how often must we way in on our perceptive value of every person in our network so we can track the ebb and flow of Relationship Capital?

This would certainly require some time and effort of research, our current world of high-speed internet and hand held mobile devices and social media should provide an acceptable forum.

And the benefits of such analysis would be considerable. With it we could:

Identify root cause of inefficiencies of an organization down to an individual
Identify true key performers for job placement/promotion
Promote accountability within any organization at all levels
Promote “social graces” through quantitative means
Measure effectiveness and impact of training/coaching initiatives within an organization
Determine how changes in specific messaging by management to employees improve or increase organizational effectiveness
Determine how changes in specific messaging to the public increases demand for products or services, or brand awareness
Develop a quantitative means of measuring human decency and performance
Developing a better “good will” calculation for valuating a company
Develop a “truer” economic system that is less subject to corruption
Better understand key moments in history and why they happened
Forecast future organizational health based upon known history and statistical modeling.

Time to Change Assumptions

Whether we want to mathematically model what’s going on when we deal in human relationships or not, we can at the very least work to take the path of least resistance in our own dealings by looking at minimizing Relational Resistance and its cause.

How will we do this?

By making better assumptions! From now on, we will assume that:

We will get more out of every relationship and will be less disappointed if we at least acknowledge that there is some quantity of Relational Resistance in every relationship
Relational Resistance exists on both sides of the relationship
We must take ownership of our own Relational Resistance and work, with the help of the other person in the relationship to minimize it
We must take responsibility to honestly and effectively communicate the means by which our partner in the relationship can reduce their own Relational Resistance.

Why will we make these assumptions?

Because we can.

Until next month…

* I use the term “death” here in quotes because relationships, like Relationship Capital (RC) can never be destroyed – see my article on the Fifth Law of Relationship Capital.

Adam J. Kovitz is the Chairman & Founder of The National Networker Group of Companies, which publish The National Networker (TNNW), provide member services and consulting as well as branding and social media domination.

For more about Adam J. Kovitz, please click here.

Hire Adam to speak at your next conference or event by emailing info@thenationalnetworker.com.

Follow Adam on Twitter!

The Emergence of the Relationship Economy

Relationship Capital is the cornerstone of the Relationship Economy, which RNIA defines as “a measurement assigned to individual and organizational entities based on the relationship interactions between them, and the interactions they have internally.” I am proud to have contributed discussion of the Ten Laws of Relationships Capital to The Emergence of the Relationship Economy, now out as an eBook and in hardcopy. With a forward written by Doc Searls (of Cluetrain Manifesto fame), it is being considered a “must read” for anyone responsible for the strategic direction of their business. If you would like to purchase your own copy of The Emergence of the Relationship Economy, please click here.

POWER THOUGHT OF THE WEEK: Building Powerful Relationships, Part 1

2009-07-03T12:14:00.009-04:00

Power Thought of the Week with Patricia Parham, Ph.D.

Showing Respect and Positive Regard

Politeness and pleasantries are just the beginning of showing respect and positive regard. These must be authentic, for people are more perceptive than animals, which definitely know when we don’t like them. Flattery, too, can be easily misconstrued. Positive feedback on a specific action or result and its impact shows that you have been paying attention and taking note of another’s accomplishments. Try it!

Patricia A. Parham
Parham Enterprises
www.parhamenterprises.com

For more information, please see Patricia's TNNW Bio.

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Posted to THE NATIONAL NETWORKER (TNNW). All rights reserved.

To subscribe for your free TNNW Newsletter, go to http://www.thenationalnetworker.com/ For the complete National Networker (TNNW) Relationship Capital Toolkit and a free continuous RSS feed (available either by traditional RSS or by direct email), go to: http://thenationalnetworkerweblog.blogspot.com/

You are also invited to click our buttons:

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A NOTE FROM THE CHAIRMAN: Twitter - The Good, The Bad & The Reality

2009-06-29T10:26:00.003-04:00

by Adam J. Kovitz, Chairman & Founder

A few weeks ago, I asked our TNNW Newsletter subscribers (yes...subscription has its privileges) about Twitter and whether or not it's considered networking or something totally different. Here are just a few responses I received:

"You asked people to write about their feelings about networking vs Twitter, Face Book, etc. If you do not want younger members, clients, business associates, etc., by all means ignore social networking. Face-to-face is all you need – if you are planning to deal only with people over 60 or are about to shut down your business!

"I have a new Chamber Partner who is just finishing getting our Chamber of Commerce set up on everything! We are going to tweet, blog and anything else that reaches potential members (partners). For those who don’t think tweeting and blogging is necessary, I think it’s great – just that much more business for me!"

- Sue Thomas, President, Tarpon Springs Chamber of Commerce, Tarpon Springs, FL

"Regarding Twitter, I originally dismissed it as nonsense for teenagers as why would I want anyone to know what I'm doing, and I have never used it. Now between Twitter, Facebook, Linked-In, etc., etc., etc. and my blog group (link below) one can spend the whole day interacting in those realms and never get any work done and frankly I'm a bit confused."

- Roy Strauss, President, Strauss Consulting Group, Oakland NJ

"I use Twitter as a way to initiate relationships with people and also as a way to build social capital and providing a personal glimpse of who I am and what I do. Most of what happens in Twitter is noise and useless. Yet the very little that isn't noise can be pretty useful. I have started at least 7-10 relationships on Twitter that have grown to something more. In addition, many of my customers have seen (& commented) about my personal posts. This adds a new level of connection with them.

"So all in all, while I agree that Twitter is not quite networking, it can definitely add to the networking experience especially when used strategically.

"The other use for Twitter is also as a way to help promote others and build Social Capital for them. By helping build the visibility and credibility of fellow authors at TNNW, as well as other colleagues and clients, I am making it more likely that they will reciprocate at some point in the future. This is part of networking and the technology facilitates this process."

- Rick Itzkowich, Co-Founder, Productive Learning & Leisure, LLC & TNNW Columnist, Capistrano Beach, CA

One thing's for sure...Twitter is changing our lives. Just look at Twitter's role in allowing us an inside look at recent events in Iran, despite attempts on Iran's part to prevent disclosure of unrest after their recent elections. In this way, Twitter proves its use as a necessary communications and media tool. Could this possibly one day replace network news?

On the other hand, we've also recently seen Twitter at its worst. The recent death of Pop-icon Michael Jackson spawned an enormous response from fans throughout the "Twitterverse" that caused a crash on their servers, forcing Twitter to go temporally down.

My blood brother-in-arms, Douglas Castle and I have debated at length over the nature of Twitter and he sees it as a "powerful, high-speed, broadcast mechanism". Just like anything else, it is tool that can be used effectively or not so. When broadcasted effectively, Tweets can lead to building certain relationships, and therefore can lead to networking but it is not (in itself) networking. We both feel that it's important that in understanding the difference can save one a lot of heartache and wasted time.

No matter your perspective, it would seem that Twitter and other such services are part of history in the making. Hope you're enjoying the ride!

Follow Adam on Twitter

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Posted to THE NATIONAL NETWORKER (TNNW). All rights reserved.

To subscribe for your free TNNW Newsletter, go to http://www.thenationalnetworker.com/ For the complete National Networker (TNNW) Relationship Capital Toolkit and a free continuous RSS feed (available either by traditional RSS or by direct email), go to: http://thenationalnetworkerweblog.blogspot.com/

You are also invited to click our buttons:

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THE BOOM IN BOOMER NETWORKING: Tails From the Old Dawg

2009-06-29T09:40:00.010-04:00

The Boom in Boomer Networking with Elaine Ingis

Tails From the Old Dawg
OLD DAWG NEW TRICKS

It is possible to learn new tricks at any age. When I say new tricks...I'm not referring to "playmates", but rather reinventing yourself to enjoy the life you have been dealt.

My name is Stuart and I am an inactive member of AARP...OMG, I joined the first year and received 1000's of unsolicited mail...not quite what I had in mind. I prefer invited guests to drop ins!

Are you over 50, 60, 70…are you a BOOMER?? Tired of doing the same thing year in and year out...silly question; most people are! Going "outside the box" tends to paralyze any "sane" person and hence...you keep doing what you are doing AND getting what you are getting. It’s time to go “insane”. SrmeetUp! is just one excellent way to “rev” up your life.

REJOICE IN YOUR INDIVIDUALISM

I have been climbing up the corporate ladder for over 20 years and enjoyed every minute of it...NOT!!! For the 20 years proceeding that, I was an actor...ran nightclubs...was a boxer...a cook...and all around nice guy...and enjoyed every minute of it...YES!!!!

Supporting and raising a family required compromise and sacrifice (happy to do it)...what I didn't realize is that I also relinquished my dreams, passions and zest for life (daily grind and financial hardship can do that).

My children are older, my wife and I are wonderful friends but separated (alas...). The financial burden continues but my need for zest, passion and a darn good time has reared its glorious head. I am embarking on a new life that has been dormant in me for decades...and I am THRILLED, EXHILARATED and downright giddy with fear and hope! GAME ON!!!

Hey BOOMERS…what do you wanna do??? The world truly can be your oyster…steamed…stewed…chowdered…breaded…or just plain on the half shell. It isn’t always the results but the act of attempting something that will give you a rush…remember it can be the chase…and not the capture (careful what you wish for…).

DO SOMETHING….take a course…ask out an old flame…sky dive…watch a porn film (be IN a porn film…lol). The very act of trying something no matter how small can lead to bigger steps and open windows or doors you thought were nailed shut.

Only you can look inside your own mind and contemplate what is possible…what have you given up…what have you sacrificed for the “good of someone else”…WELL…WHAT ABOUT YOU!!!…and frankly…NOTHING is impossible…you simply have to try!

You are as worthy as anyone else…with your own time frame. Age has no place in your dreams…age is a number designated by society to indicate what you are capable of and when...If you can dream it…you can do it!

Start right now...

I am not saying to shirk your responsibilities…I would NEVER let my family suffer because of my immediate needs…BUT…I count and I have a right to be happy right along with them. Happiness expands to fit all worlds.

Old dawgs CAN learn new tricks!!! ;-) This dawg is going to be an actor!!!

Stuart

In terms of reinventing myself, that is exactly what I am doing! I have run restaurants and nightclubs while pursuing an acting career in a past lifetime (20-25 years ago). I boxed out of Gleason's Gym during that same lifetime. I have been a short order cook (and chief bottle washer ;-)) along with other "interesting" vocations.

