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How to Turn Business Cards Into Business Relationships

Posted on 22 Aprile 201619 Luglio 2017 by Fedra

Business cards that symbolize fabulous connections and conversations can easily transform into annoying reminders of lost opportunities. So how can you turn business cards into cash?

First, the most common mistake is failing to collect cards. Many people give out their cards but fail to collect from others. Politely insist on getting the potential contact’s information so that you can follow up with him or her.

If he or she doesn’t have a business card (which is a rising trend), write down an email address so you can follow up afterward. You want the ball in your court so you have the capability to follow up. Don’t place the responsibility on the other person.

The second common mistake is failing to follow up at all. Intending to follow up won’t put money in your bank account.

To ease your follow-up efforts, have a system in place for the business cards.

There are many apps that take pictures of business cards, translate the text and add the information to your contact system. Snap a pic, recycle the card, and follow up. Quick and simple. I use Evernote for this.

Apps will also geotag the information so you can remember where you met. A simple option is to take a photo of the cards and email it to yourself or your virtual assistant. A low-tech option is to carry the cards until you get back to your office. If that’s your choice, be sure to have a specific place you put the cards. I’ve lost many valuable contacts to the abyss known as my purse.

Next, keep your connection engaged. The phrasing of your first follow up is as important as your first impression. Make sure you stand out and won’t be forgotten.

Avoid phrases such as, “I’m not sure if you remember me but we met at …” Starting that way puts you in a position of weakness.

Also, cut the word “just” from your follow up. Like, “I just wanted to say hi.”

“Justs” make your email (and you) inconsequential and ignorable.

To step up your follow up, be personal and interesting by mentioning something that you discussed at your initial meeting. Shared experiences, inside jokes or answers you found to their questions are great. Something conversational such as, “I love meeting a fellow Star Wars nerd!” keeps your email from seeming boilerplate.

Your top objective in following up is to get a response. There is one follow-up tip that has a 100% response rate. It’s a bit outside the box and takes a little more work, but it’s worth it: a video follow up.

With video follow ups, you don’t have to remind people who you are. They see you, hear your voice and instantly remember you. Plus, you are creating a more human connection because your nonverbal communication shares more than text can. As a bonus, you can tell if and when your contact has watched your video.

Video uploading services, including YouTube, have a number of views counter. I’ve had contacts watch my video messages a few times because they enjoyed them and shared them.

Your video messages don’t need to be highly produced. Just have good lighting and quality sound. I use a single lighting kit or natural sunlight for light. For sound, I use a Snowball microphone or simply my iPhone ear buds mic.

Don’t upload the video directly into your email. The attachment will be too big and get captured by spam filters.

Lastly, expedite the scheduling process for your next meeting with your contact. One of the biggest time sucks in modern life is sending emails back and forth to schedule something. To bypass that annoyance, I recommend having an online calendar tool.

Follow up is about personal connection. With these tips, you’ll be turning business cards into thriving business relationships.

How to Network Effectively at Events

Posted on 20 Aprile 201619 Luglio 2017 by Fedra

Growing a thriving business requires branching out to find new contacts, including partners to work with and customers to sell to. Networking is key to making this possible. Attending hundreds of events and exchanging countless business cards may lead to a few fortuitous connections, but networking with a plan will result in more meaningful business relationships.

In every encounter there should be a balance between developing rapport and solidifying a business opportunity. Here are a few suggestions to help make networking more enjoyable and effective.

Find the right events

Face-to-face interaction is still key in business, but social media offers avenues to find new events through your friends and local venues.

Facebook — Take an informal route by joining a group or Facebook event. This makes it convenient to branch out from the edge of your friend circle.
LinkedIn – Groups on LinkedIn are associated with specific industries and often post events. The platform can also offer insight into specific group members’ professional experiences and interests.
Meetup – Use Meetup as a resource for finding groups in professional and non-professional contexts. Most of these groups meet regularly and the website allows you to continue discussions after each event.
Eventbrite – This provides an easily categorized search and map of local upcoming events. Eventbrite’s networking section can inform you of everything from casual mixers to formal panel discussions.

Arrive prepared

Be as organized and methodical with networking as you would with any other endeavor for your business. The right connections will accelerate your company’s growth and encourage others to seek you out for business opportunities. Create a long-term plan and get a clear picture of people you have done business with in the past and those you would like to work with in the future.

