Keynote Speaker for Training and Convention Needs

The Do’s and Don’ts of Networking

admin — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 23:49:43 +0000

Networking Do’s and Don’ts

I always enjoy speaking at networking events. I get there an hour early to set up everything for my presentation and then I stand in the back of the room and watch people enter.

Here’s the opportunity for them to rub shoulders and minds with other professionals and yet the most common thing that is done…a hesitation when entering, a “look see” for anyone they recognize, and then a beeline to that person and a flip of a napkin on the back of their chair to guarantee a “safe seat”. What a poor investment!

The goal for networking is to EXPAND and EXCELLERATE opportunities to be of service to others. By far, being a resource of knowledge to connect others with those that can help is a much better position to hold than the “salesperson” who’s pitching their stuff.

Business has changed dramatically. At one meeting this woman had 4 different business cards holders and had to decide which one to give me. At this same meeting a man came up and confronted me with his brochure in my face and quickly told me about all the features of his business. I was looking for a plug I could pull to stop the recording! So in honor of them…I wrote this poem….
The Unproductive Networker
I’m an unproductive networker
I have cards up the wazoo
No one wants to talk to me
Or ask me what I do

I just can’t understand it
Don’t know what the problem is
I have cards of many colors
For that and that and this

I sell insurance and juices
I have vitamins galore
I set up websites on the side
And I sell candles in my store

I teach yoga in my spare time
And help smokers who want to quit
I groom doggies on the weekends
And I even clean up …sh…..oot

I work hard all day and nite
And I’m dedicated too
I want to have that real success
For me and also you

So won’t someone please help me
And tell me what to do
I’m open to receive advice
I’m listening to you
So let me give you some quick do’s and don’ts to prepare you when networking.

DO – Think about the PURPOSE of the meeting you are attending. Who’s going to be there? How can you be a resource to that audience of people? Have that one card ready to give out and only that card.

DON’T – Take out every card of every business you represent. It only looks like you are scattered and not focused or serious about doing business.

DO – Ask more questions about what the other person is looking for and why they came to this particular meeting.

DON’T – Pitch your product or services. Nobody is going to get their check book out and order and pay tonight. Be patient and realize people do business with people they like and know – so focus more on getting to know that person and the product they represent

DO – Follow up! It amazes me how many people stack their cards and put rubber bands around them and that’s it. Can you remember who you saw when? Did you call them, write or send an email to maintain a relationship with these people?
I believe if you breathe air you bring a gift to lifes’ party. When I walk in a room I can’t wait to unwrap those gifts to find commonalities and THEN do business. Try it – it makes networking exciting and FUN!

Rubbing Minds and Shoulders

admin — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 19:18:19 +0000

If you want to get out of your rut – go rub minds AND shoulders with a new group of action takers. Today I’m at Dan Sherman’s seminar (http:www.affiliatewealthtoday.com) about Affiliate Marketing. Many of my speaker buddies have products and don’t know how to get others to sell them – plus it’s a great way to become a resource to your own clients by recommending additional “stuff” to them. Thanks Dan!

I’m at Dan Stojadinovich’s Bootcamp

admin — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 15:12:50 +0000

I’m sitting in a room of 100+ plus people who have travelled from all over the world to learn more about how to advance their businesses using technology. I opened the event teaching them HOW to take notes to get the best out of their invesment of time here. That’s actually become an article that I posted on www.ezinearticles.com so look up Top 5 Ways to Take Notes at Conferences and Conventions!

“No quotes from dead people!”

admin — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 18:52:17 +0000

Ever go to an event and hold your breath because you had already heard that poem, story, anedote or quote?

No quotes from dead people!

Nobody else’s stories!

CSP Sheryl Nicholson is a proven International Professional Speaker who has shared the Keynote Spotlight with President Gerald Ford, Zig Ziglar, Maury Povich, Joan Rivers, Thom Hopkins, and Deb Norville.

She’s published everywhere and is interviewed monthly by television or radio for her quick qit and real life strategies that make a difference in the world.