How do you decide what group to join? How do you know when it's time to leave the group?
Overall I find groups with individuals who are open minded and genuinely interested in helping make a positive impact for the members of the group.
Sometimes groups become complacent or stagnant. A few key individuals will step up to make changes with success and sometimes without success. When it is not successful it is difficult to decide to leave because you know the potential the group has. Ultimately a decision needs to be made and leaving the group may be the best option.
Focusing on groups moving forward in a positive direction is my number one criteria.
Being part of WEtech Alliance Network as a Board member, Chair of Membership and actively participating in this groups events, I see the positive impact we are making on the Region and specifically with entreprenuers.
It is highly rewarding to hear such passion and to offer suggestions and feedbacks to help the entrepreneur move in the right direction. Thanks to WEtech for this great experience on an ongoing basis!
Other groups like the Circles create opportunities to connect with business individuals sharing ideas, making connections and mentoring others to network.
What groups are making a difference to you? What criteria do you use to join, stay or exit a group?
Connecting professionals to share stories of making new business relationships and creating opportunities.
Monday, October 31, 2011
Friday, October 28, 2011
Building Circles Press Release
Thanks to Kim Hutchinson (@francesamerikey) for writing our Building Circles press release to get the word out!
Have you attended one of our Circle events yet?
It's an informal business/social event where you meet like-minded business individuals for good discussions, make connections and create opportunities.
Check out more information at http://alphakor.com/building-circles-press-release/
Have you attended one of our Circle events yet?
It's an informal business/social event where you meet like-minded business individuals for good discussions, make connections and create opportunities.
Check out more information at http://alphakor.com/building-circles-press-release/
Thursday, October 27, 2011
How do you Qualify Opportunities?
Working with sales reps each of them has their own idea how to measure the success of qualifying an opportunity. Some reps gauge how long the meeting was. The longer the meeting the more successful. My rule of thumb is 45 minutes resulting in an hour more or less.
Some reps like to give away all the answers. This can actually work against you. Ever find yourself listening to how many challenges the prospect is having? It is natural to answer all their questions, provide solutions and walk them through how to resolve all these issues.
What happens when you do that? Sometimes they say yes we will move forward with you. More than likely they will respond with thinking it over and resolve it themselves or give the answers to their current vendor.
So where is the right balance on sales and unpaid consulting?
Some good questions to ask during qualification stage are:
How do you make decisions? Who needs to approve the decision? What is your budget? (ever get an answer to this one?) What is your timeframe? Who else is bidding on this opportunity? What kind of Return on Investment (ROI) is required to move forward? If we could provide you with.....would you move forward with us?
There are a lot of opportunities out there and qualifying them will lead to declining some and moving forward with others.
Some reps like to give away all the answers. This can actually work against you. Ever find yourself listening to how many challenges the prospect is having? It is natural to answer all their questions, provide solutions and walk them through how to resolve all these issues.
What happens when you do that? Sometimes they say yes we will move forward with you. More than likely they will respond with thinking it over and resolve it themselves or give the answers to their current vendor.
So where is the right balance on sales and unpaid consulting?
Some good questions to ask during qualification stage are:
How do you make decisions? Who needs to approve the decision? What is your budget? (ever get an answer to this one?) What is your timeframe? Who else is bidding on this opportunity? What kind of Return on Investment (ROI) is required to move forward? If we could provide you with.....would you move forward with us?
There are a lot of opportunities out there and qualifying them will lead to declining some and moving forward with others.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Social Media Networking
I am a Social Media Networking addict - there I admit it. Actually I am really addicted to LinkedIN. I look forward to seeing who has looked at my Profile and sometimes send the individual an e-mail to pique some interest. The group discussions can lead to interesting topics and create opportunities.
Thanks to my Coach Lora she has helped me embrace a plan for creating a Blog, Twitter, LinkedIn and more!
So what opportunities have Social Media created? Plenty! For me it's about making new contacts, connecting individuals and creating business opportunities for AlphaKOR. Sharing knowledge and telling stories is the fun part I truly enjoy.
When you receive a call from someone from the "virtual world" and they have to talk to you to help them, you know the investment of your time has paid off.
What are your Social Media strategies and goals?
Thanks to my Coach Lora she has helped me embrace a plan for creating a Blog, Twitter, LinkedIn and more!
So what opportunities have Social Media created? Plenty! For me it's about making new contacts, connecting individuals and creating business opportunities for AlphaKOR. Sharing knowledge and telling stories is the fun part I truly enjoy.