I reinvented myself 20 years ago when my daughter (and subsequently my son) was born. I left that sordid and "exciting" life behind to move up the corporate ladder in the personnel industry (NOT sordid and NOT exciting). I am currently a Sr. VP of Sales but am more then ready to "reinvent" again!!!

####

Stuart, I love your positive approach to everything, and I do mean everything. Your enthusiasm is contagious. No doubt SrmeetUp! will be hearing a lot about you and your new successes.

Elaine

For more about Elaine Ingis, please click here.

POWER THOUGHT OF THE WEEK: Agency and Networks, Part 4

2009-06-28T12:28:00.003-04:00

Power Thought of the Week with Patricia Parham, Ph.D.

Emotional Agency and Networks

Networks provide emotional and social support. Emergencies and low periods often trigger the desire to engage with others who have experienced similar situations. Sometimes, a coach or spiritual counselor affirms and guides one through challenging times. New networks develop to help people deal with contemporary issues, i.e., care for aging parents, children dealing with divorce, and post traumatic stress syndrome. The most simple of these share strategies for coping and give emotional support.

*******
Posted to THE NATIONAL NETWORKER (TNNW). All rights reserved.

To subscribe for your free TNNW Newsletter, go to http://www.thenationalnetworker.com/ For the complete National Networker (TNNW) Relationship Capital Toolkit and a free continuous RSS feed (available either by traditional RSS or by direct email), go to: http://thenationalnetworkerweblog.blogspot.com/

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UPDATES! - June, 2009, Week 4

2009-06-27T13:56:00.011-04:00

JUNE, 2009, Week 4
UPDATE ISSUE 1 (New Format)

The NATIONAL NETWORKER is the process of dramatic change. We expect to implement these innovations, improvements and upgrades in Beta in the month of August. Of course there will be power outages, downtime and lots of excuses masquerading as explanations (i.e., "the long time to load the site was obviously caused by Global Warming'... and that sort of baloney); but then, all the big guys have that stuff, so these abnormal events will probably add to TNNW's credibility.

1. Our Newsletter will have an updated and upgraded look, increased interactivity with subscribers and richer, more useful content than ever before. It will be easier to find and follow your favorite authors (and to forward their articles). You will also be seeing some exciting new columns from some brand new authors who have honored us by joining us -- authors with unparalleled expertise, experience, writing style and messages of tremendous importance. Authors with whom you will be invited to interact, personally and professionally. Long story short - You got people. You know what else -- the Newsletter will continue to be free.

2. Our special blended Newsfeed (provisionally called the "National Newspicker") will contain the most important top stories and breaking news from a select group of the best media resources available on such subjects as (just to name a few): networking, communications, social media, navigating the New Web, leadership, team-building, growth through joint ventures, global relationship-building, new technologies, sources of capital for smaller and entrepreneurial companies, business plans and presentations, career growth, public relations and publicity, and new contacts and tools which can use. Our TNNW Select Newsfeed will be the only feed that you will need to read every day. You will make it a Favorite. It will also be available as a high-utility gadget. One day in the future, everything will be available as a Google Gadget.

3. Our completely updated and high-utility suite of Member Services will be more readily accessible, more user-friendly and more powerful than ever before. Subscribers will want to graduate to full Membership. Our new Interactive Calendar Of Events will revolutionize the way you promote your brand, services and meetings...in fact, the NATIONAL NETWORKER will dramatically change the way in which people organize their daily schedules and utilize their precious time. You will be impressed and enthralled.

4. We will be offering more partnership, capitalization, mentoring and joint venturing opportunities than ever before. The Networker will be rolling out a bunch of DIRECT CONNECT services where we will bring good people together. We won't be just talk - we will help you (as in "hands-on") to build beneficial relationships. We are not just writing...we are action. What other social media or "connection" service can make that claim? Look forward to cutting-edge proactive.

5. We will make you glad that you joined us and became a part of our growing, interactive international community. And of course, they'll be plenty of buttons...

6. If you haven't already taken TNNW Survey #88 on LEADERSHIP ["What must an effective leader do..."], please take a moment to take it now. It is very quick, and the results promise to be fascinating. Get the survey at http://twitlik.com/Response88 . Note: The deadline for submitting your opinion and thoughts is July 10th, and the results will be published publicly on July 18th. Every noteworthy organization in the world today, whether private sector or public sector, is facing a leadership crisis. We must identify those things that make certain persons leaders, find those people and persuade them to assume the responsibilities of leadership. Weigh in at http://twitlik.com/Response88.

7. Are you part of the ONE PERCENT? Find out: http://twitlik.com/OnePercent

As always, thank you for being a Subscriber, and for reading us. By the way, the re-formatted website will be a snap to navigate. We swear (too often).

With Great Things to Come,

Adam J. Kovitz and Douglas Castle

*******
Posted to THE NATIONAL NETWORKER (TNNW). All rights reserved.

To subscribe for your free TNNW Newsletter, go to http://www.thenationalnetworker.com/ For the complete National Networker (TNNW) Relationship Capital Toolkit and a free continuous RSS feed (available either by traditional RSS or by direct email), go to: http://thenationalnetworkerweblog.blogspot.com/

You are also invited to click our buttons:

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THE REHUMANITIZATION OF NETWORKING - Why Should I Listen to You?

2009-06-27T13:29:00.006-04:00

Whoever You Are:

This is my newly-featured column. Adam J. Kovitz (who loves to see his name in print) appeared to me in a vision and said, "Son, I believe it is time for you to write about whatever you want to write about, instead of the usual insipid, prosaic pap that I force you write about. Go off and build a life for yourself. Make me proud. Try not to be too graphic or use too much profanity."

I ask everyone -- WHY SHOULD I LISTEN TO YOU?

I receive more than 100 emails per hour, I belong to well in excess of 100 "social media" groups (and that's not including LinkedIn), and I literally receive dozens of news alerts, blog comments and ezine bulletins weekly. I am inundated (as is everyone else) with sensorial input. Most of what I receive is useless, meaningless junk.
For example:

- "How I get more followers on Twitter!";

- "Great App (Application) for Social Media -- MediaMashup";

- "Make money with your website...it's automatic...you can't stop earning money with this system (even if you want to!)";

- "Optimize Your Search Engine Ranking with Adwords!";

- "Coverage of the Business Roundtable Power Breakfast and Bowling Event in Izzard, Iowa.";

- "Make Your Summer The Best Networking Season of Your Year";

- "Biggest Payouts in the Industry!";

- "A Firmer Handshake -- A Better Connection";

- "Get Your Piece of The Government Bailout";

- "How Helping Others will Make Your Rich!';

- "How to get 25,000 Fans on your FaceBook Fan Page.";

- "Attitude Makes All the Difference";

- Viagra and Cialis solicitations in Cantonese;

- Offers from various corrupt, but very polite African Bankers from Burkina Faso, Nigeria, Liberia, and Diptheria whose rich client died (usually in a tragic plane crash) without heirs, and who want my personal cooperation (e.g., money) to access my unlawful inheritance, which I can then share with them. Note: They have sent this message to me because they have heard that I can be trusted -- probably as much as the rest of the persons on the 'undisclosed recipients' list of their email correspondence;

- A steaming, fly-laden manure mountain of open-ended, boring, questions like: "How Are You Going to Use Linked In to make 2010 Your Best Year Ever?" ... "Do you think that Blitter will make Twitter Obsolete?"

- "Five HOT Technology Stocks to Watch."

- "Personal Success Coach wants to show you how to become a winner overnight!";

- A veritable cesspool of stuff about branding, image-building, ranking, SEO, and other pop-culture or techo-fad acronym-laden stuff which someone thinks that I should be interested in.

Lastly, there are numerous items from various "Life Coaches" who do not, in fact, have lives of their own, "Success Coaches" who have yet to experience a single, credible success in achieving anything, and a host of other panderers who want to tell me things about having plenty of business cards handy, smiling, making eye contact, preparing a "one-minute commercial" for myself, and harnessing the power of The Law of Affinity.

This material (I've alluded to what the specific material actually is) is wasteful of my eyesight, my computer capacity of and my precious and fleeting time. When you waste my time, you insult me, you keep me from accomplishing other things, and you make me indifferent to you. You will have become a part of the increasing ambient background noise in a society where everyone is loudly hawking intangible, undefinable "stuff", and nobody is really buying any of it. I will not give you a second chance. Very few other people will either.

[By the way, this is not the time to utter something trite, like: "You only get one chance to make a first impression!" -- Don't speak in cliches and "conventional wisdom" -- Don't talk down to me, as if I were as stupid as my college transcript would indicate. I would like to think that you believe me to be intelligent...most people want to be thought of as intelligent, and to be treated as if they were].

You Ask (in a cynical, skeptical, perhaps even sarcastic tone, with your hands on your hips, or with your arms crossed over your chest) -- THEN WHY SHOULD I LISTEN TO YOU, DOUGLAS CASTLE?

I Respond (with a haughty attitude) -- You will listen to me because...

1. I will tell you important things that you don't already know, and which will improve your social, professional and financial success. Each will have an immediate, practical application. You will have actions to follow. Each will give you results.

2. I will engage you, and capture your attention and interest. I won't bore you with a trowelful of crap. I will offer you information and tools which you cannot find anywhere else.

3. I will be candid, and I won't patronize you. Ever.

4. I will occasionally make you laugh...either at me, at yourself, or at others. You will (despite yourself) enjoy what I write.

5. I will talk to you on a Human-to-Human basis.

Incidentally, if you want me to listen to you, here's what you should do:

1. Get my attention, in any way that you can --

2. Tell me something important and interesting ... speak with authority ... and put your unique personality into it ... make it about you and me ... if you are eccentric, it might actually help --

3. Give me an action or actions to take. I will await your command.

Here's a rule:

"If it's not interesting to you, it won't be interesting to your audience."

Tell me about what you know; what you are actually interested in; something which have a personal passion for. Don't be conventional. Conventional people never change anything, and they are boring as hell. Take your personality out of the moth balls (by the way, have you ever smelled moth balls?), brush it off and tell it, in no uncertain terms that it is your greatest personal asset. It is what separates you from the rest of the crowd.

Please stay tuned for my first real article, which should be coming up soon.

Thank you, one and all.

Faithfully,

Douglas Castle

*Follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/douglascastle http://twitter.com/TNNW_BUZZWORKS
*Check me out: http://aboutDouglasCastle.blogspot.com http://www.LinkedIn.com/in/douglascastle

THE NATIONAL NETWORKER (TNNW):
PRESS OUR BUTTONS & CLICK OUR LINKS...