When you have an upcoming event, do some research ahead of time. Look at previous events by the same host or organization to see what they have to offer. Check to see if a guest or sponsors list is available. Then, see if you share common connections with participants and request an introduction. If a particular company will be well represented at the event, think about brushing up on its latest dealings.

Actively understand other’s needs

Once you enter the event, maintain an approachable demeanor. It is likely that everyone is experiencing the same anxiety as you. Being relaxed, or giving the impression that you are, will be contagious to others and make them more comfortable talking to you. Take the initiative to strike up a few conversations or join group discussions instead of waiting for others to come to you.

Simply introduce yourself or try a casual question to start things off: “How are you liking the event?” or “What do you do?” You can practice an introduction, but allow for a natural flow in the discussion.

Aaron Carrano, program manager at Google, identified three types of needs customers have that you can look for while networking. These include latent needs; needs which customers aren’t aware of yet; direct needs, which customers inform you of; and assumed needs, which you can deduce. By listening carefully, you can align what customers need, with what you offer. At this point you may present a more targeted pitch.

Stick around for the aftermath

As the event comes to a close, remember that you do not necessarily need to part ways, especially if things are going well. If there is an after party, gather a few folks and go there together. If there is a lunch session, ask permission to join someone’s table. If there is nothing planned, take action and invite people to continue the conversation over dinner or drinks.

Later that evening, connect with the people you have just met on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. That way, you’ll have multiple channels in which you can communicate and get updates about what they are doing. Then, create a dossier about the contacts you’ve made, including important information about what you can offer one other.

At an event, meeting someone new can be intimidating. By arriving prepared, being an active listener and continuing conversations long after the event ends, you’ll be demonstrating value and becoming someone who is likable and, hopefully, someone others will want to do business with.

4 Ways to Prevent Jet Lag From Sabotaging Your Business Trip

Posted on 11 Aprile 201619 Luglio 2017 by Fedra

When you travel for business, you’re expected to be fresh and alert and give your clients your all.

According to the National Sleep Foundation, “Studies show that the condition of jet lag actually results from an imbalance in our body’s natural biological clock.”

They describe that our bodies work on a 24-hour cycle called circadian rhythms that are measured by the risk and fall of body temperature, plasma levels of certain hormones and other biological conditions, and our exposure to sunlight.

“When traveling to a new time zone, our circadian rhythms are slow to adjust and remain on their original biological schedule for several days.”

Over the years, we’ve developed the following tricks and techniques for overcoming jet lag.

1. Choose your flight schedule carefully

If possible, book a flight that will allow you get as much rest before you arrive your destination. Try to arrive in the evening so you can go straight to your hotel, eat a light meal, shower, go to bed and get a good night’s sleep.

Eat a good meal at the airport before you board. You never know what kind of food you’ll be served on the plane, so pack healthy snacks for the flight.

If you take a sleep aid, don’t take it until the flight takes off, just in case the flight gets cancelled and you have to navigate your way through the rescheduling process.

When traveling internationally, pack a neck pillow, earplugs, comfy socks and a light-blocking eye mask to ensure a more peaceful rest.

2. Stay hydrated

Often, dehydration is the cause of fatigue. The air in planes can be especially dry.

Keep yourself hydrated by drinking plenty of water before and during the trip. Pack eye drops and saline nasal spray so your eyes and nose don’t get too dry.

Limit your caffeine and alcohol intake, as these tend to act as diuretics, draining your body of fluid. Besides, you don’t want to have to make too many trips to the lavatory, especially if you choose a window seat.

3. Live in the new time zone

Try to arrive at least a day, preferably two, before you have to conduct business. This will allow your body to adjust to the new time zone before anything important transpires.

When you board the plane, set your watch for the new time zone, and begin thinking in that time.

4. Reset once you arrive

Once you reach your destination, get some fresh air. If you arrive during the day, take a walk and soak up some sunlight. This will help your body reset its circadian rhythm.

Avoid excessive computer work and heavy exercise close to bedtime; these can disrupt your sleep. If you arrive early in the day, try to stay awake until you normally go to bed.

If you take a nap, try not to sleep more than 30 minutes. Napping any longer might disturb your sleep n the evening. The sooner you can get into your normal rhythm of sleeping and rising, the better.

Travel is one of life’s pleasures, and with a little planning, you can avoid the groggy, foggy feeling of jet lag and enjoy your trip to the fullest.