When you receive a call from someone from the "virtual world" and they have to talk to you to help them, you know the investment of your time has paid off.
What are your Social Media strategies and goals?
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Networking too much? Learning to say No. (it goes against my grain!)
Ever find yourself saying yes to every event and networking opportunity?
I took a look recently at all the events and groups I'm involved in. Making a list is always a good starting point and then prioritizing based on your own criteria.
After scratching off a couple of items I thought I was done and then realized more have to be removed.
The decision came down to removing or delegating? That is a good question. This made it a little easier to move some items to another column and have someone else attend the event.
This is a work in progress as I personally have many on my list to review. Learning to say No is a tough one and it is the right thing to do sometimes.
Are you learning to say No or have you learned this already?
I took a look recently at all the events and groups I'm involved in. Making a list is always a good starting point and then prioritizing based on your own criteria.
After scratching off a couple of items I thought I was done and then realized more have to be removed.
The decision came down to removing or delegating? That is a good question. This made it a little easier to move some items to another column and have someone else attend the event.
This is a work in progress as I personally have many on my list to review. Learning to say No is a tough one and it is the right thing to do sometimes.
Are you learning to say No or have you learned this already?
Monday, October 24, 2011
Networking during Social Time
What are your thoughts on networking at social events not directly related to business?
Paying my respects the loved ones at a funeral recently, an individual pulled me aside to talk business. I don't mind a brief chat and exchange business cards and prefer not to dive into business conversation in a situation like this.
If this was a family picnic, the conversation can lead to a bit more business and again not too involved and not dominate the entire event.
At the grocery store a hello and small chat can lead to an opportunity to call the next business day to continue and to set-up a meeting as required.
At sporting events such as the Spitfires games, this leads to an atmosphere more of making connections especially in the lounge. However, diving too deep into business is not the goal. Making the connection and building a relationship is more important than getting right down to business conversation.
As a general rule I always take the lead from the other person and move it back to social and non-business as soon as possible to keep the relationship and conversation moving in the right direction. Creating the opportunity to touch base afterwards is my goal to continue the business conversation.
What are you rules?
Paying my respects the loved ones at a funeral recently, an individual pulled me aside to talk business. I don't mind a brief chat and exchange business cards and prefer not to dive into business conversation in a situation like this.
If this was a family picnic, the conversation can lead to a bit more business and again not too involved and not dominate the entire event.
At the grocery store a hello and small chat can lead to an opportunity to call the next business day to continue and to set-up a meeting as required.
At sporting events such as the Spitfires games, this leads to an atmosphere more of making connections especially in the lounge. However, diving too deep into business is not the goal. Making the connection and building a relationship is more important than getting right down to business conversation.
As a general rule I always take the lead from the other person and move it back to social and non-business as soon as possible to keep the relationship and conversation moving in the right direction. Creating the opportunity to touch base afterwards is my goal to continue the business conversation.
What are you rules?
Friday, October 21, 2011
Business Presentations
How do you approach doing a business presentation to the groups you belong to?
Some presenters enjoy talking from the podium with notes and some without any notes. Some presenters use PowerPoint presentations with slides, pictures, video clips and sound.
What makes a good presentation? Knowing your audience, choosing the right topic and providing the audience with one to three "nuggets" has always been my goal to measure success. What is yours?
Remember to tell your story! Earlier this year, I attended a presentation wanting to hear about a very successful company and how they were purchased by a large player. The disappointing take aways were we did not know what the company does as their core competencies and we did not get a story of the success!
Being in the technology sector my observation is never to get too technical and drop all those acrynyms unless it is a technical presentation.
One big no-no I recently observed was talking negative about the competition. Focus on what you and your Team do well and better then the rest would be a better approach.
On a different note, thanks to Marianne @ Windsor Chamber for inviting me out to the event last night. Great to see many familiar faces and new ones.
Some presenters enjoy talking from the podium with notes and some without any notes. Some presenters use PowerPoint presentations with slides, pictures, video clips and sound.
What makes a good presentation? Knowing your audience, choosing the right topic and providing the audience with one to three "nuggets" has always been my goal to measure success. What is yours?
Remember to tell your story! Earlier this year, I attended a presentation wanting to hear about a very successful company and how they were purchased by a large player. The disappointing take aways were we did not know what the company does as their core competencies and we did not get a story of the success!
Being in the technology sector my observation is never to get too technical and drop all those acrynyms unless it is a technical presentation.
One big no-no I recently observed was talking negative about the competition. Focus on what you and your Team do well and better then the rest would be a better approach.