SOUTH AFRICA: Seek First to Understand

2009-06-27T08:50:00.008-04:00

By Karl Smith
South Africa Bureau Chief

It is generally agreed that the way we see things through the eyes of our minds has a significant impact on our own success. This picture is also referred to as our frame of reference, our paradigm…a perception of reality through which we integrate, evaluate, and interpret new persons, events and ideas… I have worked with thousands of people in my career and I was often frustrated by the many change management and teamwork interventions we embarked upon because it was a decision made by the top executives. None of these intervention experts even considered our current frame of reference relating to change, teamwork and other issues. They failed to invest time to see where we come from, our frame of reference. If everyone could live by this principle to always attempt to understand one’s frame of reference, which perspective we come from when we speak or do something, then it will be must more happier or productive place.

When we employed our first Xhosa speaking staff member at one of the many companies where I worked, some of my staff were up in arms, because in their minds he had no planning skills for the many school related projects for which he was responsible. It was only when I told them that he hails from a community where you provide for unexpected guests because of their culture to be hospitable when they showed empathy for his challenge. Through my facilitation to always understand where people come from I have build a formidable team who achieved success beyond expectations. Today, that staff member is a Chief Executive Officer and I have many other similar success stories. You foster better business relationships if you understand where people where they come from. It is a skill so needed in business today from employee to the boardroom, to connecting with people and to dealing with difficult people. The ability to show “empathy”, to put yourself in the shoes of others, to exchange places is a vital skill in building business relationships. “Seek first to understand” requires deep paradigm shift. We typically seek first to be understood. Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to answer.

I am a keen reader and I frequent coffee shops with a book in the hand. One day, I overheard the manager shouting at a waiter for accepting and paying for an order without having the delivery note signed. The poor waiter cringed and he tried to explain that the manager was not there when the delivery arrived and that he just wanted to help! In my mind the manager should have listened and understand that somewhere along his short life this young waiter was taught to be helpful in the absence of a manager. He should then have empowered the waiter by explaining the procedures and then give him a second change. What a benefit to the waiter and the manager! You see networking skills benefit people wherever they have interaction with others.

Extract from Karl’s book entitled, “Beyond The Business Handshake - Dare To Build High- Trust Business Relationships. Karl is the owner of Business Networking South Africa, a division of ExecuEdge Consulting- a successful consulting and business relationships training company.

Visit www.businessnetworkingsouthafrica.co.za to see Karl in action, see what Karl’s clients says, book Karl to speak or to do in-company training, attend a public event, subscribe to his newsletter or to use the free networking resources or him at karl@businessnetworkingsouthafrica.co.za

For more, check out Karl's TNNW Bio.

SALES AND MARKETING: Appreciation Marketing

2009-06-26T19:26:00.030-04:00

Sales and Marketing with Bill Doerr

15 Second Executive Speed-Read

In the highly competitive, over-crowded marketplace of 2009 where more media seems to produce fewer results there's a growing concern among small business owners about how to best use increasingly limited resources to achieve their marketing objectives. Enter Curtis Lewsey, author of his latest book, Appreciation Marketing / How To Achieve Greatness Through Gratitude. The principles and practices he shares may hold some of the answers that many, perhaps even you, are seeking!

The Magic Wand of Marketing

If I gave you a 'magic wand' for your marketing, you'd probably use it to create a steady stream of highly qualified prospects who all know you through the influence and prestige of people you know in common. That's the positive consequence of having developed a network of people who know, like and trust you personally and respect you professionally. Over time, you'd find you have more people to process than time to do so. Nice picture, right?

The Reality of Marketing

Wake-up time! If the above scenario doesn't exactly reflect your own reality, take heart. It doesn't have to stay that way. But you do have to do something differently in the future than you've been doing in the past.

Curtis Lewsey and his new book Appreciation Marketing may hold the answer to what you need to do to get better marketing results.

I met Curtis over a year ago at (what else!) a business event. Everyone I was meeting was buzzing about "that guy" across the room.

When I got the opportunity to meet him, I understood why everyone was his 'raving fan'. He was on a personal mission to enjoy the reality suggested by the old saying, "See 2 people a day to bring (financial) freedom your way". Curtis believed it and was living that truth with everyone he could at every chance he got.

As a recent Sacred Heart University grad, Curtis was developing quite a business for himself. Like Johnny Appleseed he was committed to 'sharing the word' about keeping-in-touch to stay-in-mind and create value-for-all with his people -- small business owners and self-employed entrepreneurs.

Since then, he's impressed me more by his actions than his rhetoric. Although both are very impressive!

Common Sense and Common Practice

Curtis shared that, according to a recent CNN poll, a majority of smaller firms are expecting a decrease in revenues for 2009. Most also indicated that they plan to invest less on their marketing in 2009, too. Folly? I'd say so. Understandable? Absolutely. On the surface, it seems to make sense. But, it's a costly strategy in the long-run.

The problem isn't that an investment in marketing is bad. Investment in bad marketing is bad! And, in 2009, a throwback to the 'good old days' where marketing meant building relationships with your market members may be back in style.

It's The Relationship That Matters!

Curtis has achieved a level of success at an age when most people are still trying to get traction on their careers. Part of why he has achieved so much so quickly is his network of people who know, like and trust him. "I've got close to 4,000 people in my database whom I've met personally in a 1:1 setting and I know a) what they do and b) who is most likely to benefit from their expertise". That . . . is awesome!

Connecting is Not Enough

As laudable as knowing 4,000 people is, it's not enough to realize value from those relationships. Curtis also knows he must stay 'top-of-mind' with these people or he risks falling off the 'mental shelf' in the category he wants to occupy with them.

Old School is Cool

"In a Google age, you can always find a cheaper alternative for anything". So we're all at risk of being viewed as a commodity. And the only way to differentiate a commodity is on price -- and a lower price is a sure-fire strategy to marketing Hell.

An alternative approach is to develop a personal relationship between you and your prospects, clients and centers-of-influence so you can leverage the relationship in a mutually beneficial manner.

Curtis likes to say, "Success reflects the connections you make and the relationships you maintain over time". It's the quantity AND the quality of your relationships with people that matter, isn't it?

Tomato Gardening

One chapter in his book is called Growing a Tomato Garden. The term 'Tomato' stands for 'Top-Of-Mind-Awareness-Through-Others'. The garden is your network and the fruit of your labor in the garden of connections is very, very sweet indeed!

Attitude of Gratitude

Curtis says, "Basic etiquette -- recognizing people and appreciating them is a key factor in building a relationships. You need to be thankful for the people in your life. You also need systems to help you implement and maintain an appreciation strategy".

Chocolate-Frosted Dog Crap

Curtis cautions, "Once you're committed to TOMATO, it's imperative not to lose your authenticity as you implement a keep-in-touch communication strategy".

One of the book's chapters is "Chocolate-Frosted Dog Crap". It sums up what doing the right 'thing' without the right 'attitude of gratitude' is all about.

Keeping in touch just to keep-in-touch, without the requisite commitment to the relationship you have with someone is hollow and mechanical -- just like putting chocolate frosting on 'dog crap' and then calling it 'chocolate cake'. Sooner or later the subterfuge will be painfully obvious.

Resources

If you're interested in leaving more about the Appreciation Marketing principles and practices, get yourself a copy of Curtis' latest book: Appreciation Marketing. It's due out in early July 2009 and addresses the topic in greater depth and detail than space allows here.

Visit www.appreciationmarketing.com as well. There you can register for The Apppreciator e-newsletter that features case-studies and 'best practices' you can use in your business. Of course, you can contact Curtis directly at: 203-331-2575 or email him at: curtis@appreciationmarketing.com.

Epilogue

Sensing our time was running out, I asked Curtis for a 'parting word of wisdom'.

"Never lose sight of the importance of making connections and building relationships. It's not all that difficult but you must do a little bit every day".

In the last chapter of the book, "The Popcorn Principle", Curtis explains how a system to do something like popping pop corn or keeping-in-touch . . . asks that you have faith . . . that you trust . . . the system will work.

You may not have connected with as many people as Curtis Lewsey, but if you adopt the principles and practices of his Appreciation Marketing, you can enjoy more success than most.

Thank you Curtis. I appreciate the time and wisdom you've shared here with us all.

Curtis Lewsey is an author who shares business wisdom that builds relationships and revenues for his small business clients. His latest book: Appreciation Marketing is coming out in July 2009. For more information, call him directly at 203-331-2575, email Curtis or visit his website: www.appreciationmarketing.com.

*******

Bill Doerr is CCO of SellMore Marketing. He helps professionals and other service providers to market their problem-solving expertise simply, effectively and affordably. You can reach him at www.sellmoremarketing.com, by email at billd@sellmoremarketing.com or by phone at 860-798-6964.
For more please see Bill's TNNW Bio.

FRANCE: What is your contribution?

2009-06-26T09:56:00.010-04:00

by Thierry Mazué

French Bureau Chief

Business success rarely happens overnight. From my own experience, I can tell it took time and hard work. In addition to this, when I take a look at the past 20 years, I can tell you this: Things I'm most proud of are the people I had a chance to help.

I am not looking for any kind of recognition here. It's really about them. It might have been on a business or personal area, but what really made a difference each time has not been money, deals or successes. Most often, it has been time spent in order to help somebody else: with an issue with their boss, or with a customer.

Over time, what happened is that whenever I could manage helping them solve that issue, I never asked for any kind of return. From time to time, I told them straight away: You don't owe anything to anyone, especially me.

Enough about me. I want to tell you a story about a guy I know, Alain.

Alain joined the 1st BNI chapter I created in my town. He is a successful lawyer and has been an extremely consistent provider to his business group. I can tell he gives qualified referrals all year long. He is one of the 5 top producers in his BNI chapter.

We had a conversation once. I wanted to get to know him better, know the man besides the businessman. What I've learned really impressed me.

He is part of the 10th Family association.

Where I live, he and other people found out that whenever you select 10 families, one is often going down, having severe problems, for whatever reasons. The most frequent scenario is this: Dad looses his job, and the family starts struggling financially. No more vacations, children start to feel the hard times are here, they are not longer doing so well at school, it gets hard keeping the family home...

As soon as they detect the situation, 9 other families gather and find out ways to give the 10th family real support. I am talking about support, warmth, real human relations. This is not about money. The 9 families stay focused on helping the 10th one until it's back on tracks.

And guess what : you'll never know who was the 10th family... until it's actually part of the association, helping another 10th family and the members of the family tell you.

What a beautiful contribution this is! I can't find a better to network. Can you imagine this? After recovery, this family starts helping others in the very same way they have been helped. Gratitude is definitively a core value here.

And my question to everyone of us will be: When was the last time I've helped somebody, and told them after: You don't owe anything to anyone, especially me?

From Paris, France
Thierry Mazué
Referral Institute: France

For more information, please see Thierry's TNNW Bio.

*******
Posted to THE NATIONAL NETWORKER (TNNW). All rights reserved.

To subscribe for your free TNNW Newsletter, go to http://www.thenationalnetworker.com/ For the complete National Networker (TNNW) Relationship Capital Toolkit and a free continuous RSS feed (available either by traditional RSS or by direct email), go to: http://thenationalnetworkerweblog.blogspot.com/

You are also invited to click our buttons:

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U.S. NEW ENGLAND: The Dream Party is a Unique Form of Networking

2009-06-26T02:54:00.011-04:00

by Noelle Southwick

U.S. New England Bureau Chief
(Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut)

Meet Tara Sage Steeves

Located in Newport, Rhode Island, Tara is founder and president of Create Your Life!, LLC and The Dream Party™. She specializes in dream fulfillment. She has created a unique networking event called the Dream Party that asks you to “come as you aspire to be in 5 years”. Additionally, Tara offers Dream Day Retreats, Dream Circle group coaching, individual coaching for dream fulfillment and a book called “Are You Pregnant with a Dream?” Her book is like a self-directed workshop with exercises and inspiration to support bringing dreams into reality.

A Turning Point

When Tara opened her life coaching business she went to networking events to get the word out and to meet new people. She had success collecting business cards but felt there was something missing. She wanted to connect more deeply with people and to know what was important to them. She described networking events as “stuffy and not a lot of heart”.

One day after returning from a transformative vacation she realized something had to change. Through self-reflection she realized she wanted room to nurture and experiment with her dreams and desires. She thought about running away by traveling around the world but realized there might be another solution. Her solution and new passion was the Dream Party. Initially she wanted to create a space for herself, one that allowed her to expand her life and nurture her dreams. In so doing she created an event that has allowed hundreds to consider and grow their dreams as well.

The Annual Rhode Island Dream Party

On Friday, October 2, 2009, at the Edgewood Yacht Club in Cranston, RI the Dream Party attendants will have a chance to examine what is possible. It is an event that offers participants to come as they aspire to be in 5 years complete with costume and props if desired.

There is plenty of connection at this event. The event was created connect people more deeply by knowing each other’s passions. Since people are talking about their true desires it is easy to want to support them in reaching their dreams. People at this networking event greet each other with “what’s your dream?” Tara reports, “It’s magical.”

The Dream Team

Tara hand selects a team of experts known to produce results in order to support participants in getting on the path to their dream life. They offer assistance and design action steps to success. For example, a travel agent can support getting to a dream destination anywhere in the world. If buying a home is your dream, a realtor can offer advice and education. A business expert can encourage starting your own business. With the Dream Team, participants leave with the necessary tools to have dreams come true.

Unique to the Dream Party

Tara has come up with some imaginative ways of creating an unusual experience. For example, upon entering the event-goers cross over an enchanting Footbridge to the Future where they are welcomed to the year 2014. The “Should” & “Impossible” Shredding Station will aid in the removal of personal obstacles and old beliefs that may impede living the desired dreams. Enter the Time Machine and write a letter as if it's 5 years from now and you are already living your dreams.

Networking to Grow the Event

Tara has been networking to get the news out about her unique event. She attends traditional networking events and shows to share her passion for dream fulfillment. She is active on Facebook and other on-line social networks. Additionally, she has created a partnership with Aspire magazine to sponsor her event. She writes articles for the monthly publication as well. Her website and Create Your Life! Newsletter also helps her to get the word out about the Dream Party.

Social networking is where Tara is focusing much of her networking energy these days. With 5 years in business now, he says her experience has taught her it’s more efficient. In addition to being an efficient use of time social networks allow a focused audience who is more interested in what she has to offer. Tara is also focusing on joint networking with other women owned businesses.

More information

Tara offers dream support through private life coaching, workshops, groups and the annual Dream Party event. To find out more or to buy her book visit http://www.createyourlifeinc.com/ or call 401-569-7017.

“Asking people ‘what’s your dream” really gets to the heart of what people want
in their life. It’s a whole new way to make connections.”

~ Tara Sage Stevens, Create Your Life! LLC

For more information, please see Noelle's TNNW Bio.

DEEPENING NETWORKING THROUGH RELATIONSHIPS - Lessons From Busy Networking Professionals

2009-06-24T17:24:00.005-04:00

Deepening Networking Through Relationships
with Christine Sotmary, M.S., L.Ac., CPC

The saying goes that we ought to play to our strengths. One of the strengths that we glory in as human beings is our ability to create. The way our brains are wired makes it possible for us to rearrange our experiences, skills and intuition to shape it into something very much our own.

Then what can happen when two or more folks create something together? They bring even more experience, skill sets and intuition to the project and best of all they inspire each other and keep energies high.

Taking our creativity "out to play" is a great way to network. Finding others who share the same dreams often brings out the best in us and them too.

When we think of creativity it is easy to first think of the lone writer or painter, holed away in their studio for years on end.

Recently I've been hearing about fun activities like gathering a group of friends in a circle and one person starts a story. Each person adds to the story as their turn comes around. It's a great way to nurture the collective creative juices. You could do the same thing with song lyrics I would imagine.

Yesterday at my Caregiver's Meditation group someone described a beautiful mandala that a group of caregivers created together. They are getting it framed and hanging it in the hospital lobby for all to enjoy. Imagine the pride and closeness that group of artists share.

When we think of networking it's easy to think of Chamber of Commerce events, service clubs and professional organizations. Sometimes these groups can feel cold with quick exchanges that are soon forgotten.

Enjoying snacks after singing together in a chorale group rehearsal, sharing excitement about the upcoming performance or exchanging recommendations for "must hear" music tends to live on in our memory banks and brings a smile every time we think of it again later in the week.

Sharing creative talents helps grow trust and understanding among the participants. How about back stage getting ready for your grand entrance? Can't you just imagine the shared energy and maybe even a few jitters? When people share these experiences they form a bond that can last a lifetime.

Most of us have a commitment to our business that takes up much of our time. By sharing our creativity from anything as simple as a quilting circle to the many traditions and special language of a jazz band, we renew ourselves and our connections to others. The rewards show up in a variety of ways.

I've certainly had my share of injured musicians and Salsa dancers in my acupuncture work. My jazz band has brought me in contact with many musicians over the years and they get to know me and trust me before hiring me to restore them to health. By dancing 2-3 nights a week you can bet that I hear about all the aches and pains of my fellow dancers. They trust me because they know that I understand their need to get back to dancing as soon as possible after an injury.

I've had many clients over the years who are in the film industry. I've often heard about the location scout's excitement when they found the perfect spot for a scene or the prop person describing a piece of furniture for the set that they discovered in a thrift store. These people are used to networking like crazy because they get paid for being creative and they want to do more. Musicians are similar. They are always calling around to see what jobs are available and keeping themselves in the minds of those that are doing the hiring.

Even if our creativity is non-professional it can enrich our networking efforts with shared experiences, fostering trust and relationship building that is so precious to our professional life.

by Christine Sotmary M.S., L.Ac., CPC

For more information check out:
Getting On Track to Better Health
Getting On Track Coaching
Metabolic Nutrition
Acupuncture/Life Coaching weight loss

You can also read more at my 2 blogs:
Unplug and Get Your Groove Back
Metabolic Matters

You can also purchase my book at:
Living on the Verge of Insanity

For more information, please visit Christine's TNNW Bio.

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Posted to THE NATIONAL NETWORKER (TNNW). All rights reserved.

To subscribe for your free TNNW Newsletter, go to http://www.thenationalnetworker.com/ For the complete National Networker (TNNW) Relationship Capital Toolkit and a free continuous RSS feed (available either by traditional RSS or by direct email), go to: http://thenationalnetworkerweblog.blogspot.com/

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POWER THOUGHT OF THE WEEK: Agency and Networks, Part 3

2009-06-21T09:18:00.002-04:00

Power Thought of the Week with Patricia Parham, Ph.D.

Brokering Agency and Networks

The fuzziest part of the exchange relationship is introducing persons and organizations that can receive mutual benefit from one another. Have you structured your networks to provide this service gratis or is it one for which you expect recompense? It is often helpful to articulate the value that you hold around this. Some of us pay it forward and expect the universe to provide the return. Others look for a tangible percentage or fee. The answer defines in which networks you will operate successfully.

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Posted to THE NATIONAL NETWORKER (TNNW). All rights reserved.

To subscribe for your free TNNW Newsletter, go to http://www.thenationalnetworker.com/ For the complete National Networker (TNNW) Relationship Capital Toolkit and a free continuous RSS feed (available either by traditional RSS or by direct email), go to: http://thenationalnetworkerweblog.blogspot.com/

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NETWORKING SUCCESS: Why Getting Published Can Help You Network

2009-06-21T09:12:00.004-04:00

Networking Success with Dr. Ivan Misner

Focus on branding your company and yourself in the marketplace to enhance your networking efforts.

Recently, an associate of mine who read one of my books and attended some of my training sessions called me and said, “I really love your material, but why don’t you put more emphasis on your ideas about ‘creating your identity as a brand’ and how it affects your networking efforts? These ideas have made a huge impact on my business, but I don’t hear you talking about it very often.”

I admitted that this associate of mine was right. I haven’t talked a lot about identity in my material, and I agree that I should say more.

When I started my first business decades ago, I had no idea how important it was to focus on branding my company and myself in the marketplace as a way of enhancing my networking efforts. I understood the concept from an advertising and marketing perspective, but with a small business I didn’t have the advertising budget to mold myself or my company into any kind of brand—at least, that’s what I thought at the time. So I ignored it. I realized later that I’d made a big mistake in not pursuing any strategies to brand my identity. It wasn’t until the early ’90s that I started to think about branding and how it would help in my networking efforts.

Networking is all about relationships. Relationships are about establishing credibility. Credibility takes time. What I needed to do was expedite that process as much as possible while still creating genuine credibility in the marketplace at large. Not having much of a budget, I had to get creative about how I would make this happen.

I saw that if I wanted to increase my visibility and enhance my credibility in the community, I needed to be viewed as the local expert. The way I decided to start creating that brand was to begin writing articles. Now, you may say, “What’s so special about that idea? I’ve heard people suggest it before.” Well, here’s the bottom line: hearing it and doing it tend to be very different things.

You can derive the same identity-building, brand-boosting benefit from writing articles as I did. It may surprise you, but editors and reporters need good story ideas and will use them wherever they can find them. Think about the things you know and understand best. What elements of that knowledge might be of interest to the general public, a specific industry, or some targeted demographic? Review the types of media outlets that write for your chosen audience. Consider newspapers, magazines, and industry journals, but also take a good look at online opportunities such as e-zines, online newsletters, and information sites.

Either by phone or letter, tell the editor why readers will be interested in the feature idea you have or why it is newsworthy. What are you doing in your business that strikes a chord in the community? What can you share that will educate the editor’s readers? A word of caution, though: too many people who seek to be featured in newspapers or magazines send the equivalent of a company brochure. They fail to realize that editors and reporters need hooks, angles, ways to relate to a distracted, overworked, frenzied readership.

Guided by the Certified Networker training I developed for the Referral Institute, the associate of mine that I mentioned earlier chose a topic he knew about and worked with it for some time. He is in the travel industry, so he wrote a series of articles about travel and sent them to various outlets each month for several months. He received some responses—all “No, thank you”—until, finally, one local newspaper called him and said they’d like to use his piece in the next day’s edition. After it came out, they contacted him again and asked if he’d like to do a monthly piece. Before long, another media outlet saw his work and asked him if he’d like to write for them.

Today he writes regular articles for several media outlets. More importantly, it has totally changed his business. Although many travel companies are going out of business due to vast changes in the industry, he is actually growing and thriving, because his articles have created an identity or brand for him and the company he owns. Moreover, he is still an active networker, and he notes that the articles he writes put him way above his competition by enhancing his credibility with the people he meets. He capitalizes on this regularly by bringing his recent articles to networking meetings.

This businessman’s experience serves as a great example of what’s possible for your own networking efforts. When you get some of your pieces published, promote them. They won’t necessarily increase your sales overnight, but they will greatly enhance your credibility throughout the networking process, which absolutely increases your sales over time. My friend also told me that he now includes links on his website to some of the online articles he produces as a way of enhancing his credibility with existing and potential clients.

So, if this is such a great idea, why haven’t I said more about it in the past? Well, in my book Masters of Success, I talk about success being the “uncommon application of common knowledge.” If you ask a successful person the secret of his success, you will almost never hear a secret! Writing articles regularly and continually to increase your credibility and enhance your networking opportunities is not a secret. It’s simply an idea that most people are just too lazy to implement.

The bottom line is, 98 percent of people won’t actually do it. Or, they’ll do it for a little while and give up. The associate that encouraged me to talk more about this strategy agreed, but he said, “Do it for the 2 percent of people like me who will apply the idea. It will make a difference for them, as it did for me.”

If you believe you can stick with this strategy over time, sit down and jot out topics of four articles you could write that fit with your business and networking goals—and that you believe would serve the readers of a particular publication. Then, draft a letter addressed to the editor of that publication, and pitch your ideas. If he says yes, it’s time to start writing! If the answer is no, consider following up with him to determine what kinds of articles would better fit his needs.

Here’s a professional tip for ascertaining in advance what kinds of articles that publication might want: visit its website and check out the section devoted to prospective advertisers. Look for the publication’s editorial calendar. It tells advertisers what themes will be covered each month or in each issue. Review that editorial calendar for topics that you could credibly write about.

If you are not an experienced writer, you may want to practice a bit before sending out your work. Make sure to have someone proofread at least your first few articles (the publications do have editors but you will look more credible if you submit your articles free of major spelling and/or punctuation errors). You might also want to make sure your library includes such reference materials as a dictionary, a thesaurus, and at least one style manual (many publications use AP style).

Well, there you go. That’s a lot of advice and my associate should be happy that I took his good suggestion to talk more about branding for the 2 percent of people that will follow through. So, the question now is: Are you part of the 2 percent or the 98 percent? It’s your choice.

Editor's note: The above article is based on material from the bestselling book The 29% Solution: 52 Weekly Networking Success Strategies by Dr. Ivan Misner and Michelle R. Donovan.

Called the “father of modern networking” by CNN, Dr. Ivan Misner is a New York Times bestselling author. He is the Founder and Chairman of BNI (www.bni.com), the world’s largest business networking organization. His latest #1 bestseller, The 29% Solution can be viewed at www.29PercentSolution.com. Dr. Misner is also the Sr. Partner for the Referral Institute, an international referral training company (www.referralinstitute.com). He can be reached at misner@bni.com .

CONNECTING IS NOT ENOUGH: It’s a Question of Trust

2009-06-21T06:00:00.005-04:00

Connecting is Not Enough with Andy Lopata

It wasn’t what he expected to hear, that’s for sure!

I was half way through a 1-2-1 with a new networking connection when I surprised him.

“I don’t trust you”, I said.

The expression on his face was, to say the least, interesting. The meeting had gone well, we had shared a lot of views in common, he had shared some of his marketing processes with me and we had some contacts in common. The conversation had just turned to relationship building in networking and the importance of not selling at networking events, instead focusing on developing rapport and, most importantly, trust with fellow members.

“This is where so many people get it wrong”, I went on to explain. “When someone says they don’t trust us, we take it as a sign of distrust. We paint everything in black and white. We either trust someone or we distrust them. But that’s not the way things really work.

“In fact, we all start out either at, or close to, trust neutral. When we first meet someone we don’t have strong enough grounds to any strong feelings of trust either way. Trust is based on evidence; we need to have grounds to decide whether or not we can put our faith in someone. “

Of course, there are instant factors that mean that we may not necessarily start out at exactly neutral. The all important first-impressions certainly have an impact, get it right and people will want to trust you, get it wrong and you will have a lot more work to do to win that trust.

Similarly, a shared background, shared friends or having heard good things about people will give a strong platform from which to build trust. You still, however, have to prove those initial impressions correct.

This concept of trust is key to networking effectively in many ways. There are still far too many people who go to events and expect trust instantly, without earning it. At the other end of the spectrum, there are those who can’t see the point of networking with strangers and who won’t open their networks to them.

You have to find a balance. Don’t wade in to networking events and just expect people to buy from you or connect you because you are there. Trust has to be earned.

I went to a networking event a few years ago where part of the evening was a short ‘Speed Networking’ session. We were all told to move along the line and take it in turns to introduce ourselves and then ask the other person “How can I help you?” Naturally, it felt completely odd. Asking complete strangers how you can help them is a false position. It’s rarely genuine. That question does not occur that early in a relationship; you need to want to help people, and the more you trust them the more likely you are to want to help.

On the other hand, if networking is to work, there needs to be a willingness to trust earlier than you would normally. Networking groups bring people together to provide focused support, whether in terms of sharing contacts, ideas, expertise or experiences. In normal circumstances, what you share in a networking group is reserved for people you know very well. But networks can’t work effectively if no one gives to the process without some degree of implied trust.

For me, a classic example is people who join LinkedIn and then proceed to hide their network from the people they connect with. The whole purpose of LinkedIn is to share connections. If you have issues with implied trust, only connect to people you do trust. But be ready to share with them. Without that you are limiting the network’s effectiveness.

In May I attended NRG Metropolitan, a monthly networking group, for the first time. I already knew some of the people in the group and the organizers, which gave me a good start in terms of winning the trust of people there. I walked out of the meeting with three very promising meetings in the diary and congratulating myself on a job well done.

Initially I had just gone to the group to take a client who might find it useful to join and to see if I could recommend it. The three meetings were a bonus. Then I stopped to think.

I looked at the chemistry between the members there, which was clearly very strong. I recognised that the group was packed with strong networkers, who understood the value of helping each other. And I could see clearly that there was a high level of trust between the members.

It became clear to me that this group offered more if I committed to regular attendance. I also recognised that I would need to win the trust of the members there if I could achieve that potential, and it would need that commitment. I decided to join and attend regularly.

In June I went for the second time. Offered the opportunity to give a two minute presentation on my business, I told rather than sold, sharing some information about what I do without asking for anything in return. Between the meetings I had 1-2-1s with two of the members and arranged two more for the next month.

The aim is to build trust over time. I don’t go into the group expecting business or referrals straight away, but recognise that the potential in that group is huge if I commit and earn that trust.

It’s not that the group distrusts me, but I’m pretty sure that they don’t trust me. Not just yet anyway.

For more information, please visit Andy's TNNW Bio.

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Posted to THE NATIONAL NETWORKER (TNNW). All rights reserved.

To subscribe for your free TNNW Newsletter, go to http://www.thenationalnetworker.com/ For the complete National Networker (TNNW) Relationship Capital Toolkit and a free continuous RSS feed (available either by traditional RSS or by direct email), go to: http://thenationalnetworkerweblog.blogspot.com/

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THE TNNW BULLETIN & UPDATE: June, 2009, Week 3

2009-06-20T18:51:00.003-04:00

This Bulletin: June, 2009, Week 3
The NATIONAL NETWORKER is the process of dramatic change -

1. Our Newsletter will have an updated and upgraded look, increased interactivity with subscribers and richer, more useful content than ever before. It will be easier to find and follow your favorite authors (and to forward their articles). You will also be seeing some exciting new columns from some brand new authors who have honored us by joining us -- authors with unparalleled expertise, experience, writing style and messages of tremendous importance. Authors with whom you will be invited to interact, personally and professionally. Long story short - You got people. You know what else -- the Newsletter will continue to be free.

2. Our special blended Newsfeeds will contain top stories and breaking news from a select group of the best media resources available on such subjects as (just to name a few): networking, communications, social media, navigating the New Web, leadership, team-building, growth through joint ventures, global relationship-building, new technologies, sources of capital for smaller and entrepreneurial companies, business plans and presentations, career growth, public relations and publicity, and new contacts and tools which can use. Our TNNW Select Newsfeed will be the only feed that you will need to read every day. You will make it a Favorite.

3. Our completely updated and high-utility suite of Member Services will be more readily accessible, more user-friendly and more powerful than ever before. Subscribers will want to graduate to full Membership. Our new Interactive Calendar Of Events will revolutionize the way you promote your brand, services and meetings...in fact, we will revolutionize the way in which people organize their daily schedules.

4. We will be offering more partnership, capitalization, mentoring and joint venturing opportunities than ever before. The Networker will be rolling out a bunch of DIRECT CONNECT services where we will bring good people together. We won't be just talk - we will help you (as in "hands-on") to build beneficial relationships. We are not just writing...we are action. What other social media or "connection" service can make that claim? Look forward to cutting-edge proactive.

5. We will make you glad that you joined us and became a part of our growing, interactive international community. And of course, they'll be plenty of buttons...

Start watching for those changes. As always, thank you for being a Subscriber, and for reading us. By the way, the re-formatted website will be a snap to navigate. We swear (too often).

With Great Things to Come,

Adam J. Kovitz and Douglas Castle

THE POLITICAL FRONT: Expectation Management and Perception

2009-06-14T10:39:00.006-04:00

The Political Front with Douglas Castle

In any relationship of trust or responsibility, management of your counterpart’s expectations is key. When networking (as every political administration does en masse with the American People), you must be perceived as honorable, competent and consistent President Barack Obama and the newly-installed democratic party have an advantage, since the previous republican administration is in a leadership vacuum and is suffering from the perception that its actions, or inactions, precipitated the current economic crisis. The democrats have to upgrade their networking skills in order to keep and hold their influence and sustain their advantage.

A recent article in BUZZFLASH spoke of the decline of the G.O.P. But the deterioration of their reputation, leadership issues and apparent blame for the precipitation of the current economic crisis is not enough to keep the democrats in the good graces of the American People.

The G.O.P. badly mis-networked the populace. The democrats need to sharpen their public networking skills, especially in the areas of expectation management and perception, if they are to remain in power and reap the political rewards of having helped to solve a frightening economic crisis – and a still unresolved crisis of confidence.

Original Article Appearing in BuzzFlash:

BuzzFlash The GOP: Frozen in time and tactics: Body What a week for the GOP! First, cont’d.... http://tinyurl.com/ksu8p3

LinkedIn Response from William:

William has sent you a message.

Date: 6/14/2009

Subject: RE: DOUGLAS D_Castle_BuzzFlash The GOP: Frozen in...

“Right where they belong....”

>> Regarding DOUGLAS CASTLE LinkedIn Status: DOUGLAS D_Castle_BuzzFlash. The GOP: Frozen in time and tactics: Body What a week for the GOP! First, cont’d.... http://tinyurl.com/ksu8p3

My Response to William:

Thank you for your feedback. The previous U.S.

I am prone to agree, based upon prior dealings with the GOP and its simplistic economic darwinism, disembowelment of the administration certainly made itself unpopular with the larger portion of the American citizenry (and immigrancy?), while it systematically alienated the entire International Community.Constitution and a propensity toward profit motives which cross the lines from cronyism and contractual awards to deception and genocide. Sadly, the Democrats, despite the swing of the pendulum in their favor, are not suitably informed or organized to take advantage of an historically (hysterically) unprecedented political opportunity -- I find it lamentable that the American Body Politic is still operating based upon a primitive stimulus - response central nervous system, and not through the coordinated efforts of a centralized brain with cognition of longer-term cause and effect.

Radical regulatory moves and sweeping symptomatic fixes advocated by President Obama, Ben Bernanke and other persons in positions of leadership are getting into the dangerous business of making promises that cannot possibly be kept -- in defiance (or perhaps more innocently) of the laws of the Laws of Physics and of the Fundamental Economics of monetary and fiscal policy.

To maintain a position of entrenched influence, the Democratic administration must seek to better manage expectations, be more forthright and to "underpromise while overdelivering." The perception by the U.S. citizenry of the current party in power is that leadership is divided, confused are floundering. They seem to forget that even the illusion of command and control (typically a Republican gambit) helps to stabilize an economic crisis, while the perception of "amateur hour" in the White House might prolong and serve to deepen the economic crisis. Every economic downturn is triggered and sustained by a lack of confidence in financial institutions, regulatory bodies, and government leadership.

The first orders of business for the newly-empaneled democratic crew are to show unity; transparency; a full grasp of the crisis; and some plans that do not appear to be knee-jerk responses or a series of bandages on an already-rampant systematically embedded cancer. To do the best for itself as a party, and to do the best for the United States, I believe that the democrats need to study and apply more behavioral psychology and expectation management. Confidence in the macroeconomic systems and the persons managing them is essential for a reversal of U.S.

Politics is firstly about perception, and only secondly about results.

Awaken ye democrats!

Faithfully,

Douglas Castle

ESPECIALLY FOR WOMEN: Building a Brave New Network for Micropreneurs

2009-06-13T23:15:00.006-04:00

Especially for Women with Ann Barczay Sloan

Introducing Lara Feltin

Co-Founder of

Biznik: “Business networking that doesn’t suck”

Ann Barczay Sloan

Featured Columnist, The National Networker

www.TheNationalNetworker.com

How Lara and I first connected

I was introduced to Lara Feltin ─ at my own request ─ by Lori Richardson, fellow Northwesterner and also fellow writer at The National Networker (TNNW).

Lori, President and Founder of ScoreMore Sales: www.scoremoresales.com , is an Entrepreneur, Sales Coach and Fundraising Auctioneer. She is very involved with Biznik and an enthusiastic “Biznik Ambassador”. So, Lori was the ideal guide to lead me into the dynamic world of Biznik ─ http://biznik.com ─ where I quickly decided to jump in and join as well.

And yes ─ by the way, Lara quickly and graciously agreed to doing this interview!

Who is Lara and what is she all about?

Lara Feltin’s education is actually in the arts. She graduated from the University of Washington with art and art history degrees in 1994. With experience in oil painting, photography and digital design, she started out by freelancing in graphic design and photography.

Fast forwarding to the now, we see a very different picture: Lara as successful multiple award winner in technology, of all things! For instance, she was designated among the top Seattle technology leaders. Here’s the actual write-up:

100 Top Women in Seattle Tech

Lara Feltin, co-founder, Biznik business networking company. Started the venture in 2005 with her husband, Dan McComb, to provide small businesses and freelancers a way to network.

Lara lists still more top awards in her official bio:

Since our launch Biznik has won a silver in the 2007 W3 Awards, a Best in Class in the 2008 Interactive Media Awards, second place in the 2008 SEOmoz Web 2.0 Awards, and an Honoree in the 2008 Webby Awards. While Dan and Lara were recognized in Seattle Business Monthly's 2008 Top 25 Innovators and Entrepreneurs, and Seattle Magazine’s 2008 Power List: Most Influential People of 2008.

Impressive! So ─ what exactly is Biznik? Again, information from Lara:

Biznik is business networking community for the independent business person - a hybrid between an online social network and member-driven local face-to-face events. This is a community of like-minded people who, for the most part, view their business as an extension of their self expression. Over 30,000 members world-wide and 12,000 in Seattle is a testament to that - business networking doesn't have to suck.

How does it all work so successfully? Lara explains:

Go to a Biznik event and talk to a room full of real people interested in forming real relationships with other small business people and you'll see that first hand. Our mission is to help each other build our businesses through networking, collaboration and education. You can host events in your own area, and participate in the community online through the Biz Talk forum and the event discussion boards. If there's anything I can do to help you to get Biznik working for you, please do not hesitate to drop me a line.

And here’s what Dan McComb, Lara’s husband and Biznik co-founder, shares about his own experiences, his essential roles in this enterprise:

[In the past], I found self-employment hugely rewarding but surprisingly isolating. I was surprised to be turned away when I tried to join a local business networking group because "we only have room for one person from your profession, and your spot has been filled."…

In 2005, Lara Eve Feltin and I co-founded Biznik (http://biznik.com), with a simple premise: business networking shouldn't suck.

Today Biznik is an award-winning community that connects more than 30,000 forward-thinking business people in 135 countries. And we always have room for one more, no matter what profession you represent (as long as it's legal!). Members connect using Biznik's social network and strengthen relationships at nearly 200 member-hosted events every month.

I am [now] approaching my goal of completely forgetting what it was like to be a corporate drone. And I'm on a mission to connect great minds with interesting work.

These are terrific results and achievements in an amazingly few years. I am impressed, and want a closer view! After all, Lara and Dan are here in Seattle, virtually around the corner from Bainbridge Island, where I live ─ although in “real” time/space, I’d need to take a half-hour ferry ride to even get close to their events...

In my personal cyber-visits to the Biznik site, I find it chock-full of bright minds and youthful entrepreneurial energy. So many ever-new, interesting articles posted by members! I haven’t had enough time to get into all the goodies ─ not to mention the variety of in-person meetings and events scheduled – but I know an exciting entrepreneurial feast awaits me when I do dive in!

Now, let’s move into the actual interview with our star subject!

How would you briefly describe what you do, Lara?

“I co-founded Biznik.com with my husband, Dan McComb. Biznik is a community of like-minded micropreneurs that marries an online community with face-to-face events. An unofficial tagline is, ‘where collaboration beats competition’.”

What makes you / your company unique? In other words, what is the Unique Selling Proposition (USP) of your enterprise?

“Two things make Biznik unique. One is the marriage of an online site with real-world interactions. We’re a social networking site that meets face to face; and the face-to-face meetings are supported by social networking technology.

The events are created by the members. As long as the host offers something of general interest to those growing a business, and limits the time he/she spends on self-promotion, the event will be listed in the Biznik Events calendar.

But more importantly, Biznik’s USP is in our definition of the term, ‘business networking’. I’ve found that business Networking means different things to different people. To some it means job seeking – (e.g. I need a job and I put the word out to my network of friends, family and former co-workers.) To others it means referral-marketing and leads generation – (e.g. I meet regularly with other small business people to pass referrals and leads.) And to most it means rolodex padding – (e.g. I attend the ‘networking hour’ provided at conferences and seminars, and exchange cards with as many people as I can.) The one thing these three things share is self-promotion and push-marketing.”

That’s true – and we know how annoying that can get sometimes!

“In the era of social media, you must re-think how you promote yourself and your services. On Biznik, business networking is about participating in a community – not selling to that community. Business networking on BIZNIK is a byproduct when members turn to one another with a collaborative approach. Successful networking happens through building relationships, strengthening your reputation, and investing in your social capital. This is also called pull-marketing.”

What is the primary goal ─ the mission of what you do?

“A report based on the 2007 U.S. Census showed that of the 27 millions businesses in the U.S., 20 million (nearly 75%) are what the IRS calls, “personal businesses,” (i.e. companies of one.) The largest issues these businesses face are invisibility and isolation. Using social networking technology, Biznik offers extraordinary visibility through search engine optimization and a site that rewards participation. Biznik also provides a community of people you can meet face to face on your own terms, at events you create.

