The Seven Deadly Sins of Networking

Kevin and I were recently invited to be guest speakers for the Dallas Junior Chamber of Commerce (DJCC) monthly meeting. After sharing some wine with our good friends Emily Hoad and Doug Lemme, current leaders in the DJCC, we knew we wanted to help our young professionals improve their networking skills. And hence, the Seven Deadly Sins of Networking were born!

Fortunately, other international trainers within Junior Chamber International had already harvested educational materials and activities to help others improve their networking skills.

So what are the seven deadly sins of networking, you ask? They are as follows:

1. Unprofessional Image - Under dressed for the occasion
2. Lack of Preparation - No goals set re: who to meet, how many new contacts to make, etc.
3. Staying within Your Comfort Zone - Go to an event and just hang out with friends
4. Talking About Me - Not letting the other person get a word in
5. Lack of Focus - Not listening and paying attention to things like Blackberry, iPhone, etc.
6. Poor Business Card Etiquette - Giving your card versus asking for the other's
7. Lack of Follow Up - While you may not need the contact today, you still don't try to build the relationship post the meeting

It was great to see attendees identify where they "sin" and look for ways to improve. And, most sinning, as I would expect, occurred outside of the networking event - either lacking any preparation/goal setting for the event or following up with contacts made.

The biggest thing professionals need to remember that "networking" is a mindset, not a skill set. Mind over matter to get out of your comfort zone, prepare and meet new people to meet your long term goals. Also remember that you need to be building your network when you don't need it as a network matures over time and won't grow over night.

So where do you sin the most? Are there networking sins we are missing? What do you recommend people do to begin to improve to become networking saints?

Shortest Distance

I guess it has been a while since I have been inspired to blog! A wedding in planning has been interfering, I swear!

The last eight months at my job have been exciting and invigorating - new leaders, new life, new ideas to help us get to the next level as an organization. One new mantra I am taking into practice that our new CTO has brought to the table is "shortest distance". I.e. get rid of all the layers of people and bureaucracy that help turn a customer need into a solution.

So that got me to think - am I doing everything I can via the shortest distance at work and in life?

What about you - what layers can you get rid of to move towards delivering in the shortest distance - I would love to hear your thoughts.

Are You Ready for 2009??!

2008 is over, thank goodness! But are you ready for new ups and down for 2009?

We cannot predict what is to come and if we are or are not clear of the housing/finance/auto bubble and industry impact trickle effect. However, we can ensure we have ourselves prepared for any curve ball that comes our way this year.

1. Make Sure Your Personal Brand Channels are Up to Date
Is resume up to date not just on your computer but on all the job boards? Is your LinkedIn profile accurate of your recent accomplishments and what you want to tackle next? Blogging or involved in list serves that represent what you enjoy doing for a living? Get your "Personal Brand" house in order ASAP!

2. Deliver Quality, Accountable and On Time Work
You need to set yourself ahead of the pack. The first step to doing this is being proactive in delivering quality work that is on time and within budget. Underperformers will be the first to go when any RIFs happen.

3. Know What Your Boss Expects of You
When did you ask your boss if you are doing what he or she expects of you? What about doing thing that will help him or her continue to build and grow the business or team you are on?

These are just career suggestions to keep you intact or prepared for the unexpected. People are getting RIF'd that are over achievers, so watch out for yourself in these tough times first and foremost.