On a different note, thanks to Marianne @ Windsor Chamber for inviting me out to the event last night. Great to see many familiar faces and new ones.
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Name Tags for Networking Events?
Do you think we should have name tags for Networking Events?
When arriving at StartUp Drinks last night we wrote our names on peel-n-stick name tags. This makes it easier to introduce yourself and helps you "remember" the person' name.
By the way great job as always Yvonne (@yvonnepilon), WEtech and SIFE for organizing the StartUp Drinks. Great venue at Villains and good opportunity for new entreprenuers to network.
Some networking events have no name tags and others who meet regularly have pre-printed or professional name tags. What is your preference?
Left or Right Side?
Years ago it was suggested to place your name tag on your right side. Why? When shaking hands (most of us shake with right hand) your eyes look to the person' right side where the name tag is.
Check it out next time you are at an event with name tags. Most will have them on the left side and you can help me start a movement to have them on the right side so we can quickly glimpse their name as we shake hands.
Any thoughts or experiences on name tags?
When arriving at StartUp Drinks last night we wrote our names on peel-n-stick name tags. This makes it easier to introduce yourself and helps you "remember" the person' name.
By the way great job as always Yvonne (@yvonnepilon), WEtech and SIFE for organizing the StartUp Drinks. Great venue at Villains and good opportunity for new entreprenuers to network.
Some networking events have no name tags and others who meet regularly have pre-printed or professional name tags. What is your preference?
Left or Right Side?
Years ago it was suggested to place your name tag on your right side. Why? When shaking hands (most of us shake with right hand) your eyes look to the person' right side where the name tag is.
Check it out next time you are at an event with name tags. Most will have them on the left side and you can help me start a movement to have them on the right side so we can quickly glimpse their name as we shake hands.
Any thoughts or experiences on name tags?
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
AlphaKOR welcomes new Sales Manager
Don O'Rourke has joined the AlphaKOR Group as our Sales Manager. This is the step in the right direction for our continued growth and success!
The change was well received and yesterday was Don' first day. AlphaKOR has a great culture and set of values to make this transition smooth.
This has been embraced by the team as positive change and part of the AlphaKOR' vision to continue to lead the IT industry in the WindsorEssex Region.
Please join me in welcoming Don and you may see him at some of the Circle events.
The change was well received and yesterday was Don' first day. AlphaKOR has a great culture and set of values to make this transition smooth.
This has been embraced by the team as positive change and part of the AlphaKOR' vision to continue to lead the IT industry in the WindsorEssex Region.
Please join me in welcoming Don and you may see him at some of the Circle events.
Friday, October 14, 2011
What do you do with all those Business Cards?
When you arrive back at your office from a networking event, what do you do with all those business cards?
My routine is to add everyone in our database, send an invitation to connect via LinkedIN and send an e-mail to continue our discussion from the event.
Once the business cards are entered in the database they go into the recycle bin. After reaching out to each individual a follow-up task is assigned for future communication.
Simple process and working to build relationships generating good ongoing discussions.
What do you do with your business cards you collect?
My routine is to add everyone in our database, send an invitation to connect via LinkedIN and send an e-mail to continue our discussion from the event.
Once the business cards are entered in the database they go into the recycle bin. After reaching out to each individual a follow-up task is assigned for future communication.
Simple process and working to build relationships generating good ongoing discussions.
What do you do with your business cards you collect?
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Another successful WindsorEssex Circle Event last night
Thanks to everyone who attended last night at The Windsor Club for a successful Circle event! The number of discussions happening in the room and high level of energy are signs of successful relationship building and networking.
Observing how we interact and listen was a good challenge I gave myself last night. Yes I caught myself losing focus a couple of times and quickly looked the speaker in the eye and concentrated on the conversation.
One interesting observation at these types of events is watching two people in a conversation and a third person approach.
Sometimes the third person stands outside of the "circle" waiting. Sometimes one of the individuals says hello and the two-way conversation resumes. Sometimes the person talking stops, says hello to the individual and introduces them to the other person.
I found myself in this situation several times last night. I used to say hello to the newcomer and then continue with my conversation. Last night I changed my gameplan and did my best to say hello and introduced the third person. Once they two were having a discussion telling their story it was easy to either stay and listen or move to introduce others to each other.
This is referred to as Triad relationships: invite the third person and make the connection instead of focusing on the two-person conversation and leaving the third person out.
Try it and share your experiences!