Shane Petersen, EcoBroker Realtor at the Windermere Eastlake office in Seattle, and a member of Biznik, said: “Every entrepreneur should be highly involved in the community in which they live and work. You need to be in front of people. The beauty of organizations like Biznik is that they create a community of like-minded people. You don’t have to look outside of Biznik to find the tools and resources needed to grow your business."

What is your mission, overall?

“My mission is to facilitate the growth of this community of micropreneurs dedicated to helping each other succeed.”

How did you get started in all this, and how have you arrived where you are right now?

“Well, I’ve practiced serial entrepreneurship for nearly all of my post-undergraduate adult life. From 1999 to 2006, I ran Studio LEAF, a successful photography business. In 2005, I married Dan McComb, an indie web developer, and a fellow serial entrepreneur. Before long, the conversation about business networking arose. We were tired of the events that focused on referral-passing and rolodex-stuffing, disappointed with the local associations that did not utilize simple social networking tools, and dissatisfied with the online business communities that didn’t provide a means for meeting face to face. Discontented with our own experience with business networking, Biznik was founded with the simple premise that business networking shouldn’t suck.”

That’s certainly a noble goal, I laugh.

“Yes, we felt we were on a mission! Dan built the first version of the web site in his spare time. What started as a group of friends sharing needs, resources and camaraderie has grown to 30,000 small business people world-wide.”

Which of your projects are you currently most excited, most passionate about?

“Biznik is currently producing a short film about small business in America. On May 6, 2009, we threw a social media event in the Fremont Studios, Seattle’s largest film production studio, called SHINE. SHINE was the largest collaborative social media film project Seattle has ever seen. 450 people attended the event, and over the course of the evening, 250 small business owners had the opportunity to ‘tell their story’ to one of the 12 video crews. More information is available at http://biznik.com/events/shine-tell-us-your-story.

Here’s two 60-second unofficial productions created that night by participants with personal cameras: http://www.vimeo.com/4605631 and http://www.texturadesign.com/blog/2009/05/biznik_shine.htm. “

How much of your work is focused specifically toward women?

“None of my work is focused specifically on women as Biznik is a gender-neutral community. Having said that ─ on a side, I’ve been meeting monthly with a women’s peer advisory group for 3 years. We call ourselves Nourish, and the substance the seven of us offer each other, in the form of listening, mirroring and advice, fits closely with the definition of nourishment: ’the substances necessary for growth, health and good condition’ .

Our group includes an interior designer, a freelance copy writer, the owner of a moving company, and an MBA student. I am the only one building an international company with tens of thousands of customers, and the only one sharing a business with my spouse. Collectively we balance children and marriages, relationships with aging parents and employees, while staying committed to the path of entrepreneurship.”

What are some of the ways / places you promote your enterprise?

“Our success during these trying economic times is based on the value our members find in the Biznik service and the community it supports. In fact, we’ve grown entirely through word of mouth because small business owners need this type of resource to thrive. Biznik is currently growing at a rate of 3,000 new members per month.”

That’s impressive!

“Yes!” Lara smiles. “So ─ Biznik expects to achieve profitability within the next six months.”

Whom / what does your network currently include? How far does your network extend?

“Biznik’s members can be found in over 140 countries, but that is a demonstration of the long-tail. Biznik is primarily used in North America, with fully 1/3 of our members in the Seattle area where we were founded. This year, activity has grown significantly in cities like San Francisco, Austin, Los Angeles, New York and San Diego.”

What has been the best about building a network: Positive experiences you’ve had? Benefits, expected and unexpected?

“The most rewarding and perhaps most unexpected benefit was hearing the stories from members who met critical partners, clients, friends and collaborators in Biznik. I can count on more than one hand, the number of times someone has told me with tears in their eyes, that they give Biznik credit for keeping their business. Moments like that, I know I’m on the right path.”

Amen! Now ─ have you found any challenges in your networking experiences? Unexpected events? Any benefits emerging from challenges in the long run?

"Well ─ on the business side of things, the largest challenge we’ve faced is monetization. We are committed to being available to all micro business people and set the entry level to zero. It’s free to join. At the same time, we’re also committed to an ad-free experience. Our business model is dependent on membership revenue from two premium levels of membership priced at $10 and $24, a month. The challenge we faced in the early days was sharing the value of the benefits, while the benefits were still under construction.

Biznik is a private, self-funded company, built by a small team of three until January of this year, when we added a fourth and fifth employee.”

Bottom line – What do you feel is really working well for you / your company?

“The community is working really well. Our members are supportive and kind to one another. I’m told that Biznik events possess a character of friendliness, generosity and openness not found at traditional business networking events. I think that is due to the emphasis we place on collaboration over competition, and the way the community frowns on pushy self-promotion.”

What are your plans and goals for the future (organizational / personal), especially regarding networking activities?

“This year is about spreading Biznik’s mission to other cities and building a national community that meets locally. Our long term goals include an idea for a venue where micropreneurs can work and meet, but also socialize and play.”

Any other point you’d like to emphasize at this time?

“Despite the impact of the deepening economic recession, Biznik continues to experience rapid growth. In the last six months, Biznik membership has grown 65% to more close to 30,000 members.”

In conclusion, anything you’d like to add for our readers? Some words of encouragement, inspiration?

“When times are tight, it can require a stretch to view those in competition with you, as potential collaborators. Your direct competitors are the same people you share the most in common with. Reach out to them and start a conversation.

Remember why you became an entrepreneur and what it means to be an entrepreneur. Entrepreneurship isn’t just about the bottom line. Entrepreneurs are innovators and idea generators. Entrepreneurs help people and cause change in the world. We’ll get much further if we find ways to work together, rather than look for ways to shut each other out.”

Thank you so much for this interview, Lara! I find it really exciting to see such a unique vision, such dedication to help others succeed become so very successful, with no limits in sight!

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Contact information: Where can people reach you?

You can reach Lara at Biznik.com/members/lara-feltin

lara@biznik.com .

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Ann Barczay Sloan, M.A.

Author & Editor / Creative Writing Coach

www.GeniusUnbound.com

www.linkedin.com/in/AnnBarczaySloan

Featured Columnist,

www.TheNationalNetworker.com

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Author of the forthcoming book:

How to Use the Pieces of a Broken Heart:

Recipes for Rebirth

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# # #

POWER THOUGHT OF THE WEEK: Agency and Networks, Part 2

2009-06-13T22:39:00.005-04:00

Power Thought of the Week with Patricia Parham, Ph.D.

Economic Agency and Networks

A traditional use for networks, to meet people in companies and positions to buy or sell goods and services, is foundational to the free market economy of consultants, entrepreneurs and small businesses. It enables us to barter, exchange or purchase products and services. Whatever can be negotiated, in good faith, is given and received fairly and equitably. Value is agreed upon in relationship. It is up to the partners to decide when precedents are being set for future interactions.

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Posted to THE NATIONAL NETWORKER (TNNW). All rights reserved.

To subscribe for your free TNNW Newsletter, go to http://www.thenationalnetworker.com/ For the complete National Networker (TNNW) Relationship Capital Toolkit and a free continuous RSS feed (available either by traditional RSS or by direct email), go to: http://thenationalnetworkerweblog.blogspot.com/

You are also invited to click our buttons:

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CANADA: No News on Networking like – Biz Network News.com

2009-06-10T17:46:00.007-04:00

by Kensel Tracy
Canadian Bureau Chief

Today’s column features a new website in the Canadian market that focuses in on developing relationships and networking for small business called www.biznetworknews.com. The site is everything networking in Toronto and Southern Ontario and will soon expand to other cities all across Canada. If public relations professional, Jennifer Beale has her way, it will soon be one of the biggest databases for networkers and small businesses in Canada on the Internet.

Talking with Jennifer, you get a strong outgoing person that talks confidently about herself, her business and her networking website. It’s hard to believe that Jennifer was once a timid shy person that stayed away from public contact. That all changed once she found networking and found the joys of social capital by going regularly to a BNI networking club.

Enter now the publicist, editor, writer and entrepreneur who says she regularly communicates with thousands of people via her well stuffed Rolodex, exploding business networking site and at various events and activities, she organizes for clients, friends and regular members of her network. Jennifer is the consummate networker and has learned to talk the walk about networking.Here are a few of her basic networking rules: always help others and you will help yourself, always ask questions of others first, don’t sell your products or programs, be receptive to others and always ask how you can help. Social capital she says “ is all about understanding others needs first.”

These steps have helped Jennifer develop www.biznetworknews.com as well as other activities in Canada such as “National Networking Day’, “Summer Snooze” “The Network Newsletter”and “The Biz Directory” which are just some of the products she has developed and directed at small business. Jennifer believes that it is important to learn the essence of the individual and to simplify the discussion to let others tell you what they need and most of her products evolved out of the needs of others. These activities are just part of her ongoing networking and promotional marketing empire, which she has developed easily and effortlessly through her network of contacts.

Jennifer Beale is one of Canada’s budding networkers and with her vast array of business publications, events, websites and networking savvy should prove to be the person we should all want to meet. To contact Jennifer Beale and learn more about www.biznetworknews.com she can be reached at jenab@rogers.com

Kensel Tracy is The Marketing Coach and a Senior Partner in the Corporate Coachworkz Inc. a business coaching company located in Ottawa, and is President of Business over Breakfast (BoB Clubs) currently setting up in cities all across North America. If you have an interesting story on networking in Canada, he can be reached at kenselt@bobclubs.com

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Posted to THE NATIONAL NETWORKER (TNNW). All rights reserved.

To subscribe for your free TNNW Newsletter, go to http://www.thenationalnetworker.com/ For the complete National Networker (TNNW) Relationship Capital Toolkit and a free continuous RSS feed (available either by traditional RSS or by direct email), go to: http://thenationalnetworkerweblog.blogspot.com/

You are also invited to click our buttons:

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HEADLINE: Insani-FREE: The Hidden Relationship Killer

2009-06-06T19:18:00.009-04:00

by Adam J. Kovitz

CEO, Founder & Publisher

“At my lemonade stand I used to give the first glass away free and charge five dollars for the second glass. The refill contained the antidote.”

- Emo Phillips

WARNING! This column contains FREE information. Since it is FREE, it’s probably of little value and therefore, you have the following options:

1.) Stop reading now – while it might be FREE, it’s probably a waste of time – we all know that anything of value must COST A LOT OF MONEY

2.) Discover what the “catch” is – is there really something of value here that’s being offered? – what’s Adam getting at? (besides ending sentences with prepositions)

3.) Pay me a large sum of money out of spite and continue reading, or

4.) Pay me a large sum of money to shut me up (good luck with that).

I have important and grim news for all who have the courage to read on…

…this planet is suffering from a “hidden killer”…

…it often comes disguised as something useful and welcome, but always (and eventually) gets us in the end…

I’m talking about “FREE”.

OK…it’s not that the term itself is to blame, but rather our common misinterpretation and lack of understanding of its implications that leads us into very dark water. My article this month is about understanding such implications.

What does this have to do with networking?

EVERYTHING.

Bait and Switch?

How often have you downloaded FREE virus/spyware/adware/registry error scanning software, and receiving the scan for FREE, to find that the viruses/spyware/adware/registry errors detected can only be removed if you agree to purchase of a one-year license of the actual software?

How about getting FREE alarm system (an $X value!) if you agree to purchase of a one year contract for home monitoring?

How about a FREE entrée at your favorite restaurant if you agree to purchase of another at equal or greater value?

Last but not least…a FREE 3-day, 2-night getaway to a fabulous resort if you agree to a “short” sale presentation?

Just what exactly is going on here…has the world gone mad?

What’s wrong with these companies? Why can’t they just give us something ABSOLUTELY FREE WITHOUT ANY OTHER STRINGS ATTACHED? WHY MUST I AGREE TO ANYTHING ELSE?

The immediately proceeding dialog is more a caricature of an attitude you have most likely experienced in your life at some point – whether you’ve noticed it within others or yourself. It is indicative of what I call “Insani-FREE”; an “insanity” around or at best, a misunderstanding of the term “FREE”.

Understanding “FREE”

To understand “FREE”, we must first ask the question, “Why do we do anything for FREE?”

This is much like saying, “Why do we do anything nice for someone else?”

The answer comes down simply to “increase Relationship Capital”, or as it is more commonly-known, “to build a better relationship”.

The reasons for increasing Relationship Capital (RC) can mean anything from making a friend, deriving a future revenue source, gaining sponsorship or backing to fund one’s dream, finding a new career opportunity, being seen more favorably and much, much more.

In this way, “FREE”, is one way of initiating a relationship – it’s an invitation (or offer) to enter a relationship, if you will. But for there to be a relationship (last time I checked, it was a “two-way street”), every invite must elicit a response (or agreement). Therefore, a response to an invite is an agreement to participate. Does this sound familiar to you? Can you think of a fundamental Law of the Universe to which this is a direct application?

Some people call it the Law of Reciprocity. Others call it the Golden Rule: “Do unto others as they would do unto you”. Being a “recovering engineer and rocket scientist”, I usually look to Newtonian Physics to explain such phenomena.

In previous writings about the Laws of Relationship Capital, I have shown that RC behaves in a way that is Newtonian (see the Fourth Law of Relationship Capital for more). In this case, Newton’s Third Law comes to mind:

For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.

When we fall victim to Insani-FREE, we fail to make this crucial connection. But wait…there’s more…

“FREE” Body Diagrams

One common engineering principal used to identify the components of any working system (mechanical, thermodynamic, electrical, hydraulic, etc.) is to model said system by using a free body diagram (FBD). Without getting too overly-technical (this is a business and social networking publication for heaven’s sake), here’s what a typical FBD looks like for a block of wood at rest on a table would look like:

By the term “at rest”, this block is considered to be static, and therefore all forces (signified by a capital “F”) acting upon it are equally balanced, both horizontal and vertical. If any one force acting upon the block of wood were to be greater than its opposing counterpart, then the block would begin to accelerate in the same direction as the greater force.

If we applied this to a human relation-based system, here’s what it might look like:

What this shows is a brand new relationship (or the rekindling of a long lost one – see the Fifth Law of Relationship Capital for more) with two equal and opposite forces acting upon it. The first (on the bottom) is an invitation or offer (let’s just say it’s a FREE one) and the second (on the top) is and equal and opposite response to it. What we have here has the potential to be the “start of a beautiful friendship”.

A few months ago, I wrote an article about Relationship Capital in the Workplace, in which I described the Relationship Capital Value (RCV) of individuals, products, organizations, relationships, etc. as having a value from -10 to 10, with -10 being highly unfavorable and 10 being highly favorable. Please note that these values are based solely upon the perceptions of all parties involved with the relation-based system.

In the above illustration we show a new relationship (with a neutral RCV status of zero) being acted upon by two equal and opposite reputational forces. This is great as far as illustrating a static relationship. In the case of a FREE offer (with the underlying motivation to make a sale), the object is to move the RCV from zero into the positive range through the timeless human principles of motivation, rhetoric, debate, manipulation, reasoning, banter, active listening, etc.

Therefore, the relationship must be made dynamic to increase RCV. How does one do this? By applying more force than that which is opposing it in such a way that is agreeable to the opposing force.

Real World Dynamic Relationships

Have you ever felt that you have put everything into a relationship (bent over backwards, was gracious, more than accommodating to others, given high-quality referrals) to improve it only to have it deteriorate because the other person or people involved didn’t reciprocate?

Have you ever felt that despite having considerably high amounts of Relationship and/or Intellectual Capital (who and what you know) you have not been able to leverage that into sufficient Financial Capital?

Where was Newton’s Third Law here?

How about the Ninth Law of Relationship Capital: Financial Capital is merely a reflection of and cannot exist without some combination of Relationship and Intellectual Capital?

Let’s take a look at what that might look like:

In this case, we have a “give and take” situation in which the “taking” is reducing RCV. There are several reasons for why this might happen – some of which are:

The invitation/offer does not meet the needs of the other party, which might spark a strong adverse reaction, such as an insult
The invitation/offer is overly aggressive to the point where the other party must counter with a stronger opposing response
The invitation/offer is not appreciated by the other party and is met with lack of interest or apathy (yes…lack of interest or apathy can be a powerful reputational force)
A misunderstanding in the perceived reputational force of the invitation/offer may cause a stronger opposing response due to mistrust or fear, a.k.a. Insani-FREE!!!
The party behind the opposing responsive force wishes ill will upon the opposing party – perhaps seeking to “make an example” of them.

There are probably other reasons for why this phenomenon occurs and I will either leave this for the psychologists and other armchair philosophers out there or I may decide to tackle such issues myself in subsequent articles. Regardless, the real question to ask is, “how to we overcome such a loss in RCV?”

For the answer, we turn to Newton’s Second Law: Objects at rest tend to stay at rest unless acted upon by an outside force and objects in motion tend to stay in motion unless acted upon by an outside force.

In mathematical terms, this is written as:

F = m * a

Where:

F is force

m is mass, and

a is acceleration.

In my discussion of the Fourth Law of Relationship Capital I apply this principle to networking (human-based relationship systems) as such:

F = Rm * Im

Where:

F is reputational force

Rm is reputational mass, and

Im is impact (the acceleration of RC, or for those mathematically-inclined, the second derivative of RC).

Therefore, if we wish to oppose, counter and reverse any negatively-declining RCV in any relationship we wish to preserve, we must apply a much stronger reputational force. This means:

1.) Increasing reputational mass, i.e. getting friends, family, contacts, followers, team members, co-workers into agreement to aid us, and/or

2.) Increasing impact through a stronger message, an ultimatum, physical means, etc.

The implications of this are considerable. Imagine being able to estimate and model the reputational force of social, political, marketing and managerial initiatives. What impact might this type of analysis have upon our lives?

My thinking is that this would increase awareness of identifying a stimulus or improved result, analyzing various scenarios and choosing the best response in order to increase RCV. I believe that all too often, we fail to take into consideration the intangible, yet most-important “human element” in our equations, calculations and plans.

One thing’s for sure…

…you will never look at a FREE offer the same way again!

Adam J. Kovitz is the CEO, Founder & Publisher of The National Networker (TNNW).

Follow Adam on Twitter!

The Emergence of the Relationship Economy

Relationship Capital is the cornerstone of the Relationship Economy, which RNIA defines as “a measurement assigned to individual and organizational entities based on the relationship interactions between them, and the interactions they have internally.” I am proud to have contributed discussion of the Ten Laws of Relationships Capital to the upcoming book The Emergence of the Relationship Economy, now out as an eBook and in hardcopy. With a forward written by Doc Searls (of Cluetrain Manifesto fame), it is being considered a “must read” for anyone responsible for the strategic direction of their business. If you would like to purchase your own copy of The Emergence of the Relationship Economy, please click here.

The National Networker (TNNW) Blog

A NOTE FROM THE CHAIRMAN: TNNW Continues to Evolve

THE REHUMANIZATION OF NETWORKING: Walking On Eggshells

TNNW UPDATES! July, 2009, Week #1

BEING THERE WHEN IT COUNTS: Will Your Customers and Prospects Next Purchase be From You or a Competitor?

BECAUSE I CAN: Why Givers Don’t Always Gain and Why the “Law” of Reciprocity is Bullsh!t

POWER THOUGHT OF THE WEEK: Building Powerful Relationships, Part 1

A NOTE FROM THE CHAIRMAN: Twitter - The Good, The Bad & The Reality

THE BOOM IN BOOMER NETWORKING: Tails From the Old Dawg

POWER THOUGHT OF THE WEEK: Agency and Networks, Part 4

UPDATES! - June, 2009, Week 4

THE REHUMANITIZATION OF NETWORKING - Why Should I Listen to You?

SOUTH AFRICA: Seek First to Understand

SALES AND MARKETING: Appreciation Marketing

FRANCE: What is your contribution?

U.S. NEW ENGLAND: The Dream Party is a Unique Form of Networking

DEEPENING NETWORKING THROUGH RELATIONSHIPS - Lessons From Busy Networking Professionals

POWER THOUGHT OF THE WEEK: Agency and Networks, Part 3

NETWORKING SUCCESS: Why Getting Published Can Help You Network

CONNECTING IS NOT ENOUGH: It’s a Question of Trust

THE TNNW BULLETIN & UPDATE: June, 2009, Week 3

THE POLITICAL FRONT: Expectation Management and Perception

A recent article in BUZZFLASH spoke of the decline of the G.O.P. But the deterioration of their reputation, leadership issues and apparent blame for the precipitation of the current economic crisis is not enough to keep the democrats in the good graces of the American People.

Original Article Appearing in BuzzFlash:

LinkedIn Response from William:

My Response to William:

Faithfully,Douglas Castle

ESPECIALLY FOR WOMEN: Building a Brave New Network for Micropreneurs

POWER THOUGHT OF THE WEEK: Agency and Networks, Part 2

CANADA: No News on Networking like – Biz Network News.com

HEADLINE: Insani-FREE: The Hidden Relationship Killer

Faithfully,

Douglas Castle