I'm going to let you eavesdrop on a conversation I've had with hundreds of people in the last few years. It comes up while talking about networking and their social media presence: Me: "So who are your ideal clients? Who's the target market you want to work with?" Really Well-Meaning Professional: "Everyone! Which is why I'm totally confused about why I don't have more work!" It's sad but true that I usually have this conversation with professionals who are struggling to find success in their chosen field. It doesn't matter if they are a small business owner, a service provider, or a salesperson for a large company. Someone who … [Read more...]
3 Ways to Network When You’re Shy
Networking can be tough when you're shy. Building new business relationships can be hard when just the idea of attending a professional event to network fills you with dread. You're not alone - it's common for people to spend most of their time at events with those that they already know precisely because they are nervous about making new friends. But this prevents you from taking advantage of the full benefits of networking. You want to consistently add new people to your network - because they have new information, new ideas, new contacts, etc. You don't have to be the life of the party and meet everyone to be successful, but you … [Read more...]
2 Keys to Building Your Personal Brand on LinkedIn
When we worked for the same company our entire careers, the idea of a personal brand wasn't important. These days, with shorter job stints and a "free agent" economy where it's common for professionals to bounce from project to project, having a strong brand is more critical than ever. But how do you manage your personal brand and get everything done on your to-do list? Here comes social media to the rescue - and on a professional level, LinkedIn. Your brand is based on how you are viewed by your network, the people that you know and the people that know you, i.e, your LinkedIn connections. There are two main pieces that make up … [Read more...]