Shades of Success, Inc.

Networking during the Holidays

Networking during the holiday season can become a missed opportunity to make a positive impression or a platform from which to advance your professional and business goals.

Most of us miss many an opportunity to expand our network and rub elbows with the top dogs when we focus on eating, drinking and hanging with coworkers that we talk with daily.  Why not change the routine and broaden our horizons a bit? 

If you are willing to seize the networking opportunity offered by holiday parties, consider:

• Attending an office/business party you have skipped in the past - This is another way to step outside of your box.  Find a buddy who is willing to share in the adventure of a new scene.
• Attending a party to learn about a networking organization - Professional, trade and industry groups are always on the lookout for new members. 
• Attending a holiday gathering  to accompany a colleague, friend or significant other -You will be in a supporting role and less guarded.  Your expectations--and stress level--will be low.

What networking tips have worked for you during the holidays?

 

The Habit of Giving Thanks

As Thanksgiving Day approaches in the United States, our thinking starts shifting from work to family and--perhaps--to holiday shopping.  Before we get caught in the whirlwind of parties and celebrations, let's take advantage of the upcoming holiday to consider making a habit out of giving thanks...every day.

Here are some tips to get started:

• Stop Complaining - Take notice of the small, pleasant things that occur in your life.  Whether it is someone holding the door open for you or a colleague giving you a compliment, start appreciating the positive, daily events that we tend to take for granted.  Complaining is wasted energy.  If you must vent, limit your complaining to several minutes and move on.
• Appreciate Yourself - Be grateful for who you are. Your talents, traits and contributions enrich your family life and professional environment.  Knowing your value not only boosts your confidence but also allows you to project a strong personal and professional brand.
• Appreciate Others - Get out of the habit of saying an automatic "thank you" with no eye contact. Instead try to be specific in your appreciation. Say something like, "Thank you.  I really appreciate your assitance on X." And look them in the eye.  Engagement is key for a "thank you" to be meaningful and effective. 

Leadership 3.0 - It's All about the Team

A recent New York Times article introduced a new type of business leader:  CEO 3.0.  The main trait of a CEO 3.0 is the ability to motivate employees to work together productively and seamlessly.  Weren't CEOs supposed to be doing that already?  Apparently not. 

CEOs during the past decades have made millions of dollars not because they were effective team builders but because they were effective profit boosters.  The article reminds us that CEOs had no qualms about acquiring companies, laying people off, or fudging the books in order to show growth.  Their obsession with profitability blurred business leaders' vision to focus on their most valuable resource:  people.   

Sally Ride's Mission on Earth

Dr. Sally Ride was the keynote speaker at Babson College Tenth Annual Women's Leadership Conference last Friday, November 9th.  Mostly known as the first American woman in space, Dr. Ride is now on a different mission:  to reignite the passion for science, math and technology in girls and young women.

During her speech, Dr. Ride showed the audience pictures from her vacations in space.  It was an experience out of this world (pun intended) to hear her talk about her life as an astronaut in such an unassuming way as if she were describing a cross-country trip.  Her humbleness only made her stories more memorable.  Perhaps having shared her experiences in space many times over felt a bit old.  What did not feel old, I can assure you, was Dr. Ride's  determination to motivate young girls to consider a career in science.

"Americans,"she said, "need to have a basic understanding of science. In other countries being an engineer or a scientist is cool.  Why not in America?"

Celebrate Your Victories and Milestones

It has been almost two weeks since the Red Sox won the World Series for a second time in four years. Players and fans burst into celebratory demonstrations led by the Papelbon's Dance.

How do you celebrate your personal and professional accomplishments? Do you acknolwedge milestones?  Or are you too busy to stop for a moment to pat yourself on the back?   

Here are some tips on start celebrating your professional and personal achievements:

• Get into the habit of doing a quick, informal assessment of your accomplishments on a weekly basis.  Include every one even those that may appear small. 
• Keep tally of milestones that will enhance your resume (e.g. percentage increase in number of accounts, revenue, clients).
• Acknowledge those who contributed to your success.  There is no better compliment that public recognition.
• Create a celebratory ritual, dance, or song that you can recreate and associate with victory and success every time you reach a new goal. Or come up with your own version of the Papelbon's dance and make it fun! 

 

A Brand You World 2007

• Are you interested in developing or improving your personal or professional brand?
• Would you like to hear free advice and tips from experts in the field of branding?
• Are you comfortable with the teleclass learning format?

If you answered yes to all of the above, then you are a prime candidate to join the upcoming event on November 8, A Brand You World 2007 Global Telesummit.  Did I mention that registration will give you access to 24 free teleseminars? Long distance phone charges may apply.  However, if you want to give something in return, event organizers suggest you make a donation to the microfinance organization, Kiva.

If you are sold on the idea, go register by clicking here.  If you are on the fence, check out the speaker lineup and see it for yourself.  Hope to "meet" you there!