Friday, October 7, 2011
Circle Networking Etiquette
Many of us go to lots of networking events and some of us are just starting to network. The Circle events provide a welcoming atmoshphere to network. Many first time networkers attending the events are having positive experiences and learning how to meet others.
Successful networkers genuinely like to help others. When we see someone new or someone not part of a conversation, we gravitate towards them, start a conversation and introduce them to others.
One key first impression is the firm handshake. Remember to look the person in the eye as you shake their hand and introduce yourself. Focus on the moment, the person and the conversation. Challenge yourself to eliminate all the background distractions for each conversation.
Check out the Circles in WindsorEssex, Leamington, Chatham and Sarnia via LinkedIN under my Profile.
Share your experiences for networking etiquette, successes and things not to do.
Looking forward to connecting with you soon.
Successful networkers genuinely like to help others. When we see someone new or someone not part of a conversation, we gravitate towards them, start a conversation and introduce them to others.
One key first impression is the firm handshake. Remember to look the person in the eye as you shake their hand and introduce yourself. Focus on the moment, the person and the conversation. Challenge yourself to eliminate all the background distractions for each conversation.
Check out the Circles in WindsorEssex, Leamington, Chatham and Sarnia via LinkedIN under my Profile.
Share your experiences for networking etiquette, successes and things not to do.
Looking forward to connecting with you soon.
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Goodbye Steve
Steve Jobs, where do you begin to talk about an individual who changed the World one person at a time. Only 56 years old and his legacy will live on.
Although personally I am not a Mac user you have to respect such a powerful person/company with innovative products that continue to change all of us.
Apple' website today has a picture of Steve and clicking on it brings you to a personal message from Apple (http://apple.com/stevejobs/). Below is an e-mail address to share your memories of Steve.
What stories do you have about Steve Jobs and Apple?
Although personally I am not a Mac user you have to respect such a powerful person/company with innovative products that continue to change all of us.
Apple' website today has a picture of Steve and clicking on it brings you to a personal message from Apple (http://apple.com/stevejobs/). Below is an e-mail address to share your memories of Steve.
What stories do you have about Steve Jobs and Apple?
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Building Circles in Chatham and Sarnia
Just formed new Circles in Chatham and Sarnia. Check them out on LinkedIN via my Profile and if interested join! The WindsorEssex Circle and Leamington Circle are moving along well.
It's great being part of a movement to connect business individuals and create opportunities.
The energy in the room is filled with good discussions. Our winning formula of social/business setting has been embraced.
Looking to hear from other Circle members to share their experiences and success stories.
It's great being part of a movement to connect business individuals and create opportunities.
The energy in the room is filled with good discussions. Our winning formula of social/business setting has been embraced.
Looking to hear from other Circle members to share their experiences and success stories.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Testing New Leadership: Apple' Tim Cook launches iPhone 5
Cook will be filling the shoes of legendary Apple co-
founder and pitchman Steve Jobs, who surrendered the California company's helm in August due to health reasons. Jobs, 56, who underwent an operation for pancreatic cancer in 2004 and a liver transplant in 2009, remains with Apple as chairman of the board of directors.
Apple is holding the event in an intimate auditorium at its Cupertino headquarters and has invited only select press to be present for Cook's on-stage debut as chief executive.
"For a moment tomorrow, all eyes will turn toward San Francisco and most activity will cease when Apple introduces the iPhone 5," said analyst Roger Kay of Endpoint Technologies Associates. "This event will be Tim Cook's first time out as the undisputed leader of Apple, and so it will be a test for him," Kay added.
The iPhone 5 is what analysts and others have taken to calling the new generation in Apple's sizzling smartphone line. Apple, as usual, has provided only the scantest of hints regarding what to expect at the event.
founder and pitchman Steve Jobs, who surrendered the California company's helm in August due to health reasons. Jobs, 56, who underwent an operation for pancreatic cancer in 2004 and a liver transplant in 2009, remains with Apple as chairman of the board of directors.
Apple is holding the event in an intimate auditorium at its Cupertino headquarters and has invited only select press to be present for Cook's on-stage debut as chief executive.
"For a moment tomorrow, all eyes will turn toward San Francisco and most activity will cease when Apple introduces the iPhone 5," said analyst Roger Kay of Endpoint Technologies Associates. "This event will be Tim Cook's first time out as the undisputed leader of Apple, and so it will be a test for him," Kay added.
The iPhone 5 is what analysts and others have taken to calling the new generation in Apple's sizzling smartphone line. Apple, as usual, has provided only the scantest of hints regarding what to expect at the event